
Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
Welcome to the Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple Podcast! The show that’s all about how to brainstorm, write, edit, publish, and sell a powerful speculative fiction novel… and maybe just change the world too.
I'm your host, Heather Davis. I’m a seasoned book coach, developmental editor, and fellow storyteller. In my work with writers, I always see the same problems and roadblocks standing in their way and preventing them from achieving their dream of becoming a published author. So it’s my mission to be 100% real about what it takes to craft a cohesive and unforgettable speculative fiction novel. I’ll share the same tips, tricks, and techniques that I use with my own clients in order to help you write the best novel you’re capable of writing.
In my under-30-minute episodes, I’ll get right to the heart of the problem without wasting your valuable time. I’ll give concrete, actionable ways to address that problem that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed or ready to give up. (That means that most of my episodes come with handy workbooks that you can grab for free right in my show notes!) But let’s be clear on one thing. Writing a good speculative fiction novel—you know, one that other people actually want to read it—is probably that hardest personal project you’ll ever willingly undertake. So this podcast doesn't downplay that hard work and promise that you’ll write a bestseller in 30 days or 6 months. (I personally don’t believe that good novels are written that way.)
Instead, this podcast embraces the hard, messy, and frustrating work that goes in to writing a great novel. My goal is to help you write a novel that you're proud of—one that holds together, one that makes people think, and one that makes readers want to read your work and buy your books again and again. From character arc to plot structure, from deep level worldbuilding to developing a kick-ass magic system, from honing your authorly voice to identifying your genre, from building an email list to hiring an editor, we’re gonna to cover it all.
So if that sounds like something that would be helpful to you in your writing journey, please take a second to follow or subscribe to the show. It would mean the world to me and it’s a really easy way to show your support and to make sure there are many more episodes to come!
Until next time, keep writing, keep dreaming, and remember: the world needs your stories right now, so don't you dare give up on your novel or yourself! See ya soon!
Episodes
Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I write a dual Point of View novel using a mixed POV structure? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 30

Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 1) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 29

Ask Me Anything Thursdays: How Do I Make Readers Love My Protagonist? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 28

3 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Writing in 2025 | Episode 27

6 Key Steps to Finding Perfect-Fit Comp Titles for Your Novel (While You’re Still Writing) | Episode 26

5 Essential Questions You MUST Answer When Writing Your Opening Scene | Episode 25

9 Tricks to Overcome Writer's Block and Keep Your Writing on Track | Episode 24

4 Steps to Writing a Flawed Protagonist Who Readers Love | Episode 23

Quick Tip: 6 Steps to Establish a Writing Habit So You Can Finish Your Novel | Episode 22

The Timeline for Crafting a Solid Debut Novel: Writing Tips for Your First Book! | Episode 21

How to Write LGBTQ+ Characters with Confidence and Care: Special Guest Sam Cameron | Episode 20

The Goal, Motivation, Stakes, and Conflict Chain: How to Write with Narrative Drive | Episode 19

Exploring The Benefits and Dangers of AI Use in Writing | Episode 18

8 Essential Hacks for Writing and Self-Editing Your Manuscript to Perfection | Episode 17

Unlock the 7 Subtle Truths About Writing (That Will Make Your Story Better) | Episode 16

7 Crucial Steps to Creating and Writing a Captivating Magic System For Your Novel | Episode 15

9 Key Elements of Character Interiority: Writing Reality | Episode 14

7 Key Facts You MUST Know About Your Protagonist (Before Writing Another Word) | Episode 13

Show and Tell: The Secret to Writing Better Scenes | Episode 12

How to Turn a Narrative Summary into a Full Scene: Expanding Your Writing | Episode 11

The 10 Key Components of Writing a Great Scene | Episode 10

Writing Backstory without Info Dumping | Episode 9

7 Key Understandings to Help You Reframe Criticism of Your Writing | Episode 8
