Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

#244 How to Create Characters Readers Will Love (5 Essential Elements)

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Readers don't fall in love with likable characters. They fall in love with characters who want something specific, stand to lose something person...

#243. What to Expect When Working with a Line Editor (With Two Birds Author Services)

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What does line editing actually involve, and is your manuscript ready for it? Here's everything you need to know.Line editing is a stage in the r...

#242. 5 Revision Mistakes That Keep Writers Stuck in Editing Hell

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You finished your first draft. And for a minute, it felt amazing. But then you open your manuscript to revise, and suddenly everything feels unclear.W...

#241. Do You Really Need to Hire a Book Editor Before You Query?

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Discover why the answer to hiring a book editor before querying isn’t a simple yes or no—and how to make the right call for your manuscript.If you...

#240. 10 Writing Mistakes That Make Readers Put Down Your Novel

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Are you revising the same chapters over and over, but nothing you change is actually fixing the problem?Most writers go straight to the prose when the...

#239. Student Spotlight: How J.J. Henley Finished Her First Draft in 8 Months (With Two Kids and In 15 Minutes at a Time)

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

She wrote her first novel in 15-minute increments—in drive-through lines, at the dance studio, at swim lessons—while raising two kids and walking ...

#238. How to Market Your Book in a Way That Actually Feels Good (With Beth Barany)

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to market your book in a way that aligns with your values, builds genuine reader connections, and feels sustainable instead of draining.Book...

#237. 3 Signs Your Novel Doesn't Need a Prologue (& What To Do Instead)

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You wrote a prologue for your novel. But now you're wondering if you really need it. Here are three honest signs your story might actually be str...

#236. The Truth About AI and Creative Writing with Ana Del Valle

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is AI here to replace novelists, steal ideas, or ruin copyright forever? Let’s separate fear from facts.AI and creative writing are among the most d...

235. Scene Structure Made Easy: The 5 Essential Elements Every Scene Needs

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Learn the 5 key elements every scene needs to move your story forward and keep readers turning pages.Scene structure doesn't have to be complicat...

#234. How to Build A Sustainable Writing Practice With Dr. Bailey Lang

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Master the 8 Habits of Mind to build a sustainable, joyful writing practice that helps you finish your book without burnout or self-sabotage.Building ...

#233. 5 Secrets to Writing Dialogue That Sounds Natural

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Master the art of writing natural-sounding dialogue by learning how to remove unnecessary lines, shape distinct character voices, and write conversati...

#232. 5 Tips For Crafting Morally Gray Characters Readers Love

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the five craft techniques that make morally gray characters impossible to put down—so you can write complex, compelling figures readers wil...

#231. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 7) - Part 2

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how five Notes to Novel students stopped guessing their way through drafts by planning and outlining their stories with a clear structure.In ...

#230. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 7) - Part 1

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Five writers. Five different starting points. One clear framework that turned stalled first drafts into steady progress.In today’s episode, I’m sh...

Bonus: From Stuck to Steady: How 3 Writers Found Their Drafting Rhythm

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how three Notes to Novel™ students stopped guessing their way through drafting and built steady, sustainable momentum toward a finished fir...

229. 5 Signs Your Writing Process Is Broken (And How to Fix It)

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you've been working on your novel for months—or even years—without making real progress, this episode will help you understand why.Maybe y...

#228. Student Spotlight: How She Finished Her First Draft in 88 Days (While Working Full-Time) With Poornika Kakkanaiah

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how a self-proclaimed perfectionist wrote a 114,000-word first draft in just 88 days—while working full-time and without finding more hours in...

227. 5 Tips on Pursuing Your Writing While Holding Down a 9-to-5 Job

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you've been trying to write a novel with a full-time job, family, and everything else life throws at you, this episode is for you.Maybe you sq...

226. Counting Down The Best Writing Tips From FWME In 2025

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The best writing advice sticks because it changes how you approach the page. In this special year-end episode, I’m counting down the top 10 most imp...

#225. Student Spotlight: From Zero Drafts to Dream Agent While Raising 4 Kids With Madi Unruh

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how a busy parent finished a novel by following a clear roadmap that made it possible to pause, return, and keep moving forward.Between raising ...

Bonus: From Overwhelmed to Outlining: How 3 Writers Finally Started Their Novels

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the reason you haven't started writing your novel has nothing to do with how much you know?“I’m not ready yet” is one of the most c...

#224. The Truth About Writing Faster: It's Not What You Think

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Unlock the clarity you need to write smoothly, avoid constant restarts, and finish a stronger first draft in less time.If you've ever tried to dr...

#223. Permission to Start: How to Move Past ‘Not Ready Yet’ and Finish Your Novel

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover why “I’m not ready yet” is a fear-driven mindset and learn how to take small, confident steps that move your novel forward.So many writ...

#222. 3 Mindset Shifts Every Writer Needs to Finish Their Novel

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the mindset shifts to break out of analysis paralysis, choose progress over perfection, and build your novel layer by layer until it's c...

#221. 5 Line Editing Tips to Make Your Prose Shine

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover five practical line editing strategies that sharpen your prose, strengthen emotional clarity, and make each sentence more purposeful on the p...

#220. How to Build an Author Platform (Even if You're an Introvert) with Shelby Leigh

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to build a focused, authentic author platform to connect with readers early, grow your visibility, and create lasting momentum for your book...

#219. How To Build Story Tension by Sharing More (Not Less) with Daniel David Wallace

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover why clarity (not secrecy) is the key to keeping your readers engaged, curious, and emotionally invested in your story.Writers often think sus...

#218. How to Find & Work With Beta Readers to Improve Your Manuscript

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fir...

#217. Save the Cat! Writes Horror: How to Write Truly Terrifying Stories With Jamie Nash

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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) creat...

#216. Story Structure: The 5 Scenes Every Story Needs (With Kristina Stanley)

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn the five key plot points that turn struggling manuscripts into finished novels—and exactly where they need to appear in your story structure.H...

#215. How to Write a Prologue Readers Won’t Skip (& When to Start at Chapter One Instead)

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fict...

#214. Subverting the Mainstream Lens: Writing Stories That Stay True to Your People (With Tiffany Grimes)

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to write authentic, diverse characters without over-explaining or fearing criticism.Writing diverse characters can feel intimidating. You wa...

#213. 5 Expert Tips To Edit Your Messy First Draft Without The Overwhelm

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Five book coaches reveal the editing secrets that turn messy first drafts into ready-to-publish manuscripts.Finishing a first draft is an incredible m...

#212. 5 Ways Writers Can Use AI to Help With Book Marketing

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve poured your heart into writing your book, but now you’re staring down the next challenge: how do you actually get it into readers’ hands?...

#211. How to Write Romantasy Power Couples Readers Obsess Over With Jenna Moreci

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to write a Romantasy that readers obsess over? Here’s how to deliver the tropes, intimacy, and magic readers crave.Romantasy is everywhere righ...

#210. 5 Tips For Writing A Multiple POV Novel Without Confusing Your Readers

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the five essential strategies for mastering multiple-POV novels without confusing your readers.Have you ever wondered if you could write a mu...

#209. How to Revise Your Novel Like a Pro (Without Losing Your Mind) With Alice Sudlow

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the counterintuitive first draft editing approach that transforms messy manuscripts into page-turning novels readers love.Most fiction writer...

#208. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 6)

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real writers share how they broke free from endless rewrites and abandoned drafts to finally finish their novels in just 90 days—using the exact fra...

#207. What Agents & Readers Want: How to Write a Story That Works

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever sat down to write a novel and thought, “Where do I even begin?” Or maybe you’ve started writing, but something feels... off. The s...

#206. Student Spotlight: How Gina Elizabeth Went From Stuck to Publishing Two Books in Just One Year

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After years of getting stuck at chapter six, Gina Elizabeth finally discovered the missing piece that helped her finish writing not just one novel, bu...

Bonus: Plotting for Pantsers: How 3 Writers Found Freedom in Story Structure

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The myth that plotting kills creativity is keeping countless discovery writers stuck in an endless cycle of abandoned manuscripts—but what if struct...

#205. How Story Structure Can Free Your Creativity and Help You Finish Your Novel

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The myth of "writing free" is keeping talented writers stuck on Chapter One. Here's why story structure actually enhances creativity—...

#204. Student Spotlight: Why Overlearning Is Holding You Back: Neroli Lacey’s Journey to Publishing Success

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After years of collecting every writing craft book imaginable and studying with renowned editors, Neroli Lacey discovered that too much knowledge was ...

Bonus: How 3 Perfectionists Finally Broke Free & Finished Their First Drafts

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if perfectionism is the real reason you haven't finished your novel—not lack of talent or time?"I need to get this right before I mov...

#203. Why Writing Advice Is Keeping You Stuck (And What to Do Instead)

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

All those writing articles you've bookmarked? They might be the exact reason you can't finish your novel. Here's what's really hap...

#202. Student Spotlight: How Kara Kentley Turned a Messy Draft Into a Published Romance (and How You Can Too)

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After years of rewriting the same sagging middle and juggling two confusing timelines, Kara Kentley discovered the romance structure secrets that tran...

Bonus: Making Time To Write: How 3 Busy Writers Finished Their First Drafts

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the reason you haven't written your novel has nothing to do with how many hours are in your day?"I don't have time to write&quo...

#201. The Time Myth: Why ‘Finding Time to Write’ Actually Makes It Harder

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feel stuck "finding time" to write your novel? You might be solving the wrong problem. Here's what's really going on—and what to...

Bonus: From Stuck to Breakthrough: How 3 Writers Found Their Path Forward

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if the reason you're stuck on your novel isn't about talent or creativity, but simply a missing piece of the puzzle that could change e...

#200. Why Most Writers Give Up (And How to Finally Finish Your Novel)

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder why 97% of aspiring authors never finish their books? The answer might surprise you.If you've been dreaming about writing a novel but...

#199. Struggling With Flat Characters? These 5 Books Will Transform Your Writing

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Master character development with these five must-read books that transform static characters from boring to brilliant.You've created characters ...

#198. Book Reviews: Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Reader Feedback (With Emily Golden & Rachel May)

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to handle book reviews without letting them crush your confidence or derail your writing dreams.Receiving your first book review can be both...

#197. How to Write a Novel That Hooks Readers Through Curiosity (Not Confusion)

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Master the art of creating irresistible, page-turning curiosity without confusing or frustrating your readers.Have you ever written what you thought w...

#196. The Pros and Cons of Writing A Novel With Multiple Points of View

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the pros and cons of writing a novel from multiple POVs—including how to avoid the #1 mistake that kills multi-POV novels.Are multiple poin...

#195. How Deliberate Practice Can Improve Your Fiction Writing (With Tim Grahl)

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Master the fundamental building block of fiction writing with this one exercise that's helped writers break through years of stalled progress in ...

#194. Self-Publishing Your Novel: A 10 Step Guide for First-Time Authors

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Congratulations! You've finished writing your novel, and you've set your sights on self-publishing. But now you're staring at your manu...

#193. How Dictation Can Help You Write Faster With Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

#192. 5 Big-Picture First Draft Mistakes (& How To Fix Them)

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

#191. Fiction Genres Made Easy: Understanding the 5 Dimensions of Genre

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 yourse...

#190. Novel Editing: 10 Steps to Editing Your First Draft

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Congratulations! You've finished writing your first draft—an achievement that puts you ahead of countless aspiring writers who never make it pa...

#189. Student Spotlight: From First Draft to Published Novel at 72 With Cheryl Arko

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how a 72-year-old data scientist overcame perfectionism to publish her debut science fiction novel after decades of dreaming about it.Are you...

#188. 5 Mindset Hacks to Help You Finish Your First Draft

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Five book coaches reveal their most powerful mindset hacks to help you crush self-doubt, overcome perfectionism, and finally finish your first draft—...

#187. How To Write An Unforgettable Plot Twist In Your Novel With Samantha Skal

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Master the art of the jaw-dropping plot twist and transform your readers from passive page-turners into gasping, can't-put-it-down fans.Ever gasp...

#186. First Draft Roadmap: 10 Steps to Writing A Novel For Beginners

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Writing your first novel is a journey unlike any other—equal parts exhilarating, frustrating, magical, and challenging. But here's what you nee...

#185. Student Spotlight: How Angela Haas Published TWO Books In 6 Months

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Curious about writing books in more than one genre? Angela Haas shares a behind-the-scenes look at writing science fiction and romantic comedy!In toda...

#184. 3 Must-Know Tips For Writing A Novel With Dual Timelines

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“I want to write a dual timeline novel, but I’m struggling to weave the storylines together. Help!” 👈 This is something I hear from writers a...

#183. From Screenwriter to Award-Winning Memoirist: Michael Jamin's Indie Publishing Journey

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Curious about what it’s like to make the switch from writing for TV to writing books? Or maybe you want to learn writing tips from a screenwriter wi...

#182. Writing Romantasy: How to Balance Fantasy Elements and Romance in Your Novel

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Calling all Romantasy (and Fantasy) authors! Tune in to learn how to write a Romantasy novel that perfectly blends fantasy elements with romance.Wheth...

#181. First Chapter Analysis: House Of Earth And Blood by Sarah J. Maas

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 st...

#180. Student Spotlight: How Her Debut Novel Became An Amazon Bestseller With Margaret Mantor

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how a debut author turned her first novel into an Amazon #1 bestseller using strategic marketing tactics instead of relying on social media.M...

#179. Writing When You Have A Chronic Illness With Sandra Postma

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

#178. First Chapter Analysis: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romance, historical fiction & fantasy writers—tune in to learn how the opening pages of Outlander hook readers into the story. In this listener...

#177. 3 Things You Need To Write Your Novel In 2025

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

# 176. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 5)

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

See how Notes to Novel™ helped these five writers go from a blank page to a story that works (without the overwhelm).With Notes to Novel™ (season ...

#175. 5 Easy Time Management Strategies To Write Your Novel Faster

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feel stuck writing your novel? These 5 time management strategies will squash all productivity blocks to get your story finished—finally (and fast)....

#174. Counting Down The Best Writing Tips From FWME In 2024

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The best writing advice sticks with us because it changes our thinking about our craft. In this special year-end episode, I'm counting down the t...

#173. 5 Mindset Tips For Revising Your First Draft

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is the thought of revising your first draft making you nauseous? I got you. These mindset tips will ease revision anxiety for good. It's one thi...

#172. A Week in the Life: 7 Days Behind the Scenes with Savannah (December 2024)

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Want a sneak peek into my life as a developmental editor and book coach? Listen in and find out what I do in my work week to help authors transform th...

#171. How To Utilize Tone & Mood In Your Writing With Isobelle Lans

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Need help with tone and mood in your novel writing? Maybe your scenes aren't hitting the right emotional notes, or your story atmosphere feels of...

#170. How To Pick Your Publishing Path With Nicole Meier

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you want complete creative freedom, better royalties, or a faster speed to market—get the clarity you need to choose the right publishing pa...

#169. 5 Tips To Help Neurodivergent Writers Finish Their Books

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Finally, finish your book with effective writing strategies designed to work in harmony with your neurodivergent mind.Does sitting down to write your ...

#168. Women's Fiction vs. Romance: What's The Difference?

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re serious about becoming a published author, determining your novel’s genre is one of the most important things you’ll have to do. But s...

#167. Why Marketing Matters From Day One With Lacy Lieffers

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

“When should I start marketing my book?” This is a question I get asked all the time! Along with other similar questions like, “Do I need to bui...

#166. Student Spotlight: How Jennifer Sold 5,000+ Copies of Her Debut Novel in 18 Months (Without a Big Social Media Following)

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Selling 5,000+ copies of a debut novel in 18 months (without a massive social media following) might seem out of reach to most aspiring authors. But, ...

#165. How To Interpret Agent Rejections (& What To Do Next)

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s no secret that one of the biggest roadblocks to getting traditionally published is the dreaded literary agent rejection. But to find the right ...

#164. Student Spotlight: Why She Ditched Her Agent And Self-Published Her Debut Novel With Stefanie Medrek

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder what happens when you ditch your agent and decide to self-publish instead? This episode is a must-listen if you're curious about the ...

#163. How To Find & Work With A Book Cover Designer With Zoe Norvell

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You finished your book and now you’re looking for a cover designer, but where do you start? Where can you find a good book cover designer? And how m...

#162. Book Recs: 5 Books Every Aspiring Writer Needs To Read

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the questions I get asked by a lot of aspiring authors is, “What books should I read to learn how to start writing a novel?” I get asked th...

#161. Scene Beats: What They Are & Why They Matter

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever Googled things like “how many words should be in a novel?” Or “how many scenes should a novel have?” If so, you’ve probably go...

#160. How Tim Grahl Wrote His Best Book Yet In 6 Months

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you know if you’re actually getting better at writing? In this episode, my guest, Tim Grahl, the CEO of Story Grid and the author of multiple...

#159. A Week in the Life: 7 Days Behind the Scenes with Savannah (September 2024)

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Want a peek behind the scenes into my work week? 👀In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes and sharing what I do as a developmental edit...

#158. How To Strengthen Your Writing with the Power of Social Media With Lara Ferrari

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Would you believe me if I said social media could make you a better writer? If you’re shaking your head NO, you’ll want to check out this episode....

#157. 10 Surprising Lessons From My First Book Launch

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this year, I published my first book, The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—and I learned sooo...

#156. Student Spotlight: 5 Lessons Learned from Notes to Novel (Season 4)

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever wish you could see a behind-the-scenes look at how other people write? In this episode, you’ll get to hear directly from five of my Not...

#155. 10 Things That Will NOT Make You A Better Writer

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As someone who’s worked with hundreds of authors, I see people making the same mistakes over and over and over again. Mistakes that are easily avoid...

#154. Coaching Call: Critiquing Jac Sahlin's Query And First Five Pages

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

“I think your story has a genre identity crisis. That’s probably why you’re not getting responses from agents.” ← That’s what I told my ne...

#153. Scene Analysis: Chapter 5 "Diagon Alley" From Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

“How many scenes are in the Diagon Alley chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone?” Believe it or not, this is one of the most frequentl...

#152. Three Act Structure Breakdown: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How did Rowling deliver on the life-and-death stakes an action story requires, but in a way appropriate for middle-grade readers? How did she consiste...

Bonus: The Global Story Structure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rowling is a master at weaving the external plot with Harry’s internal character arc—and using the external plot events to help Harry grow and cha...