Podcast Summary: The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Episode: Using the 'Micro to Macro' Hack
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Hosts: Bianca Marais, Carly Waters, and CeCe Lyra
Introduction to "Books with Hooks"
In this episode of "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing," host Bianca Marais is joined by her cohosts, literary agents Carly Waters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency. The trio dives into their beloved segment, "Books with Hooks," where they read and critique query letters and opening pages submitted by aspiring authors. This segment is a treasure trove of insights for emerging writers looking to refine their craft and navigate the publishing landscape.
Critique 1: The Cat with the Silver Eyes by Julie Packer Sams
Timestamp: [02:43] – [10:30]
Plot Summary
Carly Waters introduces "The Cat with the Silver Eyes," a 74,000-word upper middle-grade fantasy novel. She describes it as a blend of the found-family vibe from Kalyn Josephson's Ravenfall and the hidden magical world reminiscent of Rebecca Mix's The Mossheart's Promise. The story follows Charlotte, a kitten who, after surviving the streets, discovers her magic and the promise of family. When her magic attracts the predatory owl Crier, Charlotte must protect her kittens and navigate a secret magical society to save them from impending doom.
Notable Description:
“Imagine if the rose bush in The Secret of NIMH led to a vast magical animal society hidden in plain sight.” — Carly Waters [03:02]
Agent Critique
Carly begins her critique by noting the novel's length and genre, commending the interactive elements such as the author's website and serialized web chronicles. However, she raises concerns about the query letter's clarity regarding plot versus character background:
“I always wonder sometimes when we get too much of this, I don't actually know where the book begins or where the inciting incident is...” — Carly Waters [05:17]
She questions the specificity of the stakes and the portrayal of the antagonist, Crier, suggesting that more detailed motivations could enhance reader engagement.
CeCe Lyra builds upon Carly's feedback, emphasizing the need to streamline the query letter:
“I think the first plot paragraph, I think that basically needs to go. You want to edit it down to, like, one sentence, maybe two.” — CeCe Lyra [09:07]
She highlights issues such as vague references and the need for clearer connections between characters and plot points, ensuring that the stakes feel immediate and relatable to middle-grade readers.
Key Takeaway:
Both agents appreciate the world-building and emotional core but advise tightening the query to focus more on the plot's inciting incidents and clarifying character motivations to better engage potential readers and agents.
Critique 2: Cass Collins Can't See the Future by Redacted
Timestamp: [19:50] – [34:23]
Plot Summary
Bianca Murray presents "Cass Collins Can't See the Future," an 80,000-word young adult speculative novel that intertwines themes of friendship and apocalypse with a modern retelling of Homer's Odyssey. Fifteen-year-old Cass Collins grapples with his mother's unexpected death and discovers he has premonitory visions after a lightning strike. These visions escalate from minor events to the catastrophic eruption of the Valis Caldera, a nearby supervolcano. As Cass and his friend Phil Byrd race against time to prevent the apocalypse, they contend with Alexandra, a relentless antagonist determined to capture Cass.
Notable Description:
“With the loyal yet unpredictable Phil by his side, Cass steals a truck to race across state lines to fulfill his vision...” — Carly Waters [05:14]
Agent Critique
Carly Waters commends the synthesis of the protagonist's personal struggles with the broader apocalyptic stakes, introducing the 'Micro to Macro' hack effectively:
“You've done it perfectly when it comes to the antagonistic forces. What's the macro? The macro is the volcano is going to erupt. The world's going to end. That's a macro thing. What's the micro? The micro is the horrible neighbor, Alexandra.” — Carly Waters [22:39]
She suggests expanding the stakes beyond the global catastrophe by integrating personal, relatable elements that anchor the story emotionally. For instance, introducing a personal vulnerability or a secondary goal can make the high-stakes plot more digestible and engaging for readers.
CeCe Lyra echoes Carly's sentiments and adds nuanced feedback on character development and plot clarity:
“I think you need to contextualize 'End of the World' for this character and this story, because that changes things, I think, quite a bit.” — Carly Waters [25:07]
She encourages the author to delve deeper into Cass's emotional landscape and explore the ramifications of his mother's death on his motivations and actions. CeCe emphasizes the importance of balancing the grand scale of the apocalypse with the intimate, personal journey of the protagonist.
Key Takeaway:
The agents recognize the novel's potential in blending personal grief with global threats. They advise enhancing character depth and contextualizing the apocalyptic events to create a more compelling and emotionally resonant narrative.
Conclusion and Key Insights
Throughout the "Books with Hooks" segment, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe provide invaluable feedback that underscores the importance of clarity, emotional depth, and strategic plot structuring in crafting compelling query letters and opening pages. Their critiques highlight the delicate balance between showcasing a story's unique elements and ensuring that the core narrative remains accessible and engaging to potential readers and agents alike.
Notable Quote on Writing Philosophy:
“Present tense always gives that immediacy, which we sometimes need to really get the reader on the pages dragged along with the characters and really attached to them straight away.” — Bianca Murray [17:16]
This episode serves as a masterclass in refining writing techniques, particularly the 'Micro to Macro' hack, which effectively ties personal stakes to broader conflicts, enhancing both character development and plot progression.
For aspiring writers, this episode is a must-listen, offering practical advice, honest critiques, and the experienced perspectives of industry professionals. Whether you're polishing your query letter or honing the opening of your manuscript, the insights shared in this episode of "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing" are invaluable steps toward publishing success.