Podcast Summary: The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Episode: October Comp Title Bonus Episode
Release Date: October 28, 2024

Host: Bianca Marais
Cohosts: Carly Waters and Cece Lyra
Guest: Emily Summer, East City Bookshop

Introduction and Deep Dive Virtual Retreat Announcement

The episode kicks off with Bianca Marais enthusiastically promoting the Deep Dive Virtual Retreat scheduled for February 1st and 2nd. Highlighting an impressive lineup of gatekeepers and successful authors behind bestselling titles like Station Eleven, Crazy Rich Asians, and Big Little Lies, Bianca emphasizes the retreat's value for writers at any stage of their journey.

Bianca Marais [00:00]: "The presentation topics are brilliant, so practical and valuable regardless of where you are in your writing journey."

She encourages listeners to visit theshitaboutwriting.com for more details and registration, underscoring the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals like Annabel Monaghan and Jami Attenberg.

October Comp Titles Segment

Bianca introduces the October Comp Titles segment, featuring guest Emily Summer from East City Bookshop. This segment focuses on providing comparable titles (comps) for writers seeking guidance on positioning their manuscripts in the market.

1. Grifter Action Novel

Request by Carly Waters:
A narrative centered on Nikki Scholz, a blackjack dealer with a penchant for opportunistic schemes inherited from her con artist mother. After stealing a fake Rolex, Nikki becomes entangled in a complex plot involving a pit boss, a judge, and a local pawnbroker, leading to a high-stakes scramble for survival and justice.

Carly Waters [02:37]: "A three way scramble ensues as the pit boss pursues Nikki to get the phone back."

Emily's Recommendations:
Emily suggests titles that delve into the world of grifters and con artists, highlighting their success and thematic relevance.

Emily Summer [03:06]: "I can comp the character arc of Nina George's Little Paris Bookshop, but the best comps I can think of for the fantasy quest aspect are the Neverending Story and the Chronicles of Prydain, which are far too old."

• Lucky by Marissa Stapley
• Counterfeit by Kirsten Chin
• Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper

2. Adult Fantasy Portal Novel

Request by Carly Waters:
An adult fantasy novel featuring a 68-year-old protagonist transported into her own novels' world. She embarks on a quest to guide a champion to confront a tyrannical usurper, blending lyrical writing with a rich fantasy landscape.

Carly Waters [04:39]: "It's a portal fantasy with a 68-year old main character who's transported into the world of her novels."

Emily's Recommendations:
Despite fantasy not being her strongest genre, Emily provides a selection of up-to-date portal fantasies that align with the lyrical and quest-driven aspects of the manuscript.

Emily Summer [05:06]: "Perhaps I thought of the 10,000 Doors of January by Alex Harrow, a favorite of East City Bookshop and a favorite of mine to recommend for things like this."

• 10,000 Doors of January by Alex Harrow
• Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire
• An Accident of Stars from the Fuzz Meadows, Manifold World Series

3. Literary Short Story Collection

Request by Carly Waters:
A 45,000-word literary short story collection intertwining memoir elements with the tragedies and triumphs of a Chinese American family, including themes like maternal suicide and historical success.

Carly Waters [06:19]: "It links memoir with my Chinese American family's tragedies and triumphs, which include my mother's suicide when I was 4 years old and my great grandfather becoming one of the first Chinese American millionaires."

Emily's Recommendations:
Emily suggests acclaimed Chinese American authors known for their poignant storytelling and cultural depth.

Emily Summer [06:59]: "I thought of Bliss Montage by Ling Ma... and Sour Heart by Jenny Zhang's collection."

• Bliss Montage by Ling Ma
• Sour Heart by Jenny Zhang

4. Literary Fantasy - "Sorrows of the Antler Tree"

Request by Carly Waters:
Set in a fantastical Wisteria palace, the protagonist Willow competes in a marriage competition to access ancient magic. Themes of inheritance, motherhood, and power are explored through a rich, descriptive narrative resembling a reality dating show.

Carly Waters [07:51]: "It's a literary fantasy dealing with themes of inheritance, motherhood and power."

Emily's Recommendations:
Emily recommends both young adult and adult fantasy titles that incorporate magical competitions and intricate character dynamics.

Emily Summer [08:53]: "I thought of Kira Cass's The Selection series and Blake's Atlas 6."

• The Selection series by Kiera Cass
• Atlas 6 by Rachel Caine

5. Literary Gothic Novel - Edwardian Yorkshire

Request by Carly Waters:
A gothic novel set in Edwardian Yorkshire featuring Tam, a lighthouse keeper determined to expose a swindler, Laurie. The story delves into themes of trust, misunderstanding, and moral ambiguity without a happily ever after.

Carly Waters [09:57]: "It's a cryptic tale about protagonists being manipulated in a similar way."

Emily's Recommendations:
Emily identifies recent gothic novels with remote settings and morally complex characters that avoid overly happy endings.

Emily Summer [10:54]: "I would look at both Clear by Carys Davies and Whale Fall by Elizabeth O'Connor."

• Clear by Carys Davies
• Whale Fall by Elizabeth O'Connor

6. Upmarket Novel - Moving to Belize

Request by Carly Waters:
A 47-year-old protagonist escapes Hollywood's pressures to Belize, where she becomes involved with an orphan boy and a wealthy expat businessman. The novel blends quirky elements with themes of exploitation and personal growth.

Carly Waters [12:00]: "Tonal, it's more similar to Kevin Wilson or Rufi Thorpe."

Emily's Recommendations:
Emily suggests books that feature older protagonists seeking fresh starts and incorporate quirky, heartfelt narratives.

Emily Summer [12:59]: "I think that if you have a good plot comp and then you mention like in the style of Kevin Wilson or Rufi Thorpe, like, people will know exactly what you mean."

• Half Blown Rose by Lisa Cross Smith
• Going Home by Tom Lamont (upcoming January 2025)

7. Women's Fiction with Fantasy and Adventure

Request by Carly Waters:
Maria, a 23-year-old dancer, is tragically killed in a plane crash. Twenty years later, her spirit is sucked into a famous painting, leading her on an adventurous journey through various artworks alongside a professor, rekindling her passion for life and new love.

Carly Waters [19:27]: "She's sucked into a famous painting... navigating the artworks within the museum."

Emily's Recommendations:
Emily highlights both forthcoming and existing titles that involve magical realism within artistic settings and personal transformations.

Emily Summer [20:24]: "Morgan Pager's forthcoming The Art of Vanishing is very similar."

• The Art of Vanishing by Morgan Pager (forthcoming)
• Saints of Swallow Hill by Donna Everhart
• The Last Painting of Sarah DeVos by Dominic Smith

8. YA Historical Feminist Retelling of the Iliad

Request by Carly Waters:
A YA novel that reimagines the creation of the Iliad through the lens of Lyssa, Homer’s daughter. Defying societal expectations, Lyssa strives to be heard by publishing her own version of the epic, blending historical elements with a casual, contemporary voice.

Carly Waters [24:31]: "Good girls in ancient Greece are supposed to be quiet, obedient and definitely not storytellers."

Emily's Recommendations:
Emily recommends contemporary, irreverent historical retellings that maintain a modern tone while respecting ancient settings.

Emily Summer [25:24]: "It's called Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon... set during the Peloponnesian War with a contemporary Irish voice."

• Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon
• Chaos (TV Show) – Suggested as a unique, though non-YA, comparison

Additional Comp Request: Chasing Northern Dancer

Request by Carly Waters:
A book club novel about Liz Dunstone, who embarks on a road trip with her estranged father to secure her son Sawyer’s future. The journey leads to family reconciliation, self-discovery, and a newfound passion for horses.

Carly Waters [22:04]: "She's learning to ride horses to break rules. And the falling doesn't always kill you."

Emily's Recommendations:
Emily suggests heartfelt, character-driven narratives that explore familial bonds and personal growth through meaningful journeys.

Emily Summer [23:04]: "Any opportunity... I am going to recommend They're Going to Love You by Meg Howery."

• They're Going to Love You by Meg Howery
• The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley

Closing Remarks

Bianca and the cohosts extend their gratitude to Emily Summer for her invaluable insights and encourage listeners to support their local literary communities by visiting independent bookstores like East City Bookshop.

Bianca Marais [28:01]: "Please support E City Bookshop, go to the store, say hi to them and give back."

Notable Quotes

• Bianca Marais [00:00]: "The presentation topics are brilliant, so practical and valuable regardless of where you are in your writing journey."

• Emily Summer [03:06]: "I love a grifter. I like to read about grifters."

• Carly Waters [02:37]: "A three way scramble ensues as the pit boss pursues Nikki to get the phone back."

• Emily Summer [12:59]: "If you have a good plot comp and then you mention like in the style of Kevin Wilson or Rufi Thorpe, like, people will know exactly what you mean."

Conclusion

This bonus episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing serves as a comprehensive guide for emerging writers seeking comparable titles to position their manuscripts effectively within the publishing landscape. Through Carly Waters’ diverse comp requests and Emily Summer’s expert recommendations, listeners gain valuable insights into selecting appropriate comps that resonate with their story's themes and tones.

For more detailed guidance and community support, tune into future episodes and consider participating in events like the Deep Dive Virtual Retreat.