How Writing Interiority is Like Squeezing an Orange
Dec 7, 2023
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Ronnie Alvarado, senior editor at Simon Element, joins the hosts to discuss why agents pass on resubmissions, the importance of not info-dumping, and how writing interiority is like squeezing an orange. The podcast also features an interview with debut novelist Anise Vance, who talks about intentional beginnings, worldbuilding in dystopian novels, and techniques to avoid excessive telling.
Agents may pass on a resubmission despite changes being made due to various reasons.
Info-dumping can hinder readers' connection with characters.
Well-executed world-building in dystopian novels can be achieved through vivid descriptions and integration of backstory through characters.
Deep dives
The Ghost Singer: A Haunting Tale of Past and Present
The Ghost Singer is a chilling and atmospheric horror novel that combines the eerie ghostly presence of Joe Hill's Heart-Shaped Box with time travel elements. Set in small-town Hunter Valley, the story follows 93-year-old Ukrainian immigrant IZAC, who finds himself trapped in the haunted halls of Haunted Valley Medical during a blizzard. He befriends a 12-year-old boy recovering from a tragic accident and together, they become prime targets for malevolent spirits. IZAC's nurse, Pia, brings her unique ability as a ghost singer to banish spirits, but this time, the vengeful entity forces IZAC to confront a long-buried memory. As the attacks intensify and the boy's condition worsens, IZAC must confront his past to protect the boy he's grown to cherish.
Navigating the Complexities of Breaking Down Barriers
Hush Arbor explores the complex dynamics of a revolution and the impacts of violence between the black community and the police force. Inspired by the author's research on paramilitary members in Northern Ireland and influenced by real-life events, the story centers around Malik, who makes a life-altering decision to join the revolution amidst national tensions. This debut novel delves into the psychological and emotional complexities faced by Malik, as he struggles with his own motivations, his relationship with his grandfather, and navigating the risks and consequences of being part of a resistance.
The Journey to Publication: Overcoming Challenges and Finding the Right Fit
Hush Arbor went through various iterations before finding its final form. The author began querying agents shortly before the murder of George Floyd, leading to complex emotions and concerns about timing. After receiving rejection letters centered around concerns of marketability and content, the author finally connected with an agent who saw the potential in the story and provided valuable feedback. The manuscript was rewritten based on the agent's suggestions, and soon after, the novel went through an auction process, ultimately finding a home at Hanover Square Press, an imprint well-suited to handle the technical and social nuances of this powerful and timely novel.
The novel features a city in turmoil and a resistance group called Hash Harbor.
The podcast discusses the novel Hash Harbor, which is set in Bliss City, New Jersey, a city in turmoil after the murder of an unarmed black teenager by the police. The city is taken over by a resistance group who names their headquarters Hash Harbor. The group faces ideological differences and must make decisions to survive when a new mayor with white supremacist ties threatens their sanctuary.
The author employs effective world-building techniques to bring the story to life.
The podcast highlights the author's adept world-building skills in creating the dystopian setting of Hash Harbor. Through vivid descriptions, the author brings the city to life, including detailed imagery of bridges, rivers, and the overall atmosphere. Additionally, the use of a journalist character, Asha Patel, allows for seamless integration of world-building elements and backstory. Asha's news reports provide exposition and context to the environment and events surrounding Bliss City without feeling forced or overly expository.
In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe are joined by guest, Ronnie Alvarado, a senior editor at Simon Element. They discuss two queries, one of which includes a resubmission. The four discuss why agents might pass on a resubmission despite changes having been made; how info-dumping can keep readers from connecting with characters; why writing interiority is like squeezing an orange; typos in query letters; when adverbs are useful; and a prologue that works.
After which, Bianca interviews Anise Vance, debut novelist of Hush Harbor. They discuss being intentional with your beginnings; Anise's inspiration and journey to publication; being open to R&Rs, particularly for the right agent; the worldbuilding required for dystopian novels based in real places; techniques to avoid too much telling when it comes to worldbuilding.
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