In this week’s Story Savvy series, we continue to talk about how to edit your book yourself, by discussing fixing story problems, where we learn what is Deus ex machina and learn a Deus ex Machina examples. Developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] is joined by author Silvia Pawn who is standing in for Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com]. Deus ex Machina is when outside forces or unexplained powers save the day and strip the protagonist of agency. In episode 20 of 52-Week Story Savvy, they examine how this trope, while rooted in classical theatre, often fails in modern genre fiction.Rebecca and Silvia dive into what makes Deus ex Machina feel unearned, how fantasy and sci-fi allow more room for bending reality, and why grounding your magic or tech in early seeding matters. Silvia also shares from her own work-in-progress, a story about omnipotence, internal conflict, and how collaboration—not one savior—creates resolution.They also dive into strategies for:-Avoiding common Chosen One pitfalls-Seeding power systems or world mechanics early-Creating surprising yet inevitable story payoffs-Using side characters and subtle hints to build tension-Balancing predictability and reader satisfaction-Recognizing when agency theft happens in climaxesWhether you’re revising a magic-heavy manuscript or adapting a D&D campaign into a novel, this episode helps you walk the line between powerful storytelling and narrative shortcuts.Recommended Resources:Hartbound Editing Services – https://hartboundediting.comSilvia Pawn’s Godsend Series – https://www.facebook.com/GodsendSaga

Confused about which plot threads to tie up—and which to let dangle? You’re not alone. Today we discuss when to leave plot threads open, how to track plot threads, and planting story seeds, among other ways of fixing story problems. Listen to Rebecca share her plot structure tips and what makes a good writer great!

Want to know what makes a good writer great? Tune into our writing podcast for authors, where we explore plot structure tips, book editing hacks, and how to self-edit with intentionality. This week’s episode focuses on plot threads, subplots, and story seeds—and how to decide what needs a payoff.

In this episode of the Story Savvy series, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] dig into whether you need to resolve everything you foreshadowed—and what to do when you don’t.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How to decide whether to tie up a plot thread or leave it unresolved

• Best practices for handling open threads in standalone novels vs. series

• The difference between seeds and subplots—and why it matters

• How to track emotional payoff and avoid disappointing your readers

• The editing power of creating simple lists to manage subplots, characters, and setups

If you’ve ever felt like your ending was almost satisfying—but something was missing—this episode is for you.

Recommended Resources

Need a Developmental Editor? hartboundediting.comAuthor’s Alcove Membership: authorsalcove.comFantasy Book Giveaway: AuthorsAlcove.org

Chapters[00:00] Intro[00:27] Understanding Plot Threads[01:38] When Not to Tie Up Plot Threads[03:01] Foreshadowing in Series Writing[05:03] Best Practices for Leaving Threads Open[07:36] Tying Up Loose Ends[09:51] Tracking Seeds and Subplots[13:23] Understanding Seeds vs. Subplots[15:30] Ensuring Payoff for Seeds[18:01] The Importance of Intentionality

Feeling tangled in too many storylines? Wondering if your subplot is helping—or hurting—your novel? You’re not alone.Want to know what makes a good writer great? Tune into our writing podcast for authors, where we explore plot structure tips, how to structure a story plot, and book editing hacks. This week’s focus: plot threads and subplots. In this week’s episode of the Story Savvy series, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] unravel the confusion around subplots vs. plot threads. You’ll learn how to identify your main plot, what subplots are worth keeping, and how to revise your story so it most satisfies your reader. If you've ever forgotten to tie up a subplot, or tried to juggle too many plotlines and lost your readers along the way—this one's for you.This episode covers:How to figure out which plot is your novel’s backbone–main plotThe difference between plot threads and subplotsWhy less (subplots) is sometimes moreHow to check if a subplot is actually landing with your audienceWhen a subplot might need to be cut altogetherWhether you're editing your manuscript or plotting your next draft, this episode will give you tools to create tighter, more powerful fiction—without sacrificing depth.Recommended Resources:Need a Developmental Editor? Hart Bound EditingAuthor’ Alcove Membership: http://authrosalcove.comFantasy Book Giveaway: AuthorsAlcove.orgChapters[00:00] Intro[01:11] Understanding Main Plots vs. Subplots[04:32] The Importance of Knowing Your Primary Plot[06:04] Defining Plot Threads and Subplots[09:05] Balancing Subplots: Too Many or Too Few?[11:00] Evaluating Subplots During Revision[14:12] Connecting Subplots to the Main Plot[16:05] Common Mistakes in Subplot Integration[20:33] Wrapping Up Subplots, Is It a Must?

Do you ever wonder what makes a good writer great? In this week’s writing podcast for authors, we dig into one of the most overlooked tools in self-editing: consequences and emotional processing. Whether you’re looking for book editing hacks, story pacing strategies, or help with editing fantasy novels, Episode 24 of the Story Savvy Series tackles it all. In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most powerful ways to level up your writing—making sure your big story moments actually land. If you’ve ever written a scene that felt important but somehow fell flat, this one’s for you.

Developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell (hartboundediting.com) and fantasy author Agnes Wolfe (authorsalcove.com) team up to explore emotional fallout, plot consequences, and how to make character reactions feel real—without slowing down your pacing.

From plot twists to quiet turning points, you’ll get practical, down-to-earth advice for writing emotional characters, deepening your scenes, and making your story hit harder in all the right places.

They also discuss:

• What makes a moment “big” in the first place

• How to tell if a scene is missing impact

• When it’s okay to delay consequences or emotional fallout

• Why a small tweak can save a flat scene

• What to do if a character’s reaction feels off

• The balance between emotional weight and story momentum

If you want to write stories where every moment matters—and every turning point leaves a mark—this episode will help you get there.

Recommended Resources:Hart Bound Editing Services – [https://hartboundediting.com]Authors’ Alcove Membership Community – [http://authorsalcove.com]Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

[00:00] Intro[01:12] Checking for consequences in every scene[03:50] Defining big events in a story[05:25] When big moments don’t impact the plot[07:01] Using consequences to strengthen weak scenes[10:43] The importance of consequences and processing[12:20] Making consequences appropriate in context[14:53] Adding more external consequences[16:53] Genre differences in consequences and processing[20:35] Delaying consequences and processing[28:16] External vs. internal follow-up for big events

Do you want to know what makes a good writer great? Today in our writing podcast for authors, we discuss how to write a great plot twist and how to spot plot twist mistakes.

In episode 23 of the Story Savvy Series, we explore how to masterfully build and edit plot twists that hook your readers and shift your story’s path. So, let’s join together as we unravel the secrets of twisty storytelling. Developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] reveal how to transform surprising moments into satisfying turning points.

This week in the 52-Week Story Savvy self-editing series we break down how to execute genre-specific twists that align with character arcs and pacing. Whether you're planning your midpoint surprise or final reveal, this episode offers the insight you need to make it land.

They also discuss:

• How to balance big twists with smaller story surprises

• The dangers of deus ex machina endings

• How to recognize a well-executed twist

• Why a protagonist’s belief system matters

• The role of POV in misdirecting readers

• Crafting foreshadowing that only makes sense after the twistIf you want your twists to feel earned—not forced—this episode is your blueprint for creating "surprising but inevitable" reveals.

Recommended Resources:

• Hart Bound Editing Services – [https://hartboundediting.com]

• Authors’ Alcove Membership Community – [http://authorsalcove.com]

• Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

Chapters:

[00:00] Intro[01:06] What is a plot twist?[04:40] Do genres shape twist size?[07:57] When should twists happen?[10:20] What ruins a twist?[12:19] How to foreshadow well?[15:38] Was the twist effective?[19:53] Too many twists?[22:10] What do twists affect?[24:22] Great twist or not?

Let’s talk about mental health for writers, author support system, and writer self-care. In this week's Story Savvy Series episode, we take a thoughtful detour from structure and craft to focus on mental health in the writing journey. Developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] dive deep into the emotional realities behind the editing process—from creative burnout and perfectionism to PTSD, grief, and more.

Episode 22 of the 52-Week Story Savvy series reminds writers that healing and storytelling often go hand in hand. Together, Rebecca and Agnes share personal stories, editing insights, and tips on how to navigate your writing when life gets hard.

They also explore:

• Recognizing when it’s time to pause your project

• Writing with depression, ADHD, and trauma

• Setting flexible deadlines that support your health

• What community support looks like for creative people

• Ways to edit painful scenes without re-traumatizing yourself

Whether you're overwhelmed by revisions or just need encouragement to take a break, this episode offers both practical guidance and emotional validation for writers of all stages.

[00:00] Introduction [01:22] Honest Conversations About Mental Health [04:15] Navigating Writing During Difficult Times [07:37] The Connection Between Creativity and Mental Wellness [11:06] Facing Imposter Syndrome as a Writer [16:07] Overcoming the Trap of Perfectionism [25:02] Recognizing and Recovering from Burnout [27:16] Coping with Everyday Mental Health Challenges [30:03] How PTSD Impacts the Writing Process [35:05] Using Deadlines to Stay Focused and Motivated [43:54] Why Community Matters for Writers

Feeling tangled in too many storylines? Wondering if your subplot is helping—or hurting—your novel? You’re not alone.Want to know what makes a good writer great? Tune into our writing podcast for authors, where we explore plot structure tips, how to structure a story plot, and book editing hacks. This week’s focus: plot threads and subplots. In this week’s episode of the Story Savvy series, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] unravel the confusion around subplots vs. plot threads. You’ll learn how to identify your main plot, what subplots are worth keeping, and how to revise your story so it most satisfies your reader. If you've ever forgotten to tie up a subplot, or tried to juggle too many plotlines and lost your readers along the way—this one's for you.This episode covers:How to figure out which plot is your novel’s backbone–main plotThe difference between plot threads and subplotsWhy less (subplots) is sometimes moreHow to check if a subplot is actually landing with your audienceWhen a subplot might need to be cut altogetherWhether you're editing your manuscript or plotting your next draft, this episode will give you tools to create tighter, more powerful fiction—without sacrificing depth.Recommended Resources:Need a Developmental Editor? Hart Bound EditingAuthor’ Alcove Membership: http://authrosalcove.comFantasy Book Giveaway: AuthorsAlcove.orgChapters[00:00] Intro[01:11] Understanding Main Plots vs. Subplots[04:32] The Importance of Knowing Your Primary Plot[06:04] Defining Plot Threads and Subplots[09:05] Balancing Subplots: Too Many or Too Few?[11:00] Evaluating Subplots During Revision[14:12] Connecting Subplots to the Main Plot[16:05] Common Mistakes in Subplot Integration[20:33] Wrapping Up Subplots, Is It a Must?

Rebecca Hartwell, developmental editor, continues with the story savvy series as she tackles how to spot plot holes and character inconsistencies. To help you turn your good story into a great one, learn about editing fantasy novels through writing strong plots and fixing story problems in this week’s episode, Episode 19 of 52-Week Story Savvy.

In this episode, editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and guest host sla Elrick [suemillsauthor.com], author of contemporary romance of Whispers of New England,standing in for Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] work through how to identify common pitfalls that lead to plot holes, contradictions, and character inconsistencies. They also cover how to use fresh eyes and feedback effectively without compromising your creative vision.

You’ll learn techniques to:

Detect inconsistencies and contradictions like a new reader would

Repair plot holes without derailing the story

Maintain clear and consistent character goals and backstories

Seed character growth naturally to avoid sudden shifts

Use detailed character sheets to prevent errors

Whether you’re a first-time novelist or an experienced writer polishing your latest draft, this episode offers actionable strategies to keep your story coherent, believable, and engaging for your audience.

In This Episode:

Identifying and addressing plot holes

Evaluating reader feedback effectively

Fixing character inconsistencies

Balancing complexity with clarity

Planning plot repairs without creating new issues

Using fresh techniques to strengthen story logic

Recommended Resources:

Hartbound Editing Services – [https://hartboundediting.com]

Authors’ Alcove Membership Community – [http://authorsalcove.com]

Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

[00:00] Introduction

[01:16] Guest Spotlight: Sue Mills

[03:17] What Are Plot Holes?

[06:11] Solving Significant Plot Issues

[09:04] Handling Reader Critiques

[11:51] Weighing Plot Fixes and Story Impact

[12:30] Methods for Repairing Plot Gaps

[14:54] Spotting Character Inconsistencies

[18:49] Addressing Character Feedback

[22:10] Typical Character Continuity Mistakes

[26:52] Character Development vs. Out-of-Character Moments

[29:09] Shapeshifting Characters and Unexpected Twists