The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Arts:Books
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In today’s Books with Hooks segment, Carly and Cece each critique two submissions, discussing pitching literary vs upmarket fiction; naming non-POV characters in a query letter; head-hopping, interiority and emotionality; mentioning sensitivity/authenticity readers; writing about cultures that are not your own; world building in historical fiction, world building and specificity in a fantasy query letter; having surprise in the opening pages, quiet novels, upmarket fiction, and line-level writing; and Carly suggests a prologue!
In today’s Books With Hooks segment, we try something different! Bianca critiques query letters while guests Maggie Giles, author of The Things We Lost, and Lindsay Maple, author of Not Your Basic Love Story, critique opening pages of romcoms which are the genres they write in. In between, they discuss their own work and advice for writers. They also share their successful query letters with our Kofi monthly supporters!
Topics covered include genre blending; the hook in a query letter; skipping over the mundane; turning a trope around to surprise the reader; misfired meet-cutes; surprise in the opening chapters; mentioning character names in opening pages; having the protagonist alone in the opening pages; how to figure out the central conflict; how to keep raising the stakes; carrying conflict into act II; starting out as an indie author and then getting an agent; a shoutout to Rising Action Publishing Co.; and advice for emerging authors about community and indie publishing.
Find us on our socials:
Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra
Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writing
Facebook: @tsnotyaw
Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com
Lindsay is on Instagram @lindsayraemaple and on Twitter @LindsayRaeMaple
Maggie is on Instagram @maggiegiles_ and on Twitter @maggiegiles_
What It's Like to Be Out On Submission & Circling the Building in Your Opening
When Writing is Both Therapeutic and Profitable
BONUS Episode: Discussing Action and Humor with Mark Greaney and Josie Silver
Mastering Multi-POV and Multi-Timeline Novels with Fiona Davis
BONUS: Experimenting with Structure - Mitzi Angel and Janice Hallett
Rachel Krantz's Advice on Writing Memoir
BONUS EPISODE: A Romance Author Answers Your Questions & An Intro to Scrivener
Building a Writing Resume on Your Journey to Publication - Deesha Philyaw
Granting Yourself Permission to Tell a Story - Kerri Maher
BONUS EPISODE: From Rocky Beginnings to Strong Endings
Knowing When You're Not Quite There... Yet - Tomi Adeyemi
Ending the Year with a Shot of Positivity from Alka Joshi
How Using Writing Software Can Elevate Your WIP
How Critiquing Other Writers' Work is the Best Way To Learn Craft
BONUS EPISODE: Why You Should Consider Writing Residencies
Incorporating the Epistolary Form into Your Writing
When a Pantser Becomes a Plotter to Get Published - Kirthana Ramisetti
Not Every Journey to Publication Takes the Same Route - Jayne Allen
Trusting Your Gut in the Face of Rejection - PJ Vernon
BONUS: Submitting to Presses & Writing Outside Your Comfort Zone
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