Episode Title: It's a Vibe: Plot Points & Emotional Vibes in Storytelling

Hosts: Bianca Marais, Carly Waters, CeCe Lyra
Guest: Lauren Spieler, Literary Agent at Folio and Folio Junior
Release Date: March 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, host Bianca Marais teams up with literary agents Carly Waters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency to dissect the nuanced relationship between plot points and emotional vibes in storytelling. Special guest Lauren Spieler joins the conversation, providing expert critiques on two submitted query letters from emerging authors. This deep dive offers writers invaluable insights into refining their narratives and enhancing their appeal within the publishing industry.

Special Announcements

• Starting It Right Class by CeCe Lyra ([00:00]):
  CeCe introduces a comprehensive four-day workshop titled Starting It Right. This class is designed to help writers craft compelling story beginnings, covering topics such as choosing the best type of opening, framing inciting incidents, avoiding common mistakes, balancing exposition with mystery, connecting readers to protagonists, and encouraging readers to continue to the next chapter. For the first time, the class includes an interactive component where participants can submit their opening scenes for live critique.

  Quote:
  “[00:00] Cece Lira: … we’ll cover the different types of beginnings and how to choose the best one for your story …”

• Fundraiser for Literacy in South Africa by Bianca Marais ([01:19]):
  Bianca announces a fundraiser supporting the Masana Library Project, aimed at enhancing educational resources for South African high schools. Donors can win literary prizes such as developmental edits, coaching packages, and manuscript critiques. Interested listeners are encouraged to visit Biancamarae.com for more information and to contribute before the deadline on April 10.

  Quote:
  “[01:19] Bianca Murray: … the Masana Library Project aims to make the future of South African learners brighter …”

Guest Introduction

Carly Waters enthusiastically welcomes Lauren Spieler, a seasoned literary agent specializing in romantasy and fantasy genres, to the show. Lauren’s extensive experience and previous stint as an intern at P.S. Literary Agency enrich the episode’s discussions with her unique perspective on query letter critiques.

Quote:
“[03:55] Carly Waters: … our special guest is an agent, Lauren Spieler … incredibly talented literary agent …”

Books with Hooks: Query Letter Critiques

First Query Letter: "A Book of Smoke" by Ali Swisslocki

Overview:
Carly reads the first query letter for Ali Swisslocki’s debut YA fantasy novel, A Book of Smoke. The story follows 18-year-old Vela, who possesses the illegal ability to wield fire in a society that strictly controls magical powers through prophesied books. After her village is attacked, Vela is either kidnapped or rescued by aeronautical pirates, leading her on a journey of self-discovery, newfound freedom, and a clandestine romance, all while prophecies loom over her destiny.

Critical Analysis by Lauren Spieler ([06:21]):
Lauren praises the query for its solid foundation but points out a lack of specificity that makes the story blend into the crowded YA fantasy market. She emphasizes the need for unique elements that distinguish Vela’s story from similar narratives.

Notable Quotes:
“[06:21] Lauren Spieler: … there's not enough specificity … make it clear how your book is different from others …”

Lauren suggests incorporating more detailed descriptions of Vela’s magical abilities and the unique aspects of her world to capture the agent’s attention effectively.

Quote:
“[10:21] Lauren Spieler: … I wanted more about the protagonist … more specifics would help this stand out …”

Host Insights:
Bianca and CeCe echo Lauren’s sentiments, highlighting areas where the query introduces confusion, such as the ambiguous nature of Vela’s rescue and the underdeveloped romantic subplot. They recommend sharpening the focus on character motivations and clarifying the romantic dynamics to enhance the query’s strength.

Notable Quote:
“[19:37] Cece Lira: … reworking the plot points …”

Conclusion on "A Book of Smoke":
The critique underscores the importance of honing in on unique storytelling elements and clearly defining the romantic stakes to make the query more compelling.

Second Query Letter: "I See Death" by Angelina Fords

Overview:
CeCe presents the second query letter for I See Death, an adult dark romantasy by Angelina Fords. The protagonist, Achilles, can foresee her own death multiple times, rendering her unbeatable in battle. Captured by enemy forces, she disguises herself as a soldier to survive and plans revenge while entangling herself in a perilous romance with Prince Rhysiz, her adversary.

Critical Analysis by Lauren Spieler ([27:01]):
Contrasting her feedback from the first query, Lauren critiques this submission for being overly plot-driven at the expense of emotional depth. She notes that the query reads more like a synopsis rather than an enticing pitch, which may dilute the romantic essence crucial to the romantasy genre.

Notable Quotes:
“[27:01] Lauren Spieler: … this one is all plot points. It’s not enough vibes …”

Lauren advises condensing the plot details to allocate more emphasis on the central romance, which is pivotal for romantasy narratives. She also critiques the title "I See Death" for lacking the lyrical quality typical of successful romantasy titles, suggesting it feels too literal and doesn't evoke the magical essence of the genre.

Quote:
“[35:03] Lauren Spieler: … the title 'I See Death' sounds like I see dead people … It’s too on the nose …”

Host Insights:
Carly and CeCe build upon Lauren’s feedback, recommending the removal of redundant details and encouraging the introduction of character vulnerability to foster reader connection. They also discuss the importance of aligning the title with genre conventions to better reflect the story's romantic and fantastical elements.

Notable Quote:
“[42:37] Cece Lira: … you must think of those active emotions and that disruption when you're starting …”

Conclusion on "I See Death":
The feedback highlights the necessity of balancing plot progression with emotional depth, ensuring that the romantic elements are front and center to engage the reader effectively.

Final Thoughts and Advice

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Lauren Spieler emphasize essential storytelling principles:

• Specificity: Ensuring that query letters highlight what makes the story unique to stand out in a saturated market.

  Quote:
  “[06:21] Lauren Spieler: … make it clear how your book is different from others …”

• Emotional Depth: Balancing plot points with emotional vibes to create compelling and relatable characters.

  Quote:
  “[16:25] Carly Waters: … pushing the romance forward …”

• Character Vulnerability: Introducing aspects of vulnerability in protagonists to foster reader empathy and investment.

  Quote:
  “[17:29] Lauren Spieler: … I do think that the meat is there … I would just like more specifics …”

• Title Alignment: Choosing titles that resonate with genre conventions to attract the intended audience.

  Quote:
  “[35:03] Lauren Spieler: … 'I See Death' … too on the nose …”

Closing Remarks

Lauren Spieler shares her availability for submissions, directing listeners to connect with her via Query Manager through her Twitter @Aurenspieler or the Folio website. The hosts encourage writers to refine their query letters by incorporating the insights discussed and to stay tuned for future episodes featuring more expert advice.

Quote:
“[44:05] Lauren Spieler: … you can find my full wish list on Publishers Marketplace on my member page …”

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