#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 | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips
Podcast Episodes
#169. 5 Tips To Help Neurodivergent Writers Finish Their Books [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:15
Finally, finish your book with effective writing strategies designed to work in harmony with your neurodivergent mind. Does sitting down to write your book feel impossible on some days, while on other days, you can write…
#168. Women's Fiction vs. Romance: What's The Difference? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:11
If you’re serious about becoming a published author, determining your novel’s genre is one of the most important things you’ll have to do. But sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially if your book toes the line…
#167. Why Marketing Matters From Day One With Lacy Lieffers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:10
“When should I start marketing my book?” This is a question I get asked all the time! Along with other similar questions like, “Do I need to build an email list?” And “What are some effective ways to market my book?” My…
#165. How To Interpret Agent Rejections (& What To Do Next) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:38
It’s no secret that one of the biggest roadblocks to getting traditionally published is the dreaded literary agent rejection. But to find the right literary agent for you and your story, you have to go through the proces…
#163. How To Find & Work With A Book Cover Designer With Zoe Norvell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:44
You finished your book and now you’re looking for a cover designer, but where do you start? Where can you find a good book cover designer? And how much should you expect to pay them for a quality book cover? These are al…
#162. Book Recs: 5 Books Every Aspiring Writer Needs To Read [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:27
One of the questions I get asked by a lot of aspiring authors is, “What books should I read to learn how to start writing a novel?” I get asked this question so often that I decided to turn my answer into a podcast episo…
#161. Scene Beats: What They Are & Why They Matter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:16
Have you ever Googled things like “how many words should be in a novel?” Or “how many scenes should a novel have?” If so, you’ve probably gotten answers like “80,000 words.” Or “somewherre between 40 and 60 scenes.” Easy…
#160. How Tim Grahl Wrote His Best Book Yet In 6 Months [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:05
How do you know if you’re actually getting better at writing? In this episode, my guest, Tim Grahl, the CEO of Story Grid and the author of multiple books, both fiction and non-fiction, shares his answer to this question…