Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel – Details, episodes & analysis
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Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor, Many Worlds Writing
Frequency: 1 episode/17d. Total Eps: 53
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.
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The Art of Writing Irresistible First Lines | Episode 45
mercredi 28 janvier 2026 • Duration 17:46
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
mercredi 21 janvier 2026 • Duration 57:10
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 An Identity Not Your Own With Alex Temblador | Episode 35
mercredi 30 juillet 2025 • Duration 01:08:45
👉 Click here to grab your free ticket to the WorldShift: Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit and hear Alex Temblador’s summit presentation—plus 30+ other craft-deep sessions from top speculative fiction coaches, authors, and industry pros.
Worried you’ll get it wrong when writing a character whose identity isn’t your own—and that you’ll hurt someone, face backlash, or be told you shouldn’t even try? But at the same time, you know that leaving out marginalized identities doesn’t feel right either—especially when you’re building entire worlds from scratch?
You’re not alone. And this episode is for you.
In this powerful, honest conversation, I sit down with the brilliant Alex Temblador—award-winning author of Writing an Identity Not Your Own, Half Outlaw, and Secrets of the Casa Rosada—to talk about how speculative fiction writers can represent identities outside their own with more care, confidence, and nuance.
We get into:
- What most writers get wrong (even with good intentions)
- The difference between writing and editing identities
- How to spot unconscious bias and avoid coded stereotypes
- Why worldbuilding always reflects our world—and what to do about it
- Plus: her haunted house story (yes, really)
If you’ve ever wondered how to get representation right without falling into fear, tokenism, or tired tropes, this episode will change the way you write—and revise—forever.
Spoiler: You can do this. And Alex shows you how.
$40 off "Writing An Identity Not Your Own: For Fantasy & Sci-Fi Writers" with promo code SPECFIC
Sign up here 👉 https://www.alextemblador.com/courses
🌻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 with Publishing in Mind: The Traditional Publishing Pathway Explained | Episode 34
jeudi 24 avril 2025 • Duration 26:45
So many writers dream of getting a traditional book deal—but the process to get there can feel confusing, overwhelming, and totally out of reach.
In this episode, I’m giving you a bird’s-eye view of the entire traditional publishing journey—from that first spark of a novel idea to the moment you finally see your book on the shelf.
We’ll talk about what really goes into landing a literary agent, what happens once you’ve signed with one, and why it’s never too early to start thinking like a published author.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✨ What traditional publishing actually looks like (and why it takes years—not months).
✨ The 15-step journey from novel idea to bookstore shelf.
✨ How a book coach, critique group, or developmental editor fits into the process.
✨ Why you should start thinking about querying before your novel is even finished.
✨ How to handle rejection without losing momentum—or your mind.
Whether you're just starting your novel or you're already on your second revision, this episode will help you understand the traditional publishing path so you can walk it with confidence.
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!
🌻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!🌻
Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 3) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 33
mercredi 26 février 2025 • Duration 16:37
How do you write an ending so compelling that readers not only finish your book but immediately tell their friends, “You HAVE to read this”?
Well, that’s a big question—but one thing’s for sure: a strong story structure is essential.
In this episode, we’re tackling Act 3 of the Save the Cat story structure framework. I’ll break down how to craft a climactic, unforgettable ending—one that surprises readers, leaves them deeply satisfied, and makes them eager to grab your next book.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✨ What makes The Break Into Three the turning point that propels your protagonist into the final act.
✨ How to build a powerful, high-stakes finale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
✨ The five essential beats of a strong, emotionally satisfying ending.
✨ Why the Final Image is the key to making your story feel complete—and how to craft one that lingers in readers’ minds.
If you want to write an ending that sticks with your readers long after they turn the last page, this episode is for you.
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!🌻
Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Why are agents rejecting my novel? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 32
jeudi 20 février 2025 • Duration 14:10
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!
🌻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!🌻
Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 2) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 31
jeudi 13 février 2025 • Duration 39:02
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!
🌻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!🌻
Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I write a dual Point of View novel using a mixed POV structure? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 30
vendredi 31 janvier 2025 • Duration 11:28
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!
🌻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!🌻
Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 1) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 29
jeudi 23 janvier 2025 • Duration 23:17
Does your novel feel like it’s wandering aimlessly, struggling to find direction? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the first five beats 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:
- Why Save the Cat is the perfect balance of structure and creativity
- How to craft a compelling first scene
- How to subtly introduce your story’s core message in the theme stated beat
- Why the setup is crucial and why skipping it can hurt your story
- 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 1 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!
🌻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!🌻
Ask Me Anything Thursdays: How Do I Make Readers Love My Protagonist? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 28
jeudi 16 janvier 2025 • Duration 14:16
Ask Me Anything Thursdays answering the podcasting question "How do I make sure my protagonist is lovable?"
Are you struggling to create a protagonist readers truly care about? In this episode, I share four actionable strategies to help you craft a dynamic, relatable protagonist readers won’t forget.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why connecting readers to your protagonist matters.
- How to make your characters feel authentic and compelling.
- Ways to add depth and resonance to your storytelling.
- Tips for getting helpful feedback to strengthen your work.
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!
🌻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!🌻
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