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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 structure, backstory, worldbuilding, magic systems, genre clarity, revision, or the publishing path. Some episodes are focused teaching sessions where I break down craft and process step by step, and others feature in-depth conversations with industry experts—authors, editors, agents, and publishing professionals—who share real-world insight into what actually works. No vague advice. No craft mysticism. Just concrete, actionable strategies you can apply immediately (often with free companion workbooks linked right in the show notes). This podcast is here to help you stop spinning your wheels and start making confident, intentional story choices—so your novel feels grounded, emotionally powerful, and readable all the way through. I’m your host, Heather Davis—Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, developmental editor, host of the WorldShift Writing Summit, podcaster, and fellow speculative fiction writer. I’ve spent over a decade helping writers untangle messy drafts, fix stories that almost work, and build novels from the ground up in a way that’s sustainable and actually makes sense. And let’s be honest: writing a good novel—the kind readers want to finish, recommend, and come back to—is hard. This podcast doesn’t promise shortcuts or overnight success. Instead, it embraces the real, messy, challenging work of storytelling—and gives you the tools to do it well. If you’ve ever found yourself typing questions like these into Google, this show is for you: What is show don't tell?What's the difference between scenes and chapters?How do I use Save the Cat to structure my novel without it feeling formulaic?How do I include backstory without info-dumping?Why isn’t my magic system working in my story?How do I revise a novel without getting overwhelmed?How do I write character driven stories? How do I develop my author Voice?How do I write fantasy, romantasy, dystopian, science fiction, magical realism, paranormal, horror, or other speculative genres?How do I develop my protagonist?What is interiority?How do I determine the these and Point of my novel? How do I create a character arc for my protagonist? etc. So if you’re ready to write a novel you’re proud of—one that holds together, makes readers think, and earns their trust—go ahead and follow or subscribe. It’s the easiest way to support the show and make sure you don’t miss what’s coming next. Next steps: If you want to go deeper, get on my email list so you don’t miss my free and paid classes, workshops, and free writing sprints: 👉 https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO Have a question or want to reach out directly? You can email me anytime at [email protected] Until next time, keep writing, keep dreaming, and remember: the world needs your stories right now. Don’t give up on your novel—or yourself.

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

Writing Your Breakthrough Novel with Charlotte B. Plumb | Episode 55

2026/10/06

In this episode, I sit down with fantasy author Charlotte B. Plumb to talk about writing Reap & Sow, her Gothic romantasy debut, and the craft lessons that helped her go from querying a novel that didn’t sell to landing nine offers of representation. Charlotte shares how she changed her writing process, strengthened her craft, and learned to build stories with compelling characters, immersive interiority, and the kind of structure that keeps readers turning pages. You’ll learn: ✨ How experimenting with your writing process can help you find what actually works for you ✨ Why strong character development starts with making things harder for your protagonist, not easier ✨ How to use plotting and story structure without sacrificing creativity or spontaneity ✨ How interiority transforms a scene from something readers simply watch into something they actually feel ✨ What Charlotte learned from writing and querying a novel that didn’t sell, and how those lessons helped her approach her next book differently ✨ Why persistence, timing, craft, and marketability all play a role in the path to publication If you’re working toward publication, struggling with a draft that isn’t quite clicking, or wondering whether all the writing and rewriting is actually making you better, this episode is a wonderful reminder that no book is wasted. Every story you write teaches you something, and sometimes the novel that doesn’t work out is exactly what prepares you to write the one that does. Pre-order Reap & Sow by Charlotte B. Plumb: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/824804/reap-and-sow-by-charlotte-b-plumb/ 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Writing Emotional Scenes That Feel Real, Not Melodramatic

2026/08/03

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 episode will show you exactly what's missing. In this episode, I break down the difference between describing emotion and creating emotionality, explain why readers are actually co-creators of your story, and walk through three simple techniques that invite readers to experience your protagonist's emotions instead of merely observing them. You'll learn: ✨ Why naming emotions and describing body language often isn't enough to create an emotional reading experience ✨ The surprising reason readers are actually co-creators of every story they read—and how that changes the way you write ✨ Three practical techniques for writing scenes that make readers feel alongside your protagonist ✨ Why interiority is one of the most powerful tools for creating emotional connection ✨ How concrete, specific details transform vague emotional moments into unforgettable scenes ✨ A side-by-side example showing how to revise an emotional scene so it has far greater impact If your emotional scenes feel flat, distant, or like readers understand what your characters are feeling without actually feeling it themselves, this episode will give you a practical framework for changing that. By the end, you'll know how to write emotional scenes that invite readers into the experience, deepen their connection to your characters, and make your story far more memorable. 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

The Hidden Psychology Behind Great World-Building with Gabriela Pereira | Episode 53

2026/07/01

Writers often think world-building starts with maps, magic systems, political structures, or pages of lore. But what if it actually starts with your protagonist? In this excerpt from my conversation with Gabriela Pereira for WorldShift 2026, we explore one of the biggest mindset shifts writers can make about world-building. Gabriela explains why every story—not just fantasy or science fiction—involves world-building, and introduces her fascinating psychology-inspired framework that puts the protagonist at the center of the world instead of treating the world like a static backdrop. We talk about: ✨ Why world-building exists in every genre, not just speculative fiction ✨ The biggest mistake writers make (and why info-dumps rarely work) ✨ How your protagonist acts as the "filter" through which readers experience the world ✨ Why the exact same setting feels completely different depending on your character's emotional state ✨ A simple exercise you can use to make your settings feel more immersive and emotionally powerful If you've ever struggled to make your world feel alive—or wondered why your descriptions sometimes feel flat—this conversation will completely change how you think about world-building. If you'd like to watch the full interview (along with more than 30+ other presentations from experts), join the waitlist for the FREE WorldShift 2026 Writers' Conference this August. 👉https://worldshift2026.manyworldswriting.com/?ac=YF5ufUWq 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Writing Age Category: Fix This Before You Query (with Ben Grange) | Episode 52

2026/04/01

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 category” actually means behind the scenes. We break down the real differences between middle grade, YA, new adult, and adult fiction… and why those lines are far blurrier (and more business-driven) than most writers realize. We talk candidly about market realities, reader expectations, stakes, voice, theme, and what actually determines where your book ends up on the shelf. If you’ve ever wondered: “Does my protagonist’s age define my book?” “What actually makes something YA vs adult?” “Can I write a younger protagonist and still have an adult novel?” “What if I categorize my book wrong when querying?” “Do publishers decide everything anyway?” …this episode is for you. We cover: ✨ What “age category” really means (and why it’s about marketing) ✨ How protagonist age, stakes, and theme actually work together ✨ What makes a story feel YA vs adult (beyond surface-level rules) ✨ How to position your book correctly when querying agents ✨ Why writing the book you love still matters most We also dive into something every writer needs to hear: rejection. Because understanding age category is important—but it’s only one piece of a much bigger picture. And Ben shares a powerful reminder that the only thing you truly control in this industry… is the writing itself. At the end of the day, the question isn’t just: “Where does my book fit?” It’s: “Am I writing the story I actually want to tell—and am I willing to keep going no matter what happens next?” You can find Ben Grange here: https://thirty30k.com https://www.booksonthegrange.com/ 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Writing Scenes: How to Build Mini Stories That Work | Episode 51

2026/03/25

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 fall flat at the scene level, and the essential elements that make a scene engaging, cohesive, and impossible to ignore. Whether you’re drafting or revising, this writing episode will help you build scenes that truly drive your story forward. In this episode, I break down exactly how to write powerful, working scenes—the kind that create tension, reveal character, and lead to meaningful story change. We’ll talk about what scenes are actually for (hint: it’s not just “stuff happening”), what not to do, and the simple but essential elements that turn a flat scene into a compelling mini-story. You’ll learn: ✨ What a scene actually is (and how it’s different from a chapter) ✨ Why so many scenes fall flat—even in otherwise strong novels ✨ The core elements every working scene needs: character, setting, disturbance, tension, and change ✨ How to think of scenes as mini stories that build momentum across your novel If your scenes feel a little vague, low-stakes, or like they’re just… there—and you’ve been hoping they’ll come together in revision—this episode will show you what’s missing and how to fix it. By the end, you’ll understand how to build scenes that create tension, deepen character, and move your story forward—and why mastering this one unit of story can transform your entire novel. 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Writing Your Novel Your Way: The Hybrid Publishing Option (with Megan Sells, Atmosphere Press) | Episode 50

2026/03/04

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 traditional publishing and self-publishing, why it’s often confused with vanity presses, and how authors can decide if it’s the right path for them. We talk candidly about money, rights, marketing, selectivity, speculative fiction word counts (yes, we went there), and what success really means in today’s publishing landscape. If you’ve ever wondered: “Is hybrid publishing legit?”“Do I keep my rights?”“How selective are hybrid presses really?”“What kind of marketing support would I actually get?”“Can I still control my cover, edits, and audiobook narrator?”…this episode is for you. We cover: ✨ The difference between traditional, self-, and hybrid publishing ✨ Why “vanity press” is not the same as true hybrid publishing ✨ How selective Atmosphere Press really is (spoiler: around 1–2%) ✨ What authors actually invest in—and what they receive in return ✨ Editing, cover design, marketing, distribution, and collaboration ✨ Why hybrid publishing can protect your IP rights (film, audio, merchandise) ✨ The surprising flexibility around word count ✨ Why success isn’t just about bestseller lists ✨ The power of continuing to publish We also dive into something I care deeply about as a speculative fiction writer: voice. Hybrid publishing can create space for niche, diverse, genre-bending, or non-trending books that might not fit traditional commercial molds—but absolutely deserve readers. And we talk about ownership. Not just of your book—but of your rights, your long-term IP, and your creative decisions. Because at the end of the day, the question isn’t just: “Can I get published?” It’s: “What path aligns with my goals, my values, and my definition of success?” 👉 Learn more about Atmosphere Press (and read their full contract + services): https://atmospherepress.com/ 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Do You Need an MFA to Succeed in Writing? | Episode 49

2026/02/25

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 what commercial fiction truly requires, and how to build a smarter, more intentional path to mastering writing on your own. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “qualified enough” to pursue writing seriously, this episode will show you exactly what actually matters. In this episode, I walk you through how to create your own powerful writing education—the kind that develops real craft skills, sharpens your storytelling instincts, and prepares you for the business side of being an author. We’ll dig into the difference between literary training and commercial storytelling, why plot and character arc matter more than a diploma, and how to design a self-directed learning plan that works better than a traditional creative writing degree. You’ll learn: ✨ Why an MFA is not a prerequisite for great writing ✨ The critical difference between literary writing and commercial fiction craft ✨ The three pillars of building your own writing education ✨ How to study novels intentionally to accelerate your growth ✨ Why feedback is non-negotiable if you want to level up your writing If you’ve been hesitating to pursue writing because you don’t have a creative writing degree, or you’ve been wondering whether an MFA is the missing piece, this episode will help you rethink what actually creates mastery. By the end, you’ll have a clear, practical roadmap for improving your writing skills with purpose, confidence, and strategy—no degree required. 👉 Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Writing Strong Pitches for Querying Success (with Julie Artz) | Episode 48

2026/02/18

Feeling overwhelmed by querying—or stuck in the rejection cycle with no clue what’s “wrong”? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Julie Artz (author, editor, book coach, and dragon 🐉) to demystify what agents actually want—and how to build a pitch package that makes them want to read more. We break down what’s inside today’s modern pitch package (including the two pieces Query Manager made way more common), why your synopsis must spoil the ending, and how to avoid the biggest query traps—especially for speculative fiction writers who love their worldbuilding (hi, it’s us). Julie also shares her go-to framework for tightening your pitch from the inside out: Four Essential Questions that should be clear in your logline, your query, your synopsis, and your pages. Because if you can’t articulate the story in short form, it might be a sign the story itself needs a stronger foundation. You’ll learn: ✨ Who actually needs to query—and why pitch skills still help self-publishing authors ✨ What’s in a modern pitch package (query, sample pages, one-sentence pitch/logline, synopsis) ✨ Why your synopsis should spoil the ending (and why agents need that) ✨ How to avoid “genre soup” (and what to say when your book is both sci-fi and fantasy) ✨ The Four Essential Questions—and how they reveal what your story might be missing If querying has been making you feel confused, discouraged, or like you’re shouting into the void, this conversation will help you get grounded, get strategic, and start pitching with way more clarity and confidence. 👉 Grab Julie’s FREE Four Essential Questions Workbook (mentioned in the episode): https://www.julieartz.com/four-essential-questions-workbook?utm_source=spec-fic-made-simple&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=guest&utm_content=episode&utm_campaign=get-to-yes 👉 Join Heather's email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Stop Playing Nice: The Secret to Writing a Great Scene Is Conflict | Episode 47

2026/02/11

Struggling to make your scenes feel tense, gripping, and impossible to look away from? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many scenes feel flat even when the stakes seem high, what writers often get wrong about conflict, and how to build the kind of tension that keeps readers glued to the page. If your scenes feel a little too easy on your characters (and your readers), this episode will show you exactly how to fix that. In this episode, I walk you through how to create meaningful, effective conflict in your scenes—the kind that feels natural, purposeful, and emotionally charged rather than forced or melodramatic. We’ll dig into why conflict is the engine of great storytelling, what happens when it’s missing, and how to design scenes that actively push back against your protagonist at every turn. You’ll learn: ✨ Why scenes with clear goals and stakes can still feel boring—and what’s actually missing ✨ The five essential elements every high-tension scene needs to create friction and suspense ✨ How opposing goals instantly raise tension between characters ✨ How to use stakes, constraints, and escalating obstacles to make scenes feel dangerous and alive ✨ Why ticking clocks and hard decisions are so powerful—and how they turn scenes into true story moments If your scenes tend to resolve too neatly, your characters get what they want too easily, or your conflict feels muted and safe, this episode will help you rethink how you’re building tension from the ground up. By the end, you’ll have a clear framework for crafting scenes that force your protagonist to struggle, choose, and change—and that make readers eager to race into the next chapter. 👉 Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

The Secret to Powerful Writing: Three-Act Structure Demystified with Gabriela Pereira | Episode 46

2026/02/04

Struggling to make sense of story structure—or wondering if you’re doing it “wrong”? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Gabriela Pereira, founder of DIY MFA, to talk about story structure in a way that feels empowering instead of intimidating. We zoom in on the classic three-act structure (and why it’s classic, not universal), break down the role of pivot points, and explore how structure works best as a crosscheck rather than a paint-by-numbers formula. You’ll learn: ✨ Why the three-act structure works—and why it isn’t universal or rigid ✨ Gabriela’s “3 + 2 = 1” framework (three acts, two pivot points, one cohesive story) ✨ How to navigate Act Two without falling into the dreaded “and then… and then…” trap ✨ What the midpoint and Dark Night of the Soul are really doing for your protagonist ✨ How different types of endings work (and how to choose the right one for your story) If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by story structure or unsure why something in your draft just isn’t working, this episode will help you move from instinct to intention—and finally see where your story needs support. 👉 Join Heather's email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO 👉DIY MFA Starter Kit at DIYMFA.com/join 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

The Art of Writing Irresistible First Lines | Episode 45

2026/01/28

Struggling to craft that perfect first sentence? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing why your novel’s opening line matters more than ever in today’s distracted world, how to avoid the most common first-line pitfalls, and three powerful strategies to spark reader curiosity from the very first word. Whether you're revising or just starting out, this writing episode will help you grab attention—and keep it. In this episode, I break down exactly how to write killer first lines—the kind that spark instant curiosity, hook readers emotionally, and make them need to keep reading. We’ll talk about what first lines are actually for (hint: it’s not being pretty or clever), what not to do, and the simple but powerful strategies that make an opening line irresistible. You’ll learn: ✨ Why first lines matter more than ever—and how reader distraction changes what works ✨ The most common first-line mistakes that quietly kill curiosity (and what to do instead) ✨ What creating curiosity actually means—and how to do it without confusing your reader ✨ The three most effective types of killer opening lines, with clear examples you can apply immediately If your current first line feels bland, safe, or like it’s just… there—and you’ve been telling yourself you’ll “fix it later”—this episode will show you how to fix it, and what to aim for instead. By the end, you’ll understand how to turn your opening line into a true reader-hooking powerhouse—and why this one sentence sets the tone for everything that follows. 👉 Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Writing That Sells: What New York Times Bestseller J.D. Barker Did Differently | Episode 44

2026/01/21

In this episode, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker to talk about writing that sells—without sacrificing craft, creativity, or your sanity. J.D. shares his unconventional journey from ghostwriter and book doctor to bestselling author, along with the systems, habits, and strategic decisions that helped him build a thriving, long-term writing career. You’ll learn: ✨ How J.D. went from writing bestsellers under other people’s names to betting everything on his own career ✨ Why he self-published his first novel—and how that decision helped him break into traditional publishing ✨ What publishing looks like now (and why books need to be nearly “five-star ready” before agents or editors ever see them) ✨ His daily writing routine, word-count goals, and rituals for staying productive year after year ✨ How and why he uses outlining now—and what he learned plotting alongside James Patterson ✨ His approach to backstory, pacing, and suspense (including how he knows when readers are skimming) ✨ How beta readers actually help him shape stronger, more engaging novels ✨ Why thinking differently—especially when it comes to promotion—has been key to his success ✨ What it really takes to build a writing career that balances creativity, business, and real life If you’re serious about writing books that connect with readers and building a sustainable author career in today’s publishing world, this episode offers a candid, practical look at what works, what’s changed, and how you can approach your writing with both confidence and strategy. Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Writing Backstory That Actually Works (5 Guidelines You Must Know!) | Episode 43

2026/01/14

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. In this solo episode, I break down how to write backstory that actually works—backstory that deepens character, clarifies motivation, and pulls readers closer instead of pushing them away. This episode pairs closely with Episode 41 on Interiority, and together they form a powerful foundation for writing scenes that feel emotionally alive and fully grounded. You’ll learn: ✨ Why backstory is non-negotiable—and why the real problem isn’t having backstory, but how it’s used ✨ The five core guidelines that make backstory feel seamless instead of disruptive ✨ How framing backstory through interiority transforms it from explanation into emotional experience ✨ The difference between vague, abstract backstory and specific, concrete details readers can visualize ✨ How to place backstory inside a scene so it feels triggered, relevant, and purposeful ✨ Why “less backstory” isn’t always the answer—and how to find the right dosage ✨ How to use backstory to illuminate the present moment without stopping the story cold If your backstory feels clunky, misplaced, or never quite right—and you’re tired of guessing what to cut or keep—this episode will give you a clear, practical framework for using backstory with confidence. By the end, backstory won’t feel like a liability. It’ll feel like one of your strongest storytelling tools. Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Writing Fantasy, Building Worlds, and Navigating the Publishing World with Leslye Penelope | Episode 42

2025/12/10

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 creativity is there. The ambition is there. But the process still feels murky and out of reach. The missing ingredient is almost always the same: a clear, sustainable way to develop both your novel and your author career, from someone who’s walked the hybrid path. In this interview, I sit down with award-winning fantasy author Leslye Penelope to talk about how she develops a novel from idea to finished book, how she balances traditional and self-publishing, and how she builds powerful worlds, magic systems, and character arcs without losing creative control. You’ll learn: ✨ How Leslye went from self-publishing A Song of Blood and Stone to landing a St. Martin’s Press deal (and a spot on Time’s list of the 100 Best Fantasy Novels of All Time) ✨ Why she chose to self-publish first as a Black epic fantasy romance author—and how she protected her vision and her rights ✨ The levels of professional editing she invested in as an indie author ✨ How she structures her writing life as a hybrid author, including her co-writing sessions, fast-drafting process, and multi-draft revision approach ✨ The plotting frameworks she leans on ✨ How she approaches character work using wounds, misbeliefs, Enneagram types, and theme so her protagonists actually arc on the page ✨ Her philosophy of worldbuilding ✨ How she designs magic systems with real limits and costs, drawing on research and lived traditions so the magic feels fresh. If you’re dreaming of a long-term speculative fiction career but feel overwhelmed by the craft, the worldbuilding, and the business side, this episode will give you a grounded, practical roadmap for developing your next novel (and protecting your creative freedom) from first spark to final draft. Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO Grab Leslye's FREE worldbuilding checklist right here! 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Make Your Writing Unputdownable Through Interiority | Episode 41

2025/12/03

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 the same: interiority. In this solo episode, I break down what interiority actually is, why it is the most important element of your novel, and how to use it to create characters readers feel bonded to from page one. You’ll learn: ✨ What interiority really is and why it is more essential than plot or character arc ✨ Why readers need both your protagonist’s emotions and their interpretation of events ✨ The difference between dry narration and interiority-rich writing (with examples from Suzanne Collins and Rebecca Yarros) ✨ The first major Pillar of Interiority: Intellectual and Emotional Processing ✨ How to use therapist-style questions to deepen your protagonist’s internal world ✨ A simple technique to place interiority on the page so it feels seamless, natural, and woven directly into the story ✨ How external action and internal processing work together to hook readers and agents from the very first page If your scenes feel distant, flat, or like something important is missing, this episode will teach you how to bring your protagonist’s mind onto the page in a way that feels organic, alive, and completely unputdownable. Join my email list for FREE and paid writerly goodies! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/U2F1zO Grab the free Interiority Workbook (examples, graphics, and guiding questions) in the show notes. 🌻🌻Find out more about the Many Worlds Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻 🌻🌻Schedule a quick chat with Heather to sign up to be a founding member of the MW Drafting Club HERE!🌻🌻

Podcast reviews

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

4.9 out of 5

54 reviews

★★★★★

ManilaJ 2026/07/12

Great and Interesting Tips

As an aspiring author I’ve found this podcast incredibly helpful and interesting. The interviews are great and the episodes stay interesting throughou...

★★★★★

JuliaLevine 2026/04/13

Actionable Writing Strategies

If you're a writer or an aspiring writer, this show is a must-listen! Heather is so knowledgeable and is an effective teacher of actionable, tactical ...

★☆☆☆☆

Bluejaygreenjay 2026/02/18

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 ...

★★★★★

Kbeacon26 2026/02/13

Great for writers

Super useful writing adobe! Heather knows her stuff!

★★★★★

Flor Escrito 2026/02/09

Escribiendo Interioridad

La primera vez que aprendí de Heather Davis fue en un taller de noviembre de 2025 que me cambió la vida, llamado "Sentir para creer: Usar la interiori...

★★★★★

Happiestmommy 2026/02/09

So helpful

Clear and actionable advice. Plus great interviews.

★★★★★

Wreadhead 2026/02/07

Understanding interiority

I just finished the two-parter on interiority and found it so helpful. I’ve listened to other talks on this subject, but Heather’s advice to “ask char...

★★★★★

ArielE93 2026/02/07

So helpful!!

This podcast has been so helpful as I work on my outline and the start of my novel! Easy to follow and informative.

★★★★★

wildfiregraphomaniac 2026/02/05

Great content!

I appreciate the tips and insights. There’s a lot of value here. It seems authoritative and over enunciated to the point where it feels almost like a ...

★★★★★

Tampa Jack C 2026/02/04

Helpful Advice - Interesting Podcast

Discovered this podcast when I was looking for a stood discussion of how to write interiority. I don't write speculative fiction but the advice was s...

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