In this special episode, CeCe Lyra sits down with our very own Bianca Marais to explore her writing journey, with a spotlight on her latest novel, ‘A Most Puzzling Murder.’ If you’re not already familiar with her work, Bianca is the bestselling author of ‘The Witches of Moonshyne Manor’, the beloved novels ‘Hum If You Don’t Know the Words’ and ‘If You Want to Make God Laugh’, and the Audible Original ‘The Prynne Viper’. She has also taught creative writing at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, where she received an Excellence in Teaching Award.

In this candid conversation, CeCe and Bianca dive into the challenges of switching genres, the role of curiosity seeds in storytelling, and finding the right balance between pantsing and plotting. Bianca offers valuable insights into crafting tone, designing an interactive reading experience through puzzles, and managing the intricacies of writing an ensemble cast. They also discuss the behind-the-scenes realities of publishing and the importance of trusting your agent.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and CeCe on this podcast are solely that of them as podcast co-hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Upcoming in person event you won't want to miss! A 'Most Puzzling Murder' Book Launch! Is now SOLD OUT!

Find Bianca at another event by visiting: https://www.biancamarais.com/upcoming-events.html

Find us on our socials:

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

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 submit a question for the show, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/submit-a-question.html

To subscribe to our Substack newsletter, go to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/about

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

At The End of The Day Ep. 57 w/ AD's Dad Rory K Douglas