Episode 241 - Riveting first sentences.

Not just comedy novels but rather almost all novels will benefit from humor. Here is how to exaggerate to make readers laugh. Also, avoiding dialogue tag modifiers so that our dialogue doesn't become unintentionally funny. Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a st ... Show More

We writers should give readers what they want, and readers like dialogue. Here is a technique for making our dialogue more engaging. Also: the ten most beautiful words in the English language. And: how to change telling to showing so the scene grips the reader.Support the showBuy ... Show More

Among hundreds of fiction writing techniques, here is my favorite, and it involves weeping. Also, a review of a critical skill for us: controlling the point of view.Here is a 20-episode master class on fiction writing—a start-to-finish course covering plot, characters, dialogue, ... Show More

<p>Words falling flat? Learn how to write words (and stories!) that readers can't get enough of. You'll hear from multipassionate writers Cole Schafer and Tina Wells as they peel back the curtain on crafting copy that sells and books that become bestsellers. If you're looking for ... Show More

<p>How do authors weave stories that effortlessly keep readers hooked from start to finish?<br/><br/>Well, today&apos;s episode is all about unravelling the secret to telling irresistible stories in your book. We&apos;re diving deep into the art of connecting with readers on an e ... Show More

Unlock the full transcript of this episode, plus 2 more, free. Don't miss a single word, and get the little words that start, link and end a story, every line in Spanish and English, and why Rob ended up driving a bride to her wedding:👉 spanishobsessed.com/transcriptsHow do you ... Show More

<p>Want to "make it" as a writer? In this episode, seven best-selling authors share the writing advice that helped them collectively write and publish 70 books and 28 bestsellers. Listen for over 100 years of writing experience boiled into bite-sized lessons that'll help you blas ... Show More

In today’s Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe critique two queries each, in the process discussing the pros and cons of epistolary novels; the #ownvoices term being retired; baiting the reader in the opening pages; having too much character description and not enough plot in the qu ... Show More

<p><b>In today’s episode, I asked five of my Notes to Novel students to share their biggest lessons learned while working through their first drafts.</b> Here’s a preview of what’s included: </p><p>[02:00] Kelsey Evans on how understanding her genre’s framework made the biggest d ... Show More

In today's Books with Hooks, CeCe and Carly discuss what agents look for with a resubmission; the issue with starting with themes in a query letter; the need for your plot and stakes to have a 'domino' effect; infusing character description with emotionality; the need for specifi ... Show More

In this episode of Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe break down a speculative query that juggles multiple timelines and POVs. They explore the craft challenges of pitching complex narratives, from maintaining clarity to grounding readers in emotional depth. The discussion digs int ... Show More

Mightly push your powerful writing to the top of the highest literary peaks! Or… work on your craft. CONSUME: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett or its sequel, World Without End. Or, for a less committal and free option, the BBC fiction podcast "Home Front" CREATE: Think abo ... Show More