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!)

Eva and Katryn dive into character arcs this week, from craft inspirations to the similarities between building our characters and parenting them. Eva reveals her new book title (YAY!) and Katryn unveils a Lord of the Rings-inspired story cartography process for character arcs. Martin Short is also discussed, because why the hell not?Content/Spoiler Warnings: CW for mention of JKR’s transphobiaSources:Katryn discusses a troubling trend she’s noticing in this episode and her substack.Eva and Katryn both recommend Susan Dennard’s craft writing--check out Susan’s Substack!Eva has recently learned about James Scott Bell’s Write Your Novel From the MiddleKatryn discusses her own reasons for not writing characters from outside her racial background, but please read author and co-founder of We Need Diverse Books, Dhonielle Clayton’s words on this, because it gets the point across without nearly as much ambient mumbling and word repetition.When it comes to redemption arcs, PLEASE pick up Tae Keller’s Jennifer Chan is Not AloneRead Becky Albertalli’s Amelia, If Only, Brynne Weaver’s Butcher and Blackbird, Geneva Rose’s The Perfect Marriage

This week, Eva and Katryn talk about social media pitfalls for authors, getting back to fangirling over craft, and BookCon’s return. Eva talks about her surprise spiritual connection to Love Island, and Katryn has conspiracy theories about Regina George and the algorithm.Content/Spoiler Warnings: Kate discusses The Bear season 3 so if you haven't caught up before the next season, skip that portion. She also discusses mild tease spoilers about Hacks and Starstruck (HBO).Sources:Subscribe to Katryn’s multi part series about authors and social mediaWe talked about a lot of shows this week, here's where to find them- Love Island USA (Peacock), The Bear (Hulu), Hacks (HBO), Starstruck (HBO)We discuss an older episode called Vulturing the Trunk, dedicated to reviving old shelved manuscripts. If you missed it, catch the episode HEREBookCon is coming back next year!Read Stephanie Lucianovic’s books!  Newer studies point to evidence that shows kids are using debunked practices to learn to read.

This week, Eva and Katryn discuss the ways in which we undervalue ourselves in publishing, and how getting feedback can cause tunnel vision for only the negative points. Eva revels in the second (or possibly fifth) chance romance she’s having with her upcoming book, and Katryn can only be healed by the Elon/Musk breakup - remember, that thing that happened two weeks ago, but now feels like two hundred years?Sources:We discussed that man who had to apologize to Oprah and his flourishing career (why)If you’re a fan of fantasy, romance, and everything in between, follow Katryn’s sister, Maren Lane and her thriving book blog!Yes, we made merch. Thanks, AJ Davage! Katryn discusses additional Pride fuckery in her article on Substack. Follow her there!Also, follow Eva on Substack!

This week Eva and Katryn tackle the myth of fairness in publishing, and the sisyphean task of wading through market changes at the querying stage. Eva rethings her stance on a much maligned character in Sex and the City and Katryn can’t move past her anger at many things–chief among them: Isaac Higgentooth: Colonial Vampire.Sources:Check out Eva’s German release for I Wish You Would (in Germany, titled “The Summer We Kissed”) and stay tuned to her account for a book announcement coming soon!We discuss the internet’s inability to believe that Sarah Jessica Parker can read two books a day, although it’s less about SJP and more about being done with spending our time on these useless discourse asides.Weep for the “unsung men” in publishing. Or don’t. We’re not.Watch Roy Wood Jr. if you want to increase your serotonin levels. Start with Father Figure, on Netflix.For inspiring middle grade feels, follow Lauren Magaziner (and check out her new queer fantasy MG book, The Incorruptibles!)Listen to Ben’s favorite band, 4Town. 😜

This week, Eva and Katryn discuss recapturing their pre-publishing creativity, parasocial expectations in online spaces, a new troubling AI survey, and building a sub list with your agent. Eva makes her way back to elite athlete status, and Katryn dives headfirst into The Pitt.Sources:Did those of you who watched The Pitt happen to notice that McKay is played by Fiona Dourif and HER DAD IS PLAYED BY BRAD DOURIF? Learn Brad Dourif’s name!Watch Eva’s IG reflection on one year after the release of I Wish You WouldKatryn had a blast at the Ukiah Book Fair with authors Michael Leali, Lisa Moore Ramee, Misa Sugiura, Nicole Chen, and Karen McCoy.Bookbub’s new survey about AI has us wondering: if AI users don’t want to do the writing part of writing, why do they want to be writers at all? This is really troubling stuff and continues to erase creative artists across every art field.CW/TW: We talk about AI in this episode, and recognize it’s an exhausting topic for many who have been tirelessly fighting the erasure of artists and the theft of our creative work. For those who have been diving in headfirst, we salute you!

Eva and Katryn dive into a number of nuanced author struggles this week, from the dehumanization of authors as a product, to the myth of control when it comes to moving the needle, to the discourse surrounding pen names. Eva’s Ron Burgundy references start to reach Lord of the Rings levels, and Katryn can’t hear the title of the medical show “The Pitt” without singing “The Pit”**Content Notes/TWs: We briefly mention the author recently known as ‘Moldemort’ in a discussion about pen names. This is not an endorsement, JKR has used her massive platform and money to globally cause harm to trans kids, end of story.SourcesThis Time article details the massive Taylor Jenkins Reid deal that has massive implications in publishing, both (hopefully) good, and troublingWe share some comments from the author community (inc. MK Lobb) about the ‘moving the needle discourse.’Check out Lady Whistlethreads (upgrade to paid for extras) on SubstackEva and Katryn share their hellscape escapism picks:Katryn: Bob’s Burgers, The Great North, Key & Peele, Bottoms, It’s ElementaryAnita De Monte Laughs Last, Temptation Island

WE'RE BACK! This week, Eva and Katryn are back after a long break and catch up on their lives in and out of publishing. Talking about everything from battling a desire for type-A control in the submission process to the fear of losing momentum. Eva gets real about weighing feedback, and Katryn details finding the French version of I Wish You Would in Paris! Sources:Subscribe to Eva’s new Substack-based newsletter to learn a little more about the goings-on in between our episodes.Subscribe to Katryn’s Substack as she pivots from social media as a space to share opinions.

This week, Eva and Katryn talk book burnout, juggling projects, and the pitfalls of hyper-visibility. Katryn gets so dark that she doesn’t even bring up Lord of the Rings once, and Eva explains why she cried into a burrito.Sources: Watch this video of Eva at her Grandma’s organized event if you want to cry in your own burrito! Don’t look at this breakdown if you haven’t seen “The Plight Before Christmas” in Bob’s Burgers’ thirteenth season. The single most heart-hitting moment of all time. Want a Lady Dexter book about dismembering predators? Give This Girl’s a Killer a try!

This week on Write Where it Hurts, Eva and Katryn talk about the importance of continuing to create art in times of crisis. Katryn reads an intriguing romance scene featuring our new favorite bulk distributor (emphasis on bulk, pun intended), and Eva convinces us all to embrace our inner Miss Piggy.Sources: If you need to know more about The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit (and you do) Watch Girls 5Eva!   Eva and Katryn talk the importance of art in times of crisis Banned Books Don’t boost sales  A few notes on Jim Crow Education in the 20th Century and the suppression of queer history along with it LISTEN TO THIS INTERVIEW WITH RITA MORENO IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

In the 2025 premiere of Write Where It Hurts, Eva and Katryn talk dueling revisions, and Sylvia Plath—especially the possibility of losing more authors to mental health issues and publishing trends in the coming years. Eva details crime boarding her revision and goes full Miranda Priestly about the hot, fashion-forward Witch-king of Angmar. Katryn refuses to let go of the hate in her heart over 1-star-review tagging and DRAGS every reindeer that isn’t Rudolph.SourcesKatryn mistakenly described her newest draft as a retelling of “X-Files, season 6, episode 14, but it’s actually15 (Arcadia). She’s basically the worst, this is SimpsonGate all over again.Eva in full revision mode mirrorsCharlie DayWatch Katryn and her sister Marengo full rage room to kick 2024 to the curb.Check outAngelique L’amour’s books!Subscribe to Eva’s newsletter to hear her talk about the highs and lows of 2024

In the 2024 finale (more coming in the new year!), Eva and Katryn discuss navigating motherhood and writing, the dangers of AI in publishing, and curated lists—as well as some big vulnerable end-of-year feels. Katryn is both slut positive and dread positive, and Eva prepares for her annual hot author winter. Sources: I Wish You Would made Barnes & Noble’s “Gifties for Swifties” list! Apologies, the Publishers Weekly article we discussed about using AI author facsimiles is paywalled, but if you have a PW account, you can find it HERE Katryn must eat crow and admit that James Patterson was a mensch for Christmas this year  Please review Eva and Katryn’s books for the holidays this year!

This week, Eva and Katryn talk stalled careers and finding your beta match, but find time to pitch a Wicked themed pop-up Ozdust nightclub for the mature crowd. Eva revels at the righteous wrath of Swifties, and Katryn talks about the healing nature of satire.  Sources: Subscribe to Katryn’s Satire for the Soul substack! Dive deep to find out why Billboard owed Taylor Swift an apology Check out It’s Elementary by Elise Bryant!We talked about grifts in general but check out Victoria Aveyard’s bold suggestion in the wake of “pity marketing” being twisted for grifts and cons on social media

This week’s special episode is from the time machine! Listen to Eva and Katryn talk about navigating feedback in this bottle episode (airing in place of our weekly season four episode in the new format) from June 2024. Katryn reveals all about the darkly comedic vaudevillian murder meet-cute she wrote in a college English class, and Eva gets real about insecurity in the weeks after releasing her debut novel.  Sources: Only watch Artax drown in the swamp of sadness if you like suffering Buy Eva’s and Katryn’s books as holiday gifts! Watch the CP live chat that started it all, from 3 years ago nearly to the week!

This week, Eva and Katryn get more real than ever before about the realities and pitfalls of debut year now that they can both reflect on the experience. Katryn explains the James Franco thing, and Eva sings "Stars" *as* Russell Crowe. Special guest stars include the ice in our cocktails and dueling Lord of the Rings and Hamilton metaphors! Plus: WICKED! Sources Katryn talks about the ultimate FAFO queen, Agatha Christie and her revenge on her first husband and second husband Eva wants you to watch Arcane!  Katryn graces us with her musical rendition of Space Olympics in the stinger this week

This week, Eva and Katryn deal in metaphors both nature and Monopoly as they discuss list season, the vanishing midlist, and the dread of not knowing what’s next. Eva discusses either feeling abandoned or bomb-cycloned by her muse, and Katryn thinks you need to learn Brad Dourif’s name. Sources This week, we discuss the recent sale of B&N’s Union Square books to Hachette Subscribe to Eva’s newsletter for some big feels and future thoughts! Katryn discusses a recent Fated Mates episode in which she finds out who has been listening to her book on repeat Eva discusses the romance market in YA but there’s reason to be hopeful as the genre continues to show growth and more acquisitions might follow Katryn’s third book is on shelves now!