How do I write a book? How do I create compelling characters that readers will love? How do I build a believable world for my story? What does it even mean to w...
#181. First Chapter Analysis: House Of Earth And Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Romantasy and Fantasy authors! Tune in to learn how the opening pages of House of Earth and Blood hooks readers and pulls them into the rest of the story.Join me and Abigail K. Perry for a deep dive into the opening chapter of the first Crescent City book, House of Earth and Blood, to find out how and why it works. We analyze this first chapter from both a macro and micro perspective to see what kind of promise it makes to the reader, how the author introduces us to the story world, and to figure out why we care so much about these fictional characters.In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about:[03:08] A quick summary of the first chapter of House of Earth and Blood, including our thoughts on why the author started the story here[05:05] A big-picture analysis of the first chapter to see what kind of promise it makes to the reader (this part’s really fun because Abigail has NOT read the books, so tune in and hear what she picked up on!)[25:50] What it means to write a story with a steep learning curve—and why understanding your target audience makes a big difference when it comes to creating a fictional world for your story[38:50] A deep-dive into the scene structure within the opening chapter (spoiler alert: the scene continues into chapter two—tune in to hear how we landed here)[47:26] Why it’s so important to have “on the surface” excitement and action when planting clues and setting things up in your opening chaptersWhether you’re writing fantasy, romantasy, or any kind of story that requires world-building, this episode will change how you look at your opening chapter. Plus, you’ll get a fantastic peek at how Sarah J. Maas wrote another bestselling fantasy series (so you can do the same when writing your own novel).🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Ep. 96 - 5 Worldbuilding Tips for Sci-Fi and Fantasy WritersCheck out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry here! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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#180. Student Spotlight: How Her Debut Novel Became An Amazon Bestseller With Margaret Mantor
Discover how a debut author turned her first novel into an Amazon #1 bestseller using strategic marketing tactics instead of relying on social media.Meet Margaret Mantor, a science-fantasy romance author from Denver whose novel Air And Ashes hit Amazon's bestseller list one month after launch. Tune in to hear us talk about why giving away books for free can lead to more sales, how to use BookBub promotions and newsletter features to skyrocket your Amazon rankings, and why using social media to promote your book doesn’t always work.Episode Highlights [03:45] Meet Margaret, a science-fantasy romance author from Denver[05:03] Celebrating becoming an Amazon bestseller one month after launch[05:51] How Margaret's high school story idea became an Amazon bestseller[07:24] Working with a developmental editor and handling feedback[13:35] The revision process: Beta readers, line editors, and proofreaders[18:26] Why Margaret chose self-publishing vs. traditional publishing[20:33] Book marketing strategies that actually worked without social media[26:55] Key lessons learned and best advice for aspiring authors[34:35] Looking ahead to book 2 and how it’s already betterIf you’re an aspiring fiction author who wants to successfully self-publish your book (without using social media to market it), this episode is for you!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Visit Margaret Mantor’s websiteMargaret Mantor on Instagram & TikTokBuy Air And Ashes by Margaret Mantor⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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#179. Writing When You Have A Chronic Illness With Sandra Postma
Chronic illness teaches you about pain, loss, and resilience. Find out why this can make you a better storyteller.Writing a novel can feel impossible when managing a chronic illness. Symptoms, brain fog, and advice that doesn't fit your life can make you wonder if you'll ever finish your story. But your experience with chronic illness also gives you a rare edge that empowers you to connect with readers on a much deeper level.That's why I'm so excited to introduce you to Sandra Postma. She's a certified book coach who works with writers facing chronic illnesses. Sandra brings such warmth and kindness to this conversation, shaped by her own 20-year journey with chronic illness and writing. In this episode, Sandra and I talk about turning your chronic illness into your secret weapon for storytelling, finding writing strategies that honor your body, and giving yourself permission to write in a way that works for you.Here’s what we cover: [04:55] The top three challenges writers with chronic illnesses face and why traditional writing advice doesn't always work.[14:28] How to create a writing routine that’s right for you and your body, even if it breaks a few common rules.[16:13] Why your chronic illness can be the key to connecting with your readers on a raw, emotional level.[27:30] Understanding the difference between ‘clean pain’ and ‘dirty pain’ and how this writing mindset shift supports you when things get tough.[33:01] Why it’s okay for your writing journey to take as long as it needs—and how to make peace with your pace.Whether you're starting your first draft or deep into your novel, this conversation will help you find your own path to storytelling—one that pays tribute to your creativity and well-being.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Sandra’s Website & InstagramFree Guide: How To Write When You Have A Chronic Illness⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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#178. First Chapter Analysis: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Romance, historical fiction & fantasy writers—tune in to learn how the opening pages of Outlander hook readers into the story. In this listener-voted episode, I team up with developmental editor and book coach Abigail K. Perry to analyze the opening chapter of Diana Gabaldon's genre-defying masterpiece, Outlander, on a macro and micro level. And truth be told, this might be one of our most challenging chapter analyses yet, but you'll learn exactly what makes these opening pages super engaging so you can apply it to your own writing.Here’s what we cover:[07:13] An Outlander chapter summary that reveals how Gabaldon masterfully sets up relationship tension and an interesting open loop that becomes hugely important later.[13:05] A chapter one macro analysis using the seven questions from Paula Munier’s book, The Writer’s Guide To Beginnings, to break down what makes this opening so spot-on (from genre to character to stakes).[39:50] How Gabaldon built Outlander's plot around three major story peaks to keep readers glued to the page. (I found this gem on her website and had to share it with you.)[43:01] A microanalysis of the two scenes within the first chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from Shawn Coyn's book, The Story Grid—to learn how to make your quiet moments as compelling as the action-packed ones.[56:33] A discussion on how to write tricky relationship moments and emotional turning points in a way that feels natural and not forced. Whether you're writing historical fantasy, time travel romance, historical romance, or any genre-bending story, you'll get a fantastic overview of how Diana Gabaldon crafted an opening chapter that launched a global phenomenon (so you can do the same for your own novel). Tune in now. 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry here! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
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#177. 3 Things You Need To Write Your Novel In 2025
Got writer's block and convinced it's because you lack talent? Think again! And I have the solution that'll change the way you approach your writing…If you're struggling to finish your novel, I want you to know that your lack of progress has nothing to do with your capabilities or the quality of your ideas. In fact, it boils down to an imbalance of three essential things—or pillars of novel creation, if you will.In this week's episode, I'm sharing what these three things are so you can overcome writing roadblocks and finish your novel in 2025.These three things helped Jenny finish her draft in 6 months (after being stuck for 12 years) and gave Laura the confidence to move past self-doubt and finish her 83,000-word fantasy story.Here’s what I talk about: [03:43] Your secret roadmap to avoid the endless planning loop where you waste months (or even years) trying to make everything perfect.[10:01] The most overlooked part of successfully writing a first draft, which many people ignore, and how to leverage it when self-doubt kicks in.[15:36] The technical piece of the writing puzzle and why even beautiful prose won't help if the other two pieces aren't in place.And so much more…If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress on your story, grab your headphones, turn the volume up, and press play. This could be the writing breakthrough you've been waiting for.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to learn more about my signature program Notes to Novel™—and join us for the next LIVE cohort before doors close on January 30th, 2025.Ep. 88 - Perfectionism vs. Procrastination: What's REALLY Going On?Ep. 123 - How To Overcome The 5 Types Of Imposter SyndromeEp. 134 - How To Stop Procrastinating: 5 Productivity Tips For Writers⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!Support the show👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.
How do I write a book? How do I create compelling characters that readers will love? How do I build a believable world for my story? What does it even mean to write a story that works? Do you have any writing tips? These are just some of the big questions that developmental editor and book coach, Savannah Gilbo, digs into on the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast. Each week, Savannah shares actionable tools, tips, and strategies that will help you write, edit, and publish your book. So, whether you're brand new to writing, or a seasoned author looking to improve your craft, this podcast is for you!
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