Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel

Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor

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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Episodes

Quick Tip: 6 Steps to Establish a Writing Habit So You Can Finish Your Novel | Episode 22
18-07-2024
Quick Tip: 6 Steps to Establish a Writing Habit So You Can Finish Your Novel | Episode 22
Hey, Storyteller! Send me a text message! I'd really love to hear what you think of the podcast! :-)The biggest obstacles writers face are overcoming procrastination and avoiding the dreaded writer’s block. In fact, these obstacles are what stand between them and finishing their novel. But what many writers don’t realize is that the key to conquering these obstacles is developing a consistent writing habit that will keep their creative juices flowing.So, how can a writer actually create a writing habit that will help them through the highs and lows of writing and revise a novel that captivates readers?Well, get ready to learn exactly the steps to take to make a productive writing habit a reality this year!  In this episode you’ll learn:The 6 steps that you need to take to establish your own writing habitWhy writing every day is key to long term successThe number 1 key to sticking to your writing routineAnd so much more…🌟 Powerful Writers, Magical Novels Group Mentorship Program 🌟Are you ready to finally write your novel in a growth-oriented mentorship program? Join a group where a certified book coach (that's me) will help you craft your novel from character arcs and plot development to building your author platform. You'll receive extensive 1:1 feedback in a supportive community.Sign up for a free mentorship chat now and discover if this program is the right fit for you! Book your mentorship chat hereWho should sign up for a free chat?Any writer who:👉 Wants to write a powerful novel👉 Believes in diversity and inclusion👉 Wants support, encouragement, and accountability👉 Knows that writing a great novel takes time and skill👉 Wants to stop cobbling information together from all over the internet and instead get everything they need in one place👉 Is looking for the right mentor to guide their journey👉 Is ready to get serious about writing their novel now
The Timeline for Crafting a Solid Debut Novel: Writing Tips for Your First Book! | Episode 21
10-07-2024
The Timeline for Crafting a Solid Debut Novel: Writing Tips for Your First Book! | Episode 21
Hey, Storyteller! Send me a text message! I'd really love to hear what you think of the podcast! :-)Writing a speculative fiction novel that resonates with readers is tough work. Many writers feel they're doing something wrong when it takes time to create a draft that feels solid and ready to stand on its own two shaky legs.In fact, one of the very first questions most writers ask me before we start working together is some version of: "How long will it take for me to finish my novel?"If you're one of those writers, great! I'm going to answer all of your questions by walking you through the process as it typically unfolds with the writers I work with!  In this episode you’ll learn:The general timeline for writing a debut novel--especially if you’re looking to write an emotionally powerful one. How many drafts it typically takes to write a solid manuscript.What happens at each phase of the drafting.And so much more…🌟 Powerful Writers, Magical Novels Group Mentorship Program 🌟Are you ready to finally write your novel in a growth-oriented mentorship program? Join a group where a certified book coach (that's me) will help you craft your novel from character arcs and plot development to building your author platform. You'll receive extensive 1:1 feedback in a supportive community.Sign up for a free mentorship chat now and discover if this program is the right fit for you!Book your mentorship chat here: https://heatherdavisbookcoachingservices.as.me/Mentorship Who should sign up for a free chat?Any writer who:👉 Wants to write a powerful novel👉 Believes in diversity and inclusion👉 Wants support, encouragement, and accountability👉 Knows that writing a great novel takes time and skill👉 Wants to stop cobbling information together from all over the internet and instead get everything they need in one place👉 Is looking for the right mentor to guide their journey👉 Is ready to get serious about writing their novel now
How to Write LGBTQ+ Characters with Confidence and Care:  Special Guest Sam Cameron | Episode 20
20-06-2024
How to Write LGBTQ+ Characters with Confidence and Care: Special Guest Sam Cameron | Episode 20
Hey, Storyteller! Send me a text message! I'd really love to hear what you think of the podcast! :-)Many writers want to include more LGBTQ+ characters in their novels, but they’re afraid of getting it wrong and doing more harm than good. If you’re one of those writers, this podcast episode is for you! My friend and colleague, Sam Cameron, explains exactly how every writer can feel empowered to write more inclusive stories.🌟Take Sam Cameron’s quiz and find out if your manuscript is LGBTQ+ inclusive🌟 https://truantpen.com/lgbtq  In this episode you’ll learn:The 4 steps you should take to ensure your LGBTQ+ characters are represented in a way that supports and uplifts the communityWhether the advice "write what you know" is really the best policyThe 3 most harmful tropes to avoidNovels that you can "study" to see LGBTQ+ characters represented wellAnd so much more…🌟 Powerful Writers, Magical Novels Group Mentorship Program 🌟Are you ready to finally write your novel in a growth oriented mentorship program where a certified book coach (that's me) will help you craft your novel from the character arc and plot all the way through building your author platform? A group where you'll get lots of 1:1 feedback? Sign up for a mentorship chat now and let's find out if the program is right for you!https://heatherdavisbookcoachingservices.as.me/MentorshipWho should sign up for a free chat?Any writer who:👉 Wants to write a powerful novel👉 Believes in diversity and inclusion👉 Wants support, encouragement, and accountability👉 Knows that writing a great novel takes time and skill👉 Wants to stop cobbling information together from all over the internet and instead get everything they need in one place👉 Wants to find the right mentor to guide their journey👉 Wants to get down to business writing their novel now