Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel

Written by: Heather Davis Writing Coach Book Coach and Developmental Editor
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  • Summary

  • 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!

    © 2025 Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
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Episodes
  • Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Why are agents rejecting my novel? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 32

    Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Why are agents rejecting my novel? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 32
    Feb 20 2025

    Are you sending out queries but only getting form rejections—or worse, no responses at all? Maybe you're receiving personalized rejections that praise your concept but still pass on your book? If you’re struggling to understand why agents aren’t biting, this episode is for you.

    In today’s Ask Me Anything Thursday, I’ll break down the biggest reasons novels get rejected—and what you can do to fix them. Whether it’s your query letter, voice, stakes, or character depth, I’ll walk you through practical solutions to help your manuscript stand out.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • The two main types of rejection and what they reveal about your query and pages
    • Why agents pass on a strong premise and how to make your writing irresistible
    • The most common query letter mistakes—and how to fix them
    • How to clarify your stakes so agents (and readers) can’t look away
    • Why interiority and emotional depth are non-negotiable in today’s market
    • And so much more!

    Whether you're drafting or deep in the querying trenches, this episode will give you practical strategies to strengthen your manuscript and improve your chances of landing an agent.

    Program Clarity Chat 😎🎉📚🚀 Are you curious whether private book coaching or group book coaching might be right for you? Please click here to sign up for a FREE chat!

    Ask Me Anything Thursdays👋 Send me your writing question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name if you want a shout out! 🤗

    Support the show
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    12 mins
  • Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 2) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 31

    Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 2) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 31
    Feb 13 2025

    Does your novel feel have a saggy middle? Does it just meander around without a lot of momentum? In this episode, I’ll walk you through Act 2 of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty of room for creativity and unexpected inspiration.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • How to keep the middle of your novel from dragging—and why this is where many stories lose momentum
    • Why the Midpoint is a game-changer and how it shifts your story into high gear
    • How internal and external obstacles work together to create tension and growth
    • And so much more!

    Whether you’re drafting or revising, this episode will give you practical tips to apply the Save the Cat framework to your own manuscript.

    Get the Workbook:📚 Click here to sign up to get the Save the Cat Act 2 Workbook

    Join My Email List 📧 Click HERE to join my email list and snag free writing goodies, including expert workshops and more!

    SNAP Critique ✍️ Ready to get your first scene (5 pages or fewer) critiqued for FREE? Fill out the SNAP Critique Form right here!

    Program Clarity Chat 💻 Are you curious whether private book coaching or group book coaching might be right for you? Please click here to sign up for a FREE chat!

    Ask Me Anything Thursdays👋 Send me your writing question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name if you want a shout out! 🤗

    Support the show
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    37 mins
  • Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I write a dual Point of View novel using a mixed POV structure? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 30

    Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I write a dual Point of View novel using a mixed POV structure? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 30
    Jan 31 2025

    Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I Mix POV Styles in a Dual POV Novel?

    Have you ever wondered if you can write a dual POV novel where one protagonist is in first person and the other is in third? In this episode, I answer this question from fantasy writer Becca and break down when and how this technique can work beautifully in speculative fiction.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why mixing POVs can be a powerful storytelling tool.
    • How to decide which protagonist should be in first person.
    • The key to making each POV distinct and immersive.
    • Examples of speculative fiction novels that have successfully used mixed POVs.
    • Tune in for practical tips, examples, and guidance to help you decide if a mixed POV structure is right for your novel!


    Join My Email List 📧 Click HERE to join my email list and snag free writing goodies, including expert workshops and more!

    SNAP Critique ✍️ Ready to get your first scene (5 pages or fewer) critiqued for FREE? Fill out the SNAP Critique Form right here!

    Program Clarity Chat 💻 Are you curious whether private book coaching or group book coaching might be right for you? Please click here to sign up for a FREE chat!

    Ask Me Anything Thursdays👋 Send me your writing question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name if you want a shout out! 🤗

    Support the show
    Show more Show less
    9 mins

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