The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Knowing the Shape of Your Story

Mar 13, 2025

Bianca interviews Kristen Arnett, a New York Times best-selling author known for her humorous and poignant storytelling. They explore Kristen's writing process, emphasizing the importance of research and character development. The discussion highlights the role of humor and surprise in engaging readers, as well as the complexities of first-person narration. Kristen shares her insights on crafting narratives that balance past and present, drawing parallels between joke-telling and effective storytelling. Plus, listeners enjoy a reading that showcases Kristen's unique voice.

31:40

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Episode guests

Kristen Arnett

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Kristen Arnett emphasizes the importance of extensive research in character development, ensuring authenticity and relatability in her narratives.

The podcast discusses strategies for effectively beginning a story, focusing on crafting engaging inciting incidents while maintaining reader connection.

Deep dives

Starting It Right Class Announcement

A new writing class called 'Starting It Right' is set to help writers kick off their stories effectively. This four-day workshop will cover various essential aspects, such as selecting the right type of beginning, crafting a compelling inciting incident, and avoiding common pitfalls while starting a narrative. Participants will also gain insights into balancing exposition with mystery and fostering reader connection with protagonists. An interactive component allowing submission of opening scenes for critique will enhance the learning experience, making this class particularly engaging.

Intro

5min

Researching Joy and Complexity in Clowning

7min

Navigating First-Person Narration and Character Authenticity

3min

The Clown's Dilemma: Crafting Narrative Through Humor

19min

Unpacking Narration and Engaging Story Beginnings

3min

Warning: mature content.

In this insightful segment that will make you laugh out loud, Bianca interviews New York Times best-selling writer, Lamda Literary Award finalist and Shearling Fellowship recipient, Kristen Arnett, the author of 'Stop Me If You've Heard This One.' They discuss the unique aspects of Kristen's writing process, including her extensive research, character development, and the importance of humor and surprise in storytelling. Kristen shares insights into her creative journey, the intentional structure of her chapters, and the significance of character insights in connecting with readers. The episode also features a reading from her book, showcasing her distinctive voice and style.

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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The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Knowing the Shape of Your Story

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Starting It Right Class Announcement

Fundraising for Literacy in South Africa

Insights from Author Kristen Onnette

Character Development and Narrative Structure

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podcast app

AI-powered
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highlights

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Discover
highlights

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Knowing the Shape of Your Story

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Starting It Right Class Announcement

Fundraising for Literacy in South Africa

Insights from Author Kristen Onnette

Character Development and Narrative Structure

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

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Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
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highlights

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