Fiction Writing Made Easy

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!Click here to save your seat for my FREE training, "3 Things You Need To Write A Novel In 2025," happening LIVE on January 21st at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET!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!🔗 Click here to save your seat for my FREE training, "3 Things You Need To Write A Novel In 2025," happening LIVE on January 21st at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET!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!Click here to save your seat for my FREE training, "3 Things You Need To Write A Novel In 2025," happening LIVE on January 21st at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET!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.

Want a sneak peek into my life as a developmental editor and book coach? Listen in and find out what I do in my work week to help authors transform their story ideas into fully realized novels.I'll walk you through what I'm learning, how I support fiction writers in finishing their novels, and my exciting plans for 2025. Plus, I'll share all the behind-the-scenes moments that make my book coach life so rewarding.So, pour yourself a coffee (or matcha tea) and join me as I share:[02:40] How the recording of my first audiobook is currently going and what I’m doing to keep my voice intact with all the talking.[07:25] Why I pull out 12 blank calendar pages every December and how this simple planning ritual shapes my entire year ahead.[10:15] What I learned working with two writers—a romance author and a sci-fi author—who started roughly at the same time but took completely different paths to reach the line editing phase simultaneously.[22:42] Inside my final Notes To Novel coaching call and how these amazing writers have gained the confidence to take their ideas, turn them into outlines, and start writing noteworthy novels. [27:10] The fascinating results from my annual listener survey shaping my 2025 content (Hint: you're in great company if you're still working on your debut novel or yet to start.)Thanks for coming along on this journey with me! I love sharing little glimpses into my world with you.Whether you're still simmering your first story idea or deep in revisions, I hope this behind-the-scenes peek gives you a real sense of my life as a developmental editor and book coach.See you next week!⭐ 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:Get on the waitlist for updates on The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets here!Ep. 164 - Student Spotlight: Why She Ditched Her Agent And Self-Published Her Debut Novel With Stefanie MedrekEp. 166 - Student Spotlight: How Jennifer Lauer Sold 5,000+ Copies of Her Debut Novel in 18 Months (Without a Massive Social Media Following)Click here to save your seat for my FREE training, "3 Things You Need To Write A Novel In 2025," happening LIVE on January 21st at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET!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.