First Chapters: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (with Savannah Gilbo)

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 line—or the big picture—in 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/

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 character’s voice in middle grade and young adult novels.  If you’re writing a middle grade or young adult novel—or you get consistent feedback that something is just “off” with your voice—this 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 character’s voice and prose. I don’t 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 don’t 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 Karyn’s latest workshop: Revision Confidence!

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. You’ll 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 Harry’s 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 story—and influences whether we classify certain characters as “good” or “evil.” And so much more… If you like this episode, you’ll LOVE our book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide. Follow the link to order a copy and learn how to improve your writing craft today.

What made Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s 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 Sorcerer’s Stone—why we chose this book, what we learned from our analysis, and so much more. ⭐ Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love the Lit Match podcast!" ← 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!  🔗 Links mentioned in this episode: Pre-order Savannah's new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses Watch the video interview on Story Grid’s 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 Collins The Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier  Story Grid by Shawn Coyne Story by Robert McKee    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! 

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 Collins The Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier  Story Grid by Shawn Coyne Story by Robert McKee     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! 

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 works Scenes 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:• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins• The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier

Abigail sits down with domestic suspense author, Jen Craven—her 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 of What it's like to work with multiple editors at Bookouture How 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 book Plus, 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

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 expectations Voice and "attitude" in POV and narratives  Character development and relationships Small details that work as great set ups for big pay offs Plus, 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:• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt• The Writer’s 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 career—as 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 expect What makes a good deal and what are red flags in contracts Money, rights, and what happens if something goes wrong Payout structures (how writers get paid) General thought process about negotiations Why you should always ask for more Plus, more!  Does Kate sound like the ideal literary agent for you? Send her your query!  Kate's Full MSWL: Review it here Learn 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