#250. Why Your First Draft Doesn't Match the Book in Your Head (with Gala Russ)

#250. Why Your First Draft Doesn't Match the Book in Your Head (with Gala Russ)

Author: Savannah Gilbo June 2, 2026 Duration: 48:04
A book coach who's written 15 novels pulls back the curtain on what's really happening when your messy first draft disappoints you. Ever finished a chapter, read it back, and realized the words on the page don't match the story in your head? There's a name for that. It's called the “taste gap,” and it often shows up among serious, lifelong readers. In this episode, I sit down with book coach and publishing strategist Gala Russ (who's written 15 novels) to talk about the taste gap,...

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
#232. 5 Tips For Crafting Morally Gray Characters Readers Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:07
Discover the five craft techniques that make morally gray characters impossible to put down—so you can write complex, compelling figures readers will argue about, defend, and love despite everything. Morally gray charact…
#229. 5 Signs Your Writing Process Is Broken (And How to Fix It) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:41
If you've been working on your novel for months—or even years—without making real progress, this episode will help you understand why. Maybe you've started multiple books but never finished one. Maybe you sit down to wri…
#227. 5 Tips on Pursuing Your Writing While Holding Down a 9-to-5 Job [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:23
If you've been trying to write a novel with a full-time job, family, and everything else life throws at you, this episode is for you. Maybe you squeeze writing into nights or weekends. You may start strong, then lose mom…
#226. Counting Down The Best Writing Tips From FWME In 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:51
The best writing advice sticks because it changes how you approach the page. In this special year-end episode, I’m counting down the top 10 most impactful writing tips from Fiction Writing Made Easy in 2025, pulled from…