✨Steal Sarah Damoff's Querying Hack; & Four NYT Bestselling Authors Share What They've Learned from Each Other✨
Plus, debut novelist Catalina Margulis on conquering fear, and more guests for Bianca's A Most Puzzling Murder launch revealed!
Happy Friday, writing friends!
Remember on Tuesday when we shared Marie Bostwick’s video all about finding the courage to say “No” (even when it means walking away from a “Yes!”)? Well, if your reaction to that was along the lines of “Easy for you to say, with 22 published books now behind you,” allow us to introduce this week’s podcast guest, Sarah Damoff.
Sarah joins Bianca to discuss her debut novel, The Bright Years (out as of Tuesday and available here!), which is one of this season’s “big books” (remember a couple of weeks back when Carly was talking about those?) for Simon & Schuster—but it almost wasn’t. Tune in to hear Sarah talk abut the yesses she turned down (and why), as well as how she then changed her approach to querying (an approach you’ll definitely want to try). Seriously, if you’re a querying writer and you don’t listen to this week’s podcast, you are doing yourself a massive disservice.
We’ve got an amazing bit of bonus content for you this week featuring four (!) New York Times bestselling authors we think there’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard of before: Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Patti Callahan Henry sit down together on camera to celebrate the anniversary of the Friends in Fiction web show and podcast they founded at the start of the pandemic, and what they’ve learned from the authors they’ve spoken to in the five years since they launched. It’s a list of more names you might have heard of (like Ruth Ware and Chris Bohjalian), and the craft and industry insights they share are the perfect mix of learning and encouragement.
Speaking of authors you might have heard of…Keep reading for info on more of the guests who will joining Bianca for her A Most Puzzling Murder launch on June 9th! (And then go get yourself a ticket if you haven’t already because they’re selling fast!)
Also in this issue, we’ve got a Q&A from Catalina Margulis (whose debut, Again, Only More Like You comes out next week). There’s a lot packed into this one, and until someone invents time travel, we think her insights on what she wishes she’d known years ago, before being published, are ones you’re going to want to pay attention to. And for anyone who thinks they’re starting out too late, or who sees barriers to writing at every turn, Catalina’s story might help you see a way past what’s holding you back.
Last but not least, the Great Beta Reader Match-Up is back, and registration continues for Bianca’s latest course, Circling the Building of Your Work. Keep reading for details!
That’s all for now. Thanks for reading! ❤️
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Team
P.S. Still not sure about upgrading to paid? Check out our Tuesday Teaser below to see what you’re missing!
This Week’s Podcast✨🎙️✨
Have you listened yet? Check it out here or watch it on YouTube! This week, Bianca connects with debut novelist Sarah Damoff to discuss her novel, The Bright Years which explores the complexities of family dynamics and addiction. Sarah shares her journey through the publishing landscape, the challenges of finding the right agent, the ingenious query hack she used, and the evolution of her novel's structure. The conversation touches on the themes of generational trauma and the impact of addiction, as well as the importance of line-level writing, including the use of similes and metaphors.
“I was very unsettled about the options and I didn't think any of them were right for me and this project and my hopes for the future. It was very hard to say no to an agent and no to publishers when there was nothing else on the table. But in hindsight, of course, I'm glad that I did because just a couple of months later I signed with my now agent and then within a couple of weeks, we had multiple major houses interested. I was speaking with editors. And then we sold the book in a preempt to Simon and Schuster.”
— Sarah Damoff
More information about Sarah Damoff can be found on her website. You can also find her on Instagram.
You can purchase The Bright Years on our Bookshop.org affiliate page here. Buying books through this link supports a local indie bookstore, as well as The Shit No One Tells You About Writing 📚❤️
Author Q&A with Catalina Margulis 😍
Catalina Margulis is an author, podcast host and mother of four who has written for many of Canada’s top publications over the past 20 years. Cat was an editor at ELLE Canada, Flare, and Today’s Parent, she was a regular contributor to SavvyMom, Mabel’s Labels, and Walmart Canada, and has written for more than 40 publications, including The Globe and Mail, Reader’s Digest, and Yummy Mummy Club. She is also the host of Passion Project (passionprojectpod.com), a podcast about making your dreams happen. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she lives with her family in the suburbs of Toronto, Canada.
TSNOTYAW: What would you say you’ve done right to build a strong and supportive writing network?
Catalina Margulis: I didn't plan on being a book coach. But I was generous with my knowledge and experience gained through the writing, querying and publishing process, and people wanted more. I guess my answer is, if you want to build a strong and supportive writing network, be the change you want to see in the world. Be generous, be that resource people can come to, be that safe, encouraging space, and watch that network and community gather round you.
What one piece of advice (craft- or publishing industry-related) has always resonated with you?
Years ago, I had the chance to interview Cecelia Ahern (PS I Love You). I asked her for advice on how she deals with letting go of her manuscript, when that means opening herself up to criticism and feedback. Her answer: "I tell myself I did the best I could." It's advice I often share with my writers and authors. Can we do better? Can the book be better? Can I be a better writer? Yes, I'm getting better all the time. But if you don't set deadlines and give your manuscript over to someone else, you'll never be done. This line reminds me that I can have peace knowing that I gave my book everything that I had—I did the best I could, at the time. Next time, I'll do better!
How do you ensure you have enough time to write amidst so many obligations competing for your time?
Oh man, this question is everything! For 40 years, I had all the excuses to NOT write my book. Then I realized those were just excuses, covering up fear, scarcity, insecurities and limiting beliefs under that. I still have a million reasons why I can't write—a business to run, book to launch, 4 kids, and on and on. But I'm able to get to each thing on my list by prioritizing long-term goals and balancing that with current circumstances. Two things work for me: 1) Sprints. I'm on a sprint right now, focusing on my business. Second quarter I'll shift over to prioritizing my book launch. Third quarter summer holidays with my kids, and so on. You can have it all, just maybe not at the same time😊 2) Slow and steady wins the race. Can you carve out an hour a day for your book? 20 minutes? One day a week? One weekend a month? Figure out which strategy will ACTUALLY work in your life and stick with it until you meet your goal (first draft, 60K words, first draft revision, etc.). 3) When all else fails, join the 5am club.
What's one writing "rule" or commonly followed piece of advice that you decidedly break?
I don't know, is swearing a lot a writing rule, LOL? I feel like it is, particularly in literature. Listen, I grew up on the classics: Zola, Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Kafka, Marquez. I'm a French lit major, Spanish minor, with a penchant for Russian lit. I didn't read anything "contemporary" until my 40s. (And I didn't read anything at all while I was having babies in my 30s—twins will do that to you.) But more important to me than rules is authenticity. And this book, this story, these characters, have a mind and life of their own. My only job is to stay out of their way and let it flow on to the page.
What do you wish you had known about writing before you published your debut?
Ugh, so many things! Social proofing—let's start with that. I was so focused on writing the book, getting an agent, getting a book deal, then promoting the book--I forgot, or didn't realize, that the number one way to let people know about your book is through word of mouth, aka social proofing. As a published author, one day, you'll be asked who can endorse your book, and hopefully you'll have a good answer, because it's too late to find out and build those relationships then. Fortunately, I had some friends and contacts already, practically by accident and despite myself, who could blurb my book. I had built up some goodwill in the community and become part of some teams and groups that cared about supporting me. If I could go back in time, though, I would tell myself to let other people in on my book journey sooner. Be a part of more writing groups, book clubs. Bring on more editors, feedback partners and beta readers. Make friends, network. You're going to need all the help you can get when it comes to launching your book.
What is something you’ve learned about yourself later in your writing career that would have surprised your younger self?
It's trite I know, but it really is all about the journey. Music producer Rick Rubin says that the "first draft is a spiritual act," and I wholeheartedly agree. When I started writing this book, I was trying to solve a problem, which turned out to be an existential crisis. I didn't realize then that that's the whole point. At least for me. I finally get it, which gives me peace. Whatever happens with my book launch, will be perfect, because I got what I came for. I did the best I could, and I grew up and became a better person along the way.
You can purchase Again, Only More Like You on our Bookshop.org affiliate page here. 📚❤️
In Conversation with Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Patti Callahan Henry! 🤩
Curious to know what New York Times bestselling authors wish they’d known at the start of their careers? Or what new writing insights they’ve gained since joining forces to form Friends of Fiction five years ago? Of course you are! Luckily for you, we’ve got a video for that. 😉
For more information about the Friends of Fiction podcast and community, check out their website here!
Join Bianca’s Latest Course: Circling the Building of Your Work 😍
So, you've started your story with everything that you meant to: strong curiosity seeds, an element of surprise, a strong main character who the reader connects with, as well as context, conflict, and tension. But you're still getting these soul-crushing responses from agents:
“I didn't connect with the story the way I wanted to.”
“The premise was intriguing, but this ultimately wasn't for me.”
“I'm not the right agent for this project.”
“Let me know if you're working on something else.”
Which is so incredibly frustrating because you checked their manuscript wish list and this is exactly what they said they wanted. They've asked for the full, so you know the premise intrigued them. If you did everything right, why didn't they love it? You have a killer hook, so what's not working?
Circling the building of your work can help diagnose the problem. Perhaps there's another main character just waiting in the wings desperate for their big break. Have you truly found the beating heart of the story or is its pulse weak? Have you been looking at it through the wrong end of a telescope all this time?
Sometimes all you need is a change of perspective to realize that you've chosen one way to tell your story when there are infinite ways. And hot damn, the fix might have been staring you in the face all this time, but you just couldn't see it!
Bianca feels your pain. She knows your frustration because she’s been there. And she’s going to take your hand and lead you through her entire process of circling the building so you can learn how to diagnose your own work.
The webinar is happening on the 13th of May from 7 to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Cost: $69
The recording and resources will be sent out on the 14th of May to all registered delegates.
Are you attending Bianca’s book launch?! Everyone will be there!
Join Bianca on the 9th of June from 6-10pm ET as she launches her latest novel, A Most Puzzling Murder, at The Young People’s Theatre in downtown Toronto in this not-to-be-missed literary soiree of the season!
It’s not a party without friends, and Bianca will have a LOT of them there to help her celebrate, including Carly and CeCe for the hosts’ first ever in real life event together!!
In each week’s Friday newsletter, we’ll also be announcing additional special guests, not to mention the incredible contests we’ll be hosting, as well as the awesome prizes up for grabs.
This week, we’ve got something extra special lined up! VIP guests Sue Hincenbergs (author of the buzzy The Retirement Plan) and Farah Heron (author of Meet Me on Love Street) will be on hand to sign their latest novels. And that’s not all—Marissa Stapley (author of The Lightning Bottles and first Canadian author to be chosen as a Reese’s Book Club Pick) and Kath Jonathan (author of instant bestseller The Resistance Painter) will be popping in to join the fun too!
We’re also excited to share that we’ll be hosting two contests for those of you who will be joining us on the night:
A flash fiction contest – a story told in 1500 words or less.
A query package contest – your query letter and five opening pages.
The best entry in each category will be invited up on stage on the night to accept their award, and will be welcomed onto the podcast and published in our newsletter.
Entries can be emailed to tsnotyaw.contest@gmail.com Please note, you can only enter these contests if you’ve got a ticket to attend the event.
We’ll also do two draws on the night for two 10 000-word critiques, one done by Bianca and one done by CeCe.
There are prizes you’re going to want to win!
CAD $45+tax gets you an unassigned seat in the theatre, access to all the fun, a signed copy of A Most Puzzling Murder, a goodie bag, and snacks before and after the main event.
The Beta Reader Match Up is Back!
If you listened to our incredible interview with NYT #1 bestselling author, Ann Napolitano, you’ll know how vital critique partners are!
All the more reason why you’ll want to sign up for the next Beta Reader Match Up where you can be matched up with those writing in a similar genre and/or time zone, so they can critique your work as you critique theirs.
Your manuscript doesn't have to be complete to sign up for this 3000-word evaluation.
Registrations are open from now until the 4th of May, with the match up emails going out on the 5th of May.
Because Bianca’s latest novel, A Most Puzzling Murder, pubs in early June and will be keeping her very busy, this will be the last match up until the fall. Please spread the word even if you aren’t signing up this time! The more writers we have registered, the better the matches will be, which means you’ll be paying it forward to your fellow authors.
Tuesday Teaser 😉
In next week’s newsletter exclusively for our paid members, we’ve got a Q&A from Karen Swan, international bestselling author of thirty books, who shares her thoughts on the importance of “bum glue;” a phenomenal essay by bestselling The Lost Apothecary author Sarah Penner offering concrete tips for writing dual timeline novels; and a video from Nana Malone (Gold Coast Dilemma), who advocates for (among other things) knowing “who your people are” as being key to writing success—and shares how to make sure your audience can find you.
Not yet a member? For just $8USD a month or $80USD a year you get:
an exclusive newsletter on Tuesdays featuring bonus author Q&As and other exclusive content from industry experts
access to Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra’s written notes on queries from the podcast’s Books With Hooks feature
monthly bonus podcast episodes, AND
regular Ask Me Anythings / Q&As with Carly, CeCe, and Bianca Marais.
If that doesn’t kickstart your writing journey, we don’t know what will!
That’s all for this week’s news! If you enjoyed it, why not share the love? 🥰
Tune in again next week for more invaluable wisdom from our wonderful hosts! Until then, happy writing! 😍
❤️ The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Team
Our work takes place on land now known as Toronto and Ottawa and we acknowledge that these are the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat Peoples as well as the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. Toronto is covered under Treaty 13 and the Williams Treaties. We respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land and acknowledge the historical oppression of lands, cultures, languages, and the original Peoples in what we now know as Canada. We invite you to learn more about the land you inhabit, the history of that land, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together at Native Land or Whose Land.
Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work in this newsletter is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and CeCe in this newsletter are solely that of themselves and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.
So glad to take part in this fun collab with TSNOTYAW and Friends & Fiction!
Thank you so much for welcoming Friends & Fiction into the TSNOTYAW world and featuring us in your newsletter!
We hope your community will check out our Substsack (https://substack.com/@friendsandfiction), podcast (https://bleav.com/shows/friends-and-fiction/), Facebook community (https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsandFiction) , and Instagram feed (https://www.instagram.com/friendsandfiction/)!
We host a new author guest every week on our show which airs in video on Wednesdays on Facebook & YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsFiction) and on our podcast on Fridays!