How Deliberate Practice Can Improve Your Fiction Writing (With Tim Grahl)
Master the fundamental building block of fiction writing with this one exercise that's helped writers break through years of stalled progress in just weeks.Ever wonder why some writers seem to improve rapidly while others stay stuck for years, despite writing every single day? 🤔The difference isn't talent or luck—it's deliberate practice.Most aspiring novelists think that accumulating word count is the path to improvement. But here's the truth: without targeted practice and expert feedback, you might be reinforcing bad habits rather than developing good ones.Tim Grahl is the CEO of Story Grid, author of six books, and has analyzed over 2,000 scenes from aspiring writers. What he's discovered about skill development might completely change how you approach your writing journey.In this episode, you'll hear us talk about things like:[24:45] Why most writers don't improve even when they write every day—and the missing piece that separates writers who progress from those who stay stuck[02:11] The surprising shift Story Grid made from teaching big-picture structure to focusing on scene-level fundamentals instead[10:02] The 3-step framework for creating a deliberate writing practice that builds real skills instead of just word count[15:16] The three most common scene-writing mistakes that kill narrative momentum—and how to avoid them[24:27] Why getting expert feedback (not just writing in isolation) is the crucial element most writers missWhether you're staring at your first blank page or you've got a drawer full of unfinished manuscripts, this episode will show you exactly how to break the cycle of starting and stopping and finally make meaningful progress on your writing!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Story Grid’s Scene Checklist (Free Resource)⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple PodcastsIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025. FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!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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#194. Self-Publishing Your Novel: A 10 Step Guide for First-Time Authors
Congratulations! You've finished writing your novel, and you've set your sights on self-publishing. But now you're staring at your manuscript, wondering, "Where do I start?" If you're feeling overwhelmed by the self-publishing process, you're not alone. Most first-time authors don't realize just how many decisions the self-publishing process involves. From choosing file formats and pricing strategies to designing covers and optimizing metadata—every choice you make directly impacts your book's success in the marketplace.This is exactly why having a roadmap to follow before diving into self-publishing is so crucial. Just as you wouldn't build a house without blueprints, you shouldn't publish your novel without a clear plan of action. That's exactly what I'm providing in this episode—a comprehensive 10-step guide that will transform your manuscript into a professionally published book readers will discover and enjoy.You’ll hear me talk about things like:[02:42] The critical mindset shift most first-time authors fail to make—and why adopting a publisher’s mindset is key to your self-publishing success[06:04] How to build out your publishing team (including why skimping on professional editing is the costliest mistake you can make)[11:51] Why you should start building your author platform and growing your email list now—even if your book isn’t entirely ready to publish just yet[21:19] How to decide which distribution channel is best for you and your book (and why this choice impacts everything from your marketing to sales)[25:49] How to develop a flexible pricing strategy that positions your novel correctly in the market while maximizing your revenue and/or reachWhether you’ve already set your sights on self-publishing or if you’ve been researching self-publishing only to feel more confused than ever, this episode will give you the clear, strategic roadmap you need to confidently self-publish your novel like a pro!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Your Self-Publishing Roadmap: 10 Steps To Self-Publishing a Novel (Free Guide)Ep. #83 - What Kind of Editor Do You Need For Your Book?Ep. #106 - 5 Steps To Building Your Author PlatformEp. #107 - Email List Building Essentials For AuthorsEp. 163 - How To Find & Work With A Book Cover Designer⭐ Follow & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025. FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!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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#193. How Dictation Can Help You Write Faster With Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
Learn how dictation is your secret weapon for capturing story ideas, supporting overall health, and writing up to 3,000 words per hour.Are you curious about how dictation can improve your health and mobility, enhance your natural storytelling flow, and revolutionize your time management—even if you've tried and failed at it before? Well, then, you'll love this episode with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer.Sarah is an author who's published 19 books—11 of which she wrote entirely through dictation. She now teaches other writers how to do the same so that they can write faster, spend less time sitting at their computers, and overcome perfectionism that stops them from getting words on the page.Be sure to tune in. You'll hear us talk about things like:[03:33] Why Sarah failed at dictation for years and the surprising mindset shift that made everything click into place. [06:40] The 3 unexpected benefits of dictation that have nothing to do with writing speed but will change how you think about it.[09:14] How Sarah captured 1,200 words in just 20 minutes while washing dishes (the scene that would've been lost forever).[15:48] Why your brain freezes when you try to dictate your fiction and exactly how to create those missing neural pathways.[25:43] The dead-simple "open bracket" trick for adding quick notes mid-sentence without breaking your creative flow.[31:40] The surprisingly simple text message exercise that retrains your brain for dictation even if you had trouble with it before. Whether battling perfectionism, dealing with chronic pain, or just curious about dictation for writers, this episode gives you the practical steps to get started without expensive dictation software or complicated equipment.⭐ Follow & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Check out Sarah’s Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini-Course and use code FWME to get $50 off your purchase.Dictation For Authors Quickstart Guide (Free)Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025. FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!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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#192. 5 Big-Picture First Draft Mistakes (& How To Fix Them)
Discover the five most common big-picture mistakes writers make in their first drafts—and learn exactly what you can do to fix them.Congratulations, you finished your first draft! …But now what? If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed as you dive into editing your messy first draft, you're so not alone. As a developmental editor, I've reviewed hundreds of first drafts, and I've noticed that most new writers struggle with the same core issues—problems that have nothing to do with your writing talent, but everything to do with fundamental story principles.In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 most common big-picture mistakes I see writers make in their first drafts (and exactly what you can do to fix them). You'll hear me talk about things like:[00:00] How to figure out if your story starts in the right place (and the one simple question that can help you find the perfect spot to begin your first chapter)[00:00] The difference between meaningful conflict vs. random plot events—and why your protagonist’s transformation depends on this key storytelling element[00:00] How to fix weak narrative drive (aka the dreaded "so what?" problem that causes readers to abandon books), and how to create seamless scene-to-scene connections[00:00] Character development strategies for increasing emotional stakes in your novel without resorting to melodramatic plot twists or artificial tension[00:00] The one mistake that might make readers feel cheated at the end of your novel (even if they can't explain why), and how to fix itIf you've finished your first draft but feel something's not quite working, or if you're struggling to revise a manuscript that just doesn't seem to come together, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to transform your story!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Novel Editing Roadmap: 10 Steps To Editing Your First Draft (Free Guide)Ep. #13 - 5 Things That Kill Narrative Drive (& How To Fix It)Ep. #18 - 5 Mistakes Writers Make In Their Opening PagesEp. #118 - How To Find The Major Dramatic Question Of Your StoryEp. #145 - How To Develop Your Character’s BackstoryEp. #149 - 5 Questions To Develop Better AntagonistsWant my entire step-by-step process for brainstorming, outlining, and writing your first draft? Click here to learn more about my Notes to Novel program.⭐ Follow & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish theirClick here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025. FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!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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#191. Fiction Genres Made Easy: Understanding the 5 Dimensions of Genre
Discover the five ways to talk about your story’s genre so you can write, edit, and publish your novel with clarity and confidence.Ever found yourself staring at a blinking cursor, excited about your story idea but utterly confused about how to describe its genre? 😩 This kind of uncertainty isn't just frustrating. It can have serious consequences for your writing, editing, and publishing journey.Here’s what you need to know: There are actually five different layers of genre that work together to describe your unique story. Think of this as your story's "genre DNA"—a description that gives readers a comprehensive picture of your work.Tune into this episode to learn:[02:22] How to determine if your novel is commercial, literary, or upmarket fiction—and why this positioning matters when writing, editing, and publishing[05:21] Why your story's time period affects everything from research requirements to character development (and what this means for fantasy authors whose stories often take place in their own temporal contexts)[07:32] How to select the appropriate age category for your target readers and why this critical decision shapes your word count, content, and marketing options[11:30] The different reality settings available for your story world and practical ways to manage worldbuilding without getting overwhelmed[18:15] How your story’s content genre can serve as your writing roadmap by defining the emotional experience readers expect from a story like yoursWhether you're drafting your first novel or preparing to query agents, this episode will help you define your story's genre so you can write with direction, revise with purpose, and market your book with confidence.⭐ Follow & ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Ep. #2 - How To Choose The Right Genre For Your StoryFree Worksheet: Discover Your Story’s Unique Genre DNAClick here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025. FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!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.
Fiction Writing Made Easy is your go-to podcast for practical, no-fluff tips on how to write, edit, and publish a novel—from first draft to finished book. Hosted by developmental editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo, this show breaks down the fiction writing process into clear, actionable steps so you can finally make progress on your manuscript.Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer looking to sharpen your skills, each episode offers insights on novel writing, story structure, character development, world-building, editing, and publishing. Savannah also shares mindset tips, writing routines, and revision strategies to help you stay motivated and finish your novel with confidence.If you're asking these questions, you're in the right place:How do I write a novel without experience?What’s the best way to structure a story that works?How do I develop strong characters and build immersive worlds?How do I edit or revise my first draft?When is my book ready to publish?What are my self-publishing and traditional publishing options?New episodes drop weekly to help you write a novel you're proud of—and get it into readers’ hands.
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