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The Importance of Surprising the Reader From the First Chapter

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Episode • Dec 1, 2022 • 1h 4m

In today's Books with Hooks, Carly and CeCe each critique two query letters, in the process discussing WWII fatigue in the industry; the importance of the butterfly effect in time travel stories; how to compress plot in your query; packing in as many compelling elements as possible; and reading a perfect query letter.

After which, Bianca chats with Brad Smith, author of Copperhead Road, about how Bob Dylan, moonshine, and the origins of stock car racing inspired Copperhead Road; his experiences publishing with a small Canadian indie press; surprising the reader in the opening chapter; the importance of causality; how writing a book is like building a house; and killing your darlings.

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Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting, www.biancamarais.com and www.carlywatters.com 
Brad can be found at www.bradsmithbooks.com



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