The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

By: Bianca Marais Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra
  • Summary

  • 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.
    © 2022 The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
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Episodes
  • All the Things You Might Not Expect on Your Author Bingo Card
    Nov 21 2024

    In today’s episode, Bianca interviews KJ Dell’Antonia, author of The Chicken Sisters and Playing the Witch Card. They discuss KJ's journey from nonfiction to fiction, the challenges of debuting with a bestseller, and the intricacies of world-building in contemporary fiction. The discussion also delves into narrative voice, character arcs, and the importance of aligning emotional stakes with plot development. KJ shares insights into the author life, including the highs and lows of publishing, and the impact of adaptations on 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.

    Find us on our socials:

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

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

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

    https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

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

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    KJ can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kjda and at https://kjdellantonia.com/

    For more information about the Deep Dive Virtual Retreat, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/deep-dive-series-2025.html

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



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW
    * Check out Notion: https://notion.com/tsnotyaw
    * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    28 mins
  • The Significance of Pacing in Storytelling
    Nov 14 2024

    In today’s Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe analyze a literary fiction query and a historical fiction query, providing insights on structure, emotional depth, and character development. The discussion emphasizes the importance of compelling opening lines, the need for emotional complexity in characters, and the significance of pacing in storytelling. The hosts also share their thoughts on how to effectively convey a protagonist's journey and the nuances of familial relationships in writing.

    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:

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

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

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

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

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    To register for Bianca’s Beta Reader Match Up, go to https://www.biancamarais.com/beta-reader-match-up.html

    For more information about the Deep Dive Series, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/deep-dive-series-2025.html



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW
    * Check out Notion: https://notion.com/tsnotyaw
    * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • The Black List: The Future of Storytelling
    Nov 7 2024

    In today’s episode, Carly and CeCe interview Franklin Leonard and Randy Winston, founders of The Blacklist, a platform designed to connect writers with industry professionals. They discuss the role of literary agents, the pricing structure of their services, the qualifications of their readers, and the impact of their recent New York Times profile. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry, emphasizing the importance of quality feedback and the need for writers to aim high in their craft. In this conversation, Franklin and Randy discuss the evolving relationship between the film and television industry and literature, emphasizing the importance of educating writers about the business side of publishing. They explore the ideal customer for their platform and address the needs of memoirists. The discussion also highlights current opportunities for writers, including awards and partnerships, and concludes with personal book recommendations from the guests.

    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:

    Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

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

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    You can find The Black List on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theblcklst and at https://blog.blcklst.com/

    To register for CeCe’s upcoming Hacking Writing on A Line Level course, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xDo7-fz8Q-GrnyE6Nw41qA#/registration

    To register for Bianca’s Beta Reader Match Up, go to https://www.biancamarais.com/beta-reader-match-up.html

    For more information about the Deep Dive Virtual Retreat, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/deep-dive-series-2025.html



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW
    * Check out Notion: https://notion.com/tsnotyaw
    * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins

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