Fiction Writing Made Easy

See how Notes to Novel™ helped these five writers go from a blank page to a story that works (without the overwhelm).With Notes to Novel™ (season 6) right around the corner, I'm bringing you something incredibly special today. I'm chatting with five amazing writers from season 5 about their experience inside the course.And let me tell you, they're in the trenches right now, actively working on their novels. Some have finished their outlines, while others are deep in the drafting phase, and one has already completed her manuscript!This is what we talk about: [02:55] How Katherine finished the “cleanest draft” she’s ever written (at 72k words) in only 3 months—and then went on to edit that same draft in just 8 weeks[09:47] How the Notes to Novel framework helped Kay stay focused on what *really* mattered in her story (and avoid chasing every new shiny object idea that popped into her head)[15:27] What happened when I suggested one of my students, Danyel, eliminate one of her two point-of-view characters during one of our live Q&A calls[21:35] How Harlow used her genre’s key scenes to create an outline (and why this made outlining much more approachable)[27:47] And finally, how Madi wrote her first draft in 6 months (despite being a super busy mom of four)—plus her thoughts on the overall vibe and atmosphere of the group coaching aspectSo, if you’re feeling stuck, flustered, or unsure about your writing process, these 5 Notes to Novel students show you what's possible when you have the right tools and support. Enjoy the episode!🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Get on the Notes to Novel™ waitlist Katherine Varley’s website and ThreadsKay Aprea’s InstagramDanyel Nicole’s website and InstagramHarlow Black’s InstagramMadison Unruh’s 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 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!My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!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.

Feel stuck writing your novel? These 5 time management strategies will squash all productivity blocks to get your story finished—finally (and fast).Why does finding the time to write feel so hard sometimes? We often blame our busy schedules (and yes, that's definitely part of it). But there's something else lurking around that stops your writing progress. And it has a way of making you feel like you're failing at this whole writing thing. Which is so not true.In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on this sneaky (and very hidden) productivity block that keeps tripping you up. Plus, I'm sharing 5 powerful time management strategies to squash this writing bottleneck so you can finish your novel in 2025.You’ll hear me talk about things like:[03:35] The hidden truth about "not enough time" that's actually blocking your writing progress (and how to fix it).[06:04] A simple ‘chunking method’ that reduces writing overwhelm and turns your sessions into productive, dopamine-fueled wins.[10:45] The editing habit that's stealing your momentum, and most writers don't see it coming.[22:28] A fun way to outsmart your brain into showing up for your writing (hello, guilt-free rewards!)[26:26] An energy-mapping trick that leverages your best creative flow state to get more writing done in less time.And so much more…You've got a story inside you that deserves to be told, and 2025 is your year to hold that finished novel in your hands. Whether it's your debut or your next book in a growing series—your writing journey is too important to let productivity barriers hold you back. You've got this, and I'm here to help.Enjoy this episode, and make sure to grab your free time management guide in the links section below to start implementing these strategies today.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Ep. 134 - How To Stop Procrastinating: 5 Productivity Tips For WritersFree Pomodoro TimerGrab the free Time Management Guide for authors here! ⭐ 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!My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!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.

The best writing advice sticks with us because it changes our thinking about our craft. In this special year-end episode, I'm counting down the top 10 most powerful tips from Fiction Writing Made Easy in 2024—from crafting sizzling character chemistry and developing compelling antagonists to building immersive story worlds and mastering your character's backstory. Plus, learn how to overcome writer's block and tap into the power of the writing community to fuel your creative success. Let's celebrate the juicy nuggets that helped writers (like you) level up their storytelling this year.In the episode, you’ll hear me talk about things like:[01:42] Mastering point of view fundamentals with Gabriela Pereira's "sphere of knowledge" technique—perfect for writers second-guessing their narrative perspective.[06:58] Learn how to create unforgettable ‘on-the-page’ chemistry and romantic tension with our in-depth analysis of the #1 New York Times bestseller Fourth Wing. Plus, I talk about the 3 sizzling ingredients that make readers fall head over heels in love with your characters.[08:54] Transform your story antagonist from flat to fascinating using the Harry Potter series as our guide. See how Voldemort's clear goals and plans create organic, gripping conflict that drives the entire story.[12:34] Break free from writer's block forever with April Davila's mindset-shifting strategy. Learn why this common creative obstacle might not be what you think—and how to overcome it.[18:36] Learn how to craft a story world that grows with your series, featuring examples from the #1 New York Times bestseller A Court of Thorns and Roses. Discover how your story world can evolve to create deeper story arcs and richer series development.[26:48] I'm so excited to share tip #1 with you. My chat with Save the Cat! expert Jessica Brody was your absolute favorite episode of 2024—and once you hear this perspective on story structure, you'll understand why. Trust me, this tip is a total game-changer.And that's just a taste of our special year-end top 10 tip countdown. I'm so excited to share these writing tips with you—they're genuinely some of my favorites from this year! So, cozy up with your favorite writing snacks, and let's celebrate the best writing advice of 2024 together.⭐ 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!🔗 My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!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.

Is the thought of revising your first draft making you nauseous? I got you. These mindset tips will ease revision anxiety for good. It's one thing to pour your heart into writing a first draft. However, facing revisions and sharing your story with others can feel raw, uncomfortable, and downright scary.Not to worry. Every writer struggles with this novel writing phase, and that's why I've brought together four brilliant book coaches and editors to share their mindset wisdom to make the first draft revision process less scary and more exciting. Here's what we talk about:[02:48] Why you should absolutely love your "hot mess" first draft—it's exactly what it needs to be right now.[08:01] The right (and wrong) people to ask for first draft feedback and how to prepare yourself emotionally for their response.[12:40] A practical approach to handling hard-to-hear feedback so that it feels less personal and more purposeful.[19:05] A unique 3-step revision process that transforms how you think about your first draft to turn it into a ‘must-read’ success. [22:59] Why comparing your revision journey to other writers only holds you back—and what to focus on instead.Tune into this episode to discover how to shift your mindset from revision fear to revision readiness. You'll walk away with practical strategies that make revisions less overwhelming, feedback less personal, and the entire process more purposeful.And this is precisely what you need to turn your first draft into a story readers love.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Stacy Frazer’s website and InstagramMichelle Regenold’s website and InstagramLeslie Horn’s website and YouTubeCaryn DeVincenti’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 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!My LIVE 8-week Notes to Novel course is officially OPEN for enrollment! Click here to learn more and enroll before doors close on January 30th at midnight PT!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.