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 loveâa vivid world, compelling characters, big themesâbut every time you sit down to write, something just⌠isnât working?
If that sounds familiar, youâre 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 bookâwhether thatâs 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 expertsâauthors, editors, agents, and publishing professionalsâwho 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 choicesâso your novel feels grounded, emotionally powerful, and readable all the way through.
Iâm your host, Heather DavisâAuthor Accelerator Certified Book Coach, developmental editor, host of the WorldShift Writing Summit, podcaster, and fellow speculative fiction writer. Iâve spent over a decade helping writers untangle messy drafts, fix stories that almost work, and build novels from the ground up in a way thatâs sustainable and actually makes sense.
And letâs be honest: writing a good novelâthe kind readers want to finish, recommend, and come back toâis hard. This podcast doesnât promise shortcuts or overnight success. Instead, it embraces the real, messy, challenging work of storytellingâand gives you the tools to do it well.
If youâve 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 isnât 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 youâre ready to write a novel youâre proud ofâone that holds together, makes readers think, and earns their trustâgo ahead and follow or subscribe. Itâs the easiest way to support the show and make sure you donât miss whatâs coming next.
Next steps:
If you want to go deeper, get on my email list so you donât miss my free and paid classes, workshops, and free writing sprints:
đ 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. Donât give up on your novelâor yourself.
Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
3 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Writing in 2025 | Episode 27
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 your work for FREE. Tune in to learn how to navigate your writing challenges and set yourself up for success in 2025!
This episode was produced by me, The Speculative Fiction Book Coach! Contact me at heather@manyworldswriting.com
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