The hosts analyze a family saga and a psychological thriller, emphasizing the need for clear POV information in query letters. They discuss the importance of concise wording and effective character connections through plot and theme. Humor mixes with critique as they explore a psychological thriller query, highlighting character dynamics. The conversation dives into balancing scene work and emotional interiority, with tips on making characters' behaviors plausible. Plus, they stress the value of reading work aloud to enhance narrative clarity.
Effective query letters should include personalization and key plot elements to engage agents more successfully from the outset.
Balancing scene work with character interiority is crucial to developing multifaceted characters and maintaining clarity in storytelling.
Deep dives
Hacking Writing on a Line Level
A class is being offered that focuses on improving writing skills at a granular level. Over three days, participants will learn essential rules and techniques designed to enhance their writing capabilities. The course is filled with continuous examples to provide practical insights, promising that attendees will leave with a robust toolkit for self-editing and refinement. This hands-on approach encourages writers to engage deeply with their craft and empowers them to elevate their work effectively.
Using Prompts to Spark Creativity
Writing can be daunting, especially with the vast possibilities available to authors. The introduction of comprehensive writing and world-building prompt decks aims to alleviate this pressure by providing structured starting points for creativity. With tools like the Story Engine and Deck of Worlds, writers can quickly generate unique characters and complex civilizations. Such resources encourage imaginative storytelling and help overcome writer's block by fostering excitement for the writing process.
Query Letter Crafting Insights
A segment discusses the nuances of crafting an effective query letter, emphasizing key elements that must be included for clarity and impact. Personalization at the beginning can make a significant difference, suggesting that authors should tailor their queries to individual agents. Additionally, it’s important to structure the query to highlight essential plot elements and character dynamics upfront for better engagement. The ongoing debate about whether to prioritize certain information in a query letter showcases the evolving trends in the publishing landscape.
Character and Plot Development
The importance of multifaceted character portrayal and clear plot connections is highlighted when analyzing a family saga. With a narrative spanning several decades, the development of generational trauma and resilience among female characters is central to the story. However, clarity in the relationships and motivations of the characters must be established early on to avoid confusion. Overall, the narrative must effectively intertwine character arcs with the larger plot to captivate readers and convey deeper themes.
Today, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique a family saga submission and a psychological thriller.
They discuss whether there's a need for personalization at the top of your query; the importance of having POV information at the beginning of your letter; being concise with your wording; ensuring you illustrate how your multiple POV characters connect through plot and theme; examples of how to successfully share biographical details of characters; ensuring your metaphors don't take your reader out of the pages; avoiding over-writing in opening pages; the importance of reading your work aloud; ensuring your plot paragraphs speak to each other; an example of great interiority; making sure your character's behaviors are plausible; and balancing scene work and interiority.
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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