Best Carly Watters Podcasts (2024)

1
How to Tackle Writing an Omniscient POV 1:11:53

1d ago1:11:53

1:11:53

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly are joined by Jennifer to discuss her thriller submission. They chat about trigger warnings and their necessity in a query; ensuring your stakes aren't too obvious while illustrating the bigger 'why' at hand; framing your query letter in a way that highlights your POV characters and not others; t…

1
What Message Do You Want to Convey Through Your Writing? 28:36

4d ago28:36

28:36

In today's bonus episode, Bianca interviews author, Kirsten Miller, to chat about her latest novel, Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books. They discuss writing across different genres and what drove Kirsten to change up her genre; writing with the intention of sharing a message with readers; the inspiration behind the novel; Kirsten's experien…

1
How Interiority Makes a Character Come Alive 1:12:27

8d ago1:12:27

1:12:27

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique a rom-com and a YA submission. They discuss the importance of clarity in your query and avoiding language that might cause confusion; the necessity of a clear major dramatic question in your query; ensuring your protagonists aren't anticipating everything that happens in your pages; the …

1
An Inspiring Journey to Publication 1:05:49

15d ago1:05:49

1:05:49

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly critique two upmarket submissions, one of which is in the gothic genre. They discuss the reasoning behind placing your metadata at the top of a query; avoiding unnecessary detail in your query; avoiding slipping from pitch to synopsis; the need for interiority, particularly interiority that will …

1
Writing That Evokes All the Feels 1:04:48

22d ago1:04:48

1:04:48

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly are joined by guest literary agent, Mary C. Moore. They critique a resubmission and a sci-fi query, during which they discuss: the importance of making tropes as fresh and different as possible; how to ensure your pitch isn't too dense, especially in genres that involve world-building; highlighti…

1
018: Exploring Historical Fiction and Reader Insights with Maria Sorentino 29:21

24d ago29:21

29:21

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by my mom, Maria, to discuss our favorite books and reading habits. Maria shares her love for historical fiction, especially period dramas and World War narratives, and provides insights into how she selects her books, often influenced by covers and word of mouth. The discussion also touches on the accuracy …

1
Choosing How to Frame Certain Aspects of Your Work 1:11:00

29d ago1:11:00

1:11:00

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe are joined by listener, Kelly Fuller, as they critique her book club fiction submission. They discuss picking comps that match the genre you're writing in; using your query to discuss the plot of the book rather than backstory about your characters; ensuring your stakes are high enough; pitching …

1
017: Behind the Scenes with Bestselling Author with Fiona Davis 35:48

1M ago35:48

35:48

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis. Known for her historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, Fiona delves into her latest book, 'The Spectacular,' set at Radio City Music Hall in the 1950s. We discuss the research and inspiration behind her stories, including interviews wi…

1
May Bonus Episode 1:25:08

1M ago1:25:08

1:25:08

In this month’s bonus episode, Bianca chats with Courtney Preiss to discuss her debut novel, Welcome Home, Caroline Kline. They speak about the inspiration behind Courtney's novel and her journey to publication; her experiences with rejection during the querying process; being aware of cultural moments that could propel your novel forward when you’…

1
A Debut Experience All Authors Dream Of 57:13

1M ago57:13

57:13

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique a YA submission and a literary coming-of-age horror. They discuss avoiding using repetitive language in a query; considering SEO when choosing a book title; the concept of 'scene work'; the need for disruption to occur in opening pages; matching word choice to genre when writing your que…

1
016: From the Law to Storytelling Through Writing Thrillers with Bill Myers 32:22

1M ago32:22

32:22

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Bill Williams, a lawyer and author, about his unique approach to balancing his law career with his passion for writing. Bill shares his daily routine, including how ideas come to him during walks with his new puppy and how he utilizes emails and voice notes to capture these thoughts. He discusses the impo…

1
Insights from Publishing Phenomenon, Veronica Roth 53:40

1M ago53:40

53:40

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique a literary fiction query and a high concept YA fantasy query. They discuss the necessity of being specific with plot details and your protagonists' motivations in your query; honing in on world-building when your novel takes place in a reality that's different from ours; the issue with n…

1
Rewriting Instead of Giving Up 1:09:05

2M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe are joined by Paige to discuss her query for her action-adventure romance novel. They discuss the importance of spelling out your protagonist's motivation in your query; the need for story-forward plot escalation; accurately positioning your novel’s genre; making an agent's job easier by picking …

1
015: Self-Expression and Self-Publishing: A Conversation with Author Rachel L. Ertassi 43:19

2M ago43:19

43:19

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Rachel L. Ertassi, a first-time author from Sacramento, who discusses her debut novel that explores the impact of a new serial murderer on the city of Sacramento from multiple perspectives. One of the characters, living with Type 1 Diabetes, is inspired by Rachel’s own experiences as she has been living w…

1
Metaphor and Meaning in Memoir 1:22:51

2M ago1:22:51

1:22:51

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe are joined by two guests, author Rachel Kapelke-Dale and her agent, Sarah Phair. They discuss ensuring your comps align with each other and with your work; making sure your query is representative of your whole novel and not just one part; using your author bio to help show why you're the one to …

1
014: Navigating Book Development and Design with Linda Secondari 35:13

2M ago35:13

35:13

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Linda Secondari, the principal and creative director of Studiolo Secondari, a New York-based design firm specializing in book development and digital communications. With over 25 years of experience, including a significant tenure as the creative director at Oxford University Press, Linda shares insights …

1
April Bonus Episode: Writing Without a Pricetag 1:11:31

2M ago1:11:31

1:11:31

In this month’s bonus episode, Bianca interviews poet, novelist, and Chair of the Amherst Writers (AWA), Sue Reynolds. They discuss the AWA workshop method and how it differs from other workshops; what occurs in an AWA workshop; the importance of giving writers a safe and encouraging space to share their work; the concept of strength-based feedback…

1
Caroline Leavitt’s Insights and Encouragement 1:04:10

2M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

In today’s Book with Hooks, Carly and CeCe critique two listener queries, a resubmission and a YA fantasy. They discuss the issue of starting with a protagonist that has a 'simple, stable' life; a great example of an inciting incident; ensuring your major dramatic question is strong enough; good storytelling as the promise of change; making your pr…

1
013: The Story Behind 'Getting Thru: The Worst Possible Thing' with Jim Williams 51:04

2M ago51:04

51:04

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Jim Williams, who discusses his book 'Getting Thru: The Worst Possible Thing', inspired by his son Kyle's battle with neuroblastoma. Jim shares the devastating journey of his son’s diagnosis, subsequent fight with cancer, and the profound lessons of strength, resilience, and hope learned through Kyle's jo…

1
Figuring Out What Genre You Should Be Writing In 56:24

2M ago56:24

56:24

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique a children's picture book and a literary fiction query. They discuss avoiding vagueness, no matter the genre; using illustrator notes in a picture book pitch; the need for tension, even in a children's book; framing your novel in your query so agents aren't confused when they get to the …

1
012: The Essence of Innovation, Creativity and Passion with Janine Bolon 39:10

2M ago39:10

39:10

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Janine Bolon, a prolific author, educator, and entrepreneur who shares her journey from working in the pharmaceutical industry to homeschooling her children and managing multiple side businesses. She discusses the importance of managing time well to prevent burnout while juggling family life and professio…

1
Choosing the Best POVs for a Multi-POV Novel 1:00:36

3M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe are joined by guest agent, Jo Ramsay, to critique two queries. They discuss the issue of withholding too much plot in a query; highlighting the stakes in your query; the importance of first lines in a novel; the need for psychological depth and acuity in your characters; the issue of comping to titles tha…

1
011: Identity, Branding, and Innovation in Writing with Ben Purkert 33:35

3M ago33:35

33:35

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Ben Purkert, a celebrated author known for his debut novel 'The Men Can't Be Saved'. We discuss the themes of self-worth and identity in the context of job loss, drawing from the experiences of the novel's main character, Seth. Ben shares insights into the impact of branding and professional identity on i…

1
Insights from Mary Kubica 1:04:55

3M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly and CeCe discuss choosing a unique title for your work; having a strong plot connection between your main characters in a multi POV novel; avoiding situations where the agent has to make too many assumptions in a query; choosing between italics and dialogue tags when having a character talk to themselves; …

1
010: From Ring Fights to Mic Nights: Run With the Bull with Eric Johnston 47:32

3M ago47:32

47:32

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Eric Johnston, an award-winning comedian, actor, emcee, and best-selling author. Eric shares his journey through the intersecting worlds of sports and entertainment, highlighted by his family legacy in professional wrestling. He discusses his debut book 'Run with the Bull', which navigates three generatio…

1
Defining Book Club Fiction 1:01:44

3M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe discuss keeping your author bio paragraph concise; the need for causality in a plot paragraph; paying attention to the language you use in a query so you don't create confusion surrounding the book's premise; knowing who your protagonist is and highlighting their interiority and inner life over o…

1
009: A Glimpse Inside Publishing's Secret World with Carly Watters 32:49

3M ago32:49

32:49

In this chapter of Open Book, Carly Waters, a literary agent, talks about the multifaceted aspects of her work and insights into the publishing industry. Carly discusses her daily life balancing roles as a literary agent, podcast host, and writer. She emphasizes her commitment to educating authors about the industry and how every week brings new, v…

1
March Bonus Episode 47:33

3M ago47:33

47:33

In this month’s bonus episode, Bianca interviews game designer, curator, and writer, Holly Gramazio to discuss her debut novel, The Husbands. The two discuss Holly's journey to publication; the novel’s inspiration and genre; how game design lends itself to novel writing; how she structured the novel; the importance of causality; Holly's approach to…

1
How Research Should Inform a Novel Without Leaving Too Many Fingerprints 1:06:23

3M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

In today's Books with Hooks, Carly, CeCe, and Bianca are joined by Ron, to discuss his query submission. They chat about Ron's curiosity-inducing first query paragraph; the line between giving away too much plot and sharing just enough in a query; how subjective agents’ opinions can be; the right emotional calibration within your characters; the is…

1
008: Visual Storytelling and Cover Design with Emma McGoldrick 40:25

3M ago40:25

40:25

In this chapter of Open Book, Emma McGoldrick, founder of ESM Creative Studio, discusses the significance of visual storytelling in brand and personal identity. Emma shares her insights on the blend of strategy and aesthetics in crafting memorable brands, the role of design in consumer choices, and the influence of book covers in the world of readi…

1
Balancing Curiosity Seeds and Tension Without Making the Reader Feel Cheated 1:01:36

4M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe discuss the need for external pressure in your major dramatic question; the three sets of questions that create tension at the beginning of a story; surprising your reader in your first five pages; the accuracy of third party manuscript wishlists; the need for world-building in a fantasy query; b…

1
007: From Digital Marketer to Self-Published Romance Author with Mary Belle 45:12

4M ago45:12

45:12

In this chapter of Open Book, Mary Belle shares her journey of transitioning from a versatile career in various industries to pursuing her passion for writing. Her debut novel, ‘Vivi il Momento,' inspired by her vacation to Italy, reflects her love for romance, family, and food. Mary Belle discusses her decision to self-publish, highlighting the im…

1
Insights from Acquisitions Editors & Working on Author Collaborations 1:10:59

4M ago1:10:59

1:10:59

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Carly, CeCe, and Bianca are joined by two acquisitions editors at Atria Books, Elizabeth Hitti and Melanie Iglesias. Melanie is a senior editor at Atria Books and has worked on various bestselling titles, including It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover. Elizabeth joined Atria in 2022 and has worked on various best…

1
006: Influencer Marketing & Booktok with Tom Stefanuik 35:28

4M ago35:28

35:28

In this chapter of Open Book, Tom Stefanuik, founder of SmallScreen, a global influencer management agency, joins me to talk about booktok and influencer marketing. Tom shares his journey starting with making YouTube videos in 2013, gradually building an audience and turning his passion into a full-time career. He discusses how content creation bec…

1
Being Intentional With Your Novel's Timeline 1:01:14

4M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Bianca, Carly and CeCe discuss the importance of specifying between awards for published and unpublished manuscripts; the difficulty with trying to sell a book whose main character’s race and culture differs from the author’s lived experience; the need for a main character’s interiority to accurately reflect the…

1
Bumper February Bonus Episode 2:15:24

4M ago2:15:24

2:15:24

In today's Bumper February Bonus Episode, Bianca kicks it off by interviewing interviews tech anthropologist and author, Nikki Payne. They discuss her latest novel, Sex, Lies, and Sensibility, a retelling of the classic, Sense and Sensibility; how Nikki approached writing her retelling, one which specifically centred diversity; decentering whitenes…

1
How Some Stories Need You to Become a Better Writer Before Telling Them 1:02:32

4M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

In today's Books with Hooks segment, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe are joined by emerging author, Sarah. They discuss ways to make a novel sound less quiet in a query; the necessity of a hook; when it's acceptable to comp to a hugely successful novel; how to convey a longer timeline; how to share pivotal plot points in a query without spoiling the novel;…

1
Torturing Your Characters in the Second Act 1:07:03

4M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly discuss small tweaks for an overall 'fantastic' query; a good example of framing and planting curiosity seeds; starting a novel with a scene where the protagonist is waking up; being careful about word choice in a query; being mindful of when you're being vague vs specific; and the importance of …

1
How Writing Contests Can Help Launch Your Career 57:04

5M ago57:04

57:04

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly critique an upmarket/southern-gothic query and a book club romance. They discuss a "perfect" first query paragraph; the importance of accurate framing in a query; when a content warning is necessary; tips for elevating your line level writing along with examples of sophisticated writing; writing …

1
Insights from NYT Bestselling Authors, Ali Hazelwood and Kiley Reid 1:33:42

5M ago1:33:42

1:33:42

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe discuss the need for specificity with regard to plot details when you have a more psychological book/concept; avoiding too much backstory in the opening pages; the need for your first chapter to be as strong as your prologue (if you have one); being as specific about your genre as possible; and h…

1
005: The Power of Investing in the Business of You 19:38

5M ago19:38

19:38

In this chapter of Open Book, we cover the criticality of viewing authorship as a business and explain how this perspective can amplify promotional efforts and reader engagement. Delving into personal branding, I give guidance on identifying unique habits and characteristics to develop a reputation and foster trust. I emphasize consistency and comm…

1
January Bonus Episode 1:35:47

5M ago1:35:47

1:35:47

In today's January Bonus Episode, Bianca interviews Jami Attenberg, author of 1000 Words: A Writer's Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round. They discuss Jami's 1000 Words of Summer newsletter and the idea of being a good literary citizen; the essays from Jami's latest work; writing for other reasons than to get published…

1
How the Close Third Person POV Can Get You Closer Than First Person 1:16:52

5M ago1:16:52

1:16:52

In today's Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe are joined by guest listener, Erica. They discuss the need to illustrate external plot points within a query letter, even if the book is more quiet/internal; using plot as scaffolding for the emotionality within your novel; the need for propulsiveness in a query and plot; figuring out how to desc…

1
004: Combining Entertainment Writing and Authorship with Rachel McRady 38:30

5M ago38:30

38:30

In this chapter of Open Book, I sit down with Rachel McRady, an Emmy award-winning writer and editor for Entertainment Tonight, discussing her debut novel, 'Sun Seekers'. She shares about the inspiration drawn from her own family's experiences with dementia and how she interweaves her personal, professional, and creative worlds. Rachel also talks a…

1
The Dos and Don’ts When Writing For Children 1:05:40

5M ago1:05:40

1:05:40

In today's Books with Hooks, CeCe and Carly discuss what agents look for with a resubmission; the issue with starting with themes in a query letter; the need for your plot and stakes to have a 'domino' effect; infusing character description with emotionality; the need for specificity in plot points; the standards for literary fiction writing; the e…

1
003: Reading Will Change Your Life with Steve Clair 42:33

5M ago42:33

42:33

In this chapter of Open Book, I sit down with one of my favorite fellow book enthusiasts, Steve Clair, known as the 'Millennial Broker', a brand builder, and founder of NDOband. Steve discusses his dedication to fostering relationships, continual growth, and helping others realize their goals. He also mentions his podcast, 'The Self Starters Show',…

1
Creating intimacy With Your Reader 1:06:45

6M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe discuss the importance of eliminating any confusion in your query; the distinction between having a 'perfect' query letter and one that does the job; how plausibility issues may or may not be a problem for different agents; the need to be intentional with dates you choose in your novel, rather than just c…

1
002: The Author’s Journey with Kristy Woodson Harvey 45:32

6M ago45:32

45:32

In this episode of Open Book, bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey discusses her journey as a writer. She has over ten novels to her name and has received several accolades including the Lucy Bromlett Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing. She shares her experience about hitting the New York Times best selling author list, the role…

1
001: Building a Personal Brand as an Author: Steps towards Engaging and Nurturing Your Community 13:58

6M ago13:58

13:58

Welcome to the Open Book Podcast Chapter One! In this episode, we will dive into the world of social media for authors. As an author, it’s important to go beyond the bookshelf and connect with your readers on a daily basis. In this very first episode, we will explore why authors should embrace social media and how it can elevate their name and buil…

1
Working with a Writing Coach 1:14:03

6M ago1:14:03

1:14:03

In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe are joined by guest Alicia Clancy, executive editor at Lake Union Publishing. They discuss the need to establish what is real and what is made up in a fantasy query; the importance of physical movement in the opening pages to help with pacing; avoiding vague plot points in your query, especially when rela…

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