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

    3 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Writing in 2025 | Episode 27
    Jan 9 2025

    Are you looking to level up your writing in 2025? In this episode, I dive into three incredibly valuable ways you can improve your writing, get answers to your important writing questions, and get valuable feedback on your work for FREE. Tune in to learn how to navigate your writing challenges and set yourself up for success in 2025!

    This episode was produced by me, The Speculative Fiction Book Coach! Contact me at heather@manyworldswriting.com

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

    6 Key Steps to Finding Perfect-Fit Comp Titles for Your Novel (While You’re Still Writing) | Episode 26
    Aug 22 2024

    Click HERE to find Comp Titles Crash Course!

    $97 for limited time!

    Comp titles--they might be one of the most dreaded topics in the writing world. After all, most of us are writing novels that feel unique, so trying to find a novel “like” ours is a nearly impossible feat. In fact… It's a frustrating, overwhelming task that makes us feel more than a little salty.


    But, the truth is, comp titles are a necessary evil. And if you give yourself the time, space, and tools to do the work properly, they can actually be fun to find.


    In today's episode you'll learn:

    • The 6 key steps to finding perfect-fit comp titles for your novel
    • When to start looking for comp titles
    • Why you’re making finding comp titles hard than it needs to be
    • Where to look for comp titles
    • What books to avoid when looking for comp titles
    • And so much more

    👋 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! 🤗
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    14 mins
  • 5 Essential Questions You MUST Answer When Writing Your Opening Scene | Episode 25

    5 Essential Questions You MUST Answer When Writing Your Opening Scene | Episode 25
    Aug 8 2024

    The opening scene of your novel is arguably the most crucial part of your book. If it doesn’t capture readers' curiosity and imagination, they won’t keep reading. No wonder the opening scene is notoriously hard to write!

    But don’t worry—I’m here to help simplify and clarify the progress!

    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    • 5 Essential Questions you MUST answer when writing your opening scene
    • Whether backstory and context are essential or just a recipe for info dumping
    • Why character flaws and problems are key to an engaging opening scene
    • And so much more...


    Sign up for my FREE Mini Course:
    ✨4 Secrets To Crafting a Powerful Character Arc for Your Protagonist✨


    👉    resources.manyworldswriting.com/5XyYsI

    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! 🤗
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins

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