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!
Establishing compelling opening lines and emotional complexity in characters is crucial for engaging readers and enhancing storytelling.
The upcoming virtual retreat provides unprecedented access to publishing professionals, alleviating concerns about the industry's gatekeeping and fostering connections.
Deep dives
Access to Gatekeepers
The upcoming 2025 Deep Dive virtual retreat aims to alleviate concerns about the publishing industry's gatekeeping by providing unprecedented access to agents and editors. This event, scheduled for February 1st and 2nd, will feature a weekend format designed to accommodate listeners from around the globe. In addition to traditional sessions, the retreat will incorporate workshops and breakout rooms similar to those offered in previous programs, emphasizing interaction and networking. Early registration opening on November 29th is highly anticipated, and attendees can look forward to an impressive lineup of professionals who have worked on popular bestsellers.
Beta Reader Matchup Insights
The last Beta Reader Matchup of the year is set for November, offering writers a chance to receive critiques on their work from peers within similar genres and time zones. Participants will send out 3,000 words of their writing to receive feedback, which is a valuable opportunity for new perspectives, especially for those experiencing critique fatigue from the same readers. This matchup encourages writers to seek fresh eyes on their work without the fear of cheating, as different feedback can greatly enhance the creative process. Writers are reminded to sign up before December 2nd to take advantage of this opportunity.
Query Letter Evaluation
The discussion includes a query letter for a literary novel set in a rural environment, where the protagonist, Honey, grapples with her father's apocalyptic visions. The critique highlights the use of a compelling ticking clock element, which adds urgency to the narrative as the protagonist navigates familial expectations and a search for her missing mother. However, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of the opening prose and the clarity of emotional motivations throughout the query. The evaluators encouraged the author to strengthen character dynamics and utilize specific details to enhance the reader's connection to the protagonist's internal struggles.
Opening Pages Analysis
The opening pages of the discussed manuscripts are scrutinized for their ability to establish character and emotional depth. One critique pointed out that while the setting and sensory details were vividly drawn, the protagonist's emotional turmoil in response to specific events was underdeveloped. It was suggested that the author delve deeper into the character's inner world, illustrating conflicting feelings to create a richer narrative experience. The evaluators emphasized that effective world-building involves seamlessly integrating character emotions and motivations into the storyline, thereby allowing readers to connect more profoundly with the protagonist.
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.