#199. Struggling With Flat Characters? These 5 Books Will Transform Your Writing
Master character development with these five must-read books that transform static characters from boring to brilliant.You've created characters with compelling backstories, but somehow, they still feel... flat. They move through your plot but don't feel like real people.Here's the thing: character development is what makes readers fall in love with your story, not just read it. But it's also one of the trickiest parts of fiction writing.That’s why today, I'm sharing five books that have completely transformed my approach to character development. And they've also helped hundreds of my students create characters readers are totally invested in. You'll hear me talk about things like:[01:17] Why most characters feel flat even when they have clear goals and motivations (and which book can help you unlock the missing piece)[06:22] My favorite resource for understanding character arcs, whether you’re writing a positive arc, a negative arc, or a flat one[08:16] Which book can help you understand your villain's emotional wounds—and why this might be more important than perfecting your protagonist's backstory[10:35] A book that’ll help you make readers feel your character's emotions without ever naming a single feeling on the page[00:00] My go-to resource for learning how to marry your plot with your characters (this one’s especially good for pantsers who want a little more structure!)If your characters feel static despite having detailed backstories, or if you're struggling to show meaningful character growth throughout your story, this episode will give you the exact resources you need to create characters readers will never forget.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Join the waitlist for my Notes to Novel courseWant me to send you this list of recommendations? Click here!⭐ Follow & ReviewIf 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!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.
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#198. How to Handle Book Reviews Like a Pro (With Emily Golden & Rachel May)
Learn how to handle book reviews without letting them crush your confidence or derail your writing dreams.Receiving your first book review can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Whether it's a glowing five-star love letter or a brutal one-star takedown, reader reviews can send even the most confident authors into an emotional tailspin.I recently sat down with book coaches Emily Golden and Rachel May of Golden May Editing to discuss the challenge of negative reviews. Between their own publishing experiences and years of guiding clients through review season, they know exactly what separates thriving authors from those who let negative feedback derail their dreams.Tune in to hear us talk about things like:[03:45] Why book reviews feel so much more intense than beta reader feedback (and the one key difference that changes everything).[08:25] How to separate your novel from your identity so criticism doesn't feel like a personal attack on your self-worth.[11:05] Why trying to "toughen up" actually makes book reviews hurt worse (and what to do instead when they sting).[35:35] The simple boundary you can set with ARC readers to avoid getting ambushed by negative reviews.[40:25] Why we obsess over one-star reviews but barely notice five-star ones (and how to flip this script).[41:45] Whether you should let reviews influence your future writing decisions, and a brilliant way to use feedback as data, not direction.Whether you're approaching your first book launch or struggling with review anxiety, this episode offers practical strategies to navigate both praise and criticism.⭐ Follow & ReviewIf 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:Anti-Hustle Writing Life Masterclass Golden May Editing Website Story Magic PodcastFREE 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.
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#197. How to Write a Novel That Hooks Readers Through Curiosity (Not Confusion)
Master the art of creating irresistible, page-turning curiosity without confusing or frustrating your readers.Have you ever written what you thought was a brilliantly mysterious scene, only to have readers say they were completely lost? Or maybe you've struggled with knowing how much information to reveal and when?Here's what most writers don't realize: there's a fine line between being mysterious and being vague. And the writers who master evoking curiosity without being vague or confusing are the ones who create truly compelling fiction.In this episode, you'll hear me talk about things like:[02:35] Why most writers mistake withholding information for creating mystery—and the simple test to tell if you're being mysterious or just vague[03:20] The movie trailer analogy that'll completely change how you think about revealing information to readers[6:55] How to give readers the essential context they need to stay grounded in your story without giving everything away[8:25] Why the missing information must matter deeply to your protagonist—and how to tie your mysteries to what characters desperately want[10:30] How to deliver information that keeps readers engaged and wanting more (without just withholding everything)[11:50] The one question that determines whether you're creating compelling mystery or confusing noise, plus how to apply this across every genreWhether you're writing romance, fantasy, thrillers, or any other type of fiction, this episode will help you create the kind of curiosity and tension that keeps readers glued to the page instead of accidentally driving them away.⭐ Follow & ReviewIf 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: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.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.
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#196. The Pros and Cons of Writing A Novel With Multiple Points of View
Discover the pros and cons of writing a novel from multiple POVs—including how to avoid the #1 mistake that kills multi-POV novels.Are multiple point-of-view characters right for your story? Will they create the kind of depth that keeps readers hooked, or will they just leave you with a tangled mess of voices that never quite click together?Writing a multi-POV novel is one of the most challenging approaches to storytelling. When done well, it creates a rich, immersive experience that readers absolutely love. But when done poorly, it can completely derail your entire manuscript.In today's episode, I'll explain what it means to write a multiple-point-of-view novel, how it differs from other narrative approaches, and if it's the right choice for your story.You'll hear me talk about things like:[03:05] Why most writers confuse multiple POV with omniscient POV and how this one mistake can sabotage your entire story.[04:50] The surprising way multiple perspectives create story depth that makes readers think about your book long after finishing it (think Game of Thrones level complexity).[07:15] My favorite "secret weapon" technique that uses contrasting viewpoints to create those jaw-dropping "aha" moments readers can't stop talking about.[11:00] The #1 challenge that kills most multi-POV novels before they're even finished (hint: it's not plot structure, and it's definitely not what you think).[15:25] Five make-or-break questions to ask yourself before committing to multiple POVs (because choosing the wrong narrative approach can derail months of hard work.)If you've been wondering whether your story needs different character perspectives or if you're already writing from multiple points of view but feel overwhelmed by the nuances, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:Ep. #90 - How to Choose the Best POV For Your Novel⭐ Follow & ReviewIf 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!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.
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#195. How Deliberate Practice Can Improve Your Fiction Writing (With Tim Grahl)
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 missWhether 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 PodcastsIf 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!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.
About Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips
Fiction Writing Made Easy is your go-to podcast for practical, no-fluff tips on how to write, edit, and publish a novel—from first draft to finished book. Hosted by developmental editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo, this show breaks down the fiction writing process into clear, actionable steps so you can finally make progress on your manuscript.Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer looking to sharpen your skills, each episode offers insights on novel writing, story structure, character development, world-building, editing, and publishing. Savannah also shares mindset tips, writing routines, and revision strategies to help you stay motivated and finish your novel with confidence.If you're asking these questions, you're in the right place:How do I write a novel without experience?What’s the best way to structure a story that works?How do I develop strong characters and build immersive worlds?How do I edit or revise my first draft?When is my book ready to publish?What are my self-publishing and traditional publishing options?New episodes drop weekly to help you write a novel you're proud of—and get it into readers’ hands.
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