The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra
  • 4.8 (41)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

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.

  1. Delving Deeply Into Your Antagonist's Psyche

    2 DAYS AGO

    Delving Deeply Into Your Antagonist's Psyche

    In this segment of Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly and CeCe discuss a gothic horror novel submission as well as a psychological thriller. They highlight the importance of starting a story in the right place, the challenges of multi-POV narratives, and the need for clarity in character perspectives. The critique emphasizes the balance between emotional depth and curiosity in storytelling. The hosts discuss the challenges of originality and character development in psychological thrillers; while navigating the complexities of writing compelling protagonists, particularly those with darker traits. The discussion also emphasizes the need for curiosity-inducing plots and the delicate balance of character portrayal to captivate both agents and readers. 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 sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/ For more information about entering the Pick Your Own Prize Goodreads Giveaway contest, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/contests-and-giveaways.html Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    45 min
  2. The Stories We Tell Ourselves to Make Them More Palatable

    13 FEB

    The Stories We Tell Ourselves to Make Them More Palatable

    In today’s author interview, Bianca chats with Sarah Chihaya about her memoir, Bibliophobia. During the conversation, they explore the profound impact of literature on identity and mental health. Sarah also reflects on her journey as a reader and writer, the complexities of navigating personal narratives, and the challenges of writing about trauma.  The discussion delves into the significance of 'Life-Ruiner' books, the transition from academic writing to memoir, and the role of humor as a defense mechanism, and whether that helps or hinders 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 To sign up for the Beta Reader Match Up, go to https://www.biancamarais.com/beta-reader-match-up.html To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    33 min
  3. What is Literary Burlesque and Can You Perform It?

    6 FEB

    What is Literary Burlesque and Can You Perform It?

    In this segment of Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly and Cece discuss a memoir submission as well as a speculative thriller submission. They highlight the importance of balancing plot points with emotional depth; the significance of character development through interior monologue; how character arcs are crucial in memoir writing; the importance of building tension throughout the narrative; how the query letter should focus on plot points rather than just vibes; and the need for curiosity in opening pages.  The hosts emphasize the delicate dance between withholding and revealing information in storytelling, and the necessity of grounding characters in their actions and motivations. 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 sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    48 min
  4. Capturing Your Character’s Voice by Deeply Immersing Yourself in Their Perspective

    30 JAN

    Capturing Your Character’s Voice by Deeply Immersing Yourself in Their Perspective

    In this engaging conversation, Bianca interviews Allegra Goodman about her latest novel, Isola, exploring themes of storytelling, character development, and the writing process. Goodman discusses her journey as a writer, the importance of writing what interests you, and the challenges of crafting a historical narrative. The discussion delves into the role of voice, perspective, and the economy of language in literary fiction, as well as the collaborative relationship between authors and editors. 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  For more information about the Deep Dive Series, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/deep-dive-series-2025.html To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/ For further information about The Ultimate Planner for Writers, go to https://www.biancamarais.com/planner-for-writers.html Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    32 min
  5. January Bonus Episode Comp Titles Segment

    27 JAN · BONUS

    January Bonus Episode Comp Titles Segment

    In January’s bonus episode, Bianca and Emilie Sommer from East City Book Bookshop tackle a variety of book recommendations based on listener comp requests. If you’re looking for our usual Q&A segment, that now gets published as part of our end of the month Substack newsletter. Subscribe to get access to that, and so much more: https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/ 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: 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 ww.cecilialyra.com Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting To ask us a question, go to: https://sayhi.chat/TSNOTYAW To sign up for the 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 To order the Writer’s Planner, go to: https://www.biancamarais.com/planner-for-writers.html Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    49 min
  6. CeCe Swipes Carly’s Submission

    23 JAN

    CeCe Swipes Carly’s Submission

    In this Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe delve into two query letters from aspiring authors.  The hosts discuss how negotiation can leak tension in storytelling; why character relationships should drive the narrative; how world-building should enhance character development; why queries for retellings need to focus on unique story angles; and avoiding namesplaining in character introductions. CeCe also swipes Carly’s submission because she loved it so much! 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 For more information about the Deep Dive Series, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/deep-dive-series-2025.html To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    39 min
  7. Exploring How a Single Choice Can Define an Entire Life

    16 JAN

    Exploring How a Single Choice Can Define an Entire Life

    In this engaging author interview, Bianca chats with Karissa Chen about her debut novel, Homeseeking. During the conversation, they explore the inspiration behind the story, the extensive research that was required before Karissa could begin writing, and the challenges of navigating language and cultural identity in literature. Karissa shares her journey to publication, the integral role that music plays in framing her narrative, and her thoughts on the responsibilities of writers to their readers. They also discuss the magic that can arise when you allow yourself to “pants” characterization, and how doing so can help propel the plot forward. 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 For more information about the Deep Dive Series, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/deep-dive-series-2025.html To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    35 min
  8. A Query That Ticks all of CeCe’s Psychological Acuity Boxes

    9 JAN

    A Query That Ticks all of CeCe’s Psychological Acuity Boxes

    In this Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe welcome listeners to a new year of writing while they reflect on their critiquing journey over the past four years.  They dive into the critique of two query letters, focusing on the importance of connection, character motivations, and cinematic elements in storytelling. The conversation also explores the dynamics of campus novels and the significance of compelling hooks in narratives.  They also discuss how psychological acuity is the child of interiority and emotionality, and CeCe declares her query to be the best she’s seen on the podcast when it comes to psychological acuity! 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 For more information about the Deep Dive Series, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/deep-dive-series-2025.html For more information about Carly's 2025 Publishing Predictions webinar, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/courses--events.html For further information about The Ultimate Planner for Writers, go to https://www.biancamarais.com/planner-for-writers.html To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    43 min
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4.8
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022 The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
  • Show Website
    The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

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