Podcast Summary: "Making Context Feel Organic"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
• Hosts: Bianca Marais, Carly Watters, CeCe Lyra
• Episode: Making Context Feel Organic
• Release Date: July 24, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Making Context Feel Organic," host Bianca Marais, alongside cohosts Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency, delves into the intricacies of crafting authentic context within a manuscript. The episode features an engaging discussion with debut author Telly, who seeks guidance on refining her query letter and the opening pages of her novel, "Coming of Rage Horromans."

Author Interview: Telly

Bianca Marais welcomes Telly to the "Books with Hooks" segment, setting the stage for an in-depth critique of her work. Telly expresses her enthusiasm for the podcast, stating, "I'm a big fan of the podcast which has been an incredible resource throughout my writing journey." (03:22)

Query Letter Reading

Telly reads her query letter, outlining her novel's premise and her personal background:

"I am seeking representation for the novel 'Coming of Rage Horromans,' a 70,000-word coming-of-age horror romance that blends Latvian mythology and folklore with an examination of critical theory." (04:00)

She details the story of Stassi, an ambitious painter thrust into a deadly competition that intertwines magical art with sinister intentions.

Critique from Cohosts

Carly Waters lauds the quality of Telly's query letter:

"This is such a brilliant query letter. You did such a good job reading it too." (06:12)

Carly highlights the effectiveness of Telly's plot points and the urgency conveyed in her writing. However, she suggests sharpening the protagonist's motivation to make Stassi's fight more personal: "There could be potential to sharpen the why her angle." (06:38)

CeCe Lira provides detailed feedback, focusing on the accuracy of genre labeling and the manuscript's tone. She points out the term "horromance" is awkward and recommends clarifying the target audience (YA vs. adult):

"I kind of thought it was adult because 'coming of rage' is upon a coming-of-age, which is generally more like an adult." (10:59)

CeCe emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genres to appeal effectively to agents and readers.

Discussion on Genre and Tone

The hosts engage in a comprehensive discussion about defining the novel's genre. Telly shares insights from her conversation with an editor at Macmillan, who noted the crossover appeal of her work:

"But it falls into young adult as well because of the writing and especially the first person and the voice, I think, could appeal to young adult." (12:10)

Carly and CeCe debate the challenges of marketing a crossover novel, emphasizing the need for clear genre classification to ensure successful representation and targeting.

Manuscript Feedback on Opening Pages

Transitioning from the query letter, Telly summarizes the opening pages of her manuscript. The initial scene introduces Stassi in her school environment, hinting at underlying tensions and magical elements.

Carly Waters commends the evocative writing but notes discrepancies between the query's tone and the manuscript's initial pages:

"The tone isn't there. Like, we don't have a horror romance tone." (26:07)

CeCe echoes these sentiments, advising Telly to infuse the beginning with a more immediate sense of danger and atmosphere:

"You have to be building that tone so that the reader starts to get those creepy vibes." (42:04)

Strategies for Organic Contextualization

The cohosts provide actionable strategies to help Telly make context feel natural within her narrative:

1. Integrate Context Through Action and Dialogue:

   • Instead of explicit explanations, weave contextual information into characters' actions and conversations. For example, CeCe suggests starting the story with a high-stakes scene that naturally reveals character backgrounds and plot points.

2. Utilize Atmospheric Language:

   • Employ descriptive language that sets the mood without overt exposition. Telli considers introducing eerie elements early on, such as a mysterious character visit or unsettling events that hint at the underlying horror.

3. Focus on Character-Driven Disruptions:

   • Begin with moments that disrupt the protagonist's routine, propelling the story forward and organically introducing essential context. Carly recommends incorporating immediate conflicts or challenges that reveal key aspects of the world and characters.

"Your job is to do it now. There's no such thing as, 'Oh, it'll come later.'" (40:12)

Brainstorming Alternative Openings

Telly and the cohosts brainstorm alternative opening scenes to better align with the desired genre and tone. CeCe proposes an opening where Stassi visits the brothel under the guise of a different purpose, leading to unexpected revelations that set a suspenseful tone.

"You have to focus on a place that's going to surprise the reader with character development and in a way that unlocks layers of surprise." (35:33)

Bianca encourages Telly to prioritize storytelling over excessive explanation, ensuring that context emerges naturally through the narrative flow.

Marketing Insights and Final Advice

Towards the episode's conclusion, Telly raises questions about marketing strategies, such as participating in a public "race to an agent." Carly advises against such tactics, emphasizing the importance of building a professional author brand focused on long-term goals rather than short-term competitions.

"When you are trying to build a platform and a brand and followers, what you are trying to do is attract querying writer followers." (44:08)

Carly and CeCe reiterate the significance of serving the story first, assuring that a well-crafted narrative will inherently attract readers and industry attention.

Excerpts and Closing

The episode concludes with the hosts sharing an excerpt from Telly's latest novel, "A Most Puzzling Murder," showcasing their support and providing listeners with a taste of her writing prowess.

Key Takeaways

• Balance Context and Action: Integrate critical information seamlessly through character interactions and plot developments rather than explicit exposition.

• Define Your Genre Clearly: Understanding and categorizing your novel's genre is crucial for effective marketing and attracting the right agents and readers.

• Focus on Storytelling: Prioritize compelling narratives and organic context to engage readers, ensuring that the story remains the central focus.

• Professional Branding Over Gamification: Building a sustainable author brand requires strategic content creation that aligns with long-term writing goals rather than participating in transient marketing gimmicks.

Notable Quotes:

• Carly Waters (06:12): "This is such a brilliant query letter. You did such a good job reading it too."

• CeCe Lira (10:59): "I kind of thought it was adult because 'coming of rage' is upon a coming-of-age, which is generally more like an adult."

• Carly Waters (26:07): "The tone isn't there. Like, we don't have a horror romance tone."

• CeCe Lira (42:04): "You have to be building that tone so that the reader starts to get those creepy vibes."

• Carly Waters (44:08): "When you are trying to build a platform and a brand and followers, what you are trying to do is attract querying writer followers."

This episode offers invaluable insights for emerging writers aiming to enhance their storytelling by making contextual elements feel natural and integral to the narrative. Through constructive critique and strategic advice, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe empower authors to refine their work and navigate the complexities of the publishing industry.