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    Arts

    The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

    This is a podcast for emerging writers who want to improve the quality of their work and learn more about the publishing industry. Your one host, Bianca Marais (the bestselling author of 'The Witches of Moonshyne Manor') interviews authors, agents, editors and just about anyone and everyone who's involved in bringing a book to market. She's joined by her cohosts, literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency, who read and critique query letters as well as opening pages in their Books with Hooks segment. Expect good advice, honest insights, and a few laughs along the way.

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    Copyright: © 2022 The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

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    Latest Episodes:
    Writing an Opening Chapter That Ticks All the Boxes Oct 12, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe critique two submissions, discussing how to include enough of a hook in a query without spoiling the story; burying the lead; making it obvious how an author wants readers to feel about certain things; longer query letter word counts; personifying the antagonist; and polished pages on a scene level.

    After which, Bianca interviews Hannah Mary McKinnon, the author of The Christmas Wager (written under her pen name, Holly Cassidy). During their interview, they discuss Hannah's use of a pen name; the first chapter of The Christmas Wager as a master class in first chapters; the difference between writing a thriller first chapter and a romance first chapter; tips for balancing disposition and dialogue; setting up the stakes for the protagonist; how to approach back story opening pages; and how Hannah approaches negative reviews about her novels.

    Find us on our socials:

    Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    To ask a question, go to: https://sayhi.chat/TSNOTYAW

    More information about Hannah can be found at: https://hannahmarymckinnon.com/home-holly-cassidy/ and https://hannahmarymckinnon.com/

    She's also on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmarymckinnon/?hl=en


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
    * Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
    * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Getting Published Without an Agent Oct 05, 2023
    Show notes

    In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe critique three query letters during which they discuss the 'hook, book, cook' method; the importance of layering emotionality and depth; writing a narrator that starts as a child and becomes an adult; and the line between emphasis when writing, and not being confident in what you're writing. They also critique a query that was previously submitted to the podcast and discuss the changes that the author made.

    After which, Bianca chats with Heather Dixon about her debut novel, Burlington. They discuss the various paths to publication; Heather’s querying process; how she found her indie publisher; pitching your book in a 3-line social media pitch event; the query letter that got her requests for fulls; incorporating the personal universal element; beta reader feedback and revisions; the intentionality behind POV choice; the emotional rollercoaster of debuting; managing contracts without an agent; and her advice for writers currently in the query trenches.

    Find us on our socials:

    Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    More information about Heather can be found at www.ramonaausubel.com. She's on Twitter @hdixonwriter and Instagram @heatherdixonwriter.


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
    * Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
    * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Choosing an A Plot Sep 28, 2023
    Show notes

    In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe are joined by listener, Jessica, while they critique and discuss her query letter and pages. They discuss the need for the level of external plot to match the level of interiority; specificity to create an 'atmosphere' around your novel; how women's fiction readers feel about swearing in a novel; and creating a sense of believability and plausibility in your work.

    After which, Carly interviews Becca Freeman, author of The Christmas Orphans Club. During the segment, the two discuss the origins of Becca’s prologue and her reasoning behind having one; she discusses her use of contextual cues in writing a historical setting and explains her choice of an 'A' plot; fitting friendship stories into commercial fiction genres; the integration of cellphones and the internet into a novel; and Becca’s own experience podcasting.

    Find us on our socials:

    Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/ https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    Becca can be found on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/beccamfreeman/ and at

    https://badonpaperpodcast.com/about


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
    * Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
    * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    September Bonus Episode Sep 25, 2023
    Show notes

    In today's bumper September Bonus Episode, Emilie Sommer of East City Bookshop kicks us off with suggested comp titles.

    After which, Bianca interviews Nina Simon, author of Mother-Daughter Murder Night, a debut that was chosen for Reese’s Book Club. They discuss Nina’s nightmare-turned-dream debut experience; the trend of the cozy murder mystery; picking the right agent; the query letter that landed Nina her agent; and how plotting and brainstorming constitute "real" writing.

    Finally, in the Q&A segment, Carly and CeCe discuss telling potential agents that you've already received a full request; querying so-called 'dead' genres; when to consider a novel historical fiction; some common reasons agents don't pick up a non-fiction proposal; why there's so much hype around supporting women writers; query response rates; changing details in historical events; and publishing excerpts of your novel through contests.

    Find us on our socials:

    Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    To connect with Emilie Sommer go to https://www.instagram.com/emiliegsommer/ and you can find East City Bookshop at https://www.instagram.com/eastcitybookshop/

    More information about Nina can be found at: https://ninaksimon.com/


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
    * Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
    * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    The Method Writing Technique Sep 21, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe critique three submissions, in the process discussing intentionality with regards to timelines; how novels with certain types of themes need to get 'messy'; the importance of specificity; showing rather than telling; and using active emotions.

    After which Bianca interviews LaToya Watkins, acclaimed author of the short story anthology Holler, Child. They discuss LaToya's unorthodox road to publication; how changing political and social climates can affect publication; writing 'voicey' stories; using the method writing technique; putting your characters in therapy; viewing your entire literary world through the lens of your characters; and not needing to wrap everything up neatly in endings.

    Find us on our socials: Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    More information about LaToya can be found at: https://www.latoyawatkins.com/

    She’s also on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/drlwatkins/


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
    * Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
    * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    The Hero's Journey in Memoir Sep 14, 2023
    Show notes

    In today's episode, Carly and CeCe are joined by Maya Golden, author of The Return Trip. During the episode, they discuss a query that was previously submitted to BWH; the need for balance between bio and plot in a query letter; memoirists writing their query letter plot/body paragraphs in first person rather than third; and cautioning against focusing on questions when writing plot paragraphs. Maya then discusses the structure and inspiration of her memoir; and she outlines the differences between writing fiction and memoir.

    Find us on our socials:

    Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting More information about Maya can be found at: https://www.goodasgolden.com/about/

    She's also on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/goodasgolden/?hl=en


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
    * Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
    * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    The Layering Method of Writing Sep 07, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe critique three submissions and cover topics like having escalating plot in the plot paragraphs; having only one POV character; weaving in setting in historical fiction, interiority; character names in query letters vs synopses; ensuring dual timelines connect; passivity and coincidences; using statements instead of questions in the query; short frame narrative prologues to ground the reader; two arcs for two timelines; major dramatic questions; and a character being self-aware vs dissociative.

    After which Bianca interviews Kerry Clare, author of Asking for a Friend about the concept of circling the building in relation to deciding on who a novel’s characters will be; using a particular setting to help define character; the layering method of writing; social commentary in fiction; and advice for those writing novels that span decades.

    Find us on our socials:

    Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    More information about Kerry can be found at: https://picklemethis.com/aboutme/

    She's also on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kerryreads/


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
    * Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
    * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    How POV Choice Lends Itself to Emotionality Aug 31, 2023
    Show notes

    In today's episode, Carly and CeCe are joined by Kelly S. Thompson, author of the memoir Still, I Cannot Save You. The three discuss: POV lending itself to emotionality in pages and the importance of choosing the right POV to fully exemplify that emotionality; the two required elements of a memoir and the importance of a thematic singular thread through it; remembering what your reader knows vs what you know; Kelly’s journey to publication; mapping out the memories and moments in memoirs; and Kelly’s advice for fellow memoirists.

    Find us on our socials:

    Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    More information about Kelly can be found at: https://kellysthompson.com/

    She's on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kellysthompsonwriter/


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
    * Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
    * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    August Bonus with Emma Donoghue and Lisa Jewell, plus Q & A and Comp Title Segments Aug 28, 2023
    Show notes

    In today's bumper August Episode, we have two amazing author interviews as well as a Q & A and Comp Title segment.

    Bianca firstchats with bestselling and award-winning author, Emma Donoghue, about her latest novel, Learned By Heart. During the segment, the two discuss quieter novels; waiting for the right time to write a particular novel; the limitations of playwriting vs novel writing; the amount of research that goes into writing historical fiction; and choosing a POV character.

    After which, Carly and CeCe answer various questions, including the acceptability of comping with a very popular novel; whether one needs to reach out to experts when it comes to writing historical fiction; the pros and cons of various forms of publishing; whether to label a novel as a series in a query letter; having a synopsis prepared when querying; and when your essays in a collection should be shared with the public before officially publishing.

    Carly then chats with Lisa Jewell about her latest novel, None of This Is True. The two discuss how Lisa came up with the idea of her novel's antagonist; how Lisa changed her novel from being a 'slow-burn' to being more fast-paced; subverting readers' expectations of genre conventions; what differentiates this book from Lisa's previous novels; and Lisa's rationale about the importance of a positive relationship with your readers.

    Finally, Emilie Sommer of East City Bookshop gives you suggested comp titles!

    Find us on our socials:

    Find us on our socials:

    Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    More information about Emma Donoghue can be found at https://www.emmadonoghue.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/e_donoghue/

    More information about Lisa Jewell can be found at https://www.instagram.com/lisajewelluk/ and at https://twitter.com/lisajewelluk?lang=en

    To connect with Emilie Sommer go to https://www.instagram.com/emiliegsommer/ and you can find East City Bookshop at https://www.instagram.com/eastcitybookshop/


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
    * Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
    * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Using Peripheral Characters Effectively Aug 24, 2023
    Show notes

    In today’s episode, Fiona Davis joins Bianca, Carly, and CeCe to critique Books with Hooks submissions while also talking about her latest novel, The Spectacular. During the episode, they discuss achieving NYT Bestselling status several times over; having messy story setups and high stakes; interiority and emotionality; ensuring there are obstacles in the main character’s way right from the start; knowing what the main character wants; passive query letters; why having more plot and less talk of themes in a query letter matters; not starting in an obvious place; having description accomplish more than one thing; researching and choosing a setting; outlining and reverse outlining; and using peripheral characters brilliantly.

    Find us on our socials:

    Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    More information about Fiona can be found at https://www.fionadavisbooks.com/. She's on Instagram http://instagram.com/fionadavisauthor, and Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/FionaDavisAuthor


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Quince and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.quince.com
    * Check out The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy and use my code thecca.co/tspodcast for a great deal: https://thecca.co
    * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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