Explore the intricacies of crafting compelling characters and the vital role of pacing in storytelling. Hosts tackle the art of impactful opening lines and the emotional depth essential for engaging narratives. They also analyze a listener's query, highlighting the balance between world-building and pacing. Listeners gain insights into familial dynamics, as well as the challenges language barriers present during family gatherings. Plus, learn about upcoming opportunities for writers to connect with industry professionals!
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Comp Title Choice
Refrain from using 'Educated' as a comp title in your query.
While a great book, its ubiquitous use and memoir format make it unsuitable for pitching literary fiction.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Trigger Warning Placement
Consider removing the trigger warning from the query letter.
Instead, address sensitive content within the synopsis if the book delves deeper into it.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Plot Causality
Ensure clear causality between plot points in your query letter.
Avoid loose connections; demonstrate how one event leads to the next.
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In 'Educated,' Tara Westover recounts her journey from a childhood in rural Idaho, where she was raised by survivalist Mormon parents who opposed public education and medical care, to becoming a scholar at Harvard and Cambridge University. The book details her struggles with physical and verbal abuse, her self-education, and her eventual admission to Brigham Young University. Westover's story is a powerful exploration of resilience, the importance of education, and the complexities of family relationships. She navigates the tension between her desire for knowledge and her loyalty to her family, ultimately finding a way to reconcile her past and present selves.
Burnham Wood
Burnham Wood
Eleanor Catton
The Vaster Wilds
Lauren Groff
The Vaster Wilds is a historical novel that follows the story of a young servant girl who flees a colonial settlement in the wilderness. With only her wits and a few possessions, she must survive the unforgiving environment, encountering various challenges such as hunger, disease, and interactions with Native people. The novel is both a thrilling adventure and a penetrating fable that reflects on colonialism, the place of women in society, and the resilience needed to survive in a hostile world. Through vivid imagery and a compelling narrative, Groff tells the story of America in miniature, highlighting the girl's journey as a symbol of adaptation and survival in the face of overwhelming odds.
Women Are the Fiercest Creatures
Andrea Dunlop
One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow
Olivia Hawker
History of wolves
Emily Fridlund
I Love You but I've Chosen Darkness
Claire Vaye Watkins
How much of these hills is gold
C Pam Zhang
The Girls
Emma Cline
The book follows Evie Boyd, a 14-year-old girl living in Northern California in the summer of 1969. Evie is struggling with her parents' divorce and feels disconnected from her family. She becomes fascinated with a group of older girls she sees in the park, particularly Suzanne, and eventually joins them at their ranch, which is led by the charismatic and manipulative Russell. The novel explores themes of teenage vulnerability, the desire for belonging, and the dangers of cult culture. The story alternates between Evie's experiences in 1969 and her life decades later, reflecting on the impact of those events on her life[1][4][5].
The Four Winds
Laura Vidal Sanz
Kristin Hannah
The Four Winds is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Elsa Martinelli, a woman living on the Great Plains during the devastating Dust Bowl era of the Great Depression. The novel spans several years, from 1921 to 1936, and follows Elsa's journey as she navigates the harsh realities of drought, poverty, and personal struggle. After her husband abandons her and her children, Elsa must decide whether to fight for the land she loves or leave for California in search of a better life. The book is a powerful portrayal of the American Dream, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
In today’s Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe analyze a literary fiction query and a historical fiction query, providing insights on structure, emotional depth, and character development. The discussion emphasizes the importance of compelling opening lines, the need for emotional complexity in characters, and the significance of pacing in storytelling. The hosts also share their thoughts on how to effectively convey a protagonist's journey and the nuances of familial relationships in writing.
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.
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