The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Books & Literature
About
This is a podcast for emerging writers who want to improve the quality of their work and learn more about the publishing industry. Your one host, Bianca Marais (the bestselling author of 'The Witches of Moonshyne Manor') interviews authors, agents, editors and just about anyone and everyone who's involved in bringing a book to market. She's joined by her cohosts, literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency, who read and critique query letters as well as opening pages in their Books with Hooks segment. Expect good advice, honest insights, and a few laughs along the...
Episodes
- The Craft of Specificity: Why Vague Kills Queries
This episode of "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing" features Carly and CeCe analyzing two query letters. They discuss effective pitching for YA novels, the importance of clear voice, and balancing internal and external stakes to avoi…
- Shooting The Shit About Expectations in Agent Author Relationships and Who Gets To Go On Book Tour
This episode discusses expectations in author-agent relationships, including the impact of AI on writing, common query issues, and the realities of book tours. Carly and CeCe also share insights into the publishing industry behind the scen…
- Author Insights from Mai Nguyen, Lindsay Wong and Laurie Frankel
This episode features interviews with authors Mai Nguyen, Lindsay Wong, and Laurie Frankel. They discuss their novels, inspiration, and writing processes, covering themes like grief, trauma, and craft.
- April Bonus Episode
This bonus episode features authors Canwen Xu, discussing her psychological thriller "Boring Asian Female" and the process of turning personal failure into emotional truth, and Rea Frey, who shares behind-the-scenes realities of writing an…
- When Intrigue Turns Into Confusion
This episode of Books with Hooks features Bianca CeCe and Carly discussing query effectiveness, high-stakes storytelling, and the challenges of balancing intrigue and audience frustration in writing. They provide insights into crafting com…
- Shooting the Shit About What Agents Do All Day
This episode discusses what literary agents do daily, emphasizing the importance of human connection and timing in publishing. It also addresses what happens if a writer has had an agent previously.
- How to Build a Protagonist Who Actually Makes Sense
Debut author Miranda Shulman joins literary agent CeCe Lyra to discuss building a compelling and complex protagonist. They also share Miranda's unconventional path to publication and examine themes of obsession and female friendships.
- Shooting The Shit About Changes to the NYT Bestseller List and Editors Allegedly Using AI
Carly and CeCe discuss recent changes in the publishing industry, including updates to the New York Times bestseller list and the growing concerns about editors using AI. They also examine the rise of audiobooks, the decline of mass-market…
- Plugging in Mental Modules
On "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing," Bianca, CeCe, and Carly analyze two query letters, highlighting frequent errors in pitching. They discuss issues like missing plot lines, overly detailed author bios, and the exclusion of subpl…
- Shooting the Shit About Cancelled Books and the Shy Girl AI Discourse
Carly and CeCe discuss publishing industry changes including the Shy Girl AI controversy, book cancellations, layoffs, and the potential comeback of literary fiction. They also cover editor turnover and the increase in self-published books.
- Insights from Beth O'Leary and Kate Hilton
Authors Beth O'Leary and Kate Hilton share their approaches to writing. Beth O'Leary discusses her method for creating emotionally grounded romance with compelling hooks, while Kate Hilton explains how she develops richly layered dual-time…
- March Bonus Episode
This bonus episode features author Kerry Clare discussing her novel 'Definitely Thriving,' and Summer N. England sharing her path to publishing 'The Impossible Garden of Clara Thorne.' Publishing insider Chris Houston offers insights into…
- Comp Titles That Make Agents Go...Hmm
This episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing discusses query letters, comp titles, pacing, and storytelling. The hosts offer feedback relevant to emerging writers.
- Shooting the Shit About Your Response to Last Week's Episode and What Can Be Copyrighted
In this episode, Carly and CeCe discuss the feedback from their previous episode, addressing topics like burnout and disillusionment within the publishing industry. They also examine myths surrounding the London Book Fair, Instagram fatigu…
- The Secret Behind Immersive Worlds
Bestselling author J.R. Ward joins the show to discuss her new romantasy novel, the evolution of fantasy romance, and how immersive worlds impact readers. She also shares insights into her writing process, including balancing world-buildin…
- Shooting the Shit About High Brow vs. Low Brow and Editors Who Hate Their Jobs
Carly and CeCe discuss the high brow vs. low brow debate in publishing, industry gossip, and their experiences at the London Book Fair. They also delve into a viral Reddit post from a disillusioned editor and its implications for the publi…
- When Characters Collide with Conflict
This episode features a critique of two query letters: one for an upmarket literary novel and another for a 1970s dual-POV sports romance. The hosts discuss various aspects of query writing, including stakes, starting points, compelling pr…
- Shooting the Shit About Sending The Elevator Back Down And Paying It Forward With Blurbs
Carly and CeCe discuss various aspects of the publishing industry, including unexpected mishaps, the significance of author blurbs, and the intricacies of the slush pile. They delve into topics such as agents managing the emotional demands…
- Insights from Lisa Unger
Bestselling thriller author Lisa Unger joins the show to discuss longevity, creativity, and the craft of writing dark, layered stories. She shares insights on building a long writing career and navigating industry changes.
- Shooting the Shit About Memoirs That Sell and The Publicity Delusion
Carly and CeCe discuss memoirs, publicity, and the challenges faced by literary agents, including contracts and timelines. They also explore AI submissions and the importance of a writer's unique voice.
- Double Hooks & Power Imbalances
This episode features Bianca, CeCe, and Carly workshopping two anonymous submissions: a YA dystopian and an adult thriller. They provide craft insights on elements such as hooks, openings, world-building, and psychological depth.
- February Bonus Episode
This bonus episode offers writing advice from authors Robyn Harding and Emily Ohanjanians. Robyn Harding shares strategies for building suspense in thrillers, while Emily Ohanjanians discusses her journey into publishing, the nuances of wr…
- The Anatomy of an Opening
In this episode, Bianca and author Mara Williams discuss the journey to publication. They cover writing emotionally charged openings, balancing romance with women’s fiction, and discerning feedback.
- Shooting The Shit About Our Publishing Pet Peeves and What To Do When Your One “Yes” Is A “No”
This episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing features CeCe and Carly discussing publishing pet peeves, listener questions about agent offers, and author marketing. They also cover publishing news, including Spotify’s audiobook p…
- How to Make Agents Curious While Also Impressing Them With Your Line Level Writing
This episode of "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing" features a workshop of a query letter for the novel "Bilateral Breathing." The discussion covers elements that work and areas needing improvement, focusing on how to capture an agen…
- Shooting the Shit About Editors Quiet Quitting and the Unpaid Labour of Agents
Carly and CeCe discuss topics in publishing, including "quiet quitting" by editors, author compensation, and the importance of authors promoting their work. They also examine the financial risks undertaken by literary agents.
- The Long Game of Publishing
This episode features authors Marisa Walz and Olivia Jackson discussing their publishing experiences. They cover topics like the challenges of getting published, dealing with unmet expectations, and the business aspects of being an author.
- Shooting The Shit About Auctions, *That* Post, and The Right Resources
Carly and CeCe discuss publishing layoffs, Canadian bestseller statistics, and an article questioning the state of publishing. They explain how auctions and private submissions work and how writers can find reliable resources.
- When the Past Won't Stay Buried: Building Dark Psychological Thrillers
Bianca interviews debut novelist Leodora Darlington about her psychological thriller ‘The Exes.’ They discuss her path to publication, querying agents, and craft topics such as dual timelines and unreliable narrators.
- January Bonus Episode
In this bonus episode, Bianca Marais interviews Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke about their book, "The Naysayers," and their experiences in the publishing industry. They discuss topics such as creative disagreements, editorial feedback, and wr…
- The Infinite Options of Where to Begin
This episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing features Bianca, Carly, and CeCe analyzing two query letters. They discuss various writing craft topics, including query length, POV clarity, influencer culture in fiction, romantic t…
- Shooting the Shit About What Carly and CeCe Want To Fix In The Publishing Industry and (of course!) Heated Rivalry
Carly and CeCe discuss what they would change in the publishing industry, such as increasing pay, ensuring marketing transparency, and improving author royalties. They also talk about unreliable memories and hockey romance TV shows.
- The Mechanics of Great Storytelling
This episode features interviews with authors Simone St. James and Isabelle Engel. Simone St. James discusses her novel "A Box Full of Darkness," focusing on mystery, trauma, memory, and supernatural suspense. Isabelle Engel shares her wri…
- Shooting the Shit About The Easiest Genres to Sell and How Agents Impact The Outcomes of Book Deals
Carly and CeCe discuss the easiest and hardest genres to publish in fiction and nonfiction. They also explore how literary agents affect the outcomes of book deals.
- Perfecting the Page One Experience
In this episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe welcome writer Rhiannon Harvey for a Books with Hooks critique, focusing on her speculative YA mystery, 'Mara's Call'. They discuss refining queries, strengthening character motivation, and navigati…
- Shooting the Shit About Your Deepest and Darkest Book Money Questions PART TWO
Carly and CeCe discuss various aspects of book money and the publishing industry. They cover topics including how advances are paid, two-book deals, author marketing and PR, genre trends, and agent income realities.
- Big Auction Debuts and What Brings You Back to the Page
Katie Bernet discusses her debut YA thriller, ‘Beth Is Dead,’ a reimagining of ‘Little Women.’ Deepa Anappara shares her journey as a writer, focusing on overcoming self-doubt and the importance of persistence in the writing process.
- December Bonus Episode
This bonus episode offers a fly-on-the-wall perspective of a real agent meeting at Wendy Sherman Associates. The discussion covers publishing trends, romantasy, cover reveals, editor movement, and the realities of author marketing pressure.
- The Job of a Disruption
In this episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique two query letters. They provide feedback on a whodunit-reality TV story and a literary horror, focusing on elements like comps, tension, and clarity in writing.
- Shooting the Shit About Your Deepest and Darkest Book Money Questions: PART ONE
This episode discusses various money-related questions in the publishing industry, including advances, royalties, and agenting. It aims to answer anonymous questions about the business of publishing.
- The Evolution of a Novel
Bianca interviews Gráinne O’Hare, author of "Thirst Trap," discussing the development of the novel, including its themes of coming-of-age and authentic dialogue. They also cover capturing the chaos and grief of one's 20s and crafting nuanc…
- Shooting the Shit About How Much Agents Share
In this episode, Carly and CeCe discuss whether literary agents share queries behind the scenes, how agent comping can impact submissions, and implications of work appearing on Books with Hooks. They also touch on publishing investment new…
- Quiet Stories, Big Stakes
Carly and CeCe analyze two queries in "Books with Hooks," exploring how "quiet" stories can be engaging, the balance of A and B plots in romance, and the significance of tension and character depth. They offer agent insights and story advi…
- Shooting the Shit: About the hidden side of best-of-year lists, AI worries, and the "midlist bestseller"
Carly and CeCe discuss publishing in December, covering best-of-year lists, "midlist bestsellers," and concerns about AI. They analyze sales statistics, the importance of returns, and authors' anxieties regarding AI.
- Plotting With Fate
In this episode, Carly interviews Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman, authors of '10,000 Light Years from OK'. They discuss their sophomore novel which explores themes of love, hope, and courage.
- Shooting the Shit: About agent burnout and the problems facing small publishers and booksellers
Carly and CeCe discuss agent burnout and the problems facing small publishers and booksellers. They also cover topics related to the business of books and publishing conferences.
- The Pinball Effect in Fiction
This episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing discusses elements of fiction writing, including protagonist focus, quest specificity, prologue effectiveness, and memoir narrative arcs. It also offers advice on worldbuilding, dialo…
- November Bonus Episode
In this bonus episode, author Patricia Sands shares her experiences with writing and publishing, including indie publishing and being approached by Amazon’s Lake Union. She also discusses her novel, The French Effect. Emilie Sommer from Ea…
- When Writing Gets Personal: Two Authors on Vulnerability and Voice
Dr. Tracy Dalgleish discusses her book 'You, Your Husband and His Mother,' exploring family relationships and the book world. Dr. Jonathan Mathias Lassiter talks about his book 'How I Know White People Are Crazy (and Other Stories)' and th…
- Shooting the Shit...Live from Hawaii! About turning down offers and how best to work with your literary agent.
This episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, recorded live from Hawaii, features CeCe Lyra and Carly Watters discussing various aspects of the publishing industry, including literary agents, book deals, TV/film rights, and AI p…