The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

How a Books With Hooks Query Became a Buzzy Debut

May 22, 2025
Jessica Guerrieri, an award-winning author and special education teacher, shares her inspiring journey from addiction recovery to writing her debut novel, 'Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.' She explores the challenges of crafting a multi-POV narrative while navigating the publishing world. Jessica emphasizes the importance of feedback from beta readers and the intricacies of using flashbacks to enhance storytelling. Her experiences offer valuable insights for aspiring writers, making the complexities of writing and publishing relatable and engaging.
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ANECDOTE

Transforming Multi-POV to Single

  • Jessica Guerrieri shared how her initial multi-POV novel was solid but needed focusing.
  • Feedback from Carly advised her to concentrate on Leah's perspective for a stronger pitch and story.
ADVICE

Keep Hope Alive as Writer

  • Writers must maintain hopeful optimism despite setbacks and rejections.
  • Persistence is key since quitting is the only true failure in publishing.
INSIGHT

Power of Single POV Tension

  • Having a single unreliable narrator creates tension and claustrophobia for the reader.
  • Unknown motives of other characters enhance mystery and reader engagement.
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