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
Make Your Writing Unputdownable Through Interiority | Episode 41
Is your writing polished but still not hitting with the emotional punch you want? Do your scenes look great on the surface… but readers don’t lean in, don’t feel connected, and don’t feel compelled to turn the page?
You’re not alone. I’ve read thousands of opening pages from talented writers who have gorgeous prose, solid craft, and thoughtful worldbuilding. But something still feels a little flat. Competent, but not electric. Beautiful, but not alive.
The missing ingredient is almost always the same: interiority.
In this solo episode, I break down what interiority actually is, why it is the most important element of your novel, and how to use it to create characters readers feel bonded to from page one.
You’ll learn:
✨ What interiority really is and why it is more essential than plot or character arc
✨ Why readers need both your protagonist’s emotions and their interpretation of events
✨ The difference between dry narration and interiority-rich writing (with examples from Suzanne Collins and Rebecca Yarros)
✨ The first major Pillar of Interiority: Intellectual and Emotional Processing
✨ How to use therapist-style questions to deepen your protagonist’s internal world
✨ A simple technique to place interiority on the page so it feels seamless, natural, and woven directly into the story
✨ How external action and internal processing work together to hook readers and agents from the very first page
If your scenes feel distant, flat, or like something important is missing, this episode will teach you how to bring your protagonist’s mind onto the page in a way that feels organic, alive, and completely unputdownable.
Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO
Grab the free Interiority Workbook (examples, graphics, and guiding questions) in the show notes.
