by Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra
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 way.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/18/2020
Email Addresses
1 available
Phone Numbers
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April 17, 2025
Literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra interview debut novelist Debbie Whittal about crafting a compelling query letter for her novel Linda/Linda, focusing on plot and specificity to enhance emotional stakes and character dynamics.
April 10, 2025
<p>In the first part of this episode, <strong>Bianca </strong>interviews<strong> Ann Napolitano</strong>, inspiring Oprah Book Club pick author of Hello Beautiful<strong>. </strong> During the multi-layered interview, <strong>Ann </strong>shares her journey as a writer, discussing the long path to publication, the importance of perseverance, and the role of gratitude in her success. She reflects on her experiences with rejection, the joy of writing, and the challenges of maintaining discipline in a writing career. <strong>Ann</strong> shares her insights on the writing process, the importance of beta readers, and the challenges of crafting character depth. She shares her unique approach to storytelling, including the role of obsession in developing narratives and the necessity of revision. <strong>Ann</strong> also discusses exploring the balance of multiple perspectives in writing and the emotional truths that guide her characters' journeys.</p><p>In the second part of this episode <strong>Bianca </strong>interviews accomplished New York Times best-selling author <strong>Kirthana Ramisetti</strong>—whose novels have received acclaim from Time, Cosmopolitan, The Washington Post, Buzzfeed, Associated Press and more. <strong>Kirthana</strong> discusses her latest novel, The Other Lata, which explores unique narrative structure, character development, and the blending of genres. She shares insights into her writing process, the importance of foreshadowing, and how pop culture influences her work. <strong>Bianca </strong>and <strong>Kirthana</strong> also discuss the challenges of writing from a single POV and the significance of giving characters agency, particularly in the context of complex antagonists. The interview closes with <strong>Kirthana</strong> reflecting on her experiences as an author, highlighting the joy of writing and the creative journey.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Upcoming in person event you won't want to miss! A 'Most Puzzling Murder' Book Launch!</strong></p><p>https://blueheronbooks.com/item/FEHiE_RNkHAGOSqfUUiVXw</p><p>Find us on our socials:</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing</p><p>https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author</p><p>https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW</p><p>Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com</p><p>Bookshop.org affiliate</p><p>page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting</p><p>To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/</p><br/><br/>Our Sponsors:<br/>* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com<br/><br/><br/>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a>
April 3, 2025
<p>In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts <strong>Bianca</strong>, <strong>Carly</strong>, and <strong>CeCe</strong> discuss the importance of clarity in storytelling, character development, and the need for emotional depth in writing. The conversation emphasizes the significance of engaging openings and the necessity of establishing strong connections between plot points. They also offer great tips like avoiding starting with stage directions in the opening line and that a strong opening scene should have a disruption.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Upcoming in person event you won't want to miss! A 'Most Puzzling Murder' Book Launch!</strong></p><p>https://blueheronbooks.com/item/FEHiE_RNkHAGOSqfUUiVXw</p><p>Find us on our socials:</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing</p><p>https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author</p><p>https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW</p><p>Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com</p><p>Bookshop.org affiliate</p><p>page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting</p><p>To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/</p><p>Please consider donating to The Masana Library Project. To learn more head to: https://www.biancamarais.com/fundraiser.html</p><br/><br/>Our Sponsors:<br/>* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com<br/><br/><br/>Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a>
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Brad Listi
#MSWL
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