
Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
by Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor, Many Worlds Writing
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On the show
From 10 epsHost
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Recent episodes
Writing Emotional Scenes That Feel Real, Not Melodramatic
Aug 3, 2026
15m 19s
The Hidden Psychology Behind Great World-Building with Gabriela Pereira | Episode 53
Jul 1, 2026
18m 21s
Writing Age Category: Fix This Before You Query (with Ben Grange) | Episode 52
Apr 1, 2026
58m 55s
Writing Scenes: How to Build Mini Stories That Work | Episode 51
Mar 25, 2026
19m 03s
Writing Your Novel Your Way: The Hybrid Publishing Option (with Megan Sells, Atmosphere Press) | Episode 50
Mar 4, 2026
37m 58s
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Resolving iTunes ID\u2026 if this persists, the podcast may not be indexed on Apple Podcasts.
| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/3/26 | Writing Emotional Scenes That Feel Real, Not Melodramatic | Most writers think writing an emotional scene means telling readers what the protagonist is feeling. But if readers only recognize the emotion instead of experiencing it themselves, the scene falls flat. In this episode, I'm sharing one of the biggest mindset shifts that transformed the way I write emotional scenes and three practical techniques you can use to create moments that truly move your readers. If you've ever wondered why your emotional scenes aren't landing the way you hoped, this ... | 15m 19s | ||||||
| 7/1/26 | world-buildingpsychology+4 | Gabriela Pereira | — | — | world-buildingprotagonist+5 | — | 18m 21s | ||
| 4/1/26 | age categorymiddle grade+4 | Ben Grange | Writing Age Category | — | age categorymiddle grade+5 | — | 58m 55s | ||
| 3/25/26 | writing scenesstorytelling+3 | — | — | — | scene writingnovel scenes+3 | — | 19m 03s | ||
| 3/4/26 | hybrid publishingtraditional publishing+4 | Megan Sells | Atmosphere Press | — | hybrid publishingtraditional publishing+5 | — | 37m 58s | ||
| 2/25/26 | MFA programswriting education+3 | — | — | — | MFAcreative writing degree+3 | — | 25m 31s | ||
| 2/18/26 | queryingpitch package+3 | Julie Artz | — | — | queryingpitch package+3 | — | 57m 07s | ||
| 2/11/26 | scene writingconflict+3 | — | — | — | writingscenes+5 | — | 12m 39s | ||
| 2/4/26 | story structurethree-act structure+3 | Gabriela Pereira | DIY MFA | — | story structurethree-act structure+5 | — | 58m 57s | ||
| 1/28/26 | first lineswriting techniques+3 | — | — | — | first sentencenovel writing+3 | — | 15m 42s | ||
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| 1/21/26 | writingbestselling authors+3 | J.D. Barker | New York Times | — | writing that sellsJ.D. Barker+3 | — | 55m 06s | ||
| 1/14/26 | Writing Backstory That Actually Works (5 Guidelines You Must Know!) | Episode 43 | 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. ... | 20m 01s | ||||||
| 12/10/25 | Writing Fantasy, Building Worlds, and Navigating the Publishing World with Leslye Penelope | Episode 42 | Is your novel idea exciting… but the path from first spark to finished book feels confusing, overwhelming, or totally opaque? Do you daydream about epic worlds, lush magic systems, and big emotions… but worry you’ll never quite figure out how to actually build the story (or the career) you want? You’re not alone. I’ve worked with so many talented writers whose imaginations are on fire, but who feel stuck between drafting, revising, worldbuilding, and navigating the publishing landscape. The c... | 47m 18s | ||||||
| 12/3/25 | 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 ... | 14m 36s | ||||||
| 11/19/25 | Writing as a Business: Self-Publishing Like a Pro (with Alexa Bigwarfe) | Episode 40 | Self-publishing can feel overwhelming, confusing, and expensive… but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode, I sit down with publisher, book coach, and summit host Alexa Bigwarfe (founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell and the Women in Publishing Summit) to break down your publishing options and demystify what it really takes to self-publish like a pro. You’ll learn how to choose the right path for your book, where to invest your money, and how to start thinking like an author–entre... | 1h 03m 59s | ||||||
| 10/22/25 | Brain-Friendly Writing Strategies for Writers with ADHD (with Nicole Bross) | Episode 39 | Writing with ADHD can feel like chaos — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I sit down with book coach and author Nicole Bross to explore brain-friendly strategies that help neurodiverse writers focus, follow through, and finally finish their drafts. You’ll learn how to design a writing process that fits your brain instead of fighting against it. We’ll talk about: ✨ Why persistence matters more than consistency for ADHD writers ✨ How to outline without killing your creativity... | 49m 43s | ||||||
| 10/8/25 | 4 Types of Writing Feedback Every Author Must Understand | Episode 38 | Feedback can transform your writing — or completely derail your confidence — depending on how you understand it. In this episode, Heather breaks down the four types of writing feedback every author needs to know (and only one that truly helps you improve). You’ll learn how to tell the difference between feedback that leaves you spinning your wheels and feedback that actually moves your story — and your skills — forward. We’ll talk about: ✨ Why “positive” and “negative” feedback aren’t helpful... | 12m 43s | ||||||
| 9/25/25 | The 4 Non-Negotiable Writing Foundations Every Novel Needs | Episode 37 | Is your story built on a rock-solid foundation—or is it wobbling under the weight of weak structure, thin characters, or unclear purpose? In this episode of Speculative Fiction Made Simple, I break down the four essential elements every novel must have to truly resonate with readers, hook agents, and stand out in today’s crowded market. 💡 Spoiler: These are totally learnable skills you can start applying right now. You will learn: Why clarifying your novel’s point is the single most important... | 18m 28s | ||||||
| 8/13/25 | Debunking Harmful Writing Myths With Lisa Cron | Episode 36 | 👉 Click here to grab your free ticket to the WorldShift: Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit and hear Lisa Cron’s summit presentation—plus 30+ other craft-deep sessions from top speculative fiction coaches, authors, and industry pros. Most of what you’ve been taught about writing is wrong. At least, that’s what bestselling author and story coach Lisa Cron (📚 Wired for Story, Story Genius, Story or Die) believes—and she’s here to prove it. In this deep, no-fluff conversation, Lis... | 58m 52s | ||||||
| 7/30/25 | Writing An Identity Not Your Own With Alex Temblador | Episode 35 | 👉 Click here to grab your free ticket to the WorldShift: Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit and hear Alex Temblador’s summit presentation—plus 30+ other craft-deep sessions from top speculative fiction coaches, authors, and industry pros. Worried you’ll get it wrong when writing a character whose identity isn’t your own—and that you’ll hurt someone, face backlash, or be told you shouldn’t even try? But at the same time, you know that leaving out marginalized identities doesn’t fe... | 1h 06m 41s | ||||||
| 4/24/25 | Writing with Publishing in Mind: The Traditional Publishing Pathway Explained | Episode 34 | So many writers dream of getting a traditional book deal—but the process to get there can feel confusing, overwhelming, and totally out of reach. In this episode, I’m giving you a bird’s-eye view of the entire traditional publishing journey—from that first spark of a novel idea to the moment you finally see your book on the shelf. We’ll talk about what really goes into landing a literary agent, what happens once you’ve signed with one, and why it’s never too early to start thinking ... | 24m 40s | ||||||
| 2/26/25 | Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 3) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 33 | How do you write an ending so compelling that readers not only finish your book but immediately tell their friends, “You HAVE to read this”? Well, that’s a big question—but one thing’s for sure: a strong story structure is essential. In this episode, we’re tackling Act 3 of the Save the Cat story structure framework. I’ll break down how to craft a climactic, unforgettable ending—one that surprises readers, leaves them deeply satisfied, and makes them eager to grab your next book. What You’ll ... | 14m 32s | ||||||
| 2/20/25 | Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Why are agents rejecting my novel? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 32 | Are you sending out queries but only getting form rejections—or worse, no responses at all? Maybe you're receiving personalized rejections that praise your concept but still pass on your book? If you’re struggling to understand why agents aren’t biting, this episode is for you. In today’s Ask Me Anything Thursday, I’ll break down the biggest reasons novels get rejected—and what you can do to fix them. Whether it’s your query letter, voice, stakes, or character depth, I’ll walk you through pra... | 12m 06s | ||||||
| 2/13/25 | Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 2) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 31 | Does your novel feel have a saggy middle? Does it just meander around without a lot of momentum? In this episode, I’ll walk you through Act 2 of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty of room for creativity and unexpected inspiration. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to keep the middle of your novel from dragging—and why t... | 36m 58s | ||||||
| 1/31/25 | Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I write a dual Point of View novel using a mixed POV structure? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 30 | Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I Mix POV Styles in a Dual POV Novel? Have you ever wondered if you can write a dual POV novel where one protagonist is in first person and the other is in third? In this episode, I answer this question from fantasy writer Becca and break down when and how this technique can work beautifully in speculative fiction. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why mixing POVs can be a powerful storytelling tool.How to decide which protagonist should be in first person.... | 9m 23s | ||||||
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