Writing with Publishing in Mind: The Traditional Publishing Pathway Explained | Episode 34
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! 🤗Support the show
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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 3) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 33
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 WorkbookGet the FULL (Acts 1-3) Workbook:📚 Click here to sign up to get the Save the Cat Act 2 WorkbookJoin 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
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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Why are agents rejecting my novel? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 32
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 pagesWhy agents pass on a strong premise and how to make your writing irresistibleThe most common query letter mistakes—and how to fix themHow to clarify your stakes so agents (and readers) can’t look awayWhy interiority and emotional depth are non-negotiable in today’s marketAnd 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! 🤗Support the show
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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 2) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 31
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 momentumWhy the Midpoint is a game-changer and how it shifts your story into high gearHow internal and external obstacles work together to create tension and growthAnd 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 WorkbookJoin 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
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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I write a dual Point of View novel using a mixed POV structure? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 30
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! 🤗Support the show
About Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
Welcome to the Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple Podcast! The show that’s all about how to brainstorm, write, edit, publish, and sell a powerful speculative fiction novel… and maybe just change the world too. I'm your host, Heather Davis. I’m a seasoned book coach, developmental editor, and fellow storyteller. In my work with writers, I always see the same problems and roadblocks standing in their way and preventing them from achieving their dream of becoming a published author. So it’s my mission to be 100% real about what it takes to craft a cohesive and unforgettable speculative fiction novel. I’ll share the same tips, tricks, and techniques that I use with my own clients in order to help you write the best novel you’re capable of writing. In my under-30-minute episodes, I’ll get right to the heart of the problem without wasting your valuable time. I’ll give concrete, actionable ways to address that problem that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed or ready to give up. (That means that most of my episodes come with handy workbooks that you can grab for free right in my show notes!) But let’s be clear on one thing. Writing a good speculative fiction novel—you know, one that other people actually want to read it—is probably that hardest personal project you’ll ever willingly undertake. So this podcast doesn't downplay that hard work and promise that you’ll write a bestseller in 30 days or 6 months. (I personally don’t believe that good novels are written that way.) Instead, this podcast embraces the hard, messy, and frustrating work that goes in to writing a great novel. My goal is to help you write a novel that you're proud of—one that holds together, one that makes people think, and one that makes readers want to read your work and buy your books again and again. From character arc to plot structure, from deep level worldbuilding to developing a kick-ass magic system, from honing your authorly voice to identifying your genre, from building an email list to hiring an editor, we’re gonna to cover it all. So if that sounds like something that would be helpful to you in your writing journey, please take a second to follow or subscribe to the show. It would mean the world to me and it’s a really easy way to show your support and to make sure there are many more episodes to come! Until next time, keep writing, keep dreaming, and remember: the world needs your stories right now, so don't you dare give up on your novel or yourself! See ya soon!
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