First Page Formula: Author and Writing Coach April Davila on What Agents & Readers Want to See in Your Thriller Manuscript Opening
Send me a Text Message!Writing coach April Davila reveals the non-negotiable elements that make first pages irresistible to readers and agents. Learn why most manuscripts fail in the opening paragraph, discover the strategic approach to character revelation that transforms boring descriptions into magnetic hooks. Then find out which common opening mistakes instantly kill reader interest. Plus, April shares her surprising advice about when to actually write your first page (hint: it's not when you think).What You'll Learn:The essential elements every first page needsWhy dream sequences and flashbacks kill reader interestStrategic character reveals through environmental detailsClick here to learn more about April Davila. Guest Bio: April Davila is an award-winning author, speaker, and writing coach. Publisher's Weekly called her debut novel, 142 Ostriches, a "vivid, uplifting debut" and the book went on to win the WILLA Award for Women Writing the West. Writer's Digest listed her blog (at aprildavila.com) as one of the Best 101 Websites for Writers and she is the creator of the Sit Write Here writing coaching program, which integrates mindfulness meditation techniques to help writers quiet their inner critics, overcome writer's block, and edit more effectively. Her second novel is forthcoming.Episodes I think you'll love…Literary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Fix Your Opening Pages (Part 2)How to Write an Opening Chapter that Keeps Readers Reading with Author David McCloskey3 Keys to Nailing the Opening of Your NovelAgent Carleen Geisler Reads a Submission & Shares How Agents Evaluate Opening PagesWriting Your Opening Scene with Thomas MullenGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now
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Creative Silos: A Unique Strategy for Your Writer Brain with Cindy Cisneros
Send me a Text Message!Storyteller's Society Sneak Peek: This Creative Silos method can make you way more efficient in your writing practice.Creativity coach Cindy Cisneros reveals why traditional productivity advice fails creative writers, her game-changing "Silos" method that stops the destructive cycle of switching between writing and querying, and the "cross-modality" technique that breaks through even the most stubborn creative blocks.What You'll Learn:The "Creative Silos" strategy that lets you batch writing and other tasks for maximum flowWhy waiting for natural motivation beats forcing daily word counts every timeThe real reason creative people need "incubation time" and how to use it strategicallyClick here to learn more about Cindy Episodes I think you'll love...1. Time Pockets: Could This Tip Revolutionize Your Writing Process?2. Writing Your Series & Developing Dynamic Characters with Author Stephen Spotswood3. 90% of Writers Make THESE Writing Mistakes Interview with Ex-Literary Agent Karyn Fischer4. Literary Agent Jessica Berg Shares How to Catch an Agent's EyeGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now
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Literary Agent Amy Nielsen on How to Fix Your Opening Pages (Part 2)
3-Part Formula for Writing Compelling Red Herrings That Mislead Without Cheating Readers with Author Eloise Corvo
Send me a Text Message!Find out more about Eloise here.In this interview, I talk to author Eloise Corvo about her debut novel OFF THE BEATEN PATH. Eloise reveals her practical three-part framework for crafting effective red herrings, which is a vital skill for any thriller, mystery, suspense, or crime fiction writer.You’ll discover essential writing tips for balancing misdirection with reader satisfaction and gain insider insights into publishing options beyond traditional routes.Whether you're drafting your first mystery or refining your tenth thriller, Eloise's practical advice on how to write compelling suspense will transform your approach to planting clues and creating satisfying twists.This episode packed with actionable writing techniques is perfect for mystery authors looking to elevate their craft and engage readers from page one to the final reveal.What Listeners Will LearnThe Three-Element Formula for Red HerringsMystery Structure and PacingPublishing Journey InsightsGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now
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Writing Your Series & Developing Dynamic Characters with Author Stephen Spotswood
Send me a Text Message!Find out more about Stephen SpotswoodListen to the episode with Douglas CorleoneCome hang out for an interesting conversation with author Stephen Spotswood as he shares his creative process behind his successful Pentecost Parker thriller series. In this episode, Stephen shares his writing tips for crafting engaging mystery series characters that evolve across multiple books while maintaining reader interest. Whether you're interested in the writing techniques, genre-blending strategies, or the practical aspects of planning a multi-book series, this interview delivers valuable insights for writers at any stage. Discover how Spotswood approaches the revision process, balances character development with plot mechanics, and maintains his passion for characters throughout a long-term writing project.Series Development Strategy: Learn how to plan and structure a multi-book seriesGenre-Blending Techniques: Discover how Spotswood successfully combines elements of classic mystery, hard-boiled crime, and noir to create a unique series that stands out in the marketplaceRevision Process for Character Evolution: Understand Spotswood's two-phase revision approachGet the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now
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