Making Something Unexpected Happen in Your Opening Pages
Sep 5, 2024
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In this discussion, the hosts dive into the importance of cause and effect in plot points. They highlight the necessity for unexpected twists in opening pages to captivate readers. Delving into dark romance, they explore its complexities and the significance of clarity in queries. The panel also critiques character motivations and emotional stakes, stressing the balance between shock value and depth in storytelling. Practical tips for engaging dialogue and the art of delivering backstory are shared, making it essential listening for aspiring authors.
Writers should aim for something unexpected in their opening pages to captivate readers and set the tone for the story.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of cause and effect in plot points, advocating for clarity in character motivations to maintain reader engagement.
With the show’s new format focusing on query letters and author interviews, listeners can expect more tailored content that enhances their writing journey.
Deep dives
Beta Reader Matchup Opportunity
There is an opportunity for writers to find beta readers and potentially form long-term writing groups with those in similar genres and time zones. Participants can sign up for a 3,000-word evaluation, even if their manuscript is not yet complete. Registration for this matchup is open until September 30th, with matching emails expected to be sent on October 1st. For more details and to register, interested writers can visit BiancaMare.com and navigate to the Beta Reader Matchup section.
Writing Tools for Inspiration
Writers can benefit from using tools like the Story Engine Deck and the Deck of Worlds, which provide over 30 billion writing prompts and world-building ideas. These decks are designed to stimulate creativity, enabling writers to develop unique characters and captivating scenarios quickly. For example, the Story Engine allows writers to create new characters with distinctive traits in under a minute, while the Deck of Worlds facilitates the construction of intricate civilizations and plot conflicts. Current promotions offer a discount on these resources until September 30th, making it an opportune time for writers to enhance their storytelling.
Format Changes to the Podcast
The show is undergoing a format change after four productive years to enhance content delivery and sustainability. This new structure will alternate between the 'Books with Hooks' segment, focusing on query letters, and in-depth author interviews on alternate weeks. The hosts emphasize that while the format is changing, they remain committed to providing high-quality content and maintaining engagement with their audience. Additionally, the newsletter will see increased exclusive content to ensure continued value for subscribers.
Acknowledgment of Listener Support
The hosts express deep gratitude to their listeners for their support over the years, highlighting the positive impact the audience has had on the podcast's journey. They acknowledge the challenges faced during production, such as illness and personal emergencies, which have never hindered their commitment to delivering episodes consistently. This dedication underscores the importance of prioritizing creative time and writing, an ethos they encourage their listeners to adopt. The hosts also celebrate the collaborative journey shared with their audience, reinforcing the community aspect of their work.
Query Letter Insights
The podcast features a segment where query letters from aspiring authors undergo critique, offering valuable insights into what makes a compelling submission. The hosts discuss elements such as the importance of clear plot connections and maintaining reader engagement through concise language. They emphasize the need for authors to thoughtfully consider the framing of their stories to avoid disconnection between character motivations and plot developments. This segment aims to assist writers in refining their queries, ultimately increasing their chances of success in the publishing industry.
In today’s Book with Hooks episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique an upmarket women's fiction query and a dark romance one (spicy content warning!).
They discuss the need for cause and effect between your plot points; avoiding overwriting in dialogue; the difficulties with having a very insecure protagonist; the need for something unexpected to happen in the opening pages; the concept of dark romance; specificity in your query; teasing backstory about your main character in your query; avoiding trying to do too much in your query; making your letter as readable as possible; starting novels with racy scenes; and being mindful of positioning and movement in sex scenes.
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.
Carly's course for writers, The Author's Publishing Playbook, is available at carlywatters.com/course. If you haven't grabbed it yet, podcast listeners can use discount code POD15
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