Write Where It Hurts

This week on Write Where it Hurts is dedicated to character arcs, from how to write side characters (and know when to cut them) to managing arcs and honoring each character’s unique voice. Eva brings us back to Lord of the Rings and Katryn calls out a very specific Jaws scene that inspires her character interactions.Sources:Read Atmosphere!Watch The ‘Burbs!Watch Alysa Liu’s joyful gold medal skate!Pre-order I’M GONNA GET YOU BACK!

The time has come to dive into the submission process (cue terrified shrieks) on Write Where it Hurts, from the nuts and bolts of sub strategy, responses, and acquisition, to how we handle it all without melting into devastated puddles. Eva celebrates some BIG news, and Katryn has an embarrassment of metaphors for going on sub.Sources:Celebrate with us! Eva’s book, I’m Gonna Get You Back, is a JLG Gold Standard selection!We talk a little about the current market and editors being stretched thin. Read a real editor’s take on why ghosting might happen when it comes to submission.Katryn talks about the hidden and heroic efforts of editorial and marketing teams that happens behind the scenes-here’s her source from PR professional Kathleen SchmidtKeep an eye on Kristin Dwyer’s page if you’re interested in the popular “Breaking the Story” retreatWatch this only if you want to see an ICE agent humiliated repeatedly

This week, Eva and Katryn revisit the very first episode of Write Where it Hurts with new wisdom–from royalty statements, to book bans, to the case of the vanishing midlist. Eva reminds us all of Ron Burgundy’s definition of diversity (“an old, old wooden ship that was used during the Civil War era”), Katryn pitches cereal book merch, and both find a metaphor in publishing as Hexxus from Ferngully.Sources:Pre-Order Eva’s upcoming book, I’m Gonna Get You Back!Check out Katryn’s new series on Substack (and subscribe)Read Jackie Khalilieh’s books!That Anchorman diversity clipThis is who Brazzos is if you don’t watch Only Murders in the Building (yet)Tim Curry as Hexxus in Ferngully needs no introduction, but here it is all the same…

After a long hiatus, Eva and Katryn are back this week to discuss taking a beat and rethinking the mission statement of Write Where it Hurts. Katryn soft-launches her Lord of the Rings character maps, and Eva talks about shifting her feedback tactics and being the proud mom of a (criminally cute) Doodle. Sources:Are you going to LoveLitCon? Eva is going to be there as a LoveLitCon author!Katryn can’t get this song out of her head this week and if you hate ICE as much as we all do, you might need it too.Pre-order I’M GONNA GET YOU BACK today! Katryn talks Lord of the Rings inspired character beats using maps of Middle Earth as her guide

This week, Eva and Katryn get real about self-esteem crashes after publishing, from the forever wait for good news to drop into your inbox, to that feeling of having to beg people to read your book in self-promo. Katryn has a new Lord of the Rings-inspired verb for your consideration, and Eva turns into a wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man for reasons of EMOTION.*On hiatus until late summer/early fall!*Content/Spoiler Warnings: TW for discussion of body dysmorphia and disordered eating (non-graphic, brief)Sources:Eva discusses the exciting news that Penguin formed Berkeley XO, a new imprint dedicated to crossover audiences in YA and New Adult!A new verb was born! Denethored is in our forever vocab.Two of our listeners, JR Cathers and Maggie Rapier, have new books to celebrate! JR’s buzzy Romantasy, Child of Shivay, is coming out in October, and Maggie’s Soulgazer is out now and a USA Today bestseller!!Also, please don’t hesitate to DM us if you have good news to celebrate!Follow Eva and Katryn on Substack for more big publishing feels (especially Eva right now for REASONS!)