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The Better Writer Podcast

The Better Writer Podcast

Written by: Olivia Bedford
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About this listen

You want to write great books, books just like the ones you’ve been reading and falling in love with all your life, but somehow your vision just isn’t showing up on the page. Don’t despair. It’s not about lacking talent or some magical creative spark. You just need to learn how fiction works and The Better Writer Podcast is here to help.

On this show, we explore what it really takes to write a book that readers can’t put down: mastering story craft fundamentals, revising like a pro (and getting pro help), and building a writing process that fits your real life, not someone else’s Instagram-perfect writing routine.

Hosted by Olivia Bedford, a former English teacher turned developmental editor and Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, this show has one goal: help fiction writers unlearn all the misguided, one-size-fits-no-one advice out there and replace it with strategies that actually make your stories work for your future readers.

If you’re an aspiring novelist who’s ready to finally understand how fiction works—and maybe even get paid for your writing someday—you’re in the right place. Welcome, and happy writing!

P.S. Don’t forget to hit subscribe and become a better writer, one episode at a time.

© ℗ 2025 Olivia Bedford Art Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Revision isn't icing, it's the whole cake

    Revision isn't icing, it's the whole cake
    Jan 12 2026

    In this super short episode of the Better Writer Podcast, I'm reading an email I sent to my email list a couple months ago. You may have heard other writers/writing teachers compare writing to the process of baking a cake. It's true. They're both complicated processes, hard to master if you're a beginner, and totally worth the hard work. Writers often think revision is the icing in this process. It's not. It's the whole cake.

    Links Mentioned:

    • Subscribe to the Better Writer Weekly newsletter here
    • My favorite Chocolate Orange cake recipe is available here

    For a full transcript of the episode, please visit oliviahelpswriters.com/bwp/8
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    6 mins
  • The Do's and Don'ts of Revising Your Novel in 2026

    The Do's and Don'ts of Revising Your Novel in 2026
    Jan 5 2026

    Revision can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. As a developmental editor, revision is my superpower and I love helping people figure out what to do with their messy first (or second) drafts. In this episode, I’m sharing six do’s and don’ts for revising your novel successfully in 2026. If you can approach revisions strategically, the entire process becomes easier, more efficient, and more effective. Let’s dive in!

    Links Mentioned:

    • Get my Revision Kickstart Guide for free here: https://olivia-helps-writers.kit.com/revision-kickstart-guide
    • Read my blog post on reverse outlining here:https://www.oliviahelpswriters/com/blog/reverse-outlining-what-why-and-how
    • Learn more about Matt Bell’s book Refuse to Be Done here: https://bookshop.org/a/93888/9781641293419 (head’s up, I’m a bookshop.org affiliate!)

    For a full transcript of the episode, please visit oliviahelpswriters.com/bwp/7
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    24 mins
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