Writing Backstory That Actually Works (5 Guidelines You Must Know!) | Episode 43

Writing Backstory That Actually Works (5 Guidelines You Must Know!) | Episode 43

Author: Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor, Many Worlds Writing January 14, 2026 Duration: 20:01
Do you know your story needs backstory… but every time you try to include it, it just feels wrong? Clunky. Awkward. Like the story suddenly stumbles instead of flowing forward. Or maybe you’ve gone the opposite direction—cutting nearly all the backstory out because you’ve been warned about info dumping—only to realize your scenes now feel thin, confusing, or emotionally flat. You’re not doing anything wrong. Backstory is one of the most misunderstood elements of writing a novel. ...

That moment of staring at a blank page, your incredible idea for a fantasy realm or sci-fi adventure feeling just out of reach, is a shared experience for so many writers. Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple exists to bridge that gap, transforming that initial spark into a finished novel. Hosted by Heather Davis, a writing coach and developmental editor with Many Worlds Writing, this podcast moves past vague inspiration to deliver practical, actionable guidance. Each discussion focuses on a single, tangible craft challenge-from constructing believable magic systems and intricate worlds to navigating complex character arcs and plot structures that hold up under pressure. The aim is to demystify the entire process, breaking down the daunting journey of a debut author into manageable steps. You’ll find conversations that feel like a focused coaching session, dedicated to the unique demands of fantasy, science fiction, and dystopian storytelling. This isn't about theoretical advice; it's about providing the tools to write, revise, and ultimately publish your book. Whether you're struggling with where to begin or how to polish a final draft, this resource meets you where you are in your creative process. Tune in for a clear-eyed, supportive take on building the speculative story that only you can tell.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 53

Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
Podcast Episodes
3 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Writing in 2025 | Episode 27 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:16
Are you looking to level up your writing in 2025? In this episode, I dive into three incredibly valuable ways you can improve your writing, get answers to your important writing questions, and get valuable feedback on yo…
4 Steps to Writing a Flawed Protagonist Who Readers Love | Episode 23 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:43
Most writers understand that creating a character with no flaws is a huge turnoff to readers because it’s hard to feel connected to someone who is perfect and does everything right. But how do you give your protagonist f…