In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe evaluate the same three query letters, discussing developing character while developing plot; leveraging the reveal in a way that ramps up stakes and tension; having appropriate stakes for the age group and genre; framing what’s happening around the main character(s); how we need disruption, imbalance and conflict in the MC’s life, especially in the opening pages; and giving a personal universal element that the reader can imprint on in the opening pages.

After which CeCe interviews Jennifer Close, author of Marrying the Ketchups, about the inherent anxiety that comes with writing, and how feeling insecure and doubtful is a part of the process no matter how many novels you’ve written; how Jennifer’s process has changed now that she’s published four books; how to make so-called ‘quiet’ novels unputdownable and so-called ‘passive’ characters compelling; Jennifer Close’s list of Golden Advice to first-time writers; and the importance of sitting with editorial feedback before working on edits.

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Jennifer can be found at @jenniferaclose on Instagram and @jenniferclose on Twitter

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How to Make 'Quiet' Novels Unputdownable