#218. How to Find & Work With Beta Readers to Improve Your Manuscript
Learn how to work with beta readers in a grounded, calm way so feedback feels useful, not overwhelming.You're nearing the finish line of your first draft, or maybe you've just crossed it. Either way, the question is the same… what happens next? Should you send it to friends? Hire an editor? Bury it in a drawer? Everyone keeps mentioning “beta readers,” but what does that actually mean? And how do you find the right ones without losing your mind or your confidence?In this episode, I’m breaking down the entire beta-reader process so you can take your book from first draft to ready-to-share with total clarity (and zero panic).You’ll hear me talk about things like:[01:45] What beta readers actually do (and what they don't), so you approach this next step with the right intentions to avoid disappointment. [02:55] The "blind spot” problem every author faces after finishing a draft, and how beta readers give you a fresh perspective when you're too close to your story. [05:15] Where to find reliable, genre-savvy beta readers that don’t ghost you and deliver quality feedback instead of vague opinions.[09:25] How to set clear expectations before beta readers start so you get useful, specific notes instead of confusing contradictions.[14:45] What to do after the feedback arrives: how to sort through conflicting opinions, decide what to keep, and turn it all into a calm, actionable revision plan.Finishing your first draft is a huge accomplishment, but inviting beta readers in can feel like a whole new level of vulnerability. This episode will help you take that next step with composure so you can share your story, stay true to your vision, and come out the other side with a stronger manuscript and a clearer sense of direction.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:The Spun Yarn for beta readersTake the Author Success Blueprint Quiz to get personalized next steps for your writing, editing, and publishing journey.Ready to map out your complete editing journey from first draft to published novel? Get your step-by-step editing roadmap → here. ⭐ 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!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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#217. Save the Cat! Writes Horror: How to Write Truly Terrifying Stories With Jamie Nash
Ever wonder why some horror stories linger in your mind long after the lights go out? Jamie Nash reveals how structure (not jump scares or gore) creates true terror.In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Nash, screenwriter and author of Save the Cat! Writes Horror, the ultimate guide to creating “Monster in the House” stories that keep readers up at night.With over 25 years of experience writing and teaching horror (including films like V/H/S/2 and Lovely Molly), Jamie shares how to craft terrifying tales using Blake Snyder’s iconic Save the Cat! framework. We talk about how structure, theme, and moral depth make stories truly scary and how to balance dread, scares, and gross-outs for maximum impact.Whether you’re writing a slow-burn psychological thriller or a relentless survival horror, this episode will show you how to use the Save the Cat! framework to make every scream count.[03:45] What makes a novel truly horror and how to tell if your story actually fits this genre (before you waste time writing the wrong one).[05:58] The three ingredients every unforgettable horror story needs and why missing even one can ruin your scare factor.[18:24] How to use Save the Cat! beats to build tension and fear so your story feels cohesive and terrifying, not random and rushed.[24:11] The two main types of horror pacing, and which one to choose to keep your readers gripped. [32:53] Why passive heroes kill good horror and how to turn your protagonist into the story’s fiercest weapon.[36:32] The difference between dread, scares, and gross outs, and why dread flags (red flags that signal unease) are the true engine of horror.If you’ve ever wondered how to write horror that lingers long after the last page, this conversation with Jamie Nash is your masterclass in scarecraft.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Jamie Nash Website Save the Cat! Writes HorrorSave the Cat! website⭐ 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!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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#216. Story Structure: The 5 Scenes Every Story Needs (With Kristina Stanley)
Learn the five key plot points that turn struggling manuscripts into finished novels—and exactly where they need to appear in your story structure.Have you ever felt like your story just isn't clicking, no matter how much effort you've put into it? Maybe you've polished your prose, developed your characters, and built an intriguing world—but something still feels off.In this episode, I sat down with Kristina Stanley—award-winning author, fiction editor, and founder of Fictionary—to uncover the structural secrets that transform good stories into unforgettable ones.Here's what we discussed:[03:15] Why your beautifully written novel might feel "stuck" despite compelling characters—and the structural secret that transforms wandering manuscripts into page-turners[05:45] The five essential scenes that form every successful novel's backbone, including the exact percentages where they should appear in your manuscript[23:45] Why the midpoint is where most novels soar or lose their way—and how to create the shift that keeps readers hooked through Act Two[30:30] Plot Point 2's dual purpose that most writers miss: combining your darkest moment with the crucial information needed for the climax[34:30] How to craft climaxes that satisfy readers by answering your story's central question (not just adding exciting action scenes)Plus, Kristina shares her "story test" for evaluating your manuscript and explains why fixing structure before polishing prose will save you months of revision time.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Fictionary.coGrab Fictionary’s course, An Insider's View of Story Editing, for FREE here (a $39 value)⭐ 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!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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#215. How to Write a Prologue Readers Won’t Skip (& When to Start at Chapter One Instead)
Should you include a prologue or skip it? Here's how to make the right choice for your novel.Prologues are one of the most debated topics in fiction. Some literary agents warn against them, some readers skip them altogether, and yet many of the most beloved bestselling novels begin with one. The real question is this: Does your story need a prologue, or will Chapter One carry the weight on its own?In this episode, I'm breaking down when a prologue truly adds value, when it works against you, and how to write a prologue that pulls readers in instead of pushing them away. If you've been second-guessing whether your book needs a prologue, this conversation will provide a clear way forward and the confidence to know you're making the right decision for your story.Here’s what you’ll hear inside the episode:[02:05] Why most prologues fall flat and the single question that tells you if yours is worth keeping.[03:30] The five types of prologues that actually work (with bestselling examples you’ve probably read and loved) and how to know which one, if any, your book actually needs.[08:40] Why Brandon Sanderson’s prologue in The Way of Kings is a masterclass in hooking readers and setting the stage for an epic story[11:45] The three key ingredients every strong prologue requires if you want readers to become immersed from the first page and keep turning the pages.[14:50] Actionable tips to help you create intrigue, build tension, and leave readers desperate to turn the page into Chapter One.By the end of this episode, you won't be stuck second-guessing your beginning anymore. You'll know whether your novel needs a prologue or if Chapter One is the stronger start (and you’ll understand why). That way, instead of circling back to rework your first pages again and again, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your story is starting exactly where it’s meant to.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Take the Author Success Blueprint Quiz to get personalized next steps for your writing, editing, and publishing journeyGrab my free Novel Writing Roadmap, a simple, step-by-step plan to help you trust your story, remove the guesswork, and actually finish your first draft.⭐ 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!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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#214. Subverting the Mainstream Lens: Writing Stories That Stay True to Your People (With Tiffany Grimes)
Learn how to write authentic, diverse characters without over-explaining or fearing criticism.Writing diverse characters can feel intimidating. You want to include different voices in your story, but worry about misrepresenting them. This leads many writers to either avoid diversity altogether or fall into the trap of over-explaining everything for a mainstream gaze, thereby diluting the power of their story.In this episode, I sit down with Tiffany Grimes, founder of Burgeon Design and Editorial and an MFA-trained editor who specializes in amplifying marginalized voices. After recognizing areas for growth in her own feedback, Tiffany has spent years helping writers shed performative expectations and write with radical honesty.Here's what we cover:[05:40] Tiffany's vulnerable experience writing about a Vietnamese character and learning she wasn't the right person to tell that story.[10:06] The core framework that separates writing "about" a community versus writing "to" your community from the inside.[18:48] Why you should give yourself permission to write the stereotype first in early drafts.[20:24] How Jesinia (a deaf character in the Fourth Wing) shows why trusting your audience creates better representation.[21:20] The protection question that helps you identify when you're diluting your story for mainstream audiences.[26:53] Understanding emotional clarity and how readers' experience goes deeper than just character representation.Whether you're writing characters from your own experience or exploring different perspectives, this conversation offers compassionate guidance for creating authentic, powerful stories that honor both your characters and your readers.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Tiffany Grimes WebsiteFree Workbook: Breaking Mindset Barriers and Setting Intentional Goals⭐ 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!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.
Over Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips
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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