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.

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

https://badonpaperpodcast.com/about

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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.

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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/

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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

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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/

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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.

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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

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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.

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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/

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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.

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Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

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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/

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

Bianca first chats 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/

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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/

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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

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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

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Today's episode is sponsored by June's Journey. Find the link to the glamorous hidden object game here: https://www.wooga.com/games/junes-journey

Today, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe chat with Jessica Hamilton, author of Don’t You Dare, while also critiquing listeners' query letters. They discuss Jessica's experience with going on submission and publishing during the start of Covid; examples of a successful depiction of anxiety in submission pages; the importance of starting a novel at the beginning, and not immediately jumping to flashbacks; plausible details in pages and breaking rules with intentionality; writing a so-called unlikeable protagonist; and receiving negative feedback from readers.

Find us on our socials:

Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

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

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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 Jessica can be found at: https://www.jessicahamilton.org/

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

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Today's episode is sponsored by June's Journey. Find the link to the glamorous hidden object game here: https://www.wooga.com/games/junes-journey

In today's episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique query letters and chat with Lauren JA Bear, author of Medusa’s Sisters. During the show, they discuss being 'on trend'; writing counter-narratives; being inspired by mythology; Lauren's inspiration for her latest novel; doing a deep dive when it comes to research; prologues that work; an excellent query letter; and tips for creating the right tone for your novel.

Find us on our socials:

Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

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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 Lauren can be found at: https://www.laurenjabear.com/

She is also on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/laurenjabear/?hl=en

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In today’s episode, Byron Lane joins Bianca, Carly, and CeCe to critique Books with Hooks submissions while also talking about Big Gay Wedding. 

During the episode, they discuss a character’s why’s; being too on the nose/predictable with plot points; the use of a foreign language; the element of surprise; weaving humour into the story; prologues that have got to go; moving between different POVs (i.e., third-person close and omniscient); choosing the biggest sucker punch POV for each scene; literary devices; jolting the main character into action; writing competitive pages; heightening conflict; and challenges between first and second books.

Find us on our socials:

Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

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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 Byron can be found at www.byronlane.com/ He's on Instagram @byronlanedotcom, Twitter @byronlane, Facebook @byronlane, and TikTok @byronlanedotcom.

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In today's bumper Bonus July Episode, we have three amazing interviews!

Bianca first chats with bestselling and award-winning author, Ann Patchett, about her latest novel, Tom Lake. During the show, the two discuss how and why Ann wrote past and present as 'bleeding into one narrative' in her latest novel; when to show vs when to tell backstory; testing different ways of beginning a story before settling on the best place to start; breaking the writing rule of starting with a character desperately wanting something; causality and reflecting real life accurately; using specificity to intrigue the reader; and planting curiosity seeds at the right time and place.

After which, Tina and Renee of Book Talk, etc. podcast, join Bianca to talk about books they love and what they found to be so compelling about them. During the episode, they discuss Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys; Thirst for Salt by Madelaine Lucas; Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi; The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton; Miracle Creek by Angie Kim; and Those Who Wish Me Dead by Michael Koryta.

Finally, Ramona Ausubel joins Bianca to talk about her latest novel, The Last Animal. They also discuss story inspiration; the emotional truth of a story; plausibility and suspending disbelief; the personal universal element; intentionally choosing POV; writing a teenage protagonist for an adult novel; the relationship between a writer and their work; the evolution of a project, using Fortunately/Unfortunately for story structure; and how to avoid info dumps when trying to convey very technical information.

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/

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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 Ann can be found at http://www.annpatchett.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/parnassusbooks/

More information about Book Talk, etc. can be found at booktalkpodcast.com. They’re also on Instagram @booktalketc, Twitter @booktalketc, and Facebook @booktalketc.

More information about Ramona can be found at www.ramonaausubel.com. She's on Twitter @ramona_ausubel and Facebook @ramonaausubelauthor.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm. Using the promo code TSNOTYAW offers you a 15% discount on all individual plans! Click here for more info!

In today's episode, author and agent Jennifer Herrera joins Bianca, Carly, and CeCe to critique Books with Hooks submissions, and to discuss Jennifer's debut novel, The Hunter.

In the episode, they discuss the challenges of starting your pages with a character waking up and being alone; the struggle of holding yourself back when sharing information about your plot or characters; how to plant curiosity seeds successfully; the difference between describing something so you can picture it and describing something in a way that reveals character and sets a tone; the trend towards shorter pieces of writing; and how Jennifer's debut novel became a series.

Find us on our socials:

Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

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

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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 Jennifer can be found at: https://www.jenniferherrerabooks.com/ and on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_herrera_books/

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This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh. Go to www.hellofresh.com/tsnotyaw50 and use the code tsnotyaw50 for 50% off plus free shipping!

In today’s episode, Kirthana Ramisetti joins Bianca, Carly, and CeCe to critique Books with Hooks submissions, while also talking about her latest novel, Advika and the Hollywood Wives. 

During the episode, they discuss the importance of the 'why' behind plot points; the need for external as well as internal plot points; 'seducing' the reader; mastering the rules before you break them; starting with a ‘there I was, minding my own business’ opening; how to make an opening compelling and page turning when you don’t begin with high stakes; varying your chapter lengths for a very specific reason; and how genre-blending books get pitched.

Find us on our socials:

Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

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

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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 Kirthana can be found at https://kirthanaramisetti.com/

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

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Today's episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm. Using the promo code TSNOTYAW offers you a 15% discount on all individual plans! Click here for more info!

In today’s episode, M. Evelina Galang joins Bianca, Carly, and CeCe to critique Books with Hooks submissions while also talking about her short story collection, When the Hibiscus Falls. During the episode, they discuss how to connect short stories and arrange them into a collection; using setting to inform the story; zooming into plot points in a query; clever ways to world build; meeting a character other than the protagonist in the opening pages; using a personal universal element to connect readers with characters and what this means in the short story format vs a novel; introducing a story’s question in the first line; authenticity of foreign languages that are not foreign to the character; context clues and missing details in query letters; the importance of selecting the right comps; using swear words in women’s fiction; how working in the film industry can inform your writing in terms of attention to detail; line level writing; and starting in media res.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area this month, check out Carly’s in-person event at North Fig Bookshop in Los Angeles on July 19th at 7pm PDT!

Find us on our socials:

Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

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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 Evelina can be found at mevelinagalang.com. She's on Instagram @mevelinagalang and on Twitter @HerWildAmSelf.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm. Using the promo code TSNOTYAW offers you a 15% discount on all individual plans! Click here for more info!

In today's episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe kick it back old school using the old classic 'Books with Hooks' format during which they discuss leaning into specificity in query letters; stating where you live when writing a query; needing a major dramatic question in a memoir; the importance of protagonist observations in a relationship-driven story; the need for a meaty hook in a memoir written by a non-famous person; and why you have to have curiosity seeds.

After which, CeCe interviews NYT bestselling author, Andrea Bartz, author of The Spare Room, about her latest novel; writing about the pandemic; using a psychology background to develop characters; and how the intentionality of verbs and language choices can elevate your work.

Find us on our socials:

Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

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

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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 Andrea can be found at www.andreabartz.com. She's on Instagram and Twitter at @andibartz

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Today's episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm. Using the promo code TSNOTYAW offers you a 15% discount on all individual plans! Click here for more info!

In today’s episode, Sara DiVello joins Bianca, Carly, and CeCe to critique Books with Hooks submissions while also talking about her upcoming novel, Broadway Butterfly. During the episode, they discuss why Sara wanted to include certain themes, and the importance of sensitivity readers; avoiding info dumping; common social media mistakes that authors make; where to start if you're intimidated by social media; taking your social media to the next level; keeping query letters succinct; and the importance of specificity.

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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/ 

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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 Sara can be found at www.saradivello.com. She's on Instagram at @saradivello.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm. Using the promo code TSNOTYAW offers you a 15% discount on all individual plans! Click here for more info!

In today's Bonus Episode, we have two amazing author interviews!

Bianca chats with returning guest Julie Carrick Dalton, author of The Last Beekeeper, about dual timelines vs flashbacks; POV strategy; writing from a place of rage vs a place of fear; including hope in your story while confronting fears; having readers absorb important information while you’re still entertaining them with your story; and balancing what you believe in vs preaching to your readers.

After which, Bianca and Kerryn Mayne, author of Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder (which has since sold in the US market to St. Martin’s Press) chat about Kerryn's experience querying; publishing in markets outside the US; writing in a genre that relates to her career; and Kerryn's take on writing groups.

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

Kerryn can be found at www.kerrynmayneauthor.com. She’s on Instagram at @kcmwrites

Julie can be found at https://juliecarrickdalton.com/ She's on Twitter @juliecardalt and Instagram @juliecdalton.

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Today's episode is sponsored by HelloFresh. Go to www.hellofrresh.com/tsnotyaw16 and use the code tsnotyaw16 for 16 free meals plus free shipping! 

In today’s episode, Bryn Turnbull joins Bianca, Carly, and CeCe to critique Books with Hooks submissions while also talking about The Paris Deception. During the episode, they discuss being unlucky in publishing; story inspiration; not having things too neat and tidy (coincidental); morally ambiguous women in history and writing morally ‘grey’ female characters; specificity in query letters; maintaining action in the opening pages; grounding the reader with location and time stamps; layering interiority and sharp specifics; connecting readers experiencing current events with those in historical fiction; and advice for writers from a creative writing instructor.

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

More information about Bryn can be found at brynturnbull.com. She's on Instagram @brynturnbullwrites and on Twitter @BrynTurnbull.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Riverside.fm. Using the promo code TSNOTYAW offers you a 15% discount on all individual plans! Click here for more info!

In today’s episode, Hazel Gaynor joins Bianca, Carly, and CeCe to critique Books with Hooks submissions while also talking about The Last Lifeboat. During the episode, they discuss different book titles in international locations; the order of paragraphs in a query letter; line-level writing with specificity and varied sentence lengths; how to achieve the right voicey-ness and what that means; opening with a chaotic and dramatic prologue; advice about where to start stories; fact vs fiction in historical fiction; withholding context and backstory; relatability in world building; and how to keep readers invested in both timelines in a dual-POV novel.

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 Hazel can be found at hazelgaynor.com. She's on Instagram @hazelgaynor and on Twitter @HazelGaynor.

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