✨Becca Grischow on (Safely) Bringing Your Lived Experience to the Page, and Sarah Henning’s Practical(ities of) Magic ✨

Plus, a Q&A with agent/author Ann Rose, another insightful essay from Carly Watters, and new course offerings!

Happy Tuesday, writing friends!

In this week’s newsletter exclusively for our paid members, we’ve got an essay from novelist Becca Grischow who takes a look at that old writing advice chestnut “Write what you know.” Becca, whose debut I’ll Get Back To You is out today, has first-hand experience of the downsides of putting real life on the page, and offers her thoughts on how to not get yourself into trouble when doing it, including avoiding “the worst assumption [you] can make.” ✍🏼🚫

For all you witch-y fiction writers and fans (and we know you are legion), Sarah Henning, author of nine YA and middle grade books, often involving witches (her latest The Lies We Conjure is out is out today!), shares a video with practical advice on creating a magical system that has an inherent logic that works within the world you’re building.🔮🪄🧙🏼

We’ve also got a Q&A with Ann Rose, who dispenses wisdom acquired as both an agent and author. Although we agree with Ann that "You can't edit a blank page" is another bit of writing advice we’ve heard a lot, we also think that not all clichés are created equal, and this is one we certainly appreciate being reminded of. Ann also answers the question we’re sure you’re all asking yourselves: Is it easier to get an agent when you are one? You’ll have to keep reading to find out.🤔🤓

And as if all that wasn’t enough, we’ve also got yet another essay from our very own Carly Watters, this time on the importance of making the right first impression in the publishing world, and the mistakes you should avoid—because another cliché that’s as true in publishing as it is elsewhere is that “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” 🧐🤩

Finally, check out CeCe’s new course, Hacking Writing on a Line Level, Bianca’s All About Fantasy is less than two weeks away, and Carly’s Masterclass continues.

That’s all for now. Happy reading!

❤️ The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Team