Feedback can transform your writing — or completely derail your confidence — depending on how you understand it.

In this episode, Heather breaks down the four types of writing feedback every author needs to know (and only one that truly helps you improve). You’ll learn how to tell the difference between feedback that leaves you spinning your wheels and feedback that actually moves your story — and your skills — forward.

We’ll talk about:
✨ Why “positive” and “negative” feedback aren’t helpful labels
✨ The difference between praise, growth, general, and specific feedback
✨ The single quadrant of feedback that will supercharge your development as a writer
✨ How to stop fearing critique and start using it to become a stronger storyteller

By the end, you’ll know exactly what kind of feedback to ask for (and give!) so you can connect more deeply with your story — and your readers.

💌 Want a visual of the four feedback types? Grab the feedback graphic HERE!

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! 🤗

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Is your story built on a rock-solid foundation—or is it wobbling under the weight of weak structure, thin characters, or unclear purpose? In this episode of Speculative Fiction Made Simple, I break down the four essential elements every novel must have to truly resonate with readers, hook agents, and stand out in today’s crowded market.

💡 Spoiler: These are totally learnable skills you can start applying right now.

You will learn:

• Why clarifying your novel’s point is the single most important step in your storytelling process
• How to design a protagonist with depth, conflict, and a powerful character arc
• What kind of worldbuilding actually matters (and what you can safely skip)
• How to structure your plot so every beat drives transformation and delivers on your story’s promise

If your novel feels shaky or stuck, this episode will give you the blueprint to shore it up and move forward with confidence.

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! 🤗

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 👉 Click here to grab your free ticket to the WorldShift: Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit and hear Lisa Cron’s summit presentation—plus 30+ other craft-deep sessions from top speculative fiction coaches, authors, and industry pros. 

Most of what you’ve been taught about writing is wrong. At least, that’s what bestselling author and story coach Lisa Cron (📚 Wired for Story, Story Genius, Story or Die) believes—and she’s here to prove it.

In this deep, no-fluff conversation, Lisa and I dismantle some of the most damaging writing myths that keep authors stuck—like “backstory should be used sparingly,” “don’t tell us what your character’s thinking,” and “hold back information for a big reveal.” We dig into why these “rules” are not only misguided but can actually drain the emotional power from your story.

You’ll learn:

• Why emotion—not plot—is the true driver of story
• How to build a novel from the inside out (and why starting with plot is a trap)
• The truth about backstory (and why it belongs on every page)
• How to craft characters whose internal struggles keep readers hooked
• The one question you must answer before you write a single scene

If you’ve ever felt confused, stuck, or frustrated by conflicting writing advice, this episode will give you clarity, permission, and a fresh, brain-science-backed approach to storytelling that works.

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! 🤗

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 👉 Click here to grab your free ticket to the WorldShift: Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit and hear Alex Temblador’s summit presentation—plus 30+ other craft-deep sessions from top speculative fiction coaches, authors, and industry pros. 

Worried you’ll get it wrong when writing a character whose identity isn’t your own—and that you’ll hurt someone, face backlash, or be told you shouldn’t even try? But at the same time, you know that leaving out marginalized identities doesn’t feel right either—especially when you’re building entire worlds from scratch?

You’re not alone. And this episode is for you.

In this powerful, honest conversation, I sit down with the brilliant Alex Temblador—award-winning author of Writing an Identity Not Your Own, Half Outlaw, and Secrets of the Casa Rosada—to talk about how speculative fiction writers can represent identities outside their own with more care, confidence, and nuance.

We get into: 

• What most writers get wrong (even with good intentions) 
• The difference between writing and editing identities 
• How to spot unconscious bias and avoid coded stereotypes 
• Why worldbuilding always reflects our world—and what to do about it 
• Plus: her haunted house story (yes, really)

If you’ve ever wondered how to get representation right without falling into fear, tokenism, or tired tropes, this episode will change the way you write—and revise—forever.

Spoiler: You can do this. And Alex shows you how.

 
$40 off "Writing An Identity Not Your Own: For Fantasy & Sci-Fi Writers" with promo code SPECFIC

Sign up here 👉 https://www.alextemblador.com/courses

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! 🤗

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So many writers dream of getting a traditional book deal—but the process to get there can feel confusing, overwhelming, and totally out of reach.

In this episode, I’m giving you a bird’s-eye view of the entire traditional publishing journey—from that first spark of a novel idea to the moment you finally see your book on the shelf.

 We’ll talk about what really goes into landing a literary agent, what happens once you’ve signed with one, and why it’s never too early to start thinking like a published author.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✨ What traditional publishing actually looks like (and why it takes years—not months).
✨ The 15-step journey from novel idea to bookstore shelf.
✨ How a book coach, critique group, or developmental editor fits into the process.
✨ Why you should start thinking about querying before your novel is even finished.
✨ How to handle rejection without losing momentum—or your mind.

 Whether you're just starting your novel or you're already on your second revision, this episode will help you understand the traditional publishing path so you can walk it with confidence.

Get The Infographic:📚Are you more of a visual person? I totally get it. That's why I created this handy infographic! Join my email list and snag it for free! 

Program Clarity Chat 🎉🚀 Are you curious whether private book coaching or group book coaching might be right for you? Please click here to sign up for a FREE chat! 

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! 🤗

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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! 🤗

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Are you sending out queries but only getting form rejections—or worse, no responses at all? Maybe you're receiving personalized rejections that praise your concept but still pass on your book? If you’re struggling to understand why agents aren’t biting, this episode is for you.

In today’s Ask Me Anything Thursday, I’ll break down the biggest reasons novels get rejected—and what you can do to fix them. Whether it’s your query letter, voice, stakes, or character depth, I’ll walk you through practical solutions to help your manuscript stand out.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The two main types of rejection and what they reveal about your query and pages
• Why agents pass on a strong premise and how to make your writing irresistible
• The most common query letter mistakes—and how to fix them
• How to clarify your stakes so agents (and readers) can’t look away
• Why interiority and emotional depth are non-negotiable in today’s market
• And so much more!

Whether you're drafting or deep in the querying trenches, this episode will give you practical strategies to strengthen your manuscript and improve your chances of landing an agent. 

Program Clarity Chat 😎🎉📚🚀 Are you curious whether private book coaching or group book coaching might be right for you? Please click here to sign up for a FREE chat! 

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! 🤗

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Does your novel feel have a saggy middle? Does it just meander around without a lot of momentum? In this episode, I’ll walk you through Act 2 of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty of room for creativity and unexpected inspiration.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to keep the middle of your novel from dragging—and why this is where many stories lose momentum
• Why the Midpoint is a game-changer and how it shifts your story into high gear
• How internal and external obstacles work together to create tension and growth
• And so much more!

Whether you’re drafting or revising, this episode will give you practical tips to apply the Save the Cat framework to your own manuscript.

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

Join My Email List 📧 Click HERE to join my email list and snag free writing goodies, including expert workshops and more!  

SNAP Critique ✍️ Ready to get your first scene (5 pages or fewer) critiqued for FREE? Fill out the SNAP Critique Form right here!

Program Clarity Chat 💻 Are you curious whether private book coaching or group book coaching might be right for you? Please click here to sign up for a FREE chat! 

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! 🤗

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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I Mix POV Styles in a Dual POV Novel?

Have you ever wondered if you can write a dual POV novel where one protagonist is in first person and the other is in third? In this episode, I answer this question from fantasy writer Becca and break down when and how this technique can work beautifully in speculative fiction.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why mixing POVs can be a powerful storytelling tool.
• How to decide which protagonist should be in first person.
• The key to making each POV distinct and immersive.
• Examples of speculative fiction novels that have successfully used mixed POVs.
• Tune in for practical tips, examples, and guidance to help you decide if a mixed POV structure is right for your novel!

Join My Email List 📧 Click HERE to join my email list and snag free writing goodies, including expert workshops and more!  

SNAP Critique ✍️ Ready to get your first scene (5 pages or fewer) critiqued for FREE? Fill out the SNAP Critique Form right here!

Program Clarity Chat 💻 Are you curious whether private book coaching or group book coaching might be right for you? Please click here to sign up for a FREE chat! 

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! 🤗

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Does your novel feel like it’s wandering aimlessly, struggling to find direction? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the first five beats of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty of room for creativity and unexpected inspiration.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Save the Cat is the perfect balance of structure and creativity
• How to craft a compelling first scene
• How to subtly introduce your story’s core message in the theme stated beat
• Why the setup is crucial and why skipping it can hurt your story
• And so much more

Whether you’re drafting or revising, this episode will give you practical tips to apply the Save the Cat framework to your own manuscript.

Get the Workbook:📚 Click here to sign up to get the Save the Cat Act 1 Workbook

Join My Email List 📧 Click HERE to join my email list and snag free writing goodies, including expert workshops and more!  

SNAP Critique ✍️ Ready to get your first scene (5 pages or fewer) critiqued for FREE? Fill out the SNAP Critique Form right here!

Program Clarity Chat 💻 Are you curious whether private book coaching or group book coaching might be right for you? Please click here to sign up for a FREE chat! 

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