The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Writing Strong Character Arcs That Are Tied to Character Wants

Nov 24, 2022

In this podcast, the hosts analyze query letters, discuss the importance of character arcs tied to wants, and share tips for writing compelling stories. They also interview author Alexa Martin about her journey to publication and flipping genre tropes.

01:09:23

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Quick takeaways

Character arcs are essential to a character's wants and needs.

Avoid making statements in dialogue solely to convey information to the reader.

Deep dives

Curiosity Seed: The pendant necklace

The protagonist's grandmother left her a pendant necklace, which now feels like an apology.

Introduction

3min

Webinar details and novel feedback

8min

Introducing Four Female Characters and a Pandemic Phone Call

17min

Melody Bell's Return

8min

Rock People: A Summer of Solace

9min

Introduction to 'Better Than Fiction'

9min

Crafting a Compelling Story

17min

In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe analyze two query letters each, and in the process discuss what constitutes a long query, in respect of word count; how statements in dialogue shouldn't be made simply to tell the reader something; avoiding vague references in queries; and getting a submission that reads like a published book.

After which, Bianca chats with Alexa Martin, author of Better Than Fiction, about her journey to publication; writing teacher books; planting curiosity seeds and having the reader be an active participant instead of spoon-feeding them everything; character arcs and how they are so integral to the character’s wants/needs; flipping genre tropes; Story Genius, character misbeliefs, the third rail, and causality; and putting hooks in your books.

Find us on our socials:
Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra
Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writing
Facebook: @tsnotyaw
Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting, www.biancamarais.com and www.carlywatters.com
Alexa can be found at www.alexamartin.com and on Instagram at @alexambooks

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The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Writing Strong Character Arcs That Are Tied to Character Wants

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Curiosity Seed: The pendant necklace

Curiosity Seed: Fighting off her son

Growing from loss and finding love

The journey of a grieving girl turned bookseller

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts