Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel

Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 3) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 33


Listen Later

How do you write an ending so compelling that readers not only finish your book but immediately tell their friends, “You HAVE to read this”?

Well, that’s a big question—but one thing’s for sure: a strong story structure is essential.

In this episode, we’re tackling Act 3 of the Save the Cat story structure framework. I’ll break down how to craft a climactic, unforgettable ending—one that surprises readers, leaves them deeply satisfied, and makes them eager to grab your next book.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✨ What makes The Break Into Three the turning point that propels your protagonist into the final act.
✨ How to build a powerful, high-stakes finale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
✨ The five essential beats of a strong, emotionally satisfying ending.
✨ Why the Final Image is the key to making your story feel complete—and how to craft one that lingers in readers’ minds.

If you want to write an ending that sticks with your readers long after they turn the last page, this episode is for you.


Get the Act 3 Workbook:📚 Click here to sign up to get the Save the Cat Act 2 Workbook


Get the FULL (Acts 1-3) Workbook:📚 Click here to sign up to get the Save the Cat Act 2 Workbook


Join Momentum Writing Sprints! ✍️🏃🏽‍♀️😎Come write with us for FREE every Saturday from 11 am  to 12 pm ET! 

Ask Me Anything Thursdays👋 Send me your writing question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name if you want a shout out! 🤗

Support the show

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian NovelBy Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

13 ratings


More shows like Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel

View all
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! by NPR

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

38,688 Listeners

The Rachel Maddow Show by Rachel Maddow, MSNBC

The Rachel Maddow Show

36,920 Listeners

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers by Joanna Penn

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

613 Listeners

Helping Writers Become Authors by K.M. Weiland

Helping Writers Become Authors

985 Listeners

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience by Kelton Reid

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

214 Listeners

Writing Excuses by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

Writing Excuses

1,297 Listeners

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang by Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

8,607 Listeners

Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Pod Save America

86,615 Listeners

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

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

1,431 Listeners

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing by Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

761 Listeners

Maintenance Phase by Aubrey Gordon & Michael Hobbes

Maintenance Phase

16,393 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,543 Listeners

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

355 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,494 Listeners

If Books Could Kill by Michael Hobbes & Peter Shamshiri

If Books Could Kill

8,842 Listeners