Lit Match
Lisa Montanaro ON: How to Use Real-Life Experiences to Inspire Memorable Fiction, Writing in Multi-POV and Dual Timelines, and Crafting Secrets in Storytelling
If you have real-life experiences that have shaped you, but you want to write a fiction—not nonfiction—story, then don't miss this episode. In this conversation, I talk to the mesmerizing author and public speaker, Lisa Montanaro, about her heartfelt debut, EVERYTHING WE THOUGHT WAS TRUE. This is a jam-packed conversation, filled with invaluable insights on writing and publishing fiction, like: How Lisa transitioned from being a published nonfiction author to a fiction author Finding the balance of writing fiction inspired by real-life events—i.e. how she used her real-life experiences to inspire her debut and also how she had fun making up plot points and character arcs for her fiction story Writing tips for writing multi-POV and a dual timeline Why secrets are so important in storytelling, and when and how to reveal them Her decision to publish with a small publisher (and advice on how to pick your own publishing path) And that's only the beginning! By the time you finish this episode, you'll have a strong grasp on how to craft a fiction story pulled from your personal experiences, how to sketch characters before putting them into high-stake conflicts and situations, writing tips that can help you write mult-POV and/or dual timeline, and questions that can help you decide what publishing path is best for your writing endeavors. Plus, you'll want to order a copy of Lisa'a debut pronto! Don't forget to bring a notepad to this episode. There's so much to learn! Important Links for this episode >> Buy EVERYTHING WE THOUGHT WAS TRUE by Lisa Montanaro Check out Colage and how it can support adult children of LGTBQ parents Connect with Abigail and Lisa: Instagram: @abigailkperry | @lisa.montanaro Abigail's website Lisa'a website Wondering what you should you listen to next? Learn more about writing secrets from literary agent Allison Hunter in her episode: Allison Hunter ON: What Makes a Great Beach Read, How to Use Comps, and Why Secrets are Imperative in Fiction
First Chapter Deep Dive: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (with Savannah Gilbo)
Do you love historical romance? Do you want to learn what makes a first chapter capture a reader's (and literary agent's!) attention? Then you need today's episode. In today's episode, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo returns for a deep dive into the uber-popular, time-traveling romance, OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. This conversation is jam-packed with insightful tips on how to pull readers into your story with world-building, set ups, and memorable, interesting characters without slowing the pace. Some other topics Savannah and I explore include: How to write an intriguing opening (and scenes) with what can sometimes feel like less intense stakes How many scenes are in this first chapter, and why each models a well-structured scene How to plant set ups and share meaningful backstory without dragging down the pace Plus, more! By the time you finish this episode, you'll know how to identify and answer some important questions that first chapters need in order to set up reader expectations. You'll also take away a handful of tools that you can use to tighten and polish well-structured scenes. So pick up a notebook and get ready to learn! P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Lit Match podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, I'd greatly appreciate if you took a minute or two to rate and review the show. Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're super insightful to me. Thanks in advance! Books mentioned in this episode: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon The Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier Story Grid by Shawn Clyne Follow Abigail and Savannah: Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY!
Diagon Alley Deep Dive: Scene Analysis of Chapter 5 in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
If you're unsure how to write or analyze well-structured scenes in your novel, you need today's episode. Today, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo returns for a deep dive and scene analysis...only this time, it's extra special because it not only features a chapter from one of our favorite books, it is also the book Savannah analyzes in her Writer's Guide: The Writer's Study Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Story Grid Publishing). When writers reach out to Savannah about this writer's guide, they often as her, "How many scenes are in the Diagon Alley chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone?” Well, today Savannah and I take a deep dive into this very chapter, which was quite a challenge to break down!Listen to our conversation to hear us discuss the ins-and-outs of the major events and details that happen in Diagon Alley, which includes topics like how many scenes are in the chapter, exceptional world building details, and conflicts that come close to causing Crisis questions, but only one actually does this. Some other topics we explore are teaching points like: How to analyze your scenes from three different perspectives—the reader’s perspective, the character’s perspective, and the author’s perspective A quick trick for determining if your scenes work (and how to identify which areas of your scenes need work once you’ve written them) *Spoiler alert!* Why we chose to analyze this chapter as one 6,500-word-long scene versus a bunch of smaller scenes (and how the structure of this scene works) The purpose of the smaller moments within the scene that are arguably significant (and move the scene) forward but aren’t technically “scenes” Our final thoughts on writing a scene like Diagon Alley By the time you finish this episode, you'll go from scrambling to put a scene together (or understand how your favorite scene in a bestselling book works) to feeling confident about how you write scenes in your story or analyze them in masterworks. Plus, if you like this episode, you’ll probably LOVE Savannah's book, The Writer's Study Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Story Grid Publishing). Click here to order a copy for your bookshelf >> Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Lit Match podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, I'd greatly appreciate if you took a minute or two to rate and review the show. Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're super insightful to me. Thanks in advance! Links mentioned in this episode: OrderThe Writer's Study Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone— Click here Watch the video interview on Story Grid’s YouTube channel Follow Abigail and Savannah: Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY!
Zoe Norvell ON: Everything You Need to Know About Book Covers (and How to Find the Perfect Designer for Your Story)
If you've written a book and are in need a book cover, this is a super important episode for you to hear. In this conversation, I talk to the brilliant book cover designer, Zoe Novell, who is also the founder of the one-of-kind book designer directory, available on her website, I Need a Book Cover. In this special conversation, Zoe and I cover a range of invaluable and interesting information about book covers, including hot topics like what makes a book cover stand out, book cover trends based on their genre, key factors to consider when choosing imagery, color, and typography for a cover—and, how to find (and hire!) the best designer for your book. And these are only some of the huge takeaways you’ll get from listening to Zoe. By the time you finish this episode, you'll have a better grasp on why book covers are so important, what to consider when designing a book cover or hiring the ideal designer for your book, and how to use Zoe’s premier directory filled with hundreds of dedicated, full-time, and freelance book cover designers who are consistently adding extraordinary work to adult, trade book genres. What are you waiting for? Listen to our chat now! Connect with Abigail and Zoe: Instagram: @abigailkperry | @zoenorvell Abigail's website Zoe's websites: Zoe Norvell, I Need a Book Cover, I Need a Book Interior Wondering what you should you listen to next? Learn all about book contracts from literary agent Kate McKean on this episode — Kate McKean ON: Demystifying Book Publishing Contracts
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: A Complete Breakdown of the Main Plot Line
If you're planning your novel or have a finished draft and don't know where to begin with revisions, you need to hear this episode. This is a special two-part discussion with the brilliant book coach, developmental editor, and author Savannah Gilbo as she breaks down the main plot line—or the big picture—in J.K. Rowling's debut and phenomenon, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (HPSS). In today's high-level discussion, Savannah and I chat about some foundational knowledge that can greatly benefit you when outlining, writing, and revising your book, such as understanding your content genre, the 5 Commandments of Story Telling (Story Grid), and how to identify the main scenes that govern your story. This pieces pulled from this episode come from an interview Savannah and I did with Story Grid for their YouTube channel, which you can watch here. To do this, Savannah and I first explore the 5 main scenes that make up the global story in HPSS. After, we zoom-in and dissect what we call the skeletal structure of HPSS; in other words, the 20 key scenes that make up the story's main plot line, split into the beginning, middle, and end (also known as Act I, Act II Part I, Act II Part II, and Act III). By the time you finish this episode, you'll have a better grasp on how to use plot and structure to test the strength of a story, all of which is modeled in a masterwork that changed history. The key points made in this discussion also pull from Savannah's recent book, THE WRITER'S STUDY GUIDE: HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, which you can purchase by clicking this link. What should you listen to next? Check out Savannah and my analysis of the first chapter in HPSS: First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Connect with Abigail and Savannah: Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.savannahgilbo.com/
Karyn Fischer ON: Writing a Memorable Narrative Voice for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction
Abigail sits down with Karyn Fischer, a book coach and past literary agent of Bookstop Literary Agency, to discuss narrative voice and how to differentiate a character’s voice in middle grade and young adult novels. If you’re writing a middle grade or young adult novel—or you get consistent feedback that something is just “off” with your voice—this episode is for you. Karyn shares specific (and practical) tips that can help you improve your narrative voice, and she even takes a deep-dive into two examples that emphasize when a voice really works, and why it needs to change in order to reflect the age of the protagonist. As a certified Author Accelerator book coach, and a past literary agent with additional experience as a bookseller and book buyer for an indie bookstore (among various other roles in the industry), Karyn knows how to teach writers how to improve their character’s voice and prose. I don’t want you to miss out! P.S. After you listen to this episode, share it with a writing companion who could use this advice, and don’t forget to subscribe to the show and rate/review it so that Abigail can reach more writers like you who want to blend their passion of writing with business. Connect with Abigail and Karyn: Website: www.abigailkperry.com |https://www.storyandprose.com/ IG: @abigailkperry |@storyandprose P.S. Check out Karyn’s latest workshop: Revision Confidence!
BONUS Part 2: How Rowling Created A Cast of Compelling Characters (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)
Join Savannah Gilbo and Abigail for the second part of an inside interview with Tim Grahl, CEO of Story Grid, on our latest book, a masterwork analysis guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (now available for purchase!). In this interview, we discuss how Rowling created an unforgettable cast of quirky and relatable characters in the Harry Potter series. You’ll learn insights and tips like: How to think about the number of characters you include in your story (and what we can learn from the characters Rowling highlighted in book one). How to write a dynamic cast of characters that can help your protagonist grow and change (and, in Harry’s case, harm or aid his ability to survive). How Rowling layered the forces of antagonism Harry faces in this first book (and why this was necessary based on his age and skill level). How point of view choice affects our interpretation of the events in the story—and influences whether we classify certain characters as “good” or “evil.” And so much more… If you like this episode, you’ll LOVE our book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide. Follow the link to order a copy and learn how to improve your writing craft today.
BONUS Part 1: What Made Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone A Best Seller
What made Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone a worldwide bestseller? Why does this story still resonate with readers almost thirty years later? And why did Savannah Gilbo and I agree to spend so much time dissecting every single scene and page to find out how and why it works?! Tune into this episode to hear Savannah Gilbo and I talk to Tim Grahl (the CEO of Story Grid) about what it was like to study Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—why we chose this book, what we learned from our analysis, and so much more. ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Lit Match podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're so fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too! 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Pre-order Savannah's new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses Watch the video interview on Story Grid’s YouTube channel
First Chapters: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)
The third (and final!) analysis in a 3-part episode series! Abigail and Savannah return for their final first chapter analysis in The Hunger Games series, this time analyzing the first chapter (and scene) of MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins. Learn why they think this first chapter makes a splash, and how it emotionally pulls fans into the final chapter of a high stakes trilogy. Some key elements they explore include: How can you spell out a crisis without stiffening the stakes? How does this first chapter set up expectations for the whole story? How do you write a scene that advances the plot and develops characters? And more... P.S. If you'd like to learn more about how to start your manuscript with an engaging first chapter, check out the resources that inspired this episode's analysis: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins The Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier Story Grid by Shawn Coyne Story by Robert McKee Follow Abigail and Savannah: Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY!
First Chapters: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)
The second analysis in a 3-part episode series! Abigail and Savannah are back to analyze the first chapter of CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins, the sequel in The Hunger Games phenomenon, and the second analysis in The Hunger Games first chapter deep dive episodes. Come listen to why Abigail and Savannah think this first chapter hooks, and why it sets the stage for arguably their favorite book in the series. Some key elements they explore include: How does the first chapter set up expectations for the whole book? How can you break down scenes in the first chapter? How do you raise the stakes in a sequel? How does each scene advance the plot and develop character(s)? Why does this chapter ground readers and entice us to turn the page? P.S. If you'd like to learn more about how to start your manuscript with an engaging first chapter, check out the resources that inspired this episode's analysis: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins The Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier Story Grid by Shawn Coyne Story by Robert McKee Follow Abigail and Savannah: Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY!
First Chapters: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)
The first analysis in what will be a 3-part episode series! Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the YA dystopian phenomenon, THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins. This is one of Abigail's and Savannah's favorite series....ever...and their passion for this story shines in their discussion about what (1) sets up big picture expectations for the main plot, and (2) what makes the opening pages a great first chapter. Tune in now to hear Abigail and Savannah's analysis, and don't forget to share your thoughts a you listen! Some key elements they take deep dives on include: 7 key questions to ask about the opening pages (The Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier) Characters we love (and why) When an opening of a daily routine works Scenes versus beats and how Savannah and Abigail view the difference How to raise the personal and public stakes (in this first book and in a series) Plus, more! Come study this juggernaut with Savannah and Abigail and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers. P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories with Savannah and Abigail? Learn more about their virtual book club, Book Notes. Sign up for their next meeting or purchase a recording of a past meeting >> Follow Abigail and Savannah: Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY! Resources mentioned in this episode:• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins• The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier
Jen Craven ON: Her Shift from Self-Publishing to Traditional Publishing
Abigail sits down with domestic suspense author, Jen Craven—her first *returning!* guest. In Jen's previous episode, Abigail and Jen discussed her writing career as a self-published author. In this episode, Jen talks about her latest books and what it's been like to shift from self-publishing to traditional publishing. Some of the big discussion topics Abigail and Jen explore include: Why Jen decided to switch from self-publishing to traditional publishing What she likes about traditional publishing and what she needed to let go of What it's like to work with multiple editors at Bookouture How to structure a domestic thriller with high conscience-based stakes vs. life or death stales How to pitch to a publisher vs. write the back cover copy for Amazon How to come up with a great hook for your story (and test it) What to consider when choosing a title for a commercial vs. literary book Plus, more! Regardless of whether or not you want to self-publish or traditionally publish your manuscript, Jen's insights can help you weigh this decision. What key takeaways did you get from this episode? Read Jen's Books >> Find Abigail and Jen: Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.jencraven.com/ IG: @abigailkperry | @jencravenauthor Twitter: @abigailkperry | @jencravenauthor
First Chapters: Remarkably Bright Creatures (with Savannah Gilbo)
Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling and award-winning novel REMARKABLY BRIGHt CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt. This was one of Abigail's favorite reads in 2023, and there are great reasons it received (and continues to receive) such hype! Together, Abigail and Savannah discuss why these opening pages hook readers and set up big picture expectations for the story. Some key elements they take deep dives on include: 7 Key questions to analyze that set up big picture expectations Voice and "attitude" in POV and narratives Character development and relationships Small details that work as great set ups for big pay offs Plus, more! Come study this popular book club fiction novel with Savannah and Abigail and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers. P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories and the writing craft? Learn more about Savannah and Abigail's virtual book club, Book Notes. Sign up for their next meeting or purchase a recording of a past meeting >> Follow Abigail and Savannah: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY! Resources mentioned in this episode:• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt• The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier
Kate McKean ON: Demystifying Book Publishing Contracts
Take out your notepads! Abigail sits down with literary agent Kate McKean for a very special conversation about book publishing contracts. This is a topic that intimidated Abigail early in her career—as it does many writers who are interested in traditional publishing. It's also extremely important for writers to understand what makes a good deal, and who better to learn from than an expert agent with over 17 years experience. Kate has worked as a literary agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency since 2006, where she's built a diverse client list from New York Times best selling internet sensations like I Can Has Cheezburger to beloved humorist and short story writer Daniel M. Lavery to New York Times best selling YA horror writer Madeleine Roux. Kate is also an adjunct professor at New York University in the School of Professional Studies and a writer herself (rep. by Michael Bourret of Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret). Her ability to talk about complicated topics like publishing contracts in layman's terms is a testament to her teaching abilities and strong communication skills. Some of the key topics in this discussion include: Contract misconceptions and what to really expect What makes a good deal and what are red flags in contracts Money, rights, and what happens if something goes wrong Payout structures (how writers get paid) General thought process about negotiations Why you should always ask for more Plus, more! Does Kate sound like the ideal literary agent for you? Send her your query! Kate's Full MSWL: Review it here Learn more about HML: Visit their website Read Kate's article on Catapult: "Book Contracts: Let's Talk Rights" Sign up for Kate's informative email list! >> Enroll here Follow Abigail and Kate: Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.katemckean.com/ IG: @abigailkperry | @kate_mckean X: @abigailkperry | @kate_mckean
First Chapters: Fourth Wing (with Savannah Gilbo)
Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo! Today, Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling fantasy novel FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros. Together, they discuss why these opening pages hook readers and set up big picture expectations for the story. Some key elements they take deep dives on include: How to raise the stakes (and why they're so important) Structuring multiple scenes in a single chapter Romantasy as a genre and New Adult as a category Character development and relationships Plus, more! Come study this popular fantasy novel with Savannah and Abigail and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers. P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories and the writing craft? Learn more about Savannah and Abigail's virtual book club, Book Notes. Sign up for their next meeting or purchase a recording of a past meeting >> Follow Abigail and Savannah: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo Resources mentioned in this episode: • Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros • The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier
Megan Tady ON: Resiliency and How She Turned Rejections into a Published Debut
Abigail sits down with Megan Tady (Super Bloom, May 2023) to discuss her debut and path to publishing. Humble and resilient, Megan shares her experience and knowledge about a wide range of writing tips from the importance of accountability partners and writing strategies to game-changing mindset tips and what to expect as a published author. Some of Abigail's favorite takeaways include: How Megan became a story of resiliency Ways to turn fear and a scarcity mindset into confidence Why querying is a humbling experience and how to crack a query letter The publishing gauntlet and what to expect after you publish Zibby Books and their creative and supportive approach to publishing Super Boom! (And Megan's next book) More! What are your favorite takeaways from Megan's interview? P.S. Buy SUPER BLOOM here >> Follow Abigail and Megan: Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.megantady.com/ IG: @abigailkperry | @megtady
Meghan Stevenson ON: Her Literary Agent Matchmaking Strategy, the Pitfalls of Traditional Publishing, and Publishing Myths that Need to be Busted
Abigail sits down with Meghan Stevenson (Meghan Stevenson Books) to talk about all things traditional publishing. After an editing career at a traditional publisher, Meghan left her job and started Meghan Stevenson Books (2012). Meghan and her team have helped their clients earn over $5,000,000 in advances from top publishers. In total, their books have sold millions of copies and helped thousands of people. Packed with experience and knowledge, Abigail discusses big topics with Meghan that can help a multitude of writers interested in traditional publishing, especially nonfiction writers. Some of these include: 3 “P” factors Meghan considers when looking at a literary agent Her agent matchmaking strategy The “Barcelona Rule” and thoughts on the agent-author power dynamic Why Meghan left her role at a traditional publisher but still believes in traditional publishing Main pitfalls of publishing (and what authors can do about them) Traditional publishing myths that need to be busted Does Meghan sound like someone you want to work with? Reach out to her! Learn more at Meghan Stevenson Books Not sure if you need help? Take Meghan's quiz! Follow Abigail and Meghan: Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.meghanstevenson.com/ IG: @abigailkperry | @megstevenson Twitter: @abigailkperry |
First Chapters: The Magicians (with Savannah Gilbo)
Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of Lev Grossman's THE MAGICIANS (and it's a doozy of a first chapter!). Both fantasy lovers, Savannah and Abigail come to this first chapter with a unique approach: Savannah is a super fan of this book and Abigail has only read it once—and several years ago. With these different perspectives, Savannah and Abigail compare their notes to see how this impacts their first chapter analysis and how the opening pages sets up big picture expectations and structures scenes. To do this, they use the 7 key first chapter questions (Paula Munier's THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO BEGINNINGS) and Story Grid's five commandments. Plus, Savannah and Abigail dig into other valuable topics like new adult fiction (is it still a thing?), genre, and how/when to break up multiple scenes in a chapter. Why do you think the first chapter in THE MAGICIANS hooks readers? We'd love to hear your perspective! P.S. If you enjoyed these first chapter episodes, you might love Abigail and Savannah's virtual book club, Book Notes. Come join us for our next meeting on November 16, 2023. We are studying the mega-popular fantasy book, THE FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros. Learn all about it (and join us!) here! Connect with us: Twitter: @abigailkperry | @savannahgilbo Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.savannahgilbo.com/
First Chapters: A Discovery of Witches (with Savannah Gilbo)
Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo! Today, Abigail and Savannah sit down to analyze the first chapter of the bestselling fantasy novel A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness. Together, they discuss why these opening pages hook readers—and model other outstanding elements of fiction, some including: A micro-analysis of a well-structured scene (while planting set ups that pay off later in the book) How this chapter sets up expectations for the main stakes in the novel, the genre of the story, and other important details that impact the characters and plot A debate about the Crisis in the scene (and why a Crisis is so important!) Plus, more! Come study this popular fantasy novel with Savannah and Abigail, and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers, and encourage them to read more. P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories and the writing craft? Learn more about Savannah and Abigail's virtual book club, Book Notes—and sign up for their next meeting! Follow Abigail and Savannah: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
First Chapters: Untamed (with Suzette Mullen)
Abigail sits down with book coach and memoir writer Suzette Mullen to analyze the prologue and first chapter of Glennon Doyle's bestselling and groundbreaking memoir, UNTAMED. Together, they discuss the differences between memoir and fiction writing—and also why writers can benefit greatly from reading and analyzing both genres. In addition to their analysis (using the 7 Key First Chapter Questions from Paula Munier's book THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO BEGINNINGS and the 5 Commandments of Storytelling from Story Grid/Robert McKee), Suzette shares various insights on how to structure memoirs and the vulnerability and courage it takes to write a memoir like Glennon's. Abigail was especially inspired by UNTAMED, and shares many of the unique elements that captured her attention within these opening pages. Come study a an unforgettable memoir with Suzette and Abigail, and let us know why you think the opening pages hook and move readers—and your analysis of the opening pages. P.S. Order Suzette's Memoir, THE ONLY WAY THROUGH IS OUT Follow Abigail and Suzette: Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.yourstoryfinder.com/ Twitter: @abigailkperry | @suzette_mullen Instagram: @abigailkperry | @urstoryfinder
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