Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
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 heather@manyworldswriting.com
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.
Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
Writing Fantasy, Building Worlds, and Navigating the Publishing World with Leslye Penelope | Episode 42
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!
