Episodios
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If you're planning your novel or have a finished draft and don't know where to begin with revisions, you need to hear this episode.
This is a special two-part discussion with the brilliant book coach, developmental editor, and author Savannah Gilbo as she breaks down the main plot lineâor the big pictureâin J.K. Rowling's debut and phenomenon, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (HPSS).
In today's high-level discussion, Savannah and I chat about some foundational knowledge that can greatly benefit you when outlining, writing, and revising your book, such as understanding your content genre, the 5 Commandments of Story Telling (Story Grid), and how to identify the main scenes that govern your story. This pieces pulled from this episode come from an interview Savannah and I did with Story Grid for their YouTube channel, which you can watch here.
To do this, Savannah and I first explore the 5 main scenes that make up the global story in HPSS. After, we zoom-in and dissect what we call the skeletal structure of HPSS; in other words, the 20 key scenes that make up the story's main plot line, split into the beginning, middle, and end (also known as Act I, Act II Part I, Act II Part II, and Act III).
By the time you finish this episode, you'll have a better grasp on how to use plot and structure to test the strength of a story, all of which is modeled in a masterwork that changed history. The key points made in this discussion also pull from Savannah's recent book, THE WRITER'S STUDY GUIDE: HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, which you can purchase by clicking this link.
What should you listen to next? Check out Savannah and my analysis of the first chapter in HPSS: First Chapters: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Connect with Abigail and Savannah:
Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.savannahgilbo.com/
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Abigail sits down with Karyn Fischer, a book coach and past literary agent of Bookstop Literary Agency, to discuss narrative voice and how to differentiate a characterâs voice in middle grade and young adult novels.
If youâre writing a middle grade or young adult novelâor you get consistent feedback that something is just âoffâ with your voiceâthis episode is for you.
Karyn shares specific (and practical) tips that can help you improve your narrative voice, and she even takes a deep-dive into two examples that emphasize when a voice really works, and why it needs to change in order to reflect the age of the protagonist.
As a certified Author Accelerator book coach, and a past literary agent with additional experience as a bookseller and book buyer for an indie bookstore (among various other roles in the industry), Karyn knows how to teach writers how to improve their characterâs voice and prose. I donât want you to miss out!
P.S. After you listen to this episode, share it with a writing companion who could use this advice, and donât forget to subscribe to the show and rate/review it so that Abigail can reach more writers like you who want to blend their passion of writing with business.
Connect with Abigail and Karyn:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com |https://www.storyandprose.com/
IG: @abigailkperry |@storyandprose
P.S. Check out Karynâs latest workshop: Revision Confidence!
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Join Savannah Gilbo and Abigail for the second part of an inside interview with Tim Grahl, CEO of Story Grid, on our latest book, a masterwork analysis guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (now available for purchase!).
In this interview, we discuss how Rowling created an unforgettable cast of quirky and relatable characters in the Harry Potter series. Youâll learn insights and tips like:
How to think about the number of characters you include in your story (and what we can learn from the characters Rowling highlighted in book one).How to write a dynamic cast of characters that can help your protagonist grow and change (and, in Harryâs case, harm or aid his ability to survive).How Rowling layered the forces of antagonism Harry faces in this first book (and why this was necessary based on his age and skill level).How point of view choice affects our interpretation of the events in the storyâand influences whether we classify certain characters as âgoodâ or âevil.âAnd so much moreâŠIf you like this episode, youâll LOVE our book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide. Follow the link to order a copy and learn how to improve your writing craft today.
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What made Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone a worldwide bestseller? Why does this story still resonate with readers almost thirty years later?
And why did Savannah Gilbo and I agree to spend so much time dissecting every single scene and page to find out how and why it works?!
Tune into this episode to hear Savannah Gilbo and I talk to Tim Grahl (the CEO of Story Grid) about what it was like to study Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stoneâwhy we chose this book, what we learned from our analysis, and so much more.
â Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love the Lit Match podcast!" â If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're so fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
đ Links mentioned in this episode:Pre-order Savannah's new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonusesWatch the video interview on Story Gridâs YouTube channel -
The third (and final!) analysis in a 3-part episode series!
Abigail and Savannah return for their final first chapter analysis in The Hunger Games series, this time analyzing the first chapter (and scene) of MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins. Learn why they think this first chapter makes a splash, and how it emotionally pulls fans into the final chapter of a high stakes trilogy.
Some key elements they explore include:
How can you spell out a crisis without stiffening the stakes? How does this first chapter set up expectations for the whole story? How do you write a scene that advances the plot and develops characters?And more...P.S. If you'd like to learn more about how to start your manuscript with an engaging first chapter, check out the resources that inspired this episode's analysis:
Mockingjay by Suzanne CollinsThe Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier Story Grid by Shawn CoyneStory by Robert McKeeFollow Abigail and Savannah:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com
Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY!
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The second analysis in a 3-part episode series!
Abigail and Savannah are back to analyze the first chapter of CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins, the sequel in The Hunger Games phenomenon, and the second analysis in The Hunger Games first chapter deep dive episodes. Come listen to why Abigail and Savannah think this first chapter hooks, and why it sets the stage for arguably their favorite book in the series.
Some key elements they explore include:
How does the first chapter set up expectations for the whole book?How can you break down scenes in the first chapter?How do you raise the stakes in a sequel? How does each scene advance the plot and develop character(s)?Why does this chapter ground readers and entice us to turn the page?P.S. If you'd like to learn more about how to start your manuscript with an engaging first chapter, check out the resources that inspired this episode's analysis:
Catching Fire by Suzanne CollinsThe Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier Story Grid by Shawn CoyneStory by Robert McKeeFollow Abigail and Savannah:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com
Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY!
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The first analysis in what will be a 3-part episode series!
Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the YA dystopian phenomenon, THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins. This is one of Abigail's and Savannah's favorite series....ever...and their passion for this story shines in their discussion about what (1) sets up big picture expectations for the main plot, and (2) what makes the opening pages a great first chapter.
Tune in now to hear Abigail and Savannah's analysis, and don't forget to share your thoughts a you listen! Some key elements they take deep dives on include:
7 key questions to ask about the opening pages (The Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier) Characters we love (and why) When an opening of a daily routine worksScenes versus beats and how Savannah and Abigail view the difference How to raise the personal and public stakes (in this first book and in a series) Plus, more!Come study this juggernaut with Savannah and Abigail and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers.
P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories with Savannah and Abigail? Learn more about their virtual book club, Book Notes. Sign up for their next meeting or purchase a recording of a past meeting >>
Follow Abigail and Savannah:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com
Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
âą The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
âą The Writerâs Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier -
Abigail sits down with domestic suspense author, Jen Cravenâher first *returning!* guest. In Jen's previous episode, Abigail and Jen discussed her writing career as a self-published author. In this episode, Jen talks about her latest books and what it's been like to shift from self-publishing to traditional publishing. Some of the big discussion topics Abigail and Jen explore include:
Why Jen decided to switch from self-publishing to traditional publishing What she likes about traditional publishing and what she needed to let go ofWhat it's like to work with multiple editors at BookoutureHow to structure a domestic thriller with high conscience-based stakes vs. life or death stales How to pitch to a publisher vs. write the back cover copy for Amazon How to come up with a great hook for your story (and test it)What to consider when choosing a title for a commercial vs. literary bookPlus, more!Regardless of whether or not you want to self-publish or traditionally publish your manuscript, Jen's insights can help you weigh this decision. What key takeaways did you get from this episode?
Read Jen's Books >>
Find Abigail and Jen:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.jencraven.com/
IG: @abigailkperry | @jencravenauthor
Twitter: @abigailkperry | @jencravenauthor
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Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling and award-winning novel REMARKABLY BRIGHt CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt. This was one of Abigail's favorite reads in 2023, and there are great reasons it received (and continues to receive) such hype!
Together, Abigail and Savannah discuss why these opening pages hook readers and set up big picture expectations for the story. Some key elements they take deep dives on include:
7 Key questions to analyze that set up big picture expectationsVoice and "attitude" in POV and narratives Character development and relationshipsSmall details that work as great set ups for big pay offsPlus, more!Come study this popular book club fiction novel with Savannah and Abigail and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers.
P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories and the writing craft? Learn more about Savannah and Abigail's virtual book club, Book Notes. Sign up for their next meeting or purchase a recording of a past meeting >>
Follow Abigail and Savannah:
www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com
@abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
P.S. Don't miss Savannah's podcast, FICTION WRITING MADE EASY!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
âą Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
âą The Writerâs Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier -
Take out your notepads!
Abigail sits down with literary agent Kate McKean for a very special conversation about book publishing contracts. This is a topic that intimidated Abigail early in her careerâas it does many writers who are interested in traditional publishing. It's also extremely important for writers to understand what makes a good deal, and who better to learn from than an expert agent with over 17 years experience.
Kate has worked as a literary agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency since 2006, where she's built a diverse client list from New York Times best selling internet sensations like I Can Has Cheezburger to beloved humorist and short story writer Daniel M. Lavery to New York Times best selling YA horror writer Madeleine Roux.
Kate is also an adjunct professor at New York University in the School of Professional Studies and a writer herself (rep. by Michael Bourret of Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret).
Her ability to talk about complicated topics like publishing contracts in layman's terms is a testament to her teaching abilities and strong communication skills. Some of the key topics in this discussion include:
Contract misconceptions and what to really expectWhat makes a good deal and what are red flags in contractsMoney, rights, and what happens if something goes wrongPayout structures (how writers get paid)General thought process about negotiationsWhy you should always ask for morePlus, more!Does Kate sound like the ideal literary agent for you? Send her your query!
Kate's Full MSWL: Review it hereLearn more about HML: Visit their website Read Kate's article on Catapult: "Book Contracts: Let's Talk Rights"Sign up for Kate's informative email list! >> Enroll here
Follow Abigail and Kate:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.katemckean.com/
IG: @abigailkperry | @kate_mckean
X: @abigailkperry | @kate_mckean
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Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo!
Today, Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling fantasy novel FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros. Together, they discuss why these opening pages hook readers and set up big picture expectations for the story. Some key elements they take deep dives on include:
How to raise the stakes (and why they're so important)Structuring multiple scenes in a single chapterRomantasy as a genre and New Adult as a categoryCharacter development and relationshipsPlus, more!Come study this popular fantasy novel with Savannah and Abigail and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers.
P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories and the writing craft? Learn more about Savannah and Abigail's virtual book club, Book Notes. Sign up for their next meeting or purchase a recording of a past meeting >>
Follow Abigail and Savannah:
www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com
@abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
Resources mentioned in this episode:
âą Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
âą The Writerâs Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier -
Abigail sits down with Megan Tady (Super Bloom, May 2023) to discuss her debut and path to publishing. Humble and resilient, Megan shares her experience and knowledge about a wide range of writing tips from the importance of accountability partners and writing strategies to game-changing mindset tips and what to expect as a published author. Some of Abigail's favorite takeaways include:
How Megan became a story of resiliency Ways to turn fear and a scarcity mindset into confidence Why querying is a humbling experience and how to crack a query letter The publishing gauntlet and what to expect after you publish Zibby Books and their creative and supportive approach to publishing Super Boom! (And Megan's next book)More!What are your favorite takeaways from Megan's interview?
P.S. Buy SUPER BLOOM here >>
Follow Abigail and Megan:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.megantady.com/
IG: @abigailkperry | @megtady
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Abigail sits down with Meghan Stevenson (Meghan Stevenson Books) to talk about all things traditional publishing. After an editing career at a traditional publisher, Meghan left her job and started Meghan Stevenson Books (2012). Meghan and her team have helped their clients earn over $5,000,000 in advances from top publishers. In total, their books have sold millions of copies and helped thousands of people.
Packed with experience and knowledge, Abigail discusses big topics with Meghan that can help a multitude of writers interested in traditional publishing, especially nonfiction writers. Some of these include:
3 âPâ factors Meghan considers when looking at a literary agentHer agent matchmaking strategyThe âBarcelona Ruleâ and thoughts on the agent-author power dynamicWhy Meghan left her role at a traditional publisher but still believes in traditional publishingMain pitfalls of publishing (and what authors can do about them)Traditional publishing myths that need to be bustedDoes Meghan sound like someone you want to work with? Reach out to her!
Learn more at Meghan Stevenson BooksNot sure if you need help? Take Meghan's quiz!Follow Abigail and Meghan:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.meghanstevenson.com/
IG: @abigailkperry | @megstevenson
Twitter: @abigailkperry |
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Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of Lev Grossman's THE MAGICIANS (and it's a doozy of a first chapter!).
Both fantasy lovers, Savannah and Abigail come to this first chapter with a unique approach: Savannah is a super fan of this book and Abigail has only read it onceâand several years ago. With these different perspectives, Savannah and Abigail compare their notes to see how this impacts their first chapter analysis and how the opening pages sets up big picture expectations and structures scenes. To do this, they use the 7 key first chapter questions (Paula Munier's THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO BEGINNINGS) and Story Grid's five commandments. Plus, Savannah and Abigail dig into other valuable topics like new adult fiction (is it still a thing?), genre, and how/when to break up multiple scenes in a chapter.
Why do you think the first chapter in THE MAGICIANS hooks readers? We'd love to hear your perspective!
P.S. If you enjoyed these first chapter episodes, you might love Abigail and Savannah's virtual book club, Book Notes. Come join us for our next meeting on November 16, 2023. We are studying the mega-popular fantasy book, THE FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros. Learn all about it (and join us!) here!
Connect with us:
Twitter: @abigailkperry | @savannahgilbo
Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.savannahgilbo.com/
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Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo!
Today, Abigail and Savannah sit down to analyze the first chapter of the bestselling fantasy novel A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness. Together, they discuss why these opening pages hook readersâand model other outstanding elements of fiction, some including:
A micro-analysis of a well-structured scene (while planting set ups that pay off later in the book)How this chapter sets up expectations for the main stakes in the novel, the genre of the story, and other important details that impact the characters and plotA debate about the Crisis in the scene (and why a Crisis is so important!)Plus, more!Come study this popular fantasy novel with Savannah and Abigail, and let us know why you think the opening pages hook readers, and encourage them to read more.
P.S. Do you enjoy analyzing stories and the writing craft? Learn more about Savannah and Abigail's virtual book club, Book Notesâand sign up for their next meeting!
Follow Abigail and Savannah:
www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com
@abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
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Abigail sits down with book coach and memoir writer Suzette Mullen to analyze the prologue and first chapter of Glennon Doyle's bestselling and groundbreaking memoir, UNTAMED. Together, they discuss the differences between memoir and fiction writingâand also why writers can benefit greatly from reading and analyzing both genres.
In addition to their analysis (using the 7 Key First Chapter Questions from Paula Munier's book THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO BEGINNINGS and the 5 Commandments of Storytelling from Story Grid/Robert McKee), Suzette shares various insights on how to structure memoirs and the vulnerability and courage it takes to write a memoir like Glennon's. Abigail was especially inspired by UNTAMED, and shares many of the unique elements that captured her attention within these opening pages.
Come study a an unforgettable memoir with Suzette and Abigail, and let us know why you think the opening pages hook and move readersâand your analysis of the opening pages.
P.S. Order Suzette's Memoir, THE ONLY WAY THROUGH IS OUT
Follow Abigail and Suzette:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.yourstoryfinder.com/
Twitter: @abigailkperry | @suzette_mullen
Instagram: @abigailkperry | @urstoryfinder
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Abigail sits down with Ariele Fredman, a book publicist turned literary agent at United Talent Agency (UTA). Ariele is actively seeking commercial fiction in: General fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense/thriller, Feel-Good Fiction, Women's Fiction, and YA.
Ariele joined UTA after working 12 years at Atria Books, where she worked across genres and launched bestselling campaigns from Colleen Hoover and Fredrik Backman to Zakiya Dalila Harris and Lisa Jewell (among others!). She has an exceptional knack at understanding people and instilling confidence in authors, and she is actively growing her MSWL!
In addition to learning about Ariele's shift from publicist to agent, Ariele sheds light on various writing and publishing topics, some including:
How to empower writers by asking the right questions How to help writers understand where they best fit in the market Her perspective on commercial fiction and her mission to expand the genre at UTA Why voice matters, examples of exemplary voice, and even how to improve your voice in an email Ways to discover and pitch a storyâs hook How to define and pitch a storyâs stakes And more!Does Ariele sound like the ideal literary agent for you? Send her your query!
Ariele's Full MSWL: Review it hereLearn more about UTA: Visit their websiteFollow Abigail and Ariele:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com
IG: @abigailkperry | @arielestewart
Twitter: @abigailkperry | @arielestewart
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A special episode that shares a piece of Abigail and Savannah's May Book Notes meeting!
In this episode, Abigail and book coach companion Savannah Gilbo share a piece of their May virtual book club meeting; they take a deep dive into the first chapter (and prologue) of Tracy Deonn's YA fantasy bestseller LEGENDBORN. Here's a preview of what they discuss:
First chapter summaryHow they split the chapter into two scenes (and why these scenes follow the 5 Commandments of Storytelling from Story Grid/Robert McKee)Legendborn's prologue (and prologues in general)Final thoughts and episode recapLinks mentioned in this episode:
Want to join our book club? Click here to learn more! (Our July book club pick is Bonnie Garmus's major hit, LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY!) Listen to the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo!Follow Abigail and Savannah:
www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com
@abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo
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In this episode, Abigail takes a first chapter deep dive with kidlit book coach and author, Sara Gentry. Together, they discuss the first chapter of C.S. Lewisâs beloved masterwork, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (book two in The Chronicles of Narnia series).
In addition to their analysis of how the first chapter (and part of chapter two) sets up big picture expectations and creates a well-structured scene, Sara explains why burgeoning MG fantasy writers can use this book as a masterwork exampleâbut not as a model for MG fantasy stories published in todayâs market. To support this, she explains what readers expect (and what publishers want) in recent MG fantasy stories, and how the beginning might read if it were published today.
Come study a portal fantasy and learn how C.S. Lewisâs classic world and adventure, relatable characters, and unique narrativeâamong other strengthsâmake this story one that stands the test of time.
Follow Abigail and Sara:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://solutionsforwriters.com
Twitter: @abigailkperry | @writewithsara
Instagram: @abigailkperry | @writewithsara
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In this episode, Abigail takes a first chapter deep dive with Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense book coach expert and author, Samantha Skal. Together, they discuss the first chapter of Riley Sager's THE HOUSE ACROSS THE LAKE and why its prologue and first chapter hook readers and set up big picture expectations. Plus, Abigail picks Samatha's brain about several elements that make MTS novels special, like how Riley Sager masters misdirection with this bestseller, how to write exceptional plot twists, the difference between mysteries, thrillers, and suspense booksâand more!
Even if you don't write MTS, you'll benefit from this episode and all the insights you can learn about conflict, suspense, tension, and entertaining your reader until the end.
P.S. Samantha is hosting a Twists/Reveals how-to class this summer that you don't want to miss! It's called Twists and Reveals in Thrillers - A How To Course and you can learn all about it here.
Follow Abigail and Samantha:
Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.samanthaskal.com/
Twitter: @abigailkperry | @samanthaskal
Instagram: @abigailkperry | @authorsamanthaskal
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