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

Ever wonder why some writers seem to improve rapidly while others stay stuck for years, despite writing every single day? 🤔

The difference isn't talent or luck—it's deliberate practice.

Most aspiring novelists think that accumulating word count is the path to improvement. But here's the truth: without targeted practice and expert feedback, you might be reinforcing bad habits rather than developing good ones.

Tim Grahl is the CEO of Story Grid, author of six books, and has analyzed over 2,000 scenes from aspiring writers. What he's discovered about skill development might completely change how you approach your writing journey.

In this episode, you'll hear us talk about things like:

• [24:45] Why most writers don't improve even when they write every day—and the missing piece that separates writers who progress from those who stay stuck
• [02:11] The surprising shift Story Grid made from teaching big-picture structure to focusing on scene-level fundamentals instead
• [10:02] The 3-step framework for creating a deliberate writing practice that builds real skills instead of just word count
• [15:16] The three most common scene-writing mistakes that kill narrative momentum—and how to avoid them
• [24:27] Why getting expert feedback (not just writing in isolation) is the crucial element most writers miss

Whether you're staring at your first blank page or you've got a drawer full of unfinished manuscripts, this episode will show you exactly how to break the cycle of starting and stopping and finally make meaningful progress on your writing!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Story Grid’s Scene Checklist (Free Resource)

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

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Congratulations! You've finished writing your novel, and you've set your sights on self-publishing. But now you're staring at your manuscript, wondering, "Where do I start?" If you're feeling overwhelmed by the self-publishing process, you're not alone. 

Most first-time authors don't realize just how many decisions the self-publishing process involves. From choosing file formats and pricing strategies to designing covers and optimizing metadata—every choice you make directly impacts your book's success in the marketplace.

This is exactly why having a roadmap to follow before diving into self-publishing is so crucial. Just as you wouldn't build a house without blueprints, you shouldn't publish your novel without a clear plan of action. 

That's exactly what I'm providing in this episode—a comprehensive 10-step guide that will transform your manuscript into a professionally published book readers will discover and enjoy.

You’ll hear me talk about things like:

• [02:42] The critical mindset shift most first-time authors fail to make—and why adopting a publisher’s mindset is key to your self-publishing success
• [06:04] How to build out your publishing team (including why skimping on professional editing is the costliest mistake you can make)
• [11:51] Why you should start building your author platform and growing your email list now—even if your book isn’t entirely ready to publish just yet
• [21:19] How to decide which distribution channel is best for you and your book (and why this choice impacts everything from your marketing to sales)
• [25:49] How to develop a flexible pricing strategy that positions your novel correctly in the market while maximizing your revenue and/or reach

Whether you’ve already set your sights on self-publishing or if you’ve been researching self-publishing only to feel more confused than ever, this episode will give you the clear, strategic roadmap you need to confidently self-publish your novel like a pro!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Your Self-Publishing Roadmap: 10 Steps To Self-Publishing a Novel (Free Guide)
• Ep. #83 - What Kind of Editor Do You Need For Your Book?
• Ep. #106 - 5 Steps To Building Your Author Platform
• Ep. #107 - Email List Building Essentials For Authors
• Ep. 163 - How To Find & Work With A Book Cover Designer

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

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Learn how dictation is your secret weapon for capturing story ideas, supporting overall health, and writing up to 3,000 words per hour.

Are you curious about how dictation can improve your health and mobility, enhance your natural storytelling flow, and revolutionize your time management—even if you've tried and failed at it before? Well, then, you'll love this episode with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer.

Sarah is an author who's published 19 books—11 of which she wrote entirely through dictation. She now teaches other writers how to do the same so that they can write faster, spend less time sitting at their computers, and overcome perfectionism that stops them from getting words on the page.

Be sure to tune in. You'll hear us talk about things like:

[03:33] Why Sarah failed at dictation for years and the surprising mindset shift that made everything click into place.  

[06:40] The 3 unexpected benefits of dictation that have nothing to do with writing speed but will change how you think about it.

[09:14] How Sarah captured 1,200 words in just 20 minutes while washing dishes (the scene that would've been lost forever).

[15:48] Why your brain freezes when you try to dictate your fiction and exactly how to create those missing neural pathways.

[25:43] The dead-simple "open bracket" trick for adding quick notes mid-sentence without breaking your creative flow.

[31:40] The surprisingly simple text message exercise that retrains your brain for dictation even if you had trouble with it before. 

Whether battling perfectionism, dealing with chronic pain, or just curious about dictation for writers, this episode gives you the practical steps to get started without expensive dictation software or complicated equipment.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Check out Sarah’s Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini-Course and use code FWME to get $50 off your purchase.
• Dictation For Authors Quickstart Guide (Free)

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

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

Discover the five most common big-picture mistakes writers make in their first drafts—and learn exactly what you can do to fix them.

Congratulations, you finished your first draft! …But now what? If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed as you dive into editing your messy first draft, you're so not alone. 

As a developmental editor, I've reviewed hundreds of first drafts, and I've noticed that most new writers struggle with the same core issues—problems that have nothing to do with your writing talent, but everything to do with fundamental story principles.

In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 most common big-picture mistakes I see writers make in their first drafts (and exactly what you can do to fix them). 

You'll hear me talk about things like:

• [00:00] How to figure out if your story starts in the right place (and the one simple question that can help you find the perfect spot to begin your first chapter)
• [00:00] The difference between meaningful conflict vs. random plot events—and why your protagonist’s transformation depends on this key storytelling element
• [00:00] How to fix weak narrative drive (aka the dreaded "so what?" problem that causes readers to abandon books), and how to create seamless scene-to-scene connections
• [00:00] Character development strategies for increasing emotional stakes in your novel without resorting to melodramatic plot twists or artificial tension
• [00:00] The one mistake that might make readers feel cheated at the end of your novel (even if they can't explain why), and how to fix it

If you've finished your first draft but feel something's not quite working, or if you're struggling to revise a manuscript that just doesn't seem to come together, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to transform your story!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Novel Editing Roadmap: 10 Steps To Editing Your First Draft (Free Guide)
• Ep. #13 - 5 Things That Kill Narrative Drive (& How To Fix It)
• Ep. #18 - 5 Mistakes Writers Make In Their Opening Pages
• Ep. #118 - How To Find The Major Dramatic Question Of Your Story
• Ep. #145 - How To Develop Your Character’s Backstory
• Ep. #149 - 5 Questions To Develop Better Antagonists
• 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.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

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👉 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 the five ways to talk about your story’s genre so you can write, edit, and publish your novel with clarity and confidence.

Ever found yourself staring at a blinking cursor, excited about your story idea but utterly confused about how to describe its genre? 😩 

This kind of uncertainty isn't just frustrating. It can have serious consequences for your writing, editing, and publishing journey.

Here’s what you need to know: There are actually five different layers of genre that work together to describe your unique story. Think of this as your story's "genre DNA"—a description that gives readers a comprehensive picture of your work.

Tune into this episode to learn:

• [02:22] How to determine if your novel is commercial, literary, or upmarket fiction—and why this positioning matters when writing, editing, and publishing
• [05:21] Why your story's time period affects everything from research requirements to character development (and what this means for fantasy authors whose stories often take place in their own temporal contexts)
• [07:32] How to select the appropriate age category for your target readers and why this critical decision shapes your word count, content, and marketing options
• [11:30] The different reality settings available for your story world and practical ways to manage worldbuilding without getting overwhelmed
• [18:15] How your story’s content genre can serve as your writing roadmap by defining the emotional experience readers expect from a story like yours

Whether you're drafting your first novel or preparing to query agents, this episode will help you define your story's genre so you can write with direction, revise with purpose, and market your book with confidence.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. #2 - How To Choose The Right Genre For Your Story
• Free Worksheet: Discover Your Story’s Unique Genre DNA

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

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

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

But now you're staring at your manuscript, wondering, "What next?" 

Maybe you've tried jumping straight into revisions only to find yourself overwhelmed, confused, or just plain stuck. Or maybe you’re just avoiding it altogether.

If your excitement about finishing your draft has given way to editing anxiety, you're not alone. Every author—even the most seasoned professionals—reaches this crossroads, where the path forward seems foggy at best.

Tune in to learn the exact novel editing framework that has helped my clients and students transform their messy drafts into completed manuscripts.

You’ll hear me talk about things like:

• [06:21] The game-changing approach to organizing your editing notes that’ll prevent months of wasted time and getting stuck in "revision loops"
• [07:17] How mapping what you actually wrote (not what you intended to write) can expose the hidden strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript
• [10:05] The #1 mistake first-time novelists make when editing their messy first drafts (and how to avoid falling into this all too common trap)
• [16:05] The four-category sorting system that helps you prioritize feedback and make confident decisions about which changes to implement
• [23:22] How your publishing path impacts your editing to-do list (and which steps to take if you’re self-publishing or traditional publishing)

If you've finally finished your first draft but find yourself paralyzed by the editing process, or if you've been revising the same chapters for months without making real progress, this episode gives you the clear, structured approach you need.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Novel Editing Roadmap: 10 Steps To Editing Your First Draft (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.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

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

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

Are you stuck with half-finished manuscripts or endlessly revising the same chapters? Does your story refuse to translate from your imagination to the page the way you envision it?

You're not alone. The very perfectionism that drives you to write can become the biggest obstacle to finishing your novel.

In this episode, Cheryl Arko shares her transformative journey from decades of false starts to published author at 72, revealing the exact strategies that helped her finally complete her science fiction novel after years of struggle.

Tune in to hear:

• [14:31] The reverse outlining technique that revealed why Cheryl’s scenes weren't working (and exactly how to fix them)
  
  
• [17:47] How entering a writing competition boosted her confidence and validated her manuscript's potential (and earned her a finalist spot!)
  
  
• [20:39] The two-phase writing approach that freed Cheryl from perfectionism paralysis (and helped her make twice the progress in half the time)
  
  
• [29:35] How developing her antagonist into a more three-dimensional character solved plot problems Cheryl had been stuck on for months
  
  
• [35:01] The practical reasons Cheryl chose self-publishing at 72 (and how to decide what's right for you based on your timeline and goals)

If you've ever abandoned a manuscript or worried it's too late to realize your writing dreams, this episode proves that with the right approach, you can finally type "The End" on your novel—no matter your age or how long you've been trying.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Cheryl Arko’s website
• Buy Cheryl’s book on Amazon
• Ep. #40 - How to Write a Well-Structured Scene

⭐ 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!

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

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

Five book coaches reveal their most powerful mindset hacks to help you crush self-doubt, overcome perfectionism, and finally finish your first draft—even if you've been stuck for months.

Picture this: You sit down with a fresh cup of coffee, open your laptop to write your novel, and then that voice of doubt creeps in: "This is terrible. You don't know what you're doing." And then you're staring at a blinking cursor, completely frozen.

Sound familiar?

If you're nodding your head, you're not alone. Whether you're just starting your first novel or you've been trying to finish that draft for months (or years!), these mental roadblocks aren't signs of failure—they're normal challenges every writer faces.

Tune in to this episode to hear five proven mindset strategies from professional book coaches and editors who have helped countless first-time novelists overcome writer's block, self-doubt, and procrastination to finally type "The End" on their first drafts.

• [02:11] The surprising mindset shift that turns "This writing is terrible" into productive writing sessions
• [08:41] How to carve out writing time that actually works (without quitting your day job or neglecting your family)
• [14:43] Why waiting to "feel inspired" is killing your novel—and the counterintuitive approach that actually works
• [20:12] The five simple questions that can rescue your story when you're stuck in the dreaded "middle slump"
• [27:08] How strategic "neglect" might be the missing ingredient to finally type "The End" on your manuscript

If you're an aspiring author who is writing your first draft, or if you've started multiple manuscripts but keep getting stuck in the middle, this episode's for you!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Get on the waitlist for my Notes to Novel course!
• Candace Coakley’s website and Instagram
• Sam Henke’s website and Instagram
• Jenny Luke’s website and Instagram
• Karla Diaz’s website and Instagram
• Sam Cameron’s website and Instagram

⭐ 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 t

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

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

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

Ever gasped out loud while reading a thriller? That moment when everything flips upside down and you think, "I should have seen it coming!" 😱

That's the power of a well-crafted plot twist.

Creating these goosebump-inducing moments isn't magic—it's a skill that any writer can master, even if you’re just starting out. And who better to learn from than someone whose superpower is brainstorming plot twists?

Samantha Skal is the director of Thriller Fest, the co-founder of Shadows and Secrets Writing Retreats (held in Salem’s most haunted hotel!), and a certified Author Accelerator book coach specializing in mystery, thriller, and suspense. So to say she knows a thing or two about crafting plot twists would be an understatement.

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

• [04:45] The difference between using red herrings in mysteries and thrillers(and why mixing them up might be killing your story's suspense)
• [07:11] Why "playing fair" with readers is the cardinal rule of plot twist writing—and how breaking it turns clever twists into manipulative disappointments
• [15:12] Why starting with your villain (not your protagonist) is the secret to crafting plot twists that are surprising yet inevitable
• [24:00] How your character's personal baggage can become your most powerful tool for misdirecting readers (without feeling manipulative)
• [40:45] The counterintuitive reason why vague storytelling kills suspense—and what to do instead to create maximum tension

Whether you're excited to start your first novel or stuck somewhere in the middle of a manuscript, wondering how to surprise your readers, this episode will help you craft plot twists that feel both surprising and inevitable. 

⭐ 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!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Samantha Skal’s website
• Shadows & Secrets Retreats
• Freebie: 17 Thriller Twist Ideas to Jumpstart Your Brains

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

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

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.

⭐ 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!

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

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