Thriller 101
I help aspiring thriller, mystery, and suspense writers turn their manuscripts into irresistible stories that literary agents, publishers, and readers can't get enough of! Writers who want the inside track to traditional publishing will get a ton of value from my newsletter.
Literary Agent outlines what you're missing in your opening pages
Want to write a thriller that stands out in today’s crowded market? In this episode, literary agent Jessica Berg shares expert insights into what makes a manuscript irresistible to agents and publishers. We dive into essential thriller writing techniques, including... The power of a strong character voice The importance of genre mashups How to balance plot, tension, and stakes. If you’re looking for writing tips, querying advice, or an insider’s perspective on how to write a gripping...
How to write satisfying resolutions
We all want to write stories that thrill and satisfy readers... So if you’re looking for an inside track on a writing career you can be proud of, then you’re in the right place. Marybeth Mayhew Whalen and I talk about plotting, characters, and everything in between. >>> CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE🎧 📧 Were you forwarded this email? Click here to subscribe!
Your setting deserves better...Vera Kurian is here to help
You know when people say that the setting became like it’s own character in some novel? And you sit there thinking… How do I make readers feel like that? Well, Vera Kurian is going to give us some advice on how she absolutely crushed the setting of her new novel A STEP PAST DARKNESS out now! She’s going to teach us how to write a setting as epic and all-encompassing as hers. >>> CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE🎧 "There are certain themes I keep returning to. One is friendship, which is...
Could this be the BEST way to write your story's opening?
Should you go with a non-traditional opening to your novel? Opening your novel in a unique way can feel like a bold choice. Especially when you're trying to show a literary agent that you can write within the conventions of whatever genre you're writing in. However, when you hear about the level of attention Jason Powell got with his unique opening... Well, you might find yourself considering openings that break the mold. If you want the kind of opening that gets an agent's attention, you'll...
I thought only a few people would respond...
🗓 Weekly Roundup Hey friends, Yesterday, on a whim, I asked the Writing Community on X this question... I thought a few people would respond. Wow, was I wrong… The #WritingCommunity really delivered! So I decided to pull a few of my favorites from the list. At the time of my writing this, suggestions are still flowing in. So go through the thread because there are some real gems in there I don’t have the space for here and… ...by the time you’re reading this, there might be a piece of advice...
Don't JUST write a thriller...do this instead.
You need to stand out in the crowded world of querying. One way to do that is to use subgenres in interesting wasy to compliment your story. In today’s episode, we’re going to hear from author Elle Grawl about how she used 2 different subgenres in her thriller to... create tension develop a relationship between her protagonist and a reader >>> CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE🎧 Here's just small taste of valuable advice she gives: "If you're in a kind of a psychological thriller or...
Do you have the right subgenres to land an agent?
If you want to find an agent this year, you have to stand out. One way to stand out is to strategically utilize subgenres that compliment your story. In today’s episode, we’re going to hear from author Elle Grawl about how she used two subgenres in her thriller to... create tension develop a relationship between her protagonist and a reader >>> CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE🎧 Here's just small taste of valuable advice she gives: "If you're in a kind of a psychological thriller or...
Grow your author platform in a few minutes per day
If you want the kind of author's platform that gets you noticed... my guest today is going to explain her simple tactic that got her to more than 20,000 quality followers. Because building a platform doesn't have to feel so impossible! In today’s episode,T.C. Westminster talks about her new novel THE HOST (out now)... AND she's going to give 2 strategies you can use in just a few minutes every day that will drastically increase & improve your author platform. >>> CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE...
Is this the breakout genre of 2024?
If you're curious about the rise in cozy mysteries...you aren't alone. My guest today is going to tell us everything we need to know about starting (and nailing) the opening to a cozy mystery. Plus, she shares how to perfect the tricky tone in a cozy mystery. Whether you're planning to write a cozy mystery or not...you're going to love this episode! >>> CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE🎧 Here's just one actionable and priceless advice she gives: "And then the unique thing for cozy's that...
Do you want to build an audience for your writing?
Hello Reader, The theme of the week is “Audience” BUT FIRST! If you’re new here...Welcome! This is a “newsletter” but we want it to feel more like a correspondence. If you need anything, or want to know more about something, or have a request/suggestion for content, just hit reply and let us know! A few people responded to the email last week and it was cool getting to know some of you! I want to know more about you all and what your writing goals are. So reach out! Challenge: Part of...
I help aspiring thriller, mystery, and suspense writers turn their manuscripts into irresistible stories that literary agents, publishers, and readers can't get enough of! Writers who want the inside track to traditional publishing will get a ton of value from my newsletter.