Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
Have you ever had a story idea you love—a vivid world, compelling characters, big themes—but every time you sit down to write, something just… isn’t working?
If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
Welcome to Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple.
In each episode, I tackle one specific problem standing between you and a cohesive, compelling book—whether that’s character arc, plot structure, backstory, worldbuilding, magic systems, genre clarity, revision, or the publishing path. Some episodes are focused teaching sessions where I break down craft and process step by step, and others feature in-depth conversations with industry experts—authors, editors, agents, and publishing professionals—who share real-world insight into what actually works.
No vague advice. No craft mysticism. Just concrete, actionable strategies you can apply immediately (often with free companion workbooks linked right in the show notes).
This podcast is here to help you stop spinning your wheels and start making confident, intentional story choices—so your novel feels grounded, emotionally powerful, and readable all the way through.
I’m your host, Heather Davis—Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, developmental editor, host of the WorldShift Writing Summit, podcaster, and fellow speculative fiction writer. I’ve spent over a decade helping writers untangle messy drafts, fix stories that almost work, and build novels from the ground up in a way that’s sustainable and actually makes sense.
And let’s be honest: writing a good novel—the kind readers want to finish, recommend, and come back to—is hard. This podcast doesn’t promise shortcuts or overnight success. Instead, it embraces the real, messy, challenging work of storytelling—and gives you the tools to do it well.
If you’ve ever found yourself typing questions like these into Google, this show is for you:
- What is show don't tell?
- What's the difference between scenes and chapters?
- How do I use Save the Cat to structure my novel without it feeling formulaic?
- How do I include backstory without info-dumping?
- Why isn’t my magic system working in my story?
- How do I revise a novel without getting overwhelmed?
- How do I write character driven stories?
- How do I develop my author Voice?
- How do I write fantasy, romantasy, dystopian, science fiction, magical realism, paranormal, horror, or other speculative genres?
- How do I develop my protagonist?
- What is interiority?
- How do I determine the these and Point of my novel?
- How do I create a character arc for my protagonist?
- etc.
So if you’re ready to write a novel you’re proud of—one that holds together, makes readers think, and earns their trust—go ahead and follow or subscribe. It’s the easiest way to support the show and make sure you don’t miss what’s coming next.
Next steps:
If you want to go deeper, get on my email list so you don’t miss my free and paid classes, workshops, and free writing sprints:
👉 https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO
Have a question or want to reach out directly? You can email me anytime at heather@manyworldswriting.com
Until next time, keep writing, keep dreaming, and remember: the world needs your stories right now. Don’t give up on your novel—or yourself.
Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
How to Write LGBTQ+ Characters with Confidence and Care: Special Guest Sam Cameron | Episode 20
Many writers want to include more LGBTQ+ characters in their novels, but they’re afraid of getting it wrong and doing more harm than good. If you’re one of those writers, this podcast episode is for you! My friend and colleague, Sam Cameron, explains exactly how every writer can feel empowered to write more inclusive stories.
🌟Take Sam Cameron’s quiz and find out if your manuscript is LGBTQ+ inclusive🌟
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The 4 steps you should take to ensure your LGBTQ+ characters are represented in a way that supports and uplifts the community
- Whether the advice "write what you know" is really the best policy
- The 3 most harmful tropes to avoid
- Novels that you can "study" to see LGBTQ+ characters represented well
- And so much more…
🌟 Powerful Writers, Magical Novels Group Mentorship Program 🌟
Are you ready to finally write your novel in a growth oriented mentorship program where a certified book coach (that's me) will help you craft your novel from the character arc and plot all the way through building your author platform? A group where you'll get lots of 1:1 feedback?
Sign up for a mentorship chat now and let's find out if the program is right for you!
https://heatherdavisbookcoachingservices.as.me/Mentorship
Who should sign up for a free chat?
Any writer who:
👉 Wants to write a powerful novel
👉 Believes in diversity and inclusion
👉 Wants support, encouragement, and accountability
👉 Knows that writing a great novel takes time and skill
👉 Wants to stop cobbling information together from all over the internet and instead get everything they need in one place
👉 Wants to find the right mentor to guide their journey
👉 Wants to get down to business writing their novel now
