Podcast Summary: The Shit No One Tells You About Writing – March Bonus Episode

Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction

"The Shit No One Tells You About Writing," hosted by Bianca Marais, is a dedicated space for emerging writers aiming to enhance their craft and navigate the publishing landscape. In the March Bonus Episode, Bianca is joined by literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency. The episode features in-depth interviews with authors Bailey Hanna and Deanna Raybourn, as well as a content prompts segment offering valuable advice to writers.

Interview with Bailey Hanna

Guest: Bailey Hanna, Author of the Wells Ranch Series

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Publishing Journey:

   • Self-Publishing to Traditional: Bailey shares her transition from self-publishing her first two books, Alive and Wells and Seeing Red, to securing a traditional publishing deal.
     • "I just want to have a book out there. I don't care how it goes out there, I just want it out into the world just to say I did it." [05:07]

2. Editing and Design:

   • Investment in Quality: Emphasizes the importance of hiring a professional editor and cover designer to ensure the book's success.
     • "Those are the two most necessary things because those are the two things that are actually going to have people pick up your book and then talk about your book after they've read it." [07:58]

3. Role of BookTok and Bookstagram:

   • Social Media Impact: Discusses how engagement on platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram significantly boosted her book's visibility and success.
     • "People have so much power. The influencers on BookTok and Bookstagram, it is wild." [14:06]

4. Craft Development:

   • Writing Process: Bailey highlights the importance of perseverance, multiple drafts, and the invaluable feedback from beta readers.
     • "Just write the book. Just write it. It might not be good, but just do it." [34:54]

5. Attending Conventions:

   • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Shares her initial fears about attending conventions and how positive experiences with readers and fellow authors have encouraged her to continue.
     • "Nothing beats actually meeting these people face to face and having them tell you how much they love your books." [21:00]

6. Future Projects:

   • Upcoming Release: Excitement about her next book, Change of Heart, the third installment in the Wells Ranch series, and the ongoing marketing efforts.
     • "Everyone is just so thrilled to finally be getting it." [33:22]

Notable Quotes:

• "You need to just put all that aside and just sit down and write the book." [34:54]
• "We get to be those fairy godparents who are giving us that little bit of magic every single time." [62:40]

Interview with Deanna Raybourn

Guest: Deanna Raybourn, Author of the Lady Julia Gray series and Veronica Speedwell mysteries.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Writing Process:

   • Organized Pantser: Deanna describes her blend of plotting and organic storytelling, especially crucial in mystery and thriller writing.
     • "I tend to push myself a little bit tight on my deadlines because I want to be able to make decisions quickly." [43:39]

2. World-Building and Causality:

   • Interconnected Plotting: Emphasizes the necessity of causality in storytelling, ensuring that plot points logically lead to one another.
     • "In terms of the structure of a thriller, it needs to be this domino tips, which leads to the character doing this, which leads to that, etc." [51:20]

3. Editing and Revisions:

   • Collaborative Editing: Discusses her dynamic relationship with her editor, highlighting the collaborative and often playful nature of their revisions.
     • "We're all basically doing a choose your own adventure the whole time we're writing." [49:03]

4. Balancing Multiple Projects:

   • Avoiding Stagnation: Shares strategies for maintaining creativity by working on multiple projects and stepping out of comfort zones.
     • "You need to just indulge, that is such a fresh beginner mindset." [55:28]

5. Advice for Writers:

   • Embrace the Process: Encourages writers to persist through challenges and trust their creative instincts.
     • "Just write the book. If you don't do it, nobody's gonna tell that story." [35:56]

Notable Quotes:

• "The biggest challenge is realizing that there is always that sense of interconnectivity because you are always composing one thing that has to be harmonious." [52:40]
• "If you don't do it, nobody's gonna tell that story." [35:56]

Content Prompts Segment

Host: Emily Summer from East City Bookshop

In this segment, Emily addresses various authors seeking comparable titles (comps) for their manuscripts across genres such as YA sci-fi, paranormal romance, memoir, adult fantasy, and psychological thrillers. Key takeaways include:

• Tailoring Comp Choices: Importance of selecting comps that closely match the manuscript's themes, tone, and target audience.
• Utilizing Recent Titles: Preference for newer books to ensure relevance and avoid overly popular titles that might not serve as effective comps.
• Diverse Suggestions: Offers a range of recommendations, balancing genre-specific needs with market trends.

Examples of Provided Comps:

• "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown for a memoir on transracial adoption.
• "Once There Was" by Kish Monseth for a YA fantasy adventure.
• "Aftertaste" by Daria Lavall for a paranormal romance with a dark edge.
• "Real Easy" by Kay Hooper for a Nordic noir crime fiction novel.

Conclusion and Final Advice

The March Bonus Episode of "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing" provides a wealth of insights from seasoned authors Bailey Hanna and Deanna Raybourn. Key advice for emerging writers includes:

• Perseverance in Writing: "Just write the book. No one else will do it for you." – Bailey Hanna [34:54]
• Embrace Collaboration: Utilizing editors and engaging with writing communities can significantly enhance the quality and reach of your work.
• Leverage Social Media: Platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram can be powerful tools for gaining visibility and connecting with readers.

Listeners are encouraged to participate in upcoming fundraisers and beta reader matchups to further their writing endeavors. The episode underscores the importance of authenticity, community support, and relentless dedication in the journey of becoming a successful author.

Note: Timestamps are referenced as per the provided transcript to attribute notable quotes accurately.