

Writers, Ink Podcast: Episode 303 - No Body No Crime with NYT Bestseller Tess Sharpe.
6 snips Jul 15, 2025
Tess Sharpe, a New York Times Bestselling author known for her young adult novels, chats about her latest work, 'No Body, No Crime.' She dives into the intricacies of non-linear storytelling, revealing the challenges of weaving multiple timelines. Tess shares her journey from a homeschooled writer to a successful author, highlighting the significance of personal identity in publishing. The conversation also touches on adapting narratives for television and the impact of flashbacks in character development, adding depth to her thrilling tales.
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Beware Signing Boilerplate Contracts
- Writers should never blindly sign boilerplate contracts, especially with new clauses on moral rights and merch.
- Push to limit or remove these clauses and seek help from SFWA or a knowledgeable agent.
Tess Sharpe's Early Writing Journey
- Tess Sharpe started writing novels at age 10, heavily influenced by her mother's copy editing skills.
- She queried six books over seven years before landing her first book deal at 24, then transitioned to full-time writing.
Power of Nonlinear Storytelling
- Tess Sharpe prefers nonlinear storytelling as it mimics her thinking and builds character through flashbacks.
- She assembles her puzzle-like narratives just weeks before deadlines for maximum impact.