#41: How to Start Dictating Your Novel Today (No Fancy Gear Required) episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 22, 2025 · 15 MIN

#41: How to Start Dictating Your Novel Today (No Fancy Gear Required)

from The Confident Fiction Author · host Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer

Does the thought of dictating your novel bring up images of expensive microphones, digital recorders, and pricey software?That’s exactly what kept me from dictating my fiction for years. Back when the Dragon Dictation software cost hundreds of dollars (and came on CD-ROMs!), I thought I’d need at least $1,000 worth of gear before I could even get started.But here’s the secret: you don’t need fancy gear to dictate your fiction.In this week’s episode of The Confident Fiction Author podcast, I share how I started dictating with nothing more than my smartphone—and why that’s still all I use today, after 14 dictated books.Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:The biggest myth that stops authors from trying dictation (and why it isn’t true).How I overcame years of tech overwhelm and finally started speaking my stories.Why success with dictation comes from training your brain, not buying gadgets.If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll start dictating once I have the right setup,” this episode will show you why that’s the wrong approach, and what to do instead.And remember, my upcoming Dictation Bootcamp kicks off October 14th. Inside, I’ll walk you through how to start dictating step by step—using just your phone or computer—so you can finally capture your stories without tech overwhelm.Dictation doesn’t start with gear. It starts with you.***Free resources for you:The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: fictioncourses.com/toolkitDictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini Course: fictioncourses.com/dictationDictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: fictioncourses.com/dictationguide5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: fictioncourses.com/stereotypes

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Sep 22, 2025

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Does the thought of dictating your novel bring up images of expensive microphones, digital recorders, and pricey software? That’s exactly what kept me from dictating my fiction for years. Back when the Dragon Dictation software cost hundreds of dollars (and came on CD-ROMs!), I thought I’d need at least $1,000 worth of gear before I could even get started. But here’s the secret: you don’t need fancy gear to dictate your fiction. In this week’s episode of The Confident Fiction Author podcast, ...

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#41: How to Start Dictating Your Novel Today (No Fancy Gear Required)

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