#247. 5 Secrets to Writing YA Fiction (That Actually Feels Like YA)

#247. 5 Secrets to Writing YA Fiction (That Actually Feels Like YA)

Author: Savannah Gilbo May 12, 2026 Duration: 23:17
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. The voice pulls you in. The protagonist's world feels enormous and immediate. You finish the book before you remember to put it down. The hard part is being able to do that yourself—on the page, on purpose. In this episode, I'm walking you through the five secrets that make Y...

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: 50

Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice
Podcast Episodes
#242. 5 Revision Mistakes That Keep Writers Stuck in Editing Hell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:04
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: 12:52
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…
#240. 10 Writing Mistakes That Make Readers Put Down Your Novel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:10
Are you revising the same chapters over and over, but nothing you change is actually fixing the problem? Most writers go straight to the prose when their story isn't working. They tighten sentences, swap out words, and r…
#236. The Truth About AI and Creative Writing with Ana Del Valle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:11
Is AI here to replace novelists, steal ideas, or ruin copyright forever? Let’s separate fear from facts. AI and creative writing are among the most debated topics in the publishing industry right now. Some writers are ex…
#233. 5 Secrets to Writing Dialogue That Sounds Natural [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:19
Master the art of writing natural-sounding dialogue by learning how to remove unnecessary lines, shape distinct character voices, and write conversations that feel purposeful on the page. If your dialogue feels stiff or…