In this week’s episode, Bianca connects with novelist Laura Resau. Laura provides an insightful outlook regarding her transition from writing for young audiences to authoring her inaugural adult novel, ‘The Alchemy of Flowers.’ She offers profound insights into her writing methodology, emphasizing the criticality of a persuasive query letter and the impact of title revisions in the publishing domain. Furthermore, Laura addresses the complexities inherent in genre fusion, the elaborate nature of world-building, and the indispensable role of meticulous research in achieving verisimilitude.

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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In this episode of Books with Hooks, literary agents Carly and CeCe return with insightful feedback on query letters, focusing on commercial women’s fiction and book club fiction. They celebrate Bianca’s exciting book launch and dive deep into the craft of storytelling—discussing character development, emotional resonance, and the vital role of originality in fiction. This episode also highlights the importance of clearly conveying conflict and stakes in query letters, offering practical tips for writers looking to capture an agent’s attention.

Don’t miss this powerful reading from ‘Let Us Play.’ Harrison Brown opens up about his remarkable journey from competing as a female athlete to living authentically as a transgender man. Through his story, he sheds light on the emotional and physical complexities of transitioning, the hurdles trans athletes face in sports, and the ongoing evolution of inclusion policies. With honesty and courage, Harrison explores the vital role of advocacy, visibility, and compassion in creating a more equitable athletic world.

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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In this engaging conversation, Bianca interviews debut author Lidija Hilje. Her articles and essays were published in the New York Times, and other outlets. She runs a book club for writers with a membership of close to 100, and is an active member of the WFWA.The authors discuss her novel 'Slanting Towards the Sea,' exploring themes of literary citizenship, the writing process, and the emotional depth of her characters. Lidija shares her journey from being a book coach to a published author, the challenges of writing in a foreign setting, and the importance of emotional truth in storytelling. The discussion also delves into her querying experience and the significance of crafting a compelling opening for a quiet novel.

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.

Find us on our socials:

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https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

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

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To submit a question for the show, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/submit-a-question.html

To subscribe to our Substack newsletter, go to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/about