The Novelry on Writing

Brisa Carleton is a debut novelist whose upcoming book, Last Call at the Savoy, was secured through her journey with The Novelry. She shares her spark for writing, inspired by historical women in cocktails. Brisa dives into the coaching that refined her manuscript and discusses the emotional process of finishing her first draft. She recounts her thrilling agent outreach and the rapid creation of her second book. Packed with insights on editorial feedback and the publishing timeline, Brisa emphasizes the importance of a tight hook and market awareness to aspiring authors.

Explore the art of crafting compelling prose with expert insights! Discover unique tips on avoiding overwriting and striking the perfect balance between clarity and lyricism. Learn how to write effective dialogue and use varied sentence structures for greater impact. Treat character exchanges like screenwriting to keep them sharp and engaging. Plus, get a creative writing prompt to reveal secrets and build tension. Unleash your voice and refine your work for submission!

Dive into the heart of storytelling as the hosts explore the essence of plot and its vital role in character development. Discover how stakes and tension elevate your story, making readers cling to each page. Learn the art of crafting compelling openings in just three pages, ensuring your characters face genuine challenges. Plus, subplots are unveiled as powerful tools to enrich the narrative and support the main journey. Perfect insights for both new and seasoned writers looking to captivate their audience!

In this engaging discussion, Gina Sorell, a writing coach and acclaimed author, delves into the art of setting in storytelling. She shares how a well-crafted setting can act as a character and even an antagonist, influencing the narrative and character relationships. Listeners will discover tips on integrating sensory details to make places feel tangible and the importance of choosing a time period that enhances the story. Plus, Gina offers a writing prompt to explore environments that evoke a sense of belonging or discomfort.

In this engaging discussion, bestselling author Amanda Reynolds shares her expertise on weaving conflict into stories. Learn why introducing a problem early is key to capturing readers. Amanda emphasizes pairing a struggling protagonist with a formidable obstacle for maximum intrigue. The duo explores emotional stakes that resonate with readers and the importance of escalating challenges. Finally, they highlight creative methods like using 'what if' questions to ignite compelling conflicts, ensuring your narrative hooks audiences right from the start.

Join bestselling fantasy author Andrea Stewart and children's author David Solomons as they delve into the art of crafting unforgettable characters. They share tips on developing distinct character voices and avoiding info-dumps to reveal backstory seamlessly. Learn how to create immediate desires that propel your story and the importance of showing character agency early on. They also discuss likability versus compelling traits, urging writers to embrace flaws to enhance character depth and engagement.

Join Kate Riordan, a bestselling author known for her gripping historical novels, and Josie Humber, a seasoned publishing editor, as they dive into the art of tension in storytelling. They explore five game-changing tips for raising stakes, such as trapping characters in moral dilemmas and introducing complex antagonists. Discover how emotional stakes can resonate deeply with readers and the power of an unlikely hero. Plus, learn the urgency a ticking time bomb adds to a narrative. It's a masterclass in keeping readers on the edge of their seats!

Andrea Stewart, a bestselling fantasy author and writing coach, teams up with psychological thriller expert Lesley Kara for a fascinating discussion. They delve into how unfamiliar settings can raise tension and drive plots. Discover the power of using weather and natural elements to reflect character turmoil. Learn to reveal hidden depths through characters' interactions with their environments and link settings to overarching themes. Plus, they share clever ways to use deceptive settings to surprise readers, making the ordinary feel extraordinary!

Alice Kuipers and Ella McLeod, both accomplished YA authors and coaches, dive into the intricacies of writing for a teen audience. They share essential tips to avoid disconnecting from readers, like engaging directly with teenagers and using authentic dialogue. The duo emphasizes the importance of relatable characters, raising emotional stakes, and crafting settings that resonate with contemporary teen experiences. Their insights provide invaluable guidance for writers aiming to connect deeply with young adult readers.

Join David Solomons, a bestselling children's author and screenwriter, and Amanda Reynolds, a psychological thriller author with TV adaptations, as they share screenwriting secrets for novelists. They discuss how dialogue drives narrative and the importance of clear character introductions. Ruthless editing is key—everything must earn its place! Learn how structure functions as a story’s skeleton and why deadlines can be your secret sauce for productivity. Perfect insights for transforming your screenplay ideas into captivating novels!