The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra
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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. When Intrigue Turns Into Confusion

    قبل يومين

    When Intrigue Turns Into Confusion

    This week on Books with Hooks, Bianca CeCe and Carly unpack what makes a query actually work—and where things quietly fall apart. From a gripping friends-to-lovers premise with a dark past to a stranded-on-an-island YA romance, they dive into high-stakes storytelling, dual POV risks, and the fine line between intrigue and frustration. They break down why accessible literary might raise eyebrows, how withholding key information can backfire, and why surprise on the page needs context to land. Plus: opening pages that hook, voice that shines, and the ongoing debate between depth vs momentum.  Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​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 Chime: https://chime.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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  2. Shooting the Shit About What Agents Do All Day

    قبل ٥ أيام ·  إضافة

    Shooting the Shit About What Agents Do All Day

    What do literary agents actually do all day—and what does that mean for you as a writer? This episode pulls back the curtain on the reality: constant code-switching, shifting priorities, and a job driven by urgency, relationships, and gut instinct. In this week’s episode of Shooting the Shit…Carly and CeCe break down why publishing is as much about human connection and timing as it is about great writing—and why “dream agents” only matter if they’re obsessed with your book. They also tackle a big question: what happens if you’ve had an agent before? Spoiler: it’s not a dealbreaker—but how you frame it matters. Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​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 Chime: https://chime.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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  3. How to Build a Protagonist Who Actually Makes Sense

    ١٦ أبريل

    How to Build a Protagonist Who Actually Makes Sense

    Debut author Miranda Shulman joins literary agent CeCe Lyra to talk about turning a childhood dream into her literary suspense novel ‘Harmless’—and why the stories we tell ourselves about adulthood don’t always hold up. From writing her first draft at Planned Parenthood to landing an agent through a fellowship (no traditional querying required), Miranda shares her unconventional path to publication. They dive into obsession, messy female friendships, and the existential spiral of your late 20s—plus what it really takes to shape a compelling, complex protagonist. Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​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 Chime: https://chime.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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  4. Shooting The Shit About Changes to the NYT Bestseller List and Editors Allegedly Using AI

    ١٣ أبريل ·  إضافة

    Shooting The Shit About Changes to the NYT Bestseller List and Editors Allegedly Using AI

    This week, Carly and CeCe dive into major shifts in publishing—from quiet updates to the ‘New York Times’ bestseller list to growing concerns about editors using AI behind the scenes. Carly and CeCe unpack what these changes signal about industry trends, including the rise of audiobooks and the decline of mass market paperbacks. They also tackle the controversy around manuscripts being fed into AI tools—and what that means for author trust and confidentiality. Plus, a fascinating breakdown of debut author advances reveals what writers are really getting paid today. Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​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 AS SHARED ON THE PODCAST: https://open.substack.com/pub/emilyzipps/p/2025-debuts-data-part-two?r=h5j0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web https://www.nytco.com/press/announcing-updates-to-our-best-seller-lists/?mc_cid=edfbfdb621&mc_eid=c3c057229b https://www.thebookseller.com/news/some-editors-uploading-confidential-manuscripts-to-chatgpt-to-read-quickly-agent-claims Our Sponsors: * Check out Chime: https://chime.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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  5. Plugging in Mental Modules

    ٩ أبريل

    Plugging in Mental Modules

    This week on Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe and Carly break down two query letters—and pull no punches. From missing plot lines to overstuffed author bios, they highlight the biggest mistakes writers make when pitching their work. They dig into why subplots don’t belong in queries, how vague “vibes” kill momentum, and why your protagonist must think on the page—not just act. Plus: the danger of performing for the reader, the myth of show don’t tell, and what agents actually need to say yes.  Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​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 Chime: https://chime.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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  6. Shooting the Shit About Cancelled Books and the Shy Girl AI Discourse

    ٦ أبريل ·  إضافة

    Shooting the Shit About Cancelled Books and the Shy Girl AI Discourse

    It’s chaos in publishing—and Carly and CeCe are breaking it all down. From the AI controversy behind Shy Girl to growing fears around trust, authorship, and what readers actually want. They get real and talk about layoffs, imprint closures, and what it means for writers navigating an already tough landscape. Plus: the reality of editor turnover, the flood of self-published books, and why literary fiction might be poised for a comeback. Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​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 AS SHARED ON THE PODCAST: https://newrepublic.com/article/207659/non-fiction-publishing-threat-important-ever\ https://www.threads.com/@deeshaphilyaw/post/DWITRYgDD7W?xmt=AQF0Fl2ZZ9Yzr6vOCqP5Rn06mB XnH6Wo48wf0CG3MrKm6Q https://substack.com/@janefriedman/note/c-230548625?r=h5j0&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/19/books/shy-girl-book-ai.html?unlocked_article_code=1.UlA.R8RW.PFdWmcI_UreZ&smid=nytcore-android-share Our Sponsors: * Check out Chime: https://chime.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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  7. Insights from Beth O'Leary and Kate Hilton

    ٢ أبريل

    Insights from Beth O'Leary and Kate Hilton

    A double author interview you don’t want to miss! Bestselling author Beth O’Leary breaks down her signature approach to writing high-concept, emotionally grounded romance—starting with a compelling “what if” hook and building outward into layered characters, structure, and setting. She shares how ‘The Name Game’ evolved from a simple premise into a complex, multi-POV narrative with intentional use of diaries, emails, and dual timelines to deepen tension and deliver surprising twists. Beth also dives into craft essentials like differentiating character voice, managing pacing across timelines, and why first drafts are meant to be messy. From false starts and massive rewrites to the power of immersive world-building (even in contemporary fiction), this interview is a masterclass in trusting the process, refining your craft, and turning raw ideas into deeply satisfying stories. Author Kate Hilton shares how ‘City of the Muse’ grew from a collision of real-world academic scandals and archival discoveries into a richly layered dual-timeline mystery spanning Egypt and modern-day Toronto. Drawing on her lifelong fascination with archaeology—and years of research into papyrology, forgotten histories, and women in early excavation work—she unpacks the craft behind balancing past and present narratives, sustaining momentum across timelines, and creating distinct, psychologically grounded characters. Kate also offers candid insight into the realities of long-haul writing (including six years of drafting between other projects), the push-pull between research and procrastination, and how intuition ultimately guides decisions around voice, POV, and structure—reminding writers that every story is, at its core, a mystery waiting to be uncovered. Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​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 Chime: https://chime.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    ١ س
  8. March Bonus Episode

    ٣٠ مارس ·  إضافة

    March Bonus Episode

    March’s bonus episode is jam packed. We start off with an engaging conversation, Bianca speaks with author Kerry Clare about her latest novel, 'Definitely Thriving.' They explore the inspirations behind the book, including the influence of Barbara Pym and Rebecca Solnit, and discuss the complexities of writing, character development, and the importance of community and female empowerment in literature. Kerry shares her experiences of writing during the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects on the challenges of marketing unconventional narratives. The discussion highlights the joy of storytelling and the significance of living life on one's own terms. Part two shifts to Bianca connecting with actor-turned-author Summer N. England. She shares her unconventional path to publishing—going from storytelling on TikTok to landing a literary agent (without ever writing a query letter) and ultimately selling ‘The Impossible Garden of Clara Thorne’ at auction. In this lively conversation, she breaks down her character-first writing process, how her background in acting shapes immersive, physical storytelling, and why platform built from joy—not strategy—can open unexpected doors.  Part three turns to publishing insider Chris Houston who pulls back the curtain on what actually sells books today—from why traditional publicity timelines are shrinking to just a few months, to the surprising truth that legacy media (like CBC, The Globe and Mail, and the New York Times) still moves the needle more than social media alone. Chris shares candid insights on why most great books go unnoticed, how platform and consistent online presence can build long-term momentum, and why authors must actively partner in their own publicity (no “set it and forget it” allowed). He also shares why investing in publicity is really an investment in your entire writing career.  Don’t forget to stick around for another comps episode with Emilie Sommer of East City Book Shop! Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​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 Chime: https://chime.com/TSNOTYAW * Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com * Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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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.

المعلومات

  • صناع العمل
    Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra
  • سنوات النشاط
    ٢٠٢٠ - ٢٠٢٦
  • الحلقات
    ٤٠٧
  • التقييم
    فاضح
  • حقوق النشر
    © 2022 The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
  • موقع البرنامج على الويب
    The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

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