The 4 Non-Negotiable Writing Foundations Every Novel Needs | Episode 37

Is your story built on a rock-solid foundation—or is it wobbling under the weight of weak structure, thin characters, or unclear purpose? In this episode of Speculative Fiction Made Simple, I break down the four essential elements every novel must have to truly resonate with readers, hook agents, and stand out in today’s crowded market.

💡 Spoiler: These are totally learnable skills you can start applying right now.

You will learn:

• Why clarifying your novel’s point is the single most important step in your storytelling process
• How to design a protagonist with depth, conflict, and a powerful character arc
• What kind of worldbuilding actually matters (and what you can safely skip)
• How to structure your plot so every beat drives transformation and delivers on your story’s promise

If your novel feels shaky or stuck, this episode will give you the blueprint to shore it up and move forward with confidence.

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