Fiction Writing Made Easy Savannah Gilbo

“Every story has one main question that it raises in the beginning and answers by the end.” - Savannah Gilbo

In this latest podcast episode, we'll explore a fundamental element of storytelling: the Major Dramatic Question (MDQ). From the outset of your story, readers should be gripped by this central question. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[01:31] Savannah talks about why the major dramatic question (MDQ) of a story is a helpful question for writers and how you can find the MDQ of your story.

[04:27] What's going to help you write a story that's full of narrative drive (the thing that keeps readers turning the pages)?

[08:12] Once you know your story's Major Dramatic Question (MDQ), what do you do with it?

[09:44] How your story’s MDQ can help during the publishing process and can pique a potential reader's interest.

Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode #2: How to Choose the Best Genre for Your StoryThe Fourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosNotes to Novel CourseUgly Love by Colleen HooverYellow Face by R. F. Kuang





Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode of the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, please rate, review, and follow this show!

Follow me on Instagram @savannah.gilbo

“As I kid I was like, I would love to get paid to read.” - Julie Taylor

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down to chat with Julie Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at The Spun Yarn - a company that offers paid beta reading and sensitivity reading services to authors. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[06:15] How does The Spun Yarn create a perfect matching system between its authors and its beta readers?

[15:37] When would an author need this type of service? How is it different than working with an editor?

[31:14] The beta-readers-questioning-method and thinking process.

[47:28] Making changes throughout the years thanks to feedback given by both authors and beta readers.

Links mentioned in this episode:
The Spun Yarn websiteThe Spun Yarn on FacebookThe Spun Yarn on LinkedInThe Spun Yarn on X

Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode of the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, please rate, review, and follow this show!

Follow me on Instagram @savannah.gilbo

“In every story, you want to have that internal change because, without internal change, there is no character change.” - Savannah Gilbo


In today’s episode, both Abigail K. Perry and I talk about the intriguing world of "Anxious People" by Frederick Backman. Buckle up, because this first chapter exploration is different from any other you've encountered before. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[05:08] Chapter summary: an unnamed narrator describes a plot involving idiots, bad decisions, and a hostage drama. The narrator outlines key events and this summary stands out because it reveals what appears to be the story's conclusion, offering a unique approach.


[16:14] Macro analysis: the challenge of categorizing this book within a specific content genre due to its unique blend of elements and how labeling it solely as a crime story might not align with the reader's expectations. 


[41:30] Micro analysis: highlighting the importance of identifying character motivations and understanding the events that propel the story forward, even in the absence of a traditional scene. 


[47:37] Final thoughts: the concept of turning points within the narrative structure and dissecting the crucial moments that force characters into dilemmas. 

Links mentioned in this episode:
"Anxious People" by Frederick Backman“Anxious People” on NetflixEpisode #113” First Chapter Analysis: The Magicians by Lev GrossmanHamilton The MusicalHarry Potter Book SeriesLit Match: Hosted by Abigail K. Perry



Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode of the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, please rate, review, and follow this show!

Follow me on Instagram @savannah.gilbo

“I tried to ignore it, but when inspiration strikes, sometimes the inspiration keeps striking, and it just didn't want to go.” - Anne Mortensen

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Anne Mortensen to talk through what it was like to write, edit, and publish not one, but two of her books. You'll also get an exclusive look at her experience working alongside a developmental editor and book coach (that's me!) to bring her stories to life. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[02:05] Anne introduces herself, talks about her background, and lets us know what kind of books she writes.
[04:44] A quick highlight reel of Anne’s books and writing journey.
[08:34] Where the inspiration for her novel, The Arcadian Match came from.
[11:03] Working on getting to the essence of the book's characters.
[14:40] How much of the external plot changed from the first draft to after Anne met her character?
[18:21] While pressure testing the outline, does Anne remember having any moments where something clicked?
[22:09] What was it like for Anne to go back to her first book after working on her second book and hitting a roadblock?
[27:30] Is the coaching experience the best? If so, why?
[29:54] What was Anne’s relationship with feedback before coaching?
[32:20] What would Anne say to other writers who are afraid of the feedback of others?
[35:46] How long did it take to get a first draft done for “Arcadian Match”?
[37:21] Is Anne working on her third book now?
[40:24] How to deal with challenges and never give up?
[41:38] What are the things Anne sees that make the writers she works with successful and other writers not?
[43:21] Parting words of wisdom from Anne.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, please rate, review, and follow this show!

Links mentioned in this episode:
Head over to savannahgilbo.com for a full transcriptAnne Mortensen's websiteThe Arcadian Match (out June 2023)The Truth Effect (out October 2021)Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode of the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, please rate, review, and follow this show!

Follow me on Instagram @savannah.gilbo

“Dialogue is a form of action. We can utilize what's happening around the dialogue to assist what's being said.” - Savannah Gilbo


Today, I'm thrilled to talk about the intricate art of dialogue with you once more. We're going to explore three common pitfalls that often lurk in dialogue and learning how to navigate these challenges can truly elevate your storytelling. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[02:34] Savannah explains the meaning of attributions and what to do when you doubt if something being said is clear to the reader.


[06:55] Reading a snippet from “Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins and why it is a great example of keeping attributions simple.


[11:27] Why asking rhetorical questions undermines the emotional potential of your scenes. 


[14:15] The value of not including too much backstory or too much information in your dialogue.

Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode #104: 10 Tips For Writing Better DialogueThe Hunger Games Series (Book 3): Mockingjay by Suzanne CollinsThe Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne YoungDivine Rivals by Rebecca Ross





Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode of the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, please rate, review, and follow this show!

Follow me on Instagram @savannah.gilbo

“I feel that emotional connection, the emotional struggles here are going to be a big gameplay in how the story is executed.” - Abigail K. Perry
Magic has always fascinated us, hasn't it? The mere thought of a world where the impossible becomes possible, where spells are cast, and extraordinary adventures unfold, has captivated readers for generations. In the realm of adult fantasy novels, one name stands out – Lev Grossman and his masterpiece, "The Magicians."

Today, both Abigail K. Perry, host of the LitMatch podcast, and I embark on a magical yet realistic journey as we unravel the intricacies of the first chapter. Here’s a preview of what’s included:

[06:17] Abigail gives a summary of The Magicians by Lev Grossman
[21:51] A macro analysis of the first chapter using 7 key questions from Paula Munier's book The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings
[58:40] A micro analysis of the scene within the chapter using the "5 Commandments of Storytelling" from The Story Grid
[01:20] Final thoughts on analyzing chapters and scenes

Links mentioned in this episode:
The Magicians by Lev GrossmanLitMatch podcastSupport the showIf you enjoyed this episode of the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, please rate, review, and follow this show!

Follow me on Instagram @savannah.gilbo