In the first part of this bonus episode, Bianca interviews Lauren Ling Brown, author of 'Society of Lies.' They discuss Lauren’s journey to publication, the intricacies of writing dual perspectives and timelines, and the importance of social commentary in her work. Lauren shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of character development, and the impact of being selected for Reese's Book Club. The discussion highlights the significance of crafting a compelling prologue and the emotional stakes involved in the characters' relationships.

Finally, Emilie Sommer from East City Bookshop answers all your burning comp title questions.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and CeCe on this podcast are solely that of them as podcast co-hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

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Upcoming in person event you won't want to miss! A 'Most Puzzling Murder' Book Launch!

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In this informative author interview, Bianca connects with debut novelist Sarah Damoff to discuss her novel, ‘The Bright Years’ which explores the complexities of family dynamics and addiction.

Sarah shares her journey through the publishing landscape, the challenges of finding the right agent, the ingenious query hack she used, and the evolution of her novel's structure. The conversation touches on the themes of generational trauma and the impact of addiction, as well as the importance of line-level writing, including the use of similes and metaphors. Sarah's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring writers and readers alike.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and CeCe on this podcast are solely that of them as podcast co-hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Upcoming in-person event you won't want to miss! A 'Most Puzzling Murder' Book Launch!

Get your tickets at: https://blueheronbooks.com/item/FEHiE_RNkHAGOSqfUUiVXw

To sign up for the Beta Reader Match Up, go to https://www.biancamarais.com/beta-reader-match-up.html

To sign up for Circling the Building of Your Work, go to: https://www.biancamarais.com/courses-and-recordings.html

Find us on our socials:

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In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra welcome querying author Debbie Whittall to discuss her query letter for her debut novel, 'Linda/Linda.' Carly and CeCe address the challenges of representing a quiet novel in a query format. The discussion transitions to the pages of the manuscript, highlighting the strengths of Debbie's writing and the need for a more engaging presentation of her story's drama. The critique discusses the complexities of character relationships, particularly focusing on characters in Debbie’s novel. The hosts offer advice on exploring themes of sapphic romance, emotional stakes, and the dynamics of power in their interactions. Carly and CeCe provide constructive feedback on Debbie’s narrative choices, scene structure, and character development, emphasizing the importance of clarity and reader engagement. The conversation also highlights the significance of psychological elements in relationships and the need for stronger emotional stakes in the storytelling.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and CeCe on this podcast are solely that of them as podcast co-hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Upcoming in person event you won't want to miss! A 'Most Puzzling Murder' Book Launch!

Get your tickets at: https://blueheronbooks.com/item/FEHiE_RNkHAGOSqfUUiVXw

To sign up for the Beta Reader Match Up, go to https://www.biancamarais.com/beta-reader-match-up.html

To sign up for Circling the Building of Your Work, go to: https://www.biancamarais.com/courses-and-recordings.html

Find us on our socials:

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

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Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

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