The Better Writer Podcast

Olivia Bedford

You want to write great books, books just like the ones you’ve been reading and falling in love with all your life, but somehow your vision just isn’t showing up on the page. Don’t despair. It’s not about lacking talent or some magical creative spark. You just need to learn how fiction works and The Better Writer Podcast is here to help. On this show, we explore what it really takes to write a book that readers can’t put down: mastering story craft fundamentals, revising like a pro (and getting pro help), and building a writing process that fits your real life, not someone else’s Instagram-perfect writing routine. Hosted by Olivia Bedford, a former English teacher turned developmental editor and Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, this show has one goal: help fiction writers unlearn all the misguided, one-size-fits-no-one advice out there and replace it with strategies that actually make your stories work for your future readers. If you’re an aspiring novelist who’s ready to finally understand how fiction works—and maybe even get paid for your writing someday—you’re in the right place. Welcome, and happy writing! P.S. Don’t forget to hit subscribe and become a better writer, one episode at a time.

  1. Jun 16

    Scared of Writing Diverse Characters? Here’s How to Get Started.

    You’re writing a book and you want readers to love it. But are you using tropes and worldbuilding elements that could harm your future readers? Whether consciously or unconsciously, you may be including harmful stereotypes or tropes in your stories. In this episode of the Better Writer Podcast, I’m sharing four mindsets that can help you worldbuild & write with sensitivity so you can avoid limiting your audience prematurely or accidentally falling into your own misrepresentation trap. Let’s dive in! Resources related to this episode (some mentioned, some not, all here to help you write better books): Writing the Other (many resources on representing varied racial & minority groups respectfully): https://writingtheother.com/Verna Myers’ TEDTalk “How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYyvbgINZkQMolly Rookwood’s Blog Post “Antisemitism in Fantasy and Fairy Tales”: https://www.rookwoodediting.com/post/antisemitism-in-fantasy-and-fairy-talesMy blog post “First, Do No Harm: World Building Tropes to Avoid”: https://www.oliviahelpswriters.com/blog/world-building-tropes-to-avoidAnother blog post from me “3 Resources for Improving LGBTQIA+ Representation in Your Stories”: https://www.oliviahelpswriters.com/blog/improve-lgbtqia-representation-in-your-stories Thanks for listening, keep writing, and keep getting better one word at a time! For a full transcript of the episode, please visit https://oliviahelpswriters.com/bwp/28. 00:00 Intro 06:23 Mindset 1: Listen & Learn 09:50 Mindset 2: Leaning on "classic" tropes Isn't an excuse. 15:48 Mindset 3: Don't Write for One Reader 20:12 Mindset 4: Think Beyond Trauma

    28 min
  2. Jun 9

    Do you need an editor for your novel? It depends.

    Most fiction writers know they’ll need help at some point, and those planning to publish know that feedback from a professional editor can help them write a successful book. But what kind of editing do you actually need? Do you need developmental editing or a book coach? Copy editing or proofreading? And what about line editing? It’s a complicated question without a one-size-fits-all answer. So, let’s talk about it. The answer depends on two factors: your publishing plan and your skill as a writer. Listen to learn about the different types of editors and how to know which types of feedback you’ll need at each stage in your writing process. Request a sample edit from Olivia (closed to the public until July 7th): https://www.oliviahelpswriters.com/sample-editMargie Lawson’s line editing courses: https://www.margielawson.com/lawson-writers-academy-2/Learn more about the different types of editors here: https://www.oliviahelpswriters.com/blog/types-of-editing-and-editors Thanks for listening, keep writing, and keep getting better one word at a time! For a full transcript of the episode, please visit https://oliviahelpswriters.com/bwp/27. 00:00 Intro 01:51 Types of Editing 06:36 Editing Needs for Trad vs. Self-Pub 11:12 Do you need developmental or line editing? 11:51 Editing for Absolute Beginners 16:05 When to Hire a Developmental Editor 20:27 Do You Need Line Editing? 22:25 Making Your Decision 25:52 Final Thoughts on Editorial Support

    27 min
  3. May 19

    Fiction Writers: Are you starting your revisions the right way?

    What do you think of when you think of revising your novel? Do you imagine diving in to your novel and starting to make changes on the page? That’s an important step, but there are actually three whole steps that come first. Why? Because planning ahead of time means you’re more likely to revise strategically, not haphazardly. Here are the three steps that need to come first: Visualize your finished book so you have a destination for your revisions.Analyze your draft so you know exactly what needs work.Strategize your revisions so you can choose solutions that will make the entire book better, not just parts of it.Want to learn more about the revision mistakes that keep fiction writers stuck? Sign up for my FREE revision masterclass. It’s called Finally Finish Your Book: Stop Making the 5 Revision Mistakes Keeping Your Story Stuck. You can learn more about the class here: https://ohwrevisionclass.com/ Ready to register? Choose your session and sign up here: Wednesday, May 20th: https://olivia-helps-writers.kit.com/masterclass-may20Thursday, May 21st: https://olivia-helps-writers.kit.com/masterclass-may21Saturday, May 23rd: https://olivia-helps-writers.kit.com/masterclass-may23Tuesday, May 26th: https://olivia-helps-writers.kit.com/masterclass-may26Can’t make any of them? Register anyway and I’ll send you the replay as soon as we’re done! If you show up live OR watch the replay within 24 hours, you’ll get my book map template for free! See you there! Thanks for listening, keep writing, and keep getting better one word at a time! For a full transcript of the episode, please visit https://oliviahelpswriters.com/bwp/25.

    20 min
  4. May 12

    How a Reverse Outline Can Help Fiction Writers Revise Their Novels

    Did you know that outlines aren't just for planning your novel? You can actually use an outline to revise as well, and it might just become your revision secret weapon. This episode is your quick and dirty introduction to reverse outlining. A reverse outline is a versatile tool that you can use to make revision less confusing and overwhelming. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: The definition of a reverse outlineWhy reverse outlines are particularly powerful for pantsers How to use a reverse outline for revision How to use a reverse outline as your revision plan Sign up for my FREE revision masterclass and finally finish your book. You can learn more about the class here: https://ohwrevisionclass.com/ Ready to register? Choose your session and sign up here: Wednesday, May 20th: https://olivia-helps-writers.kit.com/masterclass-may20Thursday, May 21st: https://olivia-helps-writers.kit.com/masterclass-may21Saturday, May 23rd: https://olivia-helps-writers.kit.com/masterclass-may23Tuesday, May 26th: https://olivia-helps-writers.kit.com/masterclass-may26 Choose the session that works for you and I’ll see you there! Can’t make any of them? Register anyway and I’ll send you the replay as soon as we’re done! If you show up live OR watch the replay within 24 hours, you’ll get my book map template for free! Here are the resources mentioned in this episode: Read more about creating and using a reverse outline in this blog post https://www.oliviahelpswriters.com/blog/reverse-outlining-what-why-and-howWant to learn my step-by-step process for creating, analyzing, and using a reverse outline to revise your novel? Join the next round of Reader Ready Revisions here: https://www.oliviahelpswriters.com/reader-ready-revisionsHave a response to this episode? Hit me up on Instagram @oliviahelpswriters https://instagram.com/oliviahelpswriters Thanks for listening, keep writing, and keep getting better one word at a time! For a full transcript of the episode, please visit https://oliviahelpswriters.com/bwp/24.

    19 min
  5. May 5

    5 Questions Fiction Writers Must Answer Before Revising

    Fiction writers, can you answer these five questions about your book? If not, it’s time to stop, drop what you’re doing and listen to this podcast episode. I’m covering five crucial questions that you should answer before you start revising your book so that you can give your revisions direction and focus. They are: Why this book?What is your genre?Who are you writing for?What experience do you want readers to have?How do you plan to publish?Need help figuring out your answers to these questions? The next round of Reader Ready Revisions is officially open for enrollment! Not only will I teach you how to answer these questions, you’ll get my feedback to make sure you’re on the right track and help you shape your revision process based on your answers! You can learn more and apply to join at www.ReaderReadyRevisions.com! If we haven’t met, I’m Olivia, a developmental editor & book coach who helps genre fiction writers master a repeatable writing process so they can create books their future readers will love without overwhelm. Here are the resources mentioned in this episode: Listen to Joanna Penn's podcast, The Creative Penn Podcast here: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/the-creative-penn-podcast-for-authors/ (sorry, I couldn't find that episode)Apply for the next round of Reader Ready Revisions here: https://www.oliviahelpswriters.com/reader-ready-revisionsGrab my FREE Revision Kickstart Guide and join my newsletter here: https://olivia-helps-writers.ck.page/94b0145ae9Have a response to this episode? Hit me up on Instagram @oliviahelpswriters https://instagram.com/oliviahelpswriters Thanks for listening, keep writing, and keep getting better one word at a time! For a full transcript of the episode, please visit https://oliviahelpswriters.com/bwp/23.

    21 min
  6. Apr 29

    Why Fiction Writers Need to Put Readers First

    I love writers but, I have to be honest, I don’t put you first. That honor belongs to your future readers. And you, my friend, should be putting your future readers first too. Why? Because readers will ultimately decide whether your book is a success - or not - once it’s published. Here are my top tips for fiction writers who want to revise with readers in mind: Know Your Ideal Reader: If you try to write for everyone, you’ll end up writing for no one. Instead, I want you to get super-specific about who your book is for and what matters most to them.Know Your Genre: Once you know who you’re writing for, you have to know what they want from you. That means getting super specific about what your genre demands at a structural and scene level.Put Readers' Priorities First: Readers care about the craft elements that most shape their experience. Conflict, character, immersive scenes that show instead of tell, and more. While you can also focus on your favorite craft elements, you need to deliver on the things readers want first.Find Balance: What you love matters too! There are times when you need to make sacrifices for readers and time to stick to your guns and make sure that your book is still your book when you’re done. Need help figuring out how to put your readers first in revision? The next round of Reader Ready Revisions starts soon! Not only will I teach you how to identify your ideal readers and genre expectations, you’ll get my feedback on your work to make sure you’re on the right track before your revision even starts! Join the waitlist here and get early access + special bonuses. If we haven’t met, I’m Olivia, a developmental editor & book coach who helps genre fiction writers master a repeatable writing process so they can create books their future readers will love without overwhelm. Here are the resources mentioned in this episode: Want to be the first to know when Reader Ready Revisions opens? Join the waitlist here: https://www.oliviahelpswriters.com/reader-ready-revisionsGrab my FREE Revision Kickstart Guide and join my newsletter hereHave a response to this episode? Hit me up on Instagram @oliviahelpswriters Thanks for listening, keep writing, and keep getting better one word at a time! For a full transcript of the episode, please visit https://oliviahelpswriters.com/bwp/22.

    28 min

Trailer

About

You want to write great books, books just like the ones you’ve been reading and falling in love with all your life, but somehow your vision just isn’t showing up on the page. Don’t despair. It’s not about lacking talent or some magical creative spark. You just need to learn how fiction works and The Better Writer Podcast is here to help. On this show, we explore what it really takes to write a book that readers can’t put down: mastering story craft fundamentals, revising like a pro (and getting pro help), and building a writing process that fits your real life, not someone else’s Instagram-perfect writing routine. Hosted by Olivia Bedford, a former English teacher turned developmental editor and Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, this show has one goal: help fiction writers unlearn all the misguided, one-size-fits-no-one advice out there and replace it with strategies that actually make your stories work for your future readers. If you’re an aspiring novelist who’s ready to finally understand how fiction works—and maybe even get paid for your writing someday—you’re in the right place. Welcome, and happy writing! P.S. Don’t forget to hit subscribe and become a better writer, one episode at a time.

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