#237. 3 Signs Your Novel Doesn't Need a Prologue (& What To Do Instead)

#237. 3 Signs Your Novel Doesn't Need a Prologue (& What To Do Instead)

Author: Savannah Gilbo March 3, 2026 Duration: 16:41
You wrote a prologue for your novel. But now you're wondering if you really need it. Here are three honest signs your story might actually be stronger without one. Writing a prologue feels like the right move until you're three drafts in and still not sure if it's actually helping your story or just sitting there, taking up space at the front of your book. And the tricky part is that it's not always easy to tell. Because sometimes the prologue isn't the problem. And sometimes it really is. Th...

Ever find yourself staring at a blank page, wondering how to turn that great idea into a complete novel? You're not alone. Fiction Writing Made Easy exists for exactly that moment, offering a straightforward path through the often-murky process of crafting a story. Host Savannah Gilbo, a developmental editor and book coach, draws on her experience working directly with writers to demystify everything from plot structure and character development to the finer points of editing and preparing a manuscript for publication. Instead of abstract theory, this podcast delivers concrete, usable strategies you can apply to your work immediately. Think of each episode as a focused conversation with a knowledgeable guide who cuts through the overwhelm. You'll hear specific advice on tackling common stumbling blocks, along with deeper dives into the craft elements that transform a rough draft into a compelling book. Whether you're navigating your first draft or polishing your final one, the discussions here are designed to provide clarity and momentum. For anyone committed to finishing their novel, this podcast serves as a reliable, practical resource, breaking down the journey into manageable steps you can actually follow. Tune in to move your story forward, one episode at a time.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice
Podcast Episodes
#249. 5 POV Mistakes That Pull Readers Out of Your Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:23
Most fiction writers are making at least one of these point of view mistakes. Find out which one could be hiding in your draft. You know that feeling when a scene isn't quite working, but you can't put your finger on why…
#247. 5 Secrets to Writing YA Fiction (That Actually Feels Like YA) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:15
Learn the five craft secrets to writing young adult fiction that actually feels like YA—so when you sit down to write your own, you know exactly what to aim for. You know what YA feels like when a book is doing it right.…
#245. 5 Ways to Show Worldbuilding in Your Novel Without Info-Dumping [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:19
Master these 5 worldbuilding techniques to immerse readers in your fictional world without infodumping or overwhelming them. If you've ever sat down to write a scene and ended up with three paragraphs of explanation befo…
#242. 5 Revision Mistakes That Keep Writers Stuck in Editing Hell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:03
You finished your first draft. And for a minute, it felt amazing. But then you open your manuscript to revise, and suddenly everything feels unclear. Where do you start? What do you fix first? And how do you know if anyt…
#241. Do You Really Need to Hire a Book Editor Before You Query? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:50
Discover why the answer to hiring a book editor before querying isn’t a simple yes or no—and how to make the right call for your manuscript. If you've finished your draft and you're thinking about querying literary agent…