Make Your Writing Unputdownable Through Interiority | Episode 41
Is your writing polished but still not hitting with the emotional punch you want? Do your scenes look great on the surface… but readers don’t lean in, don’t feel connected, and don’t feel compelled to turn the page?You’re not alone. I’ve read thousands of opening pages from talented writers who have gorgeous prose, solid craft, and thoughtful worldbuilding. But something still feels a little flat. Competent, but not electric. Beautiful, but not alive.The missing ingredient is almost always the same: interiority.In this solo episode, I break down what interiority actually is, why it is the most important element of your novel, and how to use it to create characters readers feel bonded to from page one.You’ll learn:✨ What interiority really is and why it is more essential than plot or character arc ✨ Why readers need both your protagonist’s emotions and their interpretation of events ✨ The difference between dry narration and interiority-rich writing (with examples from Suzanne Collins and Rebecca Yarros) ✨ The first major Pillar of Interiority: Intellectual and Emotional Processing ✨ How to use therapist-style questions to deepen your protagonist’s internal world ✨ A simple technique to place interiority on the page so it feels seamless, natural, and woven directly into the story ✨ How external action and internal processing work together to hook readers and agents from the very first pageIf your scenes feel distant, flat, or like something important is missing, this episode will teach you how to bring your protagonist’s mind onto the page in a way that feels organic, alive, and completely unputdownable.Grab the free Interiority Workbook (examples, graphics, and guiding questions) in the show notes.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
--------
14:36
--------
14:36
Writing as a Business: Self-Publishing Like a Pro (with Alexa Bigwarfe) | Episode 40
Self-publishing can feel overwhelming, confusing, and expensive… but it doesn’t have to stay that way.In this episode, I sit down with publisher, book coach, and summit host Alexa Bigwarfe (founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell and the Women in Publishing Summit) to break down your publishing options and demystify what it really takes to self-publish like a pro. You’ll learn how to choose the right path for your book, where to invest your money, and how to start thinking like an author–entrepreneur instead of “just” a writer with a dream.We’ll talk about: ✨ The real differences between traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing (and who each path serves best) ✨ Why self-publishing is not the “free” option and the core investments you need to plan for ✨ The non-negotiables for a professional book: editing, cover design, formatting, and more ✨ How knowing your genre (and your reader) shapes everything from your story beats to your marketing ✨ What “author platform” actually means and why your email list matters more than any social feed ✨ Simple ways to start building an audience before your book is finished, even if you feel “brand new” ✨ How to approach self-publishing like a long game, including realistic timelines and expectations ✨ When a pen name or hybrid press might make sense for your goals and how to avoid predatory vanity pressesBy the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of your publishing options and a practical roadmap for treating your book like the powerful, long-term asset it can be, instead of a one-and-done passion project.Grab Alexa’s free Publishing Pathways & Distribution Guide 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! 🤗Support the show
--------
1:03:59
--------
1:03:59
Brain-Friendly Writing Strategies for Writers with ADHD (with Nicole Bross) | Episode 39
Writing with ADHD can feel like chaos — but it doesn’t have to.In this episode, I sit down with book coach and author Nicole Bross to explore brain-friendly strategies that help neurodiverse writers focus, follow through, and finally finish their drafts. You’ll learn how to design a writing process that fits your brain instead of fighting against it.We’ll talk about: ✨ Why persistence matters more than consistency for ADHD writers ✨ How to outline without killing your creativity ✨ Simple ways to handle distractions and idea overwhelm ✨ What to do when perfectionism or fear of failure creeps in ✨ How to embrace messy first drafts and make revision the fun part ✨ Nicole’s free writing habit tracker that turns progress into motivationBy the end, you’ll have a gentler, more sustainable way to write — one that honors how your brain actually works and helps you bring your stories to life with less struggle and more joy.Grab Nicole’s Writing Habit Tracker — a spreadsheet that tracks your daily word count, changes color when you hit your target, and turns habit-building into a visual game.Pick up a copy of Nicole's bestselling book A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers 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! 🤗Support the show
--------
49:43
--------
49:43
4 Types of Writing Feedback Every Author Must Understand | Episode 38
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 storytellerBy 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! 🤗Support the show
--------
12:43
--------
12:43
The 4 Non-Negotiable Writing Foundations Every Novel Needs | Episode 37
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 processHow to design a protagonist with depth, conflict, and a powerful character arcWhat 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 promiseIf 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! 🤗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!
Listen to Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel, Rich Dad Poor Dad In English and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
South Africa