(Mini-Episode) What are comparative titles? When querying, you'll inevitably run across the need to provide a couple of books that are similar to yours. In this episode, we talk about how to find them and why you need them. Referenced in this episode: "Two Cakes" webcomic (originally by stuffman on Tumblr) Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts … Continue reading Episode 19: X Meets Y – Comp Titles
Episode 18: Play it Again… Rewrites
(Mini-Episode) How do you know when to revise, and when to do a full rewrite? In this episode, D.C. and Avery discuss the "do-over" aspect of drafting, their personal experience with the emotional fallout of realizing you need to rewrite. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 018 (to download, right-click the Download button and … Continue reading Episode 18: Play it Again… Rewrites
Episode 17: @#$&! – Swearing in Fiction
DC and Avery talk about dirty words! How far is too far, and does genre affect that line? When is swearing most effective, and why would you want to use it? Books mentioned in this episode: A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara The Echo Maker, by Richard Powers Imbibe! by David Wondrich Rita Hayworth and … Continue reading Episode 17: @#$&! – Swearing in Fiction
Episode 16: Prologues and Epilogues
(Mini-Episode) Prologues and epilogues are such a contentious topic in writing. Today we'll discuss our thoughts on these controversial additions to a story. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 016 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 15: Whoopsie! Our Worst Querying Blunders
(Mini-Episode) We all make mistakes. In today's mini-episode, DC and Avery tell all, sharing some of their most egregious errors made while querying. Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 015 (to download, right-click the Download button and choose "Save File As"). Streaming Audio:
Episode 14: Morally Gray & Unlikeable Characters
(Mini-Episode) What does the term "morally grey" mean, when it comes to building a character? And how does one create an unlikable but compelling protagonist? Join Avery and DC as we mull over and discuss these questions! Items mentioned in this episode: Brandon Sanderson's Three-Pronged Character Sliding Scales V.E. Schwab's Vicious Marvel Cinematic Universe's Black Panther … Continue reading Episode 14: Morally Gray & Unlikeable Characters
Episode 13: Dialogue Tags & Action Beats
DC and Avery discuss whether "said is dead" or "said is invisible", the use of outlandish dialogue tags, and how action beats can break up repetitive dialogue. Featuring an excerpt from one of Avery's very oldest writing samples. Books mentioned in this episode: A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara Drinks: Both of the cocktails this … Continue reading Episode 13: Dialogue Tags & Action Beats
Episode 12: Planning Tools & Processes
(Mini-Episode) Planning a novel is hard. Today we talk about some of the tools and processes we use to get started. Items mentioned in this episode: Anthemion Writer's Cafe Scrivener Aeon Timeline Jami Gold Beat Sheets Character Development Worksheet World Anvil Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts Download MP3: Episode 012 (to download, right-click the Download button … Continue reading Episode 12: Planning Tools & Processes
Episode 11: Scary Queries
In this episode, DC and Avery discuss best practices for pitching your work, both online and in-In our first Halloween episode, we talk about the horror of queries! We chat a little about the query experience, and go over some key dos and don'ts when crafting your query letter. We also revise a spooooky query … Continue reading Episode 11: Scary Queries
Episode 10: Pitch, Please
In this episode, DC and Avery discuss best practices for pitching your work, both online and in-person, as well as thoughts on pitch events in general. How to find your story's hook and show it off as sparkly as it can be. We also take a look at a few of Avery's pitches and break … Continue reading Episode 10: Pitch, Please
...and it's writing. 