Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice
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#31: The 6 Scenes Every Thriller Novel Needs
24 november 2020 · 13 min
In today's episode, we're going to talk about the key scenes that every thriller novel needs to have in order to work and to satisfy fans of the genre. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:18] Thrillers combine all the criminality and suspense of a good detective novel with the danger and life and death stakes from the action or horror genre. Usually, these stories center around a protagonist who's focused on stopping a future crime from happening.
[01:40] Readers choose thriller novels because they want to experience the thrill of trying to outsmart and stop the villain before he or she commits more crimes -- all from the comfort of their own homes. And like all genre fiction, you have to deliver the emotional experience readers are looking for in order for your story to work.
[02:15] Obligatory scenes are the key events, decisions, and discoveries that move a protagonist along their journey from point A to point B. They help us writers craft a story that works AND a story that will deliver a specific emotional experience.
[03:55] Key scene #1: A scene where a crime is discovered.
[04:45] Key scene #2: A scene where the stakes become personal for the protagonist and they commit to stopping the antagonist.
[05:55] Key scene #3: A scene where the protagonist learns what the antagonist wants and why. This scene helps to shift the protagonist from being reactive to proactive and helps them recommit to stopping the antagonist.
[06:55] Key scene #4: A scene where the protagonist learns or does something that sets them up to be the antagonist’s final victim.
[7:55] Key scene #5: A scene where the protagonist is at the mercy of the antagonist.
[8:45] Key scene #6: A scene where readers learn whether justice prevailed or not.
[9:45] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of b…
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#30: 4 Reasons Why You Need a Target Word Count
18 november 2020 · 14 min
In today's episode, we’re going to talk through four reasons why you should have a target word count for your story. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:50] Generally speaking, a novel is defined as any story over 40,000 words. But, the average novel is usually somewhere around 80,000-100,000 words.
[02:05] Technically there’s no maximum length for a novel, but there are guidelines you can follow to determine whether your story is the appropriate length, or too long. These guidelines are determined by the genre and the target age range you’re writing for so, it’s always a good idea to know what your genre is and what age range you’re writing for before you land on a target word count.
[03:15] Reason #1: Having a target word count can help you make a realistic writing schedule. You can break your target word count into smaller pieces and then estimate the time it will take to finish those pieces.
[05:15] Reason #2: Having a target word count can help you outline your story. You can break down your target word count into the number of words within each act, the approximate number of scenes within each act, and more.
[07:05] Reason #3: Having a target word count will help you edit your work. And that's because you can use your target word count to figure out approximately how many words you'll need to cut or add. From there, you can make a more realistic plan for editing your draft.
[08:15] Reason #4: Having a target word count will help you when it comes time to publish. If you're planning to traditionally publish, being within your genre's average word count could be the difference between your manuscript being read or not. If you're going the self-publishing route, you'll want to keep story length in mind so that you can budget properly and meet reader's expectations.
[10:00] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episo…
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#29: Horror Genre Conventions
3 november 2020 · 19 min
In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through the conventions of the horror genre. I'm also going to show you how these conventions show up in the movie Halloween. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:25] What makes the horror genre unique? In horror novels, bad things happen to good people. There are life and death stakes, a monster intent on death and destruction, claustrophobic settings, and a major fight for survival.
[02:35] Readers choose horror novels because they want to feel the thrill and the terror of being in a life and death situation without actually being in danger in real life. And like all genre fiction, you have to deliver the emotional experience readers are looking for in order for your story to work.
[03:15] Genre conventions are the character roles, settings, and events that are specific to a genre. They’re what help us writers write a story that works AND evoke emotional reactions in our readers.
[04:40] #1 - A monster (or antagonist) that can't be reasoned with.
[05:50] #2 - The monster (or antagonist) is VERY strong or powerful.
[06:50] #3 - There’s some kind of sin or past mistake that the protagonist (or the world) is being punished for.
[08:00] #4 - The settings feel very claustrophobic.
[08:45] #5 - There are multiple lives at stake (including your protagonist's).
[09:25] #6 - The monster(or antagonist) stays hidden as long as possible.
[10:30] #7 - There’s at least one shapeshifter character.
[11:00] #8 - A ticking clock or some kind of deadline by which the protagonist has to stop the monster (or antagonist).
[11:45] #9 - A speech in praise of the monster (or antagonist).
[13:10] #10 - A false ending (and a sense that evil still lurks).
[15:35] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed …
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#28: Red Herrings: How to Mislead and Surprise Readers
27 oktober 2020 · 15 min
In today's episode, we’re going to talk about how to mislead and surprise your readers using red herrings. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:20] A red herring is anything that distracts readers and/or your characters from an important truth. Red herrings can also lead readers and/or your character to mistakenly expect one particular outcome over another.
[02:00] Red herrings are a type of foreshadowing. The term "foreshadowing:" encompasses all the different ways that an author can give readers hints or clues about what’s coming.
[02:10] Red herrings can be used in any genre. If your story has any kind of plot twist or surprise ending, you can use red herrings to distract the reader (or your characters) from the truth of what’s actually happening. Different genres change how the reader will view and respond to the red herrings in your story.
[03:10] I walk you through an example of how red herrings are used in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This is one of my favorite examples of red herrings!
[06:15] Tip #1: Incorporate red herrings into the fabric of your story so that it feels like an organic part of the plot and not something random to create tension or conflict.
[07:20] Tip #2: Give your innocent characters motivation, means, and opportunity to have committed the crime.
[07:55] Tip #3: Give the reader no (obvious) reason to suspect your guilty character.
[09:00] Tip #4: Focus the reader’s attention elsewhere when you plant "true" clues.
[10:00] Tip #5: Always play fair with the reader. Don't mess with readers by withholding important information that should have been given upfront.
[11:35] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscri…
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#27: The 6 Scenes Every Performance Story Needs
21 oktober 2020 · 15 min
In today's episode, we're going to talk about the key scenes that every performance story needs to have in order to work and to satisfy fans of the genre. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:30] Performance stories center around a character who wants to achieve something specific in order to prove their worth to the world. For example, they might want to win a certain award, climb Mount Everest, be the best in their field, or be famous.
[02:25] Readers choose performance novels because they are extremely relatable. Every day we deal with the pressure to perform on the world’s stage, and we are constantly faced with decisions that could result in success or failure.
[03:00] Obligatory scenes are the key events, decisions, and discoveries that move a protagonist along their journey from point A to point B. They help us writers craft a story that works AND a story that will deliver a specific emotional experience.
[04:35] Key scene #1: A scene where your protagonist faces some kind of challenge or opportunity to perform.
[05:45] Key scene #2: A scene where your protagonist’s initial plan for achieving his or her goal (or gaining some kind of external validation) fails.
[06:45] Key scene #3: A scene where your protagonist commits to a specific “big event” which could be a fight, a play, a tournament, a recital, a solo performance, or anything like that.
[08:15] Key scene #4: A scene where your protagonist suffers some kind of defeat and realizes he or she must change their approach in order to succeed. Is the external validation still worth it?
[09:30] Key scene #5: A scene where your protagonist participates in the big event and either wins or loses.
[10:25] Key scene #6: A scene where your protagonist is rewarded (usually on multiple levels) whether they’ve won or lost.
[11:45] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss a…
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#26: The Inciting Incident: How to Get Your Story Into Motion
6 oktober 2020 · 20 min
In today's episode, we’re going to talk about crafting a great inciting incident for your story. I'm also going to show you how the global inciting incident looks different across the content genres. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:45] The inciting incident is an event that occurs and upsets the balance of your protagonist’s life. Life can't continue on in the same way now.
[02:00] The inciting incident is also what sets your story in motion and gives rise to your protagonist’s overarching story goal. In this way, it gives rise to a specific question in your reader’s minds that they won’t find the answer to until the very end at your story’s climax.
[03:05] The inciting incident is also what puts the protagonist and the antagonist at odds with each other. The protagonist wants one thing, the antagonist wants another thing.
[03:45] The inciting incident of your global story should occur somewhere around the 12% mark or about halfway through your first act.
[05:10] The three types of inciting incidents: the causal inciting incident, the coincidental inciting incident, and the ambiguous inciting incident (plus examples).
[07:20] The inciting incident of your story is genre-specific. In other words, the inciting incident of your global story will most likely be determined by the genre you’re writing in.
[13:15] An example of the global inciting incident in The Hunger Games.
[14:00] An example of the global inciting incident in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
[15:35] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a r…
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Bonus: Conquering the Writing Blues Summit Interview with Dr. Susan Hickman
1 oktober 2020 · 37 min
In today's extra special bonus episode, I'm sharing my interview with Dr. Susan Hickman from the Conquering the Writing Blues Summit I took part in earlier this year. Here's a quick preview of what's included: Lees meer
[02:50] What does a developmental editor do? Plus how and why I became a developmental editor and book coach.
[06:25] My take on plotting versus pantsing -- is one of them the “right way” to write?
[10:00] What does a book coach do? Plus, why book coaching is having a “moment” with the increase in self-publishing.
[12:45] Why don’t more writers choose to work with book coaches or editors?
[15:35] How to stay motivated (aka how keeping the impact that your story will have on others in mind can help fuel your writing).
[19:10] The two main areas where writers go wrong (and what to do instead).
[20:30] How I help writers who are overwhelmed and confused with all the plotting methods out there. What do you do first, second, and third?
[23:45] Why the belief that “you either have what it takes or you don’t” is not true. Plus, why there’s room for every style of writing -- each style has value and will resonate with a particular group of people.
[27:25] What to do when you get bogged down in perfectionism. Plus, 5 questions to ask yourself about your story to make sure you’re headed in the right direction.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “…
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#25: Worldview Genre Conventions
29 september 2020 · 23 min
In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through the conventions of the worldview genre. I'm also going to show you how these conventions show up in the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:45] Worldview stories focus on a period of the main character’s life where he or she is transitioning from one significant state to another. These stories show how the external events of the plot affect a character in such a way that he or she must grow, change, and awaken to a new understanding of themselves, or the world around him or her.
[02:55] Readers choose worldview novels because they are super relatable! They give readers a sense of relief, satisfaction, and maybe even hope that they, too, can survive whatever roadblocks or challenges are appearing in their own lives.
[04:30] Genre conventions are the character roles, settings, and events that are specific to a genre. They’re what help us writers write a story that works AND evoke emotional reactions in our readers.
[06:15] #1 - A mentor that can guide and support your protagonist.
[06:55] #2 - An outdated worldview or some kind of false belief that your protagonist must overcome by the end fo the story.
[07:55] #3 - Social problems or moral challenges for your protagonist to face (ideally, one that relates to your protagonist's outdated worldview).
[09:05] #4 - At least one shapeshifter who says one thing and does another.
[10:15] #5 - An internal change within your protagonist.
[11:35] #6 - Some kind of confrontation with the adult world that helps your protagonist grow and change.
[12:40] #7 - An emphasis on friendship.
[13:45] #8 - External pressure from your protagonist's friends, family, or society to be a certain way.
[15:15] #9 - Secrets.
[16:05] #10 - A bittersweet ending.
[18:10] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode…
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#24: 10 Steps to Get Ready for NaNoWriMo
16 september 2020 · 25 min
In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through ten steps to get ready for NaNoWriMo. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[03:40] Step 1: Choose one story idea to work on during NaNoWriMo.
[04:40] Step 2: Test out (or flesh out) your story idea by writing a 1-2 sentence logline and a 250-word elevator pitch for your story.
[00:00] Step #3: Choose your story's main genre so that you have a blueprint for writing a story that works.
[07:40] Step #4: Uncover your story's theme so that you know what point you're trying to make with your story.
[08:30] Step #5: Get to know your protagonist. What does he or she want? Why does he or she want that?
[09:50] Step #6: Choose your point-of-view and tense.
[10:55] Step #7: Develop your story's setting. Where and when does your story take place?
[12:00] Step #8: Write a 1-3 page synopsis of your story.
[13:45] Step #9: Create your big picture outline by breaking the goal of 50,000 words into three smaller parts.
[15:15] Step #10: Brainstorm your story's key moments within each act.
[20:30] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode Freebie: The 10 Step NaNoWriMo Planning Checklist (PDF)
How to Choose the Right Genre for Your Story (podcast and artic…
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#23: The 6 Scenes Every Romance Novel Needs
8 september 2020 · 17 min
In today's episode, we're going to talk about the key scenes that every romance novel needs to have in order to work and to satisfy fans of the genre. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:45] Romance novels center around two individuals falling in love despite the odds, despite the risks, and despite the opposing forces in their life. These stories usually end in "happily ever after," or at the very least, "happily for now."
[02:15] Readers choose romance novels because they want to experience all the butterflies and excitement of falling in love without the risks. They want to see love win.
[03:00] Obligatory scenes are the key events, decisions, and discoveries that move a protagonist along their journey from point A to point B. They help us writers craft a story that works AND a story that will deliver a specific emotional experience.
[04:30] Key scene #1: A scene where your characters meet or first appear on the page together. This is the global inciting incident of your story.
[05:20] Key scene #2: A scene where your characters share their first kiss or their first intimate moment. The specifics of this scene will depend on the heat level of your story.
[06:25] Key scene #3: A scene where one character confesses their feelings for the other character. It's now clear that things are no longer platonic for at least one character.
[07:45] Key scene #4: A scene where your characters break up or separate temporarily so that they can go off and learn the lesson of the story.
[09:25] Key scene #5: A scene where one or both of your characters proves their love by sacrificing something for the other character.
[11:25] Key scene #6: A scene where the lovers reunite and come back together. Plus, a glimpse at what "happily ever after" looks like.
[12:55] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because …
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#22: How to Evaluate the Conflict in Your Draft
1 september 2020 · 19 min
In today’s episode, I’m going to walk you through my five-step process for evaluating the conflict in your novel. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:20] Progressive complications are moments of conflict that gets harder and harder to deal with overtime. To learn more about writing good conflict, check out last week's episode (episode #21).
[02:30] Step 1: Identify what your POV character wants and how they plan to get it. You’ll also want to have a good understanding of what your character expects to happen. So, do they expect to succeed? Do they expect things to be difficult?
[03:30] Step 2: List everything that gets in your character’s way as they pursue their goal. And remember, these complications can be positive or negative. It’s just whatever gets in your character’s way as they go after their goal.
[04:45] Step 3: Rank your list of complications to see if they escalate properly or not.
[06:10] Step 4: Identify the turning point -- or the moment things change. Ask yourself how you feel about the change that occurs and determine whether it’s impactful or not.
[07:50] Step 5: Consider how the scene (or whatever you’re analyzing) affects the global story. So, if you’re analyzing a scene, how does this scene contribute to the global story? How does it move the story forward?
[08:45] An example of this type of analysis using a scene from the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Plus, how this seemingly insignificant scene is a set up for a lot of important stuff that happens later in the story.
[14:15] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the sho…
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#21: Progressive Complications: How to Write Better Conflict in Your Novel
26 augustus 2020 · 17 min
In today's episode, we're going to talk about writing better conflict in your novel using "progressive complications." Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:20] Progressive complications are moments of conflict that get more and more challenging to deal with over time. These complications can be people, places, things, or events, and they can be negative or positive.
[02:10] Stories exist because of conflict. If there was no conflict, you'd have nothing to write about.
[02:30] Progressive complications can help you build tension in the reader and keep them on the edge of their seats.
[03:05] Progressive complications can help you give the reader insight into who your character is AND how they change over time.
[04:05] Each complication needs to relate to the POV character’s goal. If it doesn’t, you risk writing a story that doesn’t feel cohesive and you risk confusing the reader, too.
[05:15] Each complication needs to be more difficult to deal with than the last complication. Otherwise, the tension in your story won’t build properly and you’ll likely lose the reader’s interest.
[07:05] Each complication needs to require more effort from your character. This is the key way you’ll be able to show that your character is growing and changing into someone that’s capable of handling the upcoming global climax.
[08:40] Each complication needs to be unique and "complex." This not only helps you write an interesting story, but it helps keep the story feeling fresh for the reader, too.
[10:30] Each complication needs to build to a turning point when things change for better or for worse. This is what helps you create that sense of change within a scene or within your global story.
[12:45] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subs…
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#20: 5 Strategies for Getting Unstuck While Writing
12 augustus 2020 · 16 min
In today's episode, I'm sharing my five favorite strategies for getting unstuck while writing. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:30] If you need help pushing past the first few pages of your novel, I have a brand new workshop just for you! It's called How to Hook Readers in Your First Five Pages. Click here to learn more about the workshop or to enroll for $47.
[02:00] Strategy #1: Zoom out and look at the big picture of your story before making any micro-level changes. Answer these three questions: What's your story's main genre? What does your protagonist want and need? What's the theme of your story?
[05:25] Strategy #2: Look at the obligatory scenes and conventions of your genre for inspiration and guidance. These will help you flesh out your story and make sure it’s well structured.
[07:20] Strategy #3: Consider what kind of subplots you already have in your story and/or what kind of subplots you might want to add in. Use the obligatory scenes and conventions of your subgenre to flesh these out.
[08:35] Strategy #4:Create a flexible outline for your story that you can use as a place to explore new ideas or to capture changes you want to make to scenes you’ve already written. Update it as you go.
[10:25] Strategy #5: Evaluate the narrative drive in your existing scenes. Does each scene lead into or cause the next scene to happen in a logical way?
[12:00] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super f…
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#19: Thriller Genre Conventions
4 augustus 2020 · 18 min
In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through the conventions of the thriller genre. I'm also going to show you how these conventions show up in the movie The Silence of the Lambs. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:25] Thrillers combine all the criminality and suspense of a good mystery novel with the life and death stakes of an action or horror story.
[01:50] Readers choose thriller novels because they want to experience the thrill of trying to outsmart and stop the villain before he or she commits more crimes.
[02:30] Genre conventions are the character roles, settings, and events that are specific to a genre. They’re what help us writers write a story that works AND evoke emotional reactions in our readers.
[04:05] #1 - A crime that indicates that there's a master villain or a master antagonist on the loose.
[05:00] #2 - A victim (or victims) on the receiving end of the crime.
[05:35] #3 - A master villain or a master antagonist who is intent on annihilation or devastation or gaining power at the expense of others.
[06:35] #4 - True clues and red herrings for the protagonist to follow.
[07:25] #5 - A speech in praise of the villain.
[08:55] #6 - A MacGuffin (or the specific thing the antagonist wants).
[09:40] #7 - A shapeshifter who says one thing and does another.
[10:15] #8 - A ticking clock that puts some kind of deadline on the amount of time the protagonist has to defeat the antagonist.
[10:40] #9 - Multiple lives at stake including the victim's life and your protagonist's life (and maybe others, too).
[12:00] #10 - A false ending before the final conflict between protagonist and antagonist.
[14:00] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click …
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#18: 5 Mistakes Writers Make in Their Opening Pages
21 juli 2020 · 13 min
In today's episode, I'm going to talk about the five most common mistakes I see writers make in their opening pages. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:00] Details about my brand new workshop called “How to Hook Readers in Your First 5 Pages.” In this workshop, I'll walk you through the five key elements that you need to include in your first five pages AND I’ll show you how these five key elements manifest in the first five pages of The Hunger Games. If you want to sign up, or if you want to learn more about this workshop, head over to savannahgilbo.com/pages.
[01:45] The first reason your opening pages are so important is that we only have a very small window to catch a reader’s attention and make them want to find out how the story’s going to play out. And if we don’t catch their attention in the first three to five pages, they’re probably not going to keep reading the rest of the story.
[01:55] The second reason your opening pages are so important is that editors, agents, and publishers will use these pages to get an overall sense of your story and your writing skill. And if those pages don’t grab their attention, they know the book isn’t likely to grab the reader's attention either.
[02:30] Mistake #1: There's not enough big picture context and readers feel lost or confused.
[03:30] Mistake #2: The protagonist is introduced too late -- or the story starts with a character who isn't the protagonist.
[04:35] Mistake #3: There's a lot of action happening but it's all just objectively dramatic and doesn't really mean anything.
[06:10] Mistake #4: There's too much info-dumping of backstory or worldbuilding details.
[07:15] Mistake #5: There's nothing at stake -- or there is something at stake but doesn't really matter in terms of the big picture story.
[09:10] Key points and episode recap.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Espe…
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#17: The 6 Scenes Every Horror Novel Needs
14 juli 2020 · 18 min
In today's episode, we're going to talk about the key scenes that every horror novel needs to have in order to work and to satisfy fans of the genre. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:10] In horror novels, bad things happen to good people. There are life and death stakes, a monster intent on death and destruction, claustrophobic settings, and a major fight for survival.
[02:25] Readers choose horror novels because they want to feel the thrill and the terror of being in a life and death situation without actually being in danger in real life. And like all genre fiction, you have to deliver the emotional experience readers are looking for in order for your story to work.
[03:05] Obligatory scenes are the key events, decisions, and discoveries that move a protagonist along their journey from point A to point B. They help us writers craft a story that works AND a story that will deliver a specific emotional experience.
[04:55] Key scene #1: A scene that includes a threat from, or an attack by, the monster (or antagonist). This is the global inciting incident of your story.
[06:00] Key scene #2: A scene where the protagonist ignores a crucial warning and consequently ends up on a path that's headed directly toward the monster. This usually occurs near the end of act one.
[07:20] Key scene #3: A scene where your protagonist understands the true nature of the monster (or antagonist) and realizes what he or she is up against. This usually happens around the midpoint of a novel, or in the middle of act two.
[08:50] Key scene #4: A scene where your protagonist learns, does, or realizes something that sets themselves up to be the monster’s final victim. This usually occurs near the end of act two.
[10:05] Key scene #5: A scene where your protagonist is at the mercy of the monster. This is the moment readers have been waiting for since page one.
[11:47] Key scene #6: A scene where readers learn whether the protagonist survives the confrontation with the monster (or not… -
#16: Conventions vs. Tropes: What's the Difference?
7 juli 2020 · 20 min
In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through the difference between genre conventions and tropes. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:28] Genre conventions are story elements such as character archetypes, key events, and settings that are commonly found in a specific genre. These conventions define each specific genre and readers' expectations of a story in that genre.
[03:10] Tropes are a specific way of delivering those genre conventions or obligatory scenes in your novel. They are subjective interpretations of a genre convention.
[04:35] Genre conventions usually have an objective reason WHY they exist in a story while tropes usually do not. Genre conventions need to be met in order for your story to work and to satisfy readers' expectations. The way you deliver those conventions, or the tropes you choose to use, is totally up to you.
[05:45] Some examples of tropes vs. conventions including the "Chosen One" vs. the Dark Lord, a love triangle that includes a "good guy" vs. a "bad guy."
[07:25] Common mistake #1: Ignoring genre conventions because they think all conventions are tropes, and all tropes are predictable or cliche. This isn't true! Genre conventions help us write a story that works and that satisfies readers.
[09:35] Common mistake #2: Including a bunch of tropes in their story without any kind of real purpose. As a general rule of thumb, always ask WHY something needs to be in your book. If you can't think of one, it probably doesn't belong.
[11:00] Common mistake #3: Following every single rule in every single book. Instead, pick one method or one set of "rules" and focus on getting your draft finished. Once it's finished, you can go back through it and start to shape it into a story that works.
[13:15] Do you really have to include all the obligatory scenes and conventions of your genre in your story? Nope. It's your story, you can do whatever you want. But, if you choose to veer away from the guidelines of your genre, you'll also want t… -
#15: How to Figure Out the Shape of Your Story
23 juni 2020 · 17 min
In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through how to figure out the big-picture shape of your story. Here's a preview of what's included:
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[02:45] Each genre asks a specific story question. For example, in an action story, the central story question is some version of, "Will the protagonist defeat the antagonist and survive the encounter?" (This article has the start and end points by genre)
[03:45] The central story question helps you create a framework for your story. That's because these two "ask and answer questions" become the global inciting incident and the global climax of your story.
[04:00] The global inciting incident is a scene that raises the central story question in the readers's mind. It's the question that the whole story will work to answer.
[05:55] The global climax is a scene that answers the central story question. It's what helps you deliver a satisfying emotional experience to the reader.
[07:15] If you're writing an action story... the global inciting incident is usually some kind of threat or attack from the antagonist. These stories end with the protagonist defeating the antagonist (or not).
[08:20] If you're writing a romance... the global inciting incident is usually the first time the lovers meet or appear on the page together. These stories end with these two individuals either committing to a romantic relationship (or not).
[09:25] If you're writing a mystery... the global inciting incident is usually the discovery of some kind of murder or crime. These stories end with revealing the identity of the murder/criminal and bringing them to justice (or not).
[10:35] If you're writing a worldview (or coming of age) story... the global inciting incident is usually a challenge to the protagonist's black and white worldview. These stories end with the protagonist maturing or staying stuck.
[12:15] If you're writing a story with both an external and an internal genre, you can identify these key moments to create a story that feels like a c… Lees meer -
#14: How to Handle Character Backstory in Your Novel
16 juni 2020 · 16 min
In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through my top three tips for weaving your character's backstory into your novel in a way that engages the reader without bogging them down. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:20] What is character backstory? Character backstory is everything that has ever happened in your character's life that has helped to influence and shape who they are today, in the "story present."
[02:20] The biggest mistake writers make when it comes to handling a character's backstory in their novel is they give too much information too soon -- or too much information at the wrong time in the story.
[03:20] When you start a story with too much backstory or exposition, it's really hard for a reader to engage in the story and feel that "tug" to turn the page to find out what's going to happen next.
[05:00] Tip #1: Only include backstory where it's relevant to what's happening in the story present. Backstory should always be "triggered" by something that's happening in the present moment of a scene.
[06:00] Tip #2: Avoid info-dumping at all costs. Info-dumping is when a writer dumps a ton of information on the reader at one time. Instead, readers should only know what they need to know at the present moment.
[07:00] Tip #3: Always show how the piece backstory you include affects the point-of-view character. If you stop the forward momentum of the story to include a piece of backstory, make sure you show the reader why it's important and how it impacts the present-day scene or situation your character is in.
[08:00] A quick example of backstory done well from Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone that hits on the above tips.
[09:45] Recommended exercise: Grab one of your favorite books, pick a random page, and see if you can identify bits of backstory that has been woven into the story present.
[10:30] How do you know if the backstory you've already written works? How do you know if it's too much or if it's in the wrong place? Here'… -
#13: 5 Things That Kill Narrative Drive (and How to Fix it)
9 juni 2020 · 14 min
In today's episode, I'm continuing last week's discussion on narrative drive or that "thing" that hooks a reader's interest and pulls them through the story. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:10] What is narrative drive? Why should writers care? (Check out last week's episode for some tips on creating narrative drive in your story).
[01:20] A story with "broken" narrative drive feels like it's going nowhere.
[02:00 ] Mistake #1: Putting in too much exposition or backstory or worldbuilding details in a scene at once.
[03:00] Mistake #2: There's no sense of cause and effect. In other words, each scene doesn't lead into the next (and what to do instead).
[4:00] Mistake #3: Using false mystery to tease readers (and how to avoid doing this).
[04:45] Mistake #4: Relying on cheap surprise to thrill or scare readers (and what to do instead).
[05:40] Mistake #5: Solving plot problems with coincidences.
[06:45] What should you do if you make some of these mistakes in your WIP?
[07:30] 10 Questions that can help you fix broken narrative drive in your story (plus where you can go to download a worksheet with these questions!).
[11:05] Key points and a quick recap of the episode.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
Links mentioned in this episode:
3 Ways to…
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#12: 3 Ways to Create Narrative Drive in Your Story
2 juni 2020 · 14 min
In today's episode, I'm exploring narrative drive or that "thing" that hooks a reader's interest and pulls them through the story. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:25] What is narrative drive? Here's a quick definition.
[01:35] According to Robert McKee, narrative drive is sustained when a story plays on two primary needs within the reader -- an intellectual need (curiosity) and an emotional need (concern).
[01:50] Curiosity is the intellectual need to find answers to questions.
[02:20] Concern is the emotional need to experience positive outcomes.
[04:00] A quick overview of the 3 methods for evoking curiosity and/or concern in readers.
[04:50] Method #1: Mystery evokes mostly curiosity because the reader has LESS information than the characters.
[06:00] Method #2: Dramatic Irony evokes mostly concern because the reader has MORE information than the characters.
[06:40] Method #3: Suspense evokes both curiosity and concern because the reader has THE SAME information as the characters.
[07:25] How does this help you write a story?
[9:15] Key points and a quick recap of the episode.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
Links mentioned in this episode:
How to Choose the Best Genre for Your Story (podcast episode)
Send Savannah Your Question
FREE…
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#11: 10 Tips for Writing Better Love Triangles
19 mei 2020 · 16 min
In today's episode, I'm sharing my top 10 tips for writing better, more compelling love triangles. Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:30] A love triangle is a relationship that takes place between three or more characters. Character A has to choose between character B and character C.
[01:50] Three examples of popular love triangles from Pride and Prejudice, Twilight, and The Hunger Games.
[02:15] Tip #1: Fully develop all three characters involved in the love triangle.
[03:10] Tip #2: Make both suitors a believable and viable choice for the protagonist.
[04:15] Tip #3: Don’t drag out your protagonist's decision or go back and forth between the suitors too much.
[05:10] Tip #4: Have your protagonist actively choose one of the suitors to be with.
[06:05] Tip #5: Give insight into who your protagonist is with the choice they make.
[07:15] Tip #6: Don't feel like both relationships don’t have to start at the same time as the only way to achieve tension in your story.
[08:35] Tip #7: Establish what’s at stake for your protagonist if they choose one suitor over the other.
[09:40] Tip #8: Don’t neglect the rest of the story for the sake of your love triangle.
[10:55] Tip #9: Have a solid reason for including a love triangle in your story.
[11:40] Tip #10: Explore both internal and external conflict with your love triangle.
[12:50] Key points and a quick recap of the episode.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in a…
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#10: How to Create Memorable Characters Using Hooks
12 mei 2020 · 18 min
In today's episode, I'm going to show you how to create unique and memorable characters using "hooks." Here's a preview of what's included: Lees meer
[01:15] What are character hooks? How do they help readers?
[02:25] Hook #1: Give your character a unique accent or way of speaking.
[03:20] Hook #2: Give your character an identifiable physical feature.
[04:25] Hook #3: Give your character their own body language.
[05:25] Hook #4: Give your character a human or an animal counterpart.
[06:20] Hook #5: Give your character a unique personality.
[07:35] Hook #6: Give your character both strengths and weaknesses.
[08:40] Hook #7: Give your character a specific role in the story.
[09:45] Hook #8: Give your character a connection to some group or family.
[10:55] Hook #9: Give your character a default emotional state.
[12:00] Hook #10: Give your character a part to play in concealing clues.
[13:00] How do you incorporate these types of character hooks into your own story?
[14:50] Key points and a quick recap of the episode.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode Freebie: 10 Examples of Character Hooks PDF
5 Questions to Help You Create Compelling Characters (article)
Send Savannah Your Question
FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz …
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#9: Value Shifts: The Quickest Way to Determine if a Scene Works
5 mei 2020 · 16 min
In today's episode, we're going to talk about value shifts. Specifically, how understanding the concept of value shifts can help you write an edit a story that works. Here's a preview: Lees meer
[01:10] What are value shifts and why do I need to care about them?
[01:40] What does it mean to create a mini-arc of change in each scene?
[02:10] How value shifts can help you create a better story outline and write impactful scenes that work.
[03:50] Each genre has a core value at stake. For example, in a romance novel, the main value at stake is love. The protagonist stands to lose or gain love.
[04:50] What should you do once you know the main value at stake in your story?
[05:50] How to turn a low impact scene into a meaningful scene that works.
[06:40] You can also think of story values as mini-answers to your central story question. For example, will Katniss survive the Hunger Games or not?
[07:00] What to do if you can't figure out the exact value that will change in a scene.
[07:50] How value shifts can help you weed out unproductive scenes and/or turn them into scenes that impact your global story.
[08:30] Next level value shifts. How to weave internal changes with external changes to create a compelling story that keeps readers turning page after page.
[12:00] Key points and a quick recap of the episode.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a R…
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#8: 7 Secrets to Success That Every Writer Should Know
21 april 2020 · 19 min
In today's episode, I share the 7 secrets to success that every writer should know. These 7 secrets will help you accomplish your goals, become a better writer, and live a writing life you love. Here's a preview: Lees meer
[02:00] Secret #1: Courage. Have the courage to take action even when you're not sure where your story is going or what the next step in the process is.
[03:45] Secret #2: Confidence. Confidence is something that anyone can develop. Until you develop confidence in your skills, have confidence in that little voice inside of you that says "I was meant to be a writer" and let it fuel you.
[05:06] Secret #3: Clarity. Get clear on your goals. What exactly are you trying to accomplish? How exactly will you accomplish it? Why is this goal important to you?
[08:00] Secret #4: Consistency. Create a consistent writing habit that works for you. Can you show up every day? Once a week? Twice a month? Consistently taking action is what's going to lead to confidence and what will help you accomplish your goals.
[08:50] Secret #5: Continuing Education. Continue to educate yourself on the craft of writing. Take online classes, read books and blogs, listen to a podcast, or work with a book coach. Anyone can write a book if they have the right tools and strategies, and put in the time to do the work.
[10:40] Secret #6: Community. Find a community of like-minded individuals who share the same goals you have. Not only will you find friendship and support, but you'll become a better writer, too. Plus, it's a great way to find beta readers if you're at that stage of the process.
[12:00] Secret #7: Commitment. Commit to your writing practice and to getting better over time. Put in the work to constantly evolve yourself and your skills. These seven secrets to success will help you learn and constantly evolve as a writer.
[13:30] Key points and a recap of the episode.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to…
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#7: 5 Questions to Help You Write Better Characters
14 april 2020 · 17 min
In this episode, I'll walk you through five questions that will help you write compelling characters. I highly recommend using these questions to flesh out both your protagonist AND your antagonist, but you can also use these questions to help you develop your secondary characters, too. Here's a preview of what we'll cover: Lees meer
[01:45] Question 1: What does your character want? Your character's goal will help you shape the external plot of your story as well as each of your story's scenes.
[05:00] Question 2: Why does your character want to achieve this goal? Your character's motivation needs to be strong enough to push them through the story without allowing them to give up.
[06:55] Question 3: What's standing in his or her way externally? What's the external conflict? This is essentially the antagonist or the antagonistic force in your story.
[8:20] Question 4: What's standing in his or her way internally? What's the internal conflict? This is essentially any inner demons, fears, or an outdated worldview that your character needs to overcome in order to succeed in accomplishing their goal.
[10:30] Question 5: What's at stake if they fail to accomplish their goal? In other words, what are the consequences for your protagonist if they fail?
[12:30] Key points and episode recap.
[14:00] How many characters should you answer these questions for?
[14:45] Bonus exercise: Grab your favorite book and see if you can answer these five questions for the protagonist. Were the answers easy to identify?Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on…
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#6: 3 Reasons You Should Write in Scenes vs. Chapters
7 april 2020 · 13 min
In today's episode, I'm going to give you three reasons why you should write your draft in scenes instead of chapters. Here's a preview of what we'll cover: Lees meer
[01:20] The difference between scenes and chapters and how they each play a different role in your story's pacing.
[02:45] 3 reasons why you should write in scenes instead of chapters:
[02:55] Reason #1: It's easier to plan out your first draft because you can break down your total target word count into a target number of scenes that's appropriate for your story's genre.
[05:00] Reason #2: It's easier to write a stronger more cohesive first draft because you'll be more focused on writing well-structured versus spinning your wheels over the perfect chapter beginning.
[07:30] Reason #3: It's easier to edit your draft because when you look at each scene in isolation, you're more likely to spot things that don't belong in your story.
[09:15] The best time to worry about chapter breaks is when you are confident that you have a first draft that works.
[09:25] Key points and a recap of the episode.Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode Freebie: How to Plan the Number of Scenes in Your Story PDF
Send Savannah Your Question
FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to ge…
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#5: 3 Ways to Figure Out the Theme of Your Story
31 maart 2020 · 16 min
In today's episode, I'll walk you through three different ways to figure out the theme of your story. Here's a preview of what we'll cover: Lees meer
[00:50] What is a story's theme? And why do you need one?
[01:30] How identifying your story's theme upfront can help you write a stronger draft.
[02:40] 3 different questions to help you uncover the theme of your story.
[03:00] Question 1: What do you have to say about life? What do you care about?
[05:00] Question 2: How will your protagonist change from the beginning of the story to the end of the story? (+ an example from Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone).
[07:30] Question 3: What's your story's content genre?
[10:00] How to create a 1-2 sentence theme statement that describes what changes in your story as well as specifically why and how things have changed (+ an example from Pride and Prejudice).
[10:45] What should you do if your theme sounds generic or cliche?
[12:00] Key points and episode recap.
Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode Freebie: 3 Ways to Uncover Your Story's Theme PDF
Send Savannah Your Question
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
👋 …
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Bonus: Ask Savannah (Listener Q&A)
24 maart 2020 · 18 min
In today's extra special bonus episode, I'm going to answer some questions from you guys! Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: Lees meer
[01:30] Joe Larkin asks, "Do you have a general rule of thumb for how long a scene should be?"
[02:45] Margo Geary asks, "Your job sounds really awesome! How do you become an editor or book coach?"
[04:45] Julia Pentrose asks, "I get why info-dumping isn't a good idea, but how do you get your character's backstory or worldbuilding details in your story without info-dumping? Isn't that stuff important to show the reader?"
[08:15] Karen Stroud asks, "I've heard that head-hopping is bad, but can you explain what head-hopping is and why exactly is it bad?"
[12:00] James K. asks, "I read your blog post on creating an Ideal Reader Profile for your story and I have a question. What happens if you end up with an unplanned subplot or if your story takes a dif turn than what you were planning and you realize now that your ideal reader doesn't align with the direction your story has taken?"Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance!
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Story Grid Editor Certification Course
Author Accelerator Book Coach Certification Course
How to Handle Character Backstory in Your Novel (blog post)
My …
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#4: How to Identify Your Story's Ideal Reader
24 maart 2020 · 19 min
In this episode, we're going to talk about your story's ideal reader -- or the one person who is going to love your book just as much as you do. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: Lees meer
[01:00] What is an ideal reader? And why does your ideal reader matter?
[02:20] How understanding your ideal reader can help you write with purpose and edit with focus.
[03:15] How understanding your ideal reader can help you when it comes time to pitch agents and market your book.
[04:45] Meet my ideal reader, Sage, and hear how she helps me cut through the noise and stay focused
[06:45] How one writer's ideal reader helped her get back on track after making big changes in her manuscript
[09:20] 10 questions to help you identify your story's ideal reader
[12:45] What about everyone else? What if I want my story to appeal to everyone?
[14:15] Should each of my stories have a different ideal reader? Or would all my stories share the same ideal reader?
[15:25] Key points and a recap of the episode.
Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance--I really appreciate it!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode Freebie: How to Identify Your Story's Ideal Reader PDF
Send Savannah Your Question
FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action pl…
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#3: How to Decide Which Story Idea to Write Next
17 maart 2020 · 14 min
In this episode, we're going to talk about how to choose between multiple story ideas, or how to decide which story idea to write next. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: Lees meer
[01:20] Two reasons why taking the time to flesh out your story ideas before you start writing a single word will save you time, energy, and frustration.
[02:15] 5 questions to help you decide between two or more story ideas.
[03:15] An example from a real-life writer who was torn between a "for fun" romance novel and a "more serious" memoir. "Which one should I choose?"
[06:15] What happens when your idea doesn't have enough "meat" to support a full-length novel (hint: it almost always has to do with a lack of conflict).
[07:30] What's the difference between a topic and an idea? And how do you determine whether you have a topic (aka part of an idea) or an actual story idea?
[08:50] If you have a topic, you can turn it into an idea that can support a full-length novel by asking yourself these key questions.
[10:00] What's next? Here's how identifying your genre can help you further flesh out your idea and understand your next steps.
[10:40] Key points and episode recap.
Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance--I really appreciate it!
Links mentioned in th…
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#2: How to Choose the Best Genre for Your Story
17 maart 2020 · 24 min
In this episode, we're going to talk about genre -- specifically how to choose the primary (or global) genre for your story. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: Lees meer
[01:30] What's the difference between commercial genres and content genres (aka the reader's genre and the writer's genre)? And why you should care about BOTH.
[05:00] What's the difference between plot-driven stories and character-driven stories? And what are the 12 content genres?
[07:00] A special note for science fiction and fantasy authors (if you're writing speculative fiction, you don't want to miss this!)
[08:45] Why you need to choose one primary genre for your story -- and how this can actually make the writing, editing, and publishing process SO MUCH EASIER.
[09:45] 5 questions to help you choose the main genre for your story.
[17:30] Once you've identified your story's global genre, what's next? Here's a preview of how your story's genre can help you write a stronger first draft.
[20:30] Key points and episode recap.
Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance--I really appreciate it!
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know book by Shawn Coyne
Episode Freebie: How to Choose the Best Genre for Your Story PDF
Send Savannah You…
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#1: The #1 Myth That Holds Writers Back
17 maart 2020 · 17 min
In this episode, we're going to talk about the biggest myth that holds writers back and what to do about it if you're falling prey to this myth. Here's a quick overview of what we talk about in this episode: Lees meer
[01:00] How do you know if you're falling prey to this myth? Here are 3 scenarios that might signal to you that you need to address the belief at the root of this myth. Which scenario best describes your writing practice?
[03:00] The #1 myth that holds writers back (it's probably not what you think!)
[03:30] A real-life example of a writer who almost gave up on her writing because she believed in this myth. Don't worry, it has a happy ending!
[06:45] Where does this myth come from? Why do we believe this myth?
[08:00] Strategies for combatting this insidious myth and how unwinding this belief can help you write a stronger, more focused draft.
[11:15] A new and improved definition of what it means to write a story. An example of what this looks like in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
[13:25] Key points and a recap of the episode.
Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode! Especially because I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. So, click here to subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts!
If you're already a subscriber, and if you enjoy the show, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other writers find my podcast and they’re also super fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thanks in advance--I really appreciate it!
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Story Genius book by Lisa Cron
Episode Freebie: The 3 Questions to Help You Uncover Your Story PDF
Send Savann…
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Introducing the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast!
10 maart 2020 · 4 min
Weekly writing tips from a developmental editor and book coach. Lees meer
My name is Savannah Gilbo and I'm a fiction editor and book coach. Every day, I help people, just like you, write, edit, and publish their books.
I started this podcast because I want to prove that writing a novel doesn't have to be scary and overwhelming. Every week, I'll bring you a brand new episode with simple, actionable, and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away.
So, whether you're brand new to writing, or a more seasoned author looking to improve your craft, this podcast is for you! So pick up a pen and let's get started!
For more writing tips, or to learn more about the show, head on over to https://www.savannahgilbo.com.
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