Master character development with these five must-read books that transform static characters from boring to brilliant.

You've created characters with compelling backstories, but somehow, they still feel... flat. They move through your plot but don't feel like real people.

Here's the thing: character development is what makes readers fall in love with your story, not just read it. But it's also one of the trickiest parts of fiction writing.

That’s why today, I'm sharing five books that have completely transformed my approach to character development. And they've also helped hundreds of my students create characters readers are totally invested in.

You'll hear me talk about things like:

[01:17] Why most characters feel flat even when they have clear goals and motivations (and which book can help you unlock the missing piece)

[06:22] My favorite resource for understanding character arcs, whether you’re writing a positive arc, a negative arc, or a flat one

[08:16] Which book can help you understand your villain's emotional wounds—and why this might be more important than perfecting your protagonist's backstory

[10:35] A book that’ll help you make readers feel your character's emotions without ever naming a single feeling on the page

[00:00] My go-to resource for learning how to marry your plot with your characters (this one’s especially good for pantsers who want a little more structure!)

If your characters feel static despite having detailed backstories, or if you're struggling to show meaningful character growth throughout your story, this episode will give you the exact resources you need to create characters readers will never forget.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Join the waitlist for my Notes to Novel course
• Want me to send you this list of recommendations? Click here!

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Learn how to handle book reviews without letting them crush your confidence or derail your writing dreams.

Receiving your first book review can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Whether it's a glowing five-star love letter or a brutal one-star takedown, reader reviews can send even the most confident authors into an emotional tailspin.

I recently sat down with book coaches Emily Golden and Rachel May of Golden May Editing to discuss the challenge of negative reviews. Between their own publishing experiences and years of guiding clients through review season, they know exactly what separates thriving authors from those who let negative feedback derail their dreams.

Tune in to hear us talk about things like:

[03:45] Why book reviews feel so much more intense than beta reader feedback (and the one key difference that changes everything).

[08:25] How to separate your novel from your identity so criticism doesn't feel like a personal attack on your self-worth.

[11:05] Why trying to "toughen up" actually makes book reviews hurt worse (and what to do instead when they sting).

[35:35] The simple boundary you can set with ARC readers to avoid getting ambushed by negative reviews.

[40:25] Why we obsess over one-star reviews but barely notice five-star ones (and how to flip this script).

[41:45] Whether you should let reviews influence your future writing decisions, and a brilliant way to use feedback as data, not direction.

Whether you're approaching your first book launch or struggling with review anxiety, this episode offers practical strategies to navigate both praise and criticism.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Anti-Hustle Writing Life Masterclass
• Golden May Editing Website
• Story Magic Podcast

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

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Master the art of creating irresistible, page-turning curiosity without confusing or frustrating your readers.

Have you ever written what you thought was a brilliantly mysterious scene, only to have readers say they were completely lost? Or maybe you've struggled with knowing how much information to reveal and when?

Here's what most writers don't realize: there's a fine line between being mysterious and being vague. And the writers who master evoking curiosity without being vague or confusing are the ones who create truly compelling fiction.

In this episode, you'll hear me talk about things like:

• [02:35] Why most writers mistake withholding information for creating mystery—and the simple test to tell if you're being mysterious or just vague
• [03:20] The movie trailer analogy that'll completely change how you think about revealing information to readers
• [6:55] How to give readers the essential context they need to stay grounded in your story without giving everything away
• [8:25] Why the missing information must matter deeply to your protagonist—and how to tie your mysteries to what characters desperately want
• [10:30] How to deliver information that keeps readers engaged and wanting more (without just withholding everything)
• [11:50] The one question that determines whether you're creating compelling mystery or confusing noise, plus how to apply this across every genre

Whether you're writing romance, fantasy, thrillers, or any other type of fiction, this episode will help you create the kind of curiosity and tension that keeps readers glued to the page instead of accidentally driving them away.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Want my entire step-by-step process for brainstorming, outlining, and writing your first draft? Click here to learn more about my Notes to Novel program.

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

Support the show

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Discover the pros and cons of writing a novel from multiple POVs—including how to avoid the #1 mistake that kills multi-POV novels.

Are multiple point-of-view characters right for your story?

Will they create the kind of depth that keeps readers hooked, or will they just leave you with a tangled mess of voices that never quite click together?

Writing a multi-POV novel is one of the most challenging approaches to storytelling. When done well, it creates a rich, immersive experience that readers absolutely love. But when done poorly, it can completely derail your entire manuscript.

In today's episode, I'll explain what it means to write a multiple-point-of-view novel, how it differs from other narrative approaches, and if it's the right choice for your story.

You'll hear me talk about things like:

[03:05] Why most writers confuse multiple POV with omniscient POV and how this one mistake can sabotage your entire story.

[04:50] The surprising way multiple perspectives create story depth that makes readers think about your book long after finishing it (think Game of Thrones level complexity).

[07:15] My favorite "secret weapon" technique that uses contrasting viewpoints to create those jaw-dropping "aha" moments readers can't stop talking about.

[11:00] The #1 challenge that kills most multi-POV novels before they're even finished (hint: it's not plot structure, and it's definitely not what you think).

[15:25] Five make-or-break questions to ask yourself before committing to multiple POVs (because choosing the wrong narrative approach can derail months of hard work.)

If you've been wondering whether your story needs different character perspectives or if you're already writing from multiple points of view but feel overwhelmed by the nuances, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. #90 - How to Choose the Best POV For Your Novel

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

Support the show

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Master the fundamental building block of fiction writing with this one exercise that's helped writers break through years of stalled progress in just weeks.

Ever wonder why some writers seem to improve rapidly while others stay stuck for years, despite writing every single day? 🤔

The difference isn't talent or luck—it's deliberate practice.

Most aspiring novelists think that accumulating word count is the path to improvement. But here's the truth: without targeted practice and expert feedback, you might be reinforcing bad habits rather than developing good ones.

Tim Grahl is the CEO of Story Grid, author of six books, and has analyzed over 2,000 scenes from aspiring writers. What he's discovered about skill development might completely change how you approach your writing journey.

In this episode, you'll hear us talk about things like:

• [24:45] Why most writers don't improve even when they write every day—and the missing piece that separates writers who progress from those who stay stuck
• [02:11] The surprising shift Story Grid made from teaching big-picture structure to focusing on scene-level fundamentals instead
• [10:02] The 3-step framework for creating a deliberate writing practice that builds real skills instead of just word count
• [15:16] The three most common scene-writing mistakes that kill narrative momentum—and how to avoid them
• [24:27] Why getting expert feedback (not just writing in isolation) is the crucial element most writers miss

Whether you're staring at your first blank page or you've got a drawer full of unfinished manuscripts, this episode will show you exactly how to break the cycle of starting and stopping and finally make meaningful progress on your writing!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Story Grid’s Scene Checklist (Free Resource)

⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

Support the show

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Congratulations! You've finished writing your novel, and you've set your sights on self-publishing. But now you're staring at your manuscript, wondering, "Where do I start?" If you're feeling overwhelmed by the self-publishing process, you're not alone.

Most first-time authors don't realize just how many decisions the self-publishing process involves. From choosing file formats and pricing strategies to designing covers and optimizing metadata—every choice you make directly impacts your book's success in the marketplace.

This is exactly why having a roadmap to follow before diving into self-publishing is so crucial. Just as you wouldn't build a house without blueprints, you shouldn't publish your novel without a clear plan of action.

That's exactly what I'm providing in this episode—a comprehensive 10-step guide that will transform your manuscript into a professionally published book readers will discover and enjoy.

You’ll hear me talk about things like:

• [02:42] The critical mindset shift most first-time authors fail to make—and why adopting a publisher’s mindset is key to your self-publishing success
• [06:04] How to build out your publishing team (including why skimping on professional editing is the costliest mistake you can make)
• [11:51] Why you should start building your author platform and growing your email list now—even if your book isn’t entirely ready to publish just yet
• [21:19] How to decide which distribution channel is best for you and your book (and why this choice impacts everything from your marketing to sales)
• [25:49] How to develop a flexible pricing strategy that positions your novel correctly in the market while maximizing your revenue and/or reach

Whether you’ve already set your sights on self-publishing or if you’ve been researching self-publishing only to feel more confused than ever, this episode will give you the clear, strategic roadmap you need to confidently self-publish your novel like a pro!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Your Self-Publishing Roadmap: 10 Steps To Self-Publishing a Novel (Free Guide)
• Ep. #83 - What Kind of Editor Do You Need For Your Book?
• Ep. #106 - 5 Steps To Building Your Author Platform
• Ep. #107 - Email List Building Essentials For Authors
• Ep. 163 - How To Find & Work With A Book Cover Designer

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

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Learn how dictation is your secret weapon for capturing story ideas, supporting overall health, and writing up to 3,000 words per hour.

Are you curious about how dictation can improve your health and mobility, enhance your natural storytelling flow, and revolutionize your time management—even if you've tried and failed at it before? Well, then, you'll love this episode with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer.

Sarah is an author who's published 19 books—11 of which she wrote entirely through dictation. She now teaches other writers how to do the same so that they can write faster, spend less time sitting at their computers, and overcome perfectionism that stops them from getting words on the page.

Be sure to tune in. You'll hear us talk about things like:

[03:33] Why Sarah failed at dictation for years and the surprising mindset shift that made everything click into place.

[06:40] The 3 unexpected benefits of dictation that have nothing to do with writing speed but will change how you think about it.

[09:14] How Sarah captured 1,200 words in just 20 minutes while washing dishes (the scene that would've been lost forever).

[15:48] Why your brain freezes when you try to dictate your fiction and exactly how to create those missing neural pathways.

[25:43] The dead-simple "open bracket" trick for adding quick notes mid-sentence without breaking your creative flow.

[31:40] The surprisingly simple text message exercise that retrains your brain for dictation even if you had trouble with it before.

Whether battling perfectionism, dealing with chronic pain, or just curious about dictation for writers, this episode gives you the practical steps to get started without expensive dictation software or complicated equipment.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Check out Sarah’s Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini-Course and use code FWME to get $50 off your purchase.
• Dictation For Authors Quickstart Guide (Free)

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

Discover the five most common big-picture mistakes writers make in their first drafts—and learn exactly what you can do to fix them.

Congratulations, you finished your first draft! …But now what? If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed as you dive into editing your messy first draft, you're so not alone.

As a developmental editor, I've reviewed hundreds of first drafts, and I've noticed that most new writers struggle with the same core issues—problems that have nothing to do with your writing talent, but everything to do with fundamental story principles.

In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 most common big-picture mistakes I see writers make in their first drafts (and exactly what you can do to fix them).

You'll hear me talk about things like:

• [00:00] How to figure out if your story starts in the right place (and the one simple question that can help you find the perfect spot to begin your first chapter)
• [00:00] The difference between meaningful conflict vs. random plot events—and why your protagonist’s transformation depends on this key storytelling element
• [00:00] How to fix weak narrative drive (aka the dreaded "so what?" problem that causes readers to abandon books), and how to create seamless scene-to-scene connections
• [00:00] Character development strategies for increasing emotional stakes in your novel without resorting to melodramatic plot twists or artificial tension
• [00:00] The one mistake that might make readers feel cheated at the end of your novel (even if they can't explain why), and how to fix it

If you've finished your first draft but feel something's not quite working, or if you're struggling to revise a manuscript that just doesn't seem to come together, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to transform your story!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• Novel Editing Roadmap: 10 Steps To Editing Your First Draft (Free Guide)
• Ep. #13 - 5 Things That Kill Narrative Drive (& How To Fix It)
• Ep. #18 - 5 Mistakes Writers Make In Their Opening Pages
• Ep. #118 - How To Find The Major Dramatic Question Of Your Story
• Ep. #145 - How To Develop Your Character’s Backstory
• Ep. #149 - 5 Questions To Develop Better Antagonists
• Want my entire step-by-step process for brainstorming, outlining, and writing your first draft? Click here to learn more about my Notes to Novel program.

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

Click here to register for my FREE training: 3 Things You Need to Write Your Novel in 2025.

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.