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Artwork for Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian No

Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian No

Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor, Many Worlds Writing
Character Development
Writing
Speculative Fiction
Save the Cat
Interiority
Plot Structure
Writing Techniques
Backstory
Writing Process
Traditional Publishing
Self-Publishing
Character Transformation
Storytelling
Query Letters
World-Building
Act Two
Dual Point Of View
Flawed Protagonists
Protagonist
They Both Die At the End

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 s... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes53Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
How ToArtsEducationBooks

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian No

Latest Episodes

Age category feels straightforward… until it really, really isn’t.

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Grange to unpack one of the most confusing (and important) decisions a writer can make: how to position your book in the market—and what “age cat... more

YouTube

Struggling to write scenes that actually work—the kind that keep readers turning pages instead of skimming or putting your book down? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down what a scene really is (and what it’s not), why so many novels ... more

YouTube

Hybrid publishing gets talked about a lot… and misunderstood even more.

In this episode, I sit down with Megan Sells (Acquisitions Manager and Developmental Editor at Atmosphere Press) to unpack what hybrid publishing actually is—how it differs from... more

YouTube

Think you need an MFA or a creative writing degree to become great at writing? Don't be so sure. 

In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many aspiring authors believe formal education is the key to success, what MFA programs actually teach versus... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Ben Grange
Former literary agent and publishing professional; extensive industry experience
Independent writer/consultant; former Kindle Direct Publishing adviser at Amazon
Episode: Writing Age Category: Fix This Before You Query (with Ben Grange) | Episode 52
Megan Sells
Acquisitions Editor and Developmental Editor at Atmosphere Press
Atmosphere Press
Episode: Writing Your Novel Your Way: The Hybrid Publishing Option (with Megan Sells, Atmosphere Press) | Episode 50
Julie Artz
An author, editor, book coach, and dragon who helps writers break the rejection cycle.
Episode: Writing Strong Pitches for Querying Success (with Julie Artz) | Episode 48
Gabriela Pereira
Founder of DIY MFA, an alternative to traditional Master of Fine Arts in writing
DIY MFA
Episode: The Secret to Powerful Writing: Three-Act Structure Demystified with Gabriela Pereira | Episode 46
J.D. Barker
New York Times and international bestselling American author
Episode: Writing That Sells: What New York Times Bestseller J.D. Barker Did Differently | Episode 44
Leslye Penelope
Award-winning author of The Earths Singer Chronicles
Episode: Writing Fantasy, Building Worlds, and Navigating the Publishing World with Leslye Penelope | Episode 42
Alexa Bigwarfe
Founder and CEO of Right Publish Sell and the Women in Publishing Summit
Episode: Writing as a Business: Self-Publishing Like a Pro (with Alexa Bigwarfe) | Episode 40
Nicole Bross
Book coach and author of A Novel Approach, Strategies for ADHD Writers
Manuscript Alchemy
Episode: Brain-Friendly Writing Strategies for Writers with ADHD (with Nicole Bross) | Episode 39
Lisa Cron
Story coach and author of Wired for Story and Story Genius
Episode: Debunking Harmful Writing Myths With Lisa Cron | Episode 36

Host

Heather Davis
Host of the show focused on practical craft and publishing for speculative fiction; ACFB Coach, developmental editor, and host of related writing initiatives.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 111 ratings
  • Writing Motivation and Mentoring

    This is a great podcast and has kept me writing and improving my work for many years. Heather is excellent at breaking down tips and guidance to improve fictional writing and I’ve gone back over my works many times after listening to her to follow her guidance.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Phileasfoggy22
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Always so helpful!

    I think Heather may be clairvoyant—she seems to know just what I need help with to improve my writing. I come way from each episode with some insight or bit of advice I can apply right away.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Bluejaygreenjay
    United States2 months ago
  • Well structured,thoughtful and practical

    This podcast is great and really helpful to new writers who need a little help. I am new to the writing industry and all her tips and tricks are so helpful and I use them constantly. This is the best writing podcast I have listened to for a while and I listen to a lot. I am always eagerly waiting for the next episode. Would strongly recommend for all writers of all ages.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    HHLLMM11
    Australia3 months ago
  • Great for writers

    Super useful writing adobe! Heather knows her stuff!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kbeacon26
    United States3 months ago
  • Excellent podcast for spec fic writers

    As a beginner writer, Heather’s podcast has been extremely helpful for me. I like how she breaks down writing techniques with clear examples. It makes it easy to learn and she’s such a joy to listen to. I feel more confident in starting to write my first fantasy novel. Highly recommended!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LiyanaRj
    United Kingdom3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Episodes balance craft and career topics, helping writers plan next steps
Host delivers insights with a calm, concise teaching style
Clear, actionable writing tips and practical frameworks listeners can apply immediately
Interviews provide real-world publishing advice from industry pros

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#168
Ireland/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#172
Israel/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Writing Age Category: Fix This Before You Query (with Ben Grange) | Episode 52
Q: Can a YA story ever shift into an adult space, and what needs to happen for that to be viable?
A YA story can transition to adult space if the themes, stakes, and character development align with adult readers; however, market conditions and publisher decisions heavily influence whether such a shift is viable, and reader expectations must be managed accordingly.
Writing Age Category: Fix This Before You Query (with Ben Grange) | Episode 52
Q: What is age category and why does it matter for readers and bookstores?
Age category is how publishers and retailers classify a book to match the audience and shelf placement; it's a market-driven framework that guides where a book will sit and who is most likely to buy it.
Writing as a Business: Self-Publishing Like a Pro (with Alexa Bigwarfe) | Episode 40
Q: What is author platform and do we need an email list?
An author platform is where people find you, including your website and social media. An email list is essential because it's the only thing you fully control and a key tool for marketing.
Writing as a Business: Self-Publishing Like a Pro (with Alexa Bigwarfe) | Episode 40
Q: What would you say are the non-negotiables for self-publishing?
Authors need to invest in editing, quality cover design, formatting, and marketing. Understanding and knowing their genre is also crucial.
Brain-Friendly Writing Strategies for Writers with ADHD (with Nicole Bross) | Episode 39
Q: What advice would you give every ADHD writer listening for finishing their book and feeling good about the process?
Be good to yourself. Accept that some days it's not going to go your way, and you're still a writer even when it doesn't.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on practical craft and publishing strategies for speculative fiction, with a steady mix of deep-dive technique episodes and candid conversations with industry professionals. Listeners get concrete, actionable guidance on topics like worldbuilding, interiority, backstory, structure, and the publishing path (traditional, self, and hybrid). Guests range from editors and coaches to bestselling authors, offering real-world insights on crafting compelling fiction, pitching, and navigating the publishing landscape. A standout thread across episodes is empowering writers to own their process and actively participate in shaping their careers, often with concrete takeaways they can apply immediately. The format balances instructional... more

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this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 53 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Ben Grange
2. Megan Sells
3. Julie Artz
4. Gabriela Pereira
5. J.D. Barker
6. Leslye Penelope
7. Alexa Bigwarfe
8. Nicole Bross

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