Writing your first novel is a journey unlike any other—equal parts exhilarating, frustrating, magical, and challenging. But here's what you need to know right now: it's completely doable with the right approach.

Something I've discovered after working with hundreds of writers is that finishing a novel requires more than just talent or a great idea. It takes the right mindset, practical tools, and a strategic approach that keeps you moving forward even when inspiration fades.

Tune in to learn the exact novel-writing framework that has helped my clients and students transform their ideas into completed manuscripts, with a special focus on the foundational elements that make stories truly resonate with readers.

You’ll hear me talk about things like:

• [02:10] The #1 reason most first-time novelists abandon their manuscripts (spoiler alert: it's not writer's block)
• [13:25] Why understanding your protagonist's inner obstacle is the key to creating a page-turning novel
• [20:20] The simple 3-part story structure that successful authors use to prevent getting stuck in the dreaded "murky middle"
• [26:45] Which writing routines actually work for busy people (and why marathon writing sessions might be sabotaging your progress)
• [30:20] The psychological trick that transforms "someday" writers into authors who actually finish their first draft
• [32:50] Episode recap and final thoughts

If you've been dreaming about becoming an author but find yourself staring at a blank page or blinking cursor, or if you've started multiple manuscripts only to abandon them when the going gets tough, then this episode is for you!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Your First Draft Roadmap: 10 Steps To Writing a Novel (Free Guide)
• Want my entire step-by-step process for brainstorming, outlining, and writing your first draft? Click here to learn more about my Notes to Novel program.

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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 today’s episode, we’re going behind the scenes of Angela Haas’s journey to hear how she self-published not one but two books in the last six months—one’s that’s a really fun space opera and the other that’s a romantic comedy. You’ll hear about her experience working with book editors, how she approaches the writing process as a die-hard pantser, and what made her choose self-publishing for all three of her books.

In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about things like:

• [06:50] What happened when Angela submitted her outline for feedback in an online writing course (it wasn’t mine!) and got negative feedback from the instructor who called her space opera story “spoofy”
• [13:45] How understanding this one writing technique (spoiler alert: it’s “show, don’t tell") helped improve the quality of Angela’s manuscripts, and what exactly made this tricky concept finally make sense
• [15:05] What made Angela (a die-hard pantser) finally embrace outlining—and what her unique approach to outlining looks like (spoiler alert: it’s flexible and creative, something all pantsers would love!)
• [17:45] What happened when Angela hired an editor who started re-writing passages from her story (and why this almost made her give up on writing altogether)
• [20:10] Why Angela decided to self-publish both of her books—including what she learned from researching traditional publishing and indie publishing and the factors that made her choose self-publishing

If you’re an aspiring author who dreams of self-publishing a novel to have more control over the creative process, you’re going to love this episode!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Angela Haas’s Website
• Angela Haas on Instagram
• Angela Haas’s Books
• The Author Next Door Show

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

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Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

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“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 all the time. And while it’s true that writing a story with dual timelines presents its own set of challenges, the possibilities are often worth the effort.

Tune in to this episode to learn the essential elements that make dual timeline novels work, common mistakes to avoid, and practical writing strategies you can use to write a dual timeline story that truly resonates with readers.

In this episode, I cover things like:

• [03:00] The difference between true dual timeline stories and stories that use flashbacks to convey backstory—and why this distinction is so important
• [08:45] Two proven methods for arranging the chapters in your dual timeline novel, including the most common approach that works for all genres
• [11:25] Why creating a connection between timelines is so critical—and 5 specific ways to create meaningful connections between your timelines
• [18:00] How to keep readers engaged in your story no matter which timeline they’re in (and what to do if one of your timelines falls flat)
• [25:55] Final thoughts and episode recap

If you want to write a novel that has more than one timeline—or if you’re editing a novel with dual timelines—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Click here to get instant access to our deep dive into The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab to see how a dual timeline novel works!

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! 

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

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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 with decades of experience?

Either way, you’re going to love this episode with Michael Jamin. Michael is a TV writer turned author who just published his collection of personal essays, A Paper Orchestra, in 2023. Since then, his book has won a Reedsy Discovery Editor’s Choice Award and has been named one of Vulture’s “Best Comedy Books of 2024.”

Michael’s many credits include writing for King of the Hill, Beavis and Butt-Head, Just Shoot Me, Wilfred, Maron, Rules of Engagement, Out of Practice, Brickleberry, and Tacoma FD. And in this episode, he’s sharing what it was like making the switch from writing for TV to writing his first book.

In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about things like:

• [03:53] What it was like making the switch from writing for TV to writing his debut memoir—including how Michael’s background in TV both helped and hindered his memoir-writing
• [12:13] The two main reasons Michael’s book died on submission—despite having an agent who loved his book (spoiler alert: it came down to not having a platform and his manuscript lacking a throughline)
• [14:52] Why Michael decided to self-publish, plus what he learned while researching the differences between traditional and indie publishing
• [18:08] How Michael built his audience on Instagram to almost 200k followers by being authentic and sharing his knowledge
• [24:17] Michael's two cents on writing comedy, including some of the most common mistakes writers make when trying to write comedy

Even if you can’t relate to Michael’s TV background, you’ll still get a ton of value from this episode. He knows what it’s like to struggle through your first book—and he’s a great example of what happens if you don’t give up!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• A Paper Orchestra by Michael Jamin
• Michael Jamin’s Website & Instagram
• How my self-published book became one of Vulture's "Best Comedy Books of 2024"
• What The Hell Is Michael Jamin Talking About?
• Unwritten by Michael Jamin

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! 

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

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

Whether you're drafting your first Romantasy novel or refining your approach to an existing manuscript, this episode will help you deliver exactly what readers are looking for in this booming genre.

Tune in for a deep dive into the Romantasy genre and learn things like:

[01:35] Key differences between books like Fourth Wing, Radiance, and The Name of The Wind, and why only two of these would be marketed as Romantasy, despite having many similar elements

[05:24] What the Romantasy genre spectrum looks like—and why knowing where your story fits on this spectrum changes everything about how you write it

[10:55] How to navigate the thematic differences between “Fantasy Romance” (focused on love's power) versus “Romantic Fantasy” (centered on survival)

[18:22] How to craft character relationships that resonate differently depending on your subgenre—and why this matters more than you think

[22:15] Worldbuilding strategies specific to each end of the Romantasy spectrum that will keep readers immersed in your story and coming back for more

If you’ve ever wondered why some Romantasy novels feel like epic adventures with a dash of romance while others are more like swoon-worthy love stories with magical elements, this episode will help clear out some of that confusion.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 145 - How To Develop Your Character's Backstory
• Ep. 7 - 5 Questions To Help You Write Better Characters
• Ep. 23 - The 6 Key Scenes Every Romance Novel Needs
• Ep. 38 - Romance Genre Conventions
• Ep. 41 - The 6 Key Scenes Every Action Story Needs
• Ep. 57 - Action Genre Key Scenes

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! 

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Romantasy and Fantasy authors! Tune in to learn how the opening pages of House of Earth and Blood hooks readers and pulls them into the rest of the story.

Join me and Abigail K. Perry for a deep dive into the opening chapter of the first Crescent City book, House of Earth and Blood, to find out how and why it works. 

We analyze this first chapter from both a macro and micro perspective to see what kind of promise it makes to the reader, how the author introduces us to the story world, and to figure out why we care so much about these fictional characters.

In the episode, you’ll hear us talk about:

• [03:08] A quick summary of the first chapter of House of Earth and Blood, including our thoughts on why the author started the story here
• [05:05] A big-picture analysis of the first chapter to see what kind of promise it makes to the reader (this part’s really fun because Abigail has NOT read the books, so tune in and hear what she picked up on!)
• [25:50] What it means to write a story with a steep learning curve—and why understanding your target audience makes a big difference when it comes to creating a fictional world for your story
• [38:50] A deep-dive into the scene structure within the opening chapter (spoiler alert: the scene continues into chapter two—tune in to hear how we landed here)
• [47:26] Why it’s so important to have “on the surface” excitement and action when planting clues and setting things up in your opening chapters

Whether you’re writing fantasy, romantasy, or any kind of story that requires world-building, this episode will change how you look at your opening chapter. Plus, you’ll get a fantastic peek at how Sarah J. Maas wrote another bestselling fantasy series (so you can do the same when writing your own novel).

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 96 - 5 Worldbuilding Tips for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers
• Check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry here! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! 

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

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

Meet Margaret Mantor, a science-fantasy romance author from Denver whose novel Air And Ashes hit Amazon's bestseller list one month after launch. Tune in to hear us talk about why giving away books for free can lead to more sales, how to use BookBub promotions and newsletter features to skyrocket your Amazon rankings, and why using social media to promote your book doesn’t always work.

Episode Highlights 

[03:45] Meet Margaret, a science-fantasy romance author from Denver

[05:03] Celebrating becoming an Amazon bestseller one month after launch

[05:51] How Margaret's high school story idea became an Amazon bestseller

[07:24] Working with a developmental editor and handling feedback

[13:35] The revision process: Beta readers, line editors, and proofreaders

[18:26] Why Margaret chose self-publishing vs. traditional publishing

[20:33] Book marketing strategies that actually worked without social media

[26:55] Key lessons learned and best advice for aspiring authors

[34:35] Looking ahead to book 2 and how it’s already better

If you’re an aspiring fiction author who wants to successfully self-publish your book (without using social media to market it), this episode is for you!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Visit Margaret Mantor’s website
• Margaret Mantor on Instagram & TikTok
• Buy Air And Ashes by Margaret Mantor

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! 

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Chronic illness teaches you about pain, loss, and resilience. Find out why this can make you a better storyteller.

Writing a novel can feel impossible when managing a chronic illness. Symptoms, brain fog, and advice that doesn't fit your life can make you wonder if you'll ever finish your story. But your experience with chronic illness also gives you a rare edge that empowers you to connect with readers on a much deeper level.

That's why I'm so excited to introduce you to Sandra Postma. She's a certified book coach who works with writers facing chronic illnesses. Sandra brings such warmth and kindness to this conversation, shaped by her own 20-year journey with chronic illness and writing. 

In this episode, Sandra and I talk about turning your chronic illness into your secret weapon for storytelling, finding writing strategies that honor your body, and giving yourself permission to write in a way that works for you.

Here’s what we cover: 

[04:55] The top three challenges writers with chronic illnesses face and why traditional writing advice doesn't always work.

[14:28] How to create a writing routine that’s right for you and your body, even if it breaks a few common rules.

[16:13] Why your chronic illness can be the key to connecting with your readers on a raw, emotional level.

[27:30] Understanding the difference between ‘clean pain’ and ‘dirty pain’ and how this writing mindset shift supports you when things get tough.

[33:01] Why it’s okay for your writing journey to take as long as it needs—and how to make peace with your pace.

Whether you're starting your first draft or deep into your novel, this conversation will help you find your own path to storytelling—one that pays tribute to your creativity and well-being.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Sandra’s Website & Instagram
• Free Guide: How To Write When You Have A Chronic Illness

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! 

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

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

In this listener-voted episode, I team up with developmental editor and book coach Abigail K. Perry to analyze the opening chapter of Diana Gabaldon's genre-defying masterpiece, Outlander, on a macro and micro level. 

And truth be told, this might be one of our most challenging chapter analyses yet, but you'll learn exactly what makes these opening pages super engaging so you can apply it to your own writing.

Here’s what we cover:

[07:13] An Outlander chapter summary that reveals how Gabaldon masterfully sets up relationship tension and an interesting open loop that becomes hugely important later.

[13:05] A chapter one macro analysis using the seven questions from Paula Munier’s book, The Writer’s Guide To Beginnings, to break down what makes this opening so spot-on (from genre to character to stakes).

[39:50] How Gabaldon built Outlander's plot around three major story peaks to keep readers glued to the page. (I found this gem on her website and had to share it with you.)

[43:01] A microanalysis of the two scenes within the first chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from Shawn Coyn's book, The Story Grid—to learn how to make your quiet moments as compelling as the action-packed ones.

[56:33] A discussion on how to write tricky relationship moments and emotional turning points in a way that feels natural and not forced. 

Whether you're writing historical fantasy, time travel romance, historical romance, or any genre-bending story, you'll get a fantastic overview of how Diana Gabaldon crafted an opening chapter that launched a global phenomenon (so you can do the same for your own novel). 

Tune in now. 

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Check out the LitMatch Podcast with Abigail Perry here! You can also get in touch with Abigail through her website or on Instagram @abigailkperry.

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! 

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Got writer's block and convinced it's because you lack talent? Think again! And I have the solution that'll change the way you approach your writing…

If you're struggling to finish your novel, I want you to know that your lack of progress has nothing to do with your capabilities or the quality of your ideas. In fact, it boils down to an imbalance of three essential things—or pillars of novel creation, if you will.

In this week's episode, I'm sharing what these three things are so you can overcome writing roadblocks and finish your novel in 2025.

These three things helped Jenny finish her draft in 6 months (after being stuck for 12 years) and gave Laura the confidence to move past self-doubt and finish her 83,000-word fantasy story.

Here’s what I talk about: 

[03:43] Your secret roadmap to avoid the endless planning loop where you waste months (or even years) trying to make everything perfect.

[10:01] The most overlooked part of successfully writing a first draft, which many people ignore, and how to leverage it when self-doubt kicks in.

[15:36] The technical piece of the writing puzzle and why even beautiful prose won't help if the other two pieces aren't in place.

And so much more…

If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress on your story, grab your headphones, turn the volume up, and press play. This could be the writing breakthrough you've been waiting for.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Click here to learn more about my signature program Notes to Novel™—and join us for the next LIVE cohort before doors close on January 30th, 2025.
• Ep. 88 - Perfectionism vs. Procrastination: What's REALLY Going On?
• Ep. 123 - How To Overcome The 5 Types Of Imposter Syndrome
• Ep. 134 - How To Stop Procrastinating: 5 Productivity Tips For Writers

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! 

Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.