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

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

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

By: Heather Davis Writing Coach Book Coach and Developmental Editor
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About this listen

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!

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Episodes
  • Debunking Harmful Writing Myths With Lisa Cron | Episode 36

    Debunking Harmful Writing Myths With Lisa Cron | Episode 36
    Aug 13 2025

    👉 Click here to grab your free ticket to the WorldShift: Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit and hear Lisa Cron’s summit presentation—plus 30+ other craft-deep sessions from top speculative fiction coaches, authors, and industry pros.


    Most of what you’ve been taught about writing is wrong. At least, that’s what bestselling author and story coach Lisa Cron (📚 Wired for Story, Story Genius, Story or Die) believes—and she’s here to prove it.

    In this deep, no-fluff conversation, Lisa and I dismantle some of the most damaging writing myths that keep authors stuck—like “backstory should be used sparingly,” “don’t tell us what your character’s thinking,” and “hold back information for a big reveal.” We dig into why these “rules” are not only misguided but can actually drain the emotional power from your story.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why emotion—not plot—is the true driver of story
    • How to build a novel from the inside out (and why starting with plot is a trap)
    • The truth about backstory (and why it belongs on every page)
    • How to craft characters whose internal struggles keep readers hooked
    • The one question you must answer before you write a single scene

    If you’ve ever felt confused, stuck, or frustrated by conflicting writing advice, this episode will give you clarity, permission, and a fresh, brain-science-backed approach to storytelling that works.

    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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    59 mins
  • Writing An Identity Not Your Own With Alex Temblador | Episode 35

    Writing An Identity Not Your Own With Alex Temblador | Episode 35
    Jul 30 2025

    👉 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

    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
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Writing with Publishing in Mind: The Traditional Publishing Pathway Explained | Episode 34

    Writing with Publishing in Mind: The Traditional Publishing Pathway Explained | Episode 34
    Apr 24 2025

    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.


    Get The Infographic:📚Are you more of a visual person? I totally get it. That's why I created this handy infographic! Join my email list and snag it for free!

    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!

    Join Momentum Writing Sprints! ✍️🏃🏽‍♀️😎Come write with us for FREE every Saturday from 11 am to 12 pm ET!

    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
    25 mins
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