Shows
Going Solo Network Radio, TV & Podcasts (WGSN-DB) - #1 Singles Talk Network11 Steps To Prepare You For The Greatest Love Of Your LifeMany wonder why they can’t get ahead in dating or why they struggle to meet "The Right 1." Together, let's explore 11 Steps To Prepare You For The Greatest Love Of Your Life by Naomi Pabst, PhD. Join Cece Shatz, Doyenne of Relationships, on Date The Right 1 show as we dive into the essential steps to attract and embrace deep, meaningful love. Don’t miss this transformative conversation—only on NEWStreamingNetwork.com!Contact Cece @ goingsolonetwork@gmail.comA bit more about Cece...Cece Shatz is the “Doyenne” of Relationship Loss, Divorce, Transition into Dating, Dating, Single Par...2025-05-0959 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingThe Problem with the Blank Canvas ProtagonistIn this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, CeCe, and Carly first review a query letter for literary fiction, providing insights on emotional depth in character relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in plot points and the importance of avoiding the blank canvas protagonist so readers can be engaged and connect with them. The second query letter is for a historical novel. The hosts discuss its title, plot structure, and the effectiveness of its opening pages. The conversation emphasizes the need for strong character connections, clear narrative goals, and the balance between description and story progression.2025-05-0144 min
Going Solo Network Radio, TV & Podcasts (WGSN-DB) - #1 Singles Talk NetworkMindset Mastery for Startups with Cece ShatzJoin Cece Shatz, Doyenne of Relationships, Founder & Producer of Going Solo/Going BOLD/NEWStreamingNetwork.com, as she dives into Mindset Mastery for Startups on NEWStreamingNetwork.com. In this episode, Cece shares essential insights and strategies to build the resilient, success-driven mindset that every entrepreneur needs. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, tune in for empowering tips on staying motivated, overcoming obstacles, and shaping a thriving startup journey!Want to Create a Shift in Your Life Path? Contact Cece @ goingsolonetwork@gmail.comA bit more about Cece...Cece Shatz is the “Doyenne” of Relat...2025-04-2734 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingAn Ingenious Query HackIn this informative author interview, 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. Sarah's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring writers and readers alike.No...2025-04-2430 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingWhy Plot and Specificity are a Query Letter's Best FriendsIn this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra welcome querying author Debbie Whittall to discuss her query letter for her debut novel, 'Linda/Linda.' Carly and CeCe address the challenges of representing a quiet novel in a query format. The discussion transitions to the pages of the manuscript, highlighting the strengths of Debbie's writing and the need for a more engaging presentation of her story's drama. The critique discusses the complexities of character relationships, particularly focusing on characters in Debbie’s novel. The hosts offer advice on exploring themes of sapphic ro...2025-04-1749 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingAnn Napolitano on Overcoming Rejection and Despair as Part of the Writing Life & Kirthana Ramisetti on The Art of ForeshadowingIn the first part of this episode, Bianca interviews Ann Napolitano, inspiring Oprah Book Club pick author of Hello Beautiful. During the multi-layered interview, Ann shares her journey as a writer, discussing the long path to publication, the importance of perseverance, and the role of gratitude in her success. She reflects on her experiences with rejection, the joy of writing, and the challenges of maintaining discipline in a writing career. Ann shares her insights on the writing process, the importance of beta readers, and the challenges of crafting character depth. She shares her unique approach to storytelling, including the r...2025-04-101h 05
The Wilderness and The Well#5 Remembering Who You’ve Always BeenIn this heartfelt episode of The Wilderness and The Well, Cece invites you into a quiet, honest conversation about identity. What if spiritual growth isn’t about reinventing yourself—but remembering who you’ve always been in God’s eyes?Through personal reflection, scripture, and a simple spiritual practice, Cece explores the false identities we carry and the healing that comes when we return to the truth of who we are in Christ.If you’ve been feeling lost, tired of striving, or unsure of your purpose—this episode will gently...2025-04-0819 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingStage Directions, Opening and How to Avoid ThemIn this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe discuss the importance of clarity in storytelling, character development, and the need for emotional depth in writing. The conversation emphasizes the significance of engaging openings and the necessity of establishing strong connections between plot points. They also offer great tips like avoiding starting with stage directions in the opening line and that a strong opening scene should have a disruption.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the...2025-04-0335 min
The Bottom Line Is...Catch-up with Cece: Pageant & Life UpdatesJoin Cece as we catch up on life updates, pageant news, and so much more with a special guest! 👑✨ A huge thank you to Miss Corporate America Maryland for the incredible opportunity — we are so grateful! 🙏💖 And thank you all for your amazing support — we couldn’t do this without you! 🎧💬#MissCorporateAmerica #maryland #TheBottomLineIs #Cecthediva #podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #podcaster #spotify #applepodcasts #youtube #podcastlove #podcastinglife #podcastsofinstagram #podcasthost #applepodcast #podcastnetwork #love #podcastmovement #newepisode #motivation #podcastcommunity #blackpodcasts #entertainment #podcast #mca #LifeUpdates #PageantNews #SpecialGuest #CatchUpTime2025-03-3152 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingMarch Bonus EpisodeIn the first part of this month’s bonus episode, Carly Watters interviews Bailey Hannah, a Canadian romance author known for her ‘Wells Ranch’ series. They talk about Bailey’s experience with going from self-publishing to traditional publishing, the importance of quality editing, and the impact of social media platforms like BookTok on author success. Bailey shares insights into her writing process, the emotional connections she forms with readers at conventions, and her inspirations as a writer. Near the end of the interview, Bailey offers valuable advice for aspiring authors to simply write their stories.The conversation shifts w...2025-03-311h 47
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingThe Evolution of a Novel: Learning to Let GoIn this inspiring author interview, Bianca interviews Kath Jonathan, whose debut novel, 'The Resistance Painter', intertwines historical and contemporary narratives. They discuss Kath’s journey as a writer, and the personal challenges she faced, including health issues, over the twelve years she spent writing her novel.The authors chat about the evolution of a novel from start to finish, and how important it is to learn to let go along the way. Kath also elaborates on her journey as an older author and publishing later in life. The conversation touches on the significance of historical fiction in un...2025-03-2734 min
The Wilderness and The Well#3 From Burnout to Breakthrough (Ep.3): The New Beginning - Walking in Purpose with RenewalAfter the wilderness comes renewal. In this episode of The Wilderness and The Well, host Cece Henderson shares how she stepped into a new season of clarity, healing, and purpose after burnout. She opens up about the mindset shifts that changed everything, the lessons she learned about sustainable rest, and the bold decision to move to a new country as part of her fresh start.If you’ve ever wondered what comes after burnout—how to step into purpose without falling back into exhaustion—this episode is for you.Listen to Learn:How to...2025-03-2719 min
The Wilderness and The Well#2 From Burnout to Breakthrough (Ep.2): The Healing Process – Learning to Rest in God’s GraceEpisode 2: The Healing Process – Learning to Rest in God’s GraceBurnout doesn’t just disappear overnight—it takes intentional healing, unlearning old patterns, and learning to truly rest in God’s grace. In this episode of The Wilderness and The Well, Cece Henderson shares what happened after she hit rock bottom and how she slowly began to heal—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.If you’ve ever struggled to slow down without feeling guilty, this episode is for you. Cece unpacks how God met her in the wilderness, the unexpected “wells” of refreshment He...2025-03-2617 min
The Wilderness and The Well#1 From Burnout to Breakthrough (Ep.1): The Breaking Point - When Burnout Took OverEpisode 1: When Burnout Breaks You – My Story of Hitting Rock BottomHave you ever felt so drained that even praying felt like too much? In this first episode of The Wilderness and The Well, host Cece Henderson shares her raw and personal story of burnout—how years of striving, serving, and pushing through exhaustion finally caught up with her.Cece opens up about the moment she knew something had to change, the emotional and spiritual toll of burnout, and the first steps she took toward healing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, discon...2025-03-2518 min
LinktoEXPERT Business Showcase & Good Reads ShowWant Extreme Exposure Joanne Weiland & Cece ShatzReady to take your visibility to the next level? Tune in to Want Extreme Exposure? with Hosts Joanne Weiland of LinktoEXPERT.com and Cece Shatz, Doyenne of Relationships and Founder of GoingSoloNetwork.com & NEWStreamingNetwork.com. Discover how spending just 40 minutes sharing your expertise in a video interview can amplify your reach. Your interview will be distributed across 50+ TV, radio, and podcast networks, plus social media, email blasts, and eNewsletters worldwide. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your brand like never before!Contact Joanne Weiland: Tel: (727) 791-7338 Email: jweiland@linktoexpert.com https://www.linktoexpert.com/ Contact Cec...2025-03-2343 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingIt's a Vibe: Plot Points & Emotional Vibes in StorytellingIn this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe welcome special guest, literary agent, Lauren Spieller to discuss query letters in romance and fantasy genres. The hosts discuss the distinctions between Young Adult and Adult Fantasy, and the dynamics of character relationships. Lauren provides insightful critiques on a submitted query letter and its opening pages, emphasizing the need for clarity, tension, and character depth. The hosts continue to talk about the intricacies of character development, particularly focusing on the protagonist's depth and emotional projection. The panel discusses a high concept query that intertwines elements of romance...2025-03-2041 min
Date The Right 1Dating Transition with Cece Shatz Doyenne of RelationshipsWelcome to the Date the Right 1 show on NEW Streaming Network.com! In today's episode, we explore the "Dating Transition" with our insightful host, Cece Shatz, the Doyenne of Relationship Building. Join us as we delve into the journey of moving from one phase of dating to the next, offering valuable tips and strategies to help you navigate these changes smoothly. Don't miss this enlightening discussion designed to support you in finding and building meaningful relationships.A bit more about Cece... Cece Shatz is the “Doyenne” of Relationship Loss, Divorce, Transition into Dating, Dating, Single Parent’s Support, and he...2025-03-1630 minThe Wilderness and The WellTrailer: The Wilderness and The WellAre you a woman navigating a season of uncertainty, burnout, or spiritual doubt? The Wilderness and The Well is your place of encouragement, renewal, and faith-filled guidance. Hosted by Cece Henderson, founder of The Sanctuary International, this podcast helps women reconnect with God, heal from past wounds, and step into their true purpose.Each episode explores real-life struggles—whether it’s recovering from burnout, healing from church hurt, or rediscovering how to pray after a hard season—while offering biblical wisdom, practical coaching tools, and personal stories to uplift and empower you.2025-03-1502 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingKnowing the Shape of Your StoryWarning: mature content.In this insightful segment that will make you laugh out loud, Bianca interviews New York Times best-selling writer, Lamda Literary Award finalist and Shearling Fellowship recipient, Kristen Arnett, the author of 'Stop Me If You've Heard This One.' They discuss the unique aspects of Kristen's writing process, including her extensive research, character development, and the importance of humor and surprise in storytelling. Kristen shares insights into her creative journey, the intentional structure of her chapters, and the significance of character insights in connecting with readers. The episode also features a reading from her...2025-03-1331 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingUsing the 'Micro to Macro' HackIn this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe dive into the intricacies of middle grade fantasy submissions. They discuss a query about a fantasy novel featuring a cat protagonist, exploring themes of family, sacrifice, and the stakes involved in the narrative. The conversation shifts to critiques of character development, emotional stakes, and the importance of world-building in storytelling. The hosts provide valuable insights into writing style, narrative perspective, and the significance of grounding readers in the emotional experiences of characters. The episode concludes with a new query submission, focusing on a contemporary young adult speculative...2025-03-0634 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingThose Aha Moments That Arrive at the 80 000-Word MarkIn this engaging conversation, Bianca, interviews New York Times bestselling author Gillian McAllister. The author’s explore Gillian’s writing process, narrative techniques, and character development. Bianca and Gillian chat about the challenges of writing multi-POV novels, the organic twists that emerge during the writing process, and the importance of character occupations in driving the plot. Gillian shares insights into her unique approach to storytelling, emphasizing the alchemy of writing and the depth of her characters.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not...2025-02-2728 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingFebruary Bonus EpisodeIn the first engaging conversation of this bonus episode, Bianca interviews Booker Prize-nominated Charlotte Wood, the acclaimed author of Stone Yard Devotional. They delve into the challenges of writing quiet stories, the significance of visitations in the narrative, and the intentional choices behind the unnamed narrator. Wood discusses her unique diary style, the themes of guilt, shame, and forgiveness, and the power of anecdotes in storytelling. The conversation highlights the importance of specificity and emotional depth in literary fiction, providing insights into the writing process and the complexities of character development.Next, Bianca interviews Karen Thompson Walker, a...2025-02-241h 35
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingDelving Deeply Into Your Antagonist's PsycheIn this segment of Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly and CeCe discuss a gothic horror novel submission as well as a psychological thriller.They highlight the importance of starting a story in the right place, the challenges of multi-POV narratives, and the need for clarity in character perspectives. The critique emphasizes the balance between emotional depth and curiosity in storytelling. The hosts discuss the challenges of originality and character development in psychological thrillers; while navigating the complexities of writing compelling protagonists, particularly those with darker traits.The discussion also emphasizes the need for curiosity-inducing plots...2025-02-2044 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingThe Stories We Tell Ourselves to Make Them More PalatableIn today’s author interview, Bianca chats with Sarah Chihaya about her memoir, Bibliophobia.During the conversation, they explore the profound impact of literature on identity and mental health. Sarah also reflects on her journey as a reader and writer, the complexities of navigating personal narratives, and the challenges of writing about trauma. The discussion delves into the significance of 'Life-Ruiner' books, the transition from academic writing to memoir, and the role of humor as a defense mechanism, and whether that helps or hinders storytelling.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agen...2025-02-1333 minThe Bottom Line Is...Welcome back; Catch up with CeceWELCOME BACK; CATCH-UP WITH CECE! Grab a cup of tea and join us for a catch-up session with me, where I fill you in on all the latest podcast news and personal adventures! ☕🎧 It's the perfect way to stay connected and informed. 🌟🎤 For more previous podcast episodes from Season 1! Link in my bio.🔗#StayConnected #LifeUpdate #TheBottomLineIs #Cecthediva #podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #podcaster #spotify #applepodcasts #youtube #podcastlove #podcastinglife #podcastsofinstagram #podcasthost #applepodcast #podcastnetwork #love #podcastmovement #newepisode #motivation #podcastcommunity #blackpodcasts #entertainment #podcastepisode #subscribe #mentalhealth #spotifypodcasts #linkinbio #instagram2025-02-0810 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingWhat is Literary Burlesque and Can You Perform It?In this segment of Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly and Cece discuss a memoir submission as well as a speculative thriller submission.They highlight the importance of balancing plot points with emotional depth; the significance of character development through interior monologue; how character arcs are crucial in memoir writing; the importance of building tension throughout the narrative; how the query letter should focus on plot points rather than just vibes; and the need for curiosity in opening pages. The hosts emphasize the delicate dance between withholding and revealing information in storytelling, and the necessity of g...2025-02-0648 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingCapturing Your Character’s Voice by Deeply Immersing Yourself in Their PerspectiveIn this engaging conversation, Bianca interviews Allegra Goodman about her latest novel, Isola, exploring themes of storytelling, character development, and the writing process. Goodman discusses her journey as a writer, the importance of writing what interests you, and the challenges of crafting a historical narrative. The discussion delves into the role of voice, perspective, and the economy of language in literary fiction, as well as the collaborative relationship between authors and editors. Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated w...2025-01-3032 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingCeCe Swipes Carly’s SubmissionIn this Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe delve into two query letters from aspiring authors. The hosts discuss how negotiation can leak tension in storytelling; why character relationships should drive the narrative; how world-building should enhance character development; why queries for retellings need to focus on unique story angles; and avoiding namesplaining in character introductions.CeCe also swipes Carly’s submission because she loved it so much!Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affi...2025-01-2339 min
Ryan and Cece's MysteriesA Special Message From Ryan and Cece!!Send us a textFans of Ryan and Cece, we've got great news! Listen to this special message from Ryan and Cece, announcing our exciting new project!Support the show2025-01-1801 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingExploring How a Single Choice Can Define an Entire LifeIn this engaging author interview, Bianca chats with Karissa Chen about her debut novel, Homeseeking.During the conversation, they explore the inspiration behind the story, the extensive research that was required before Karissa could begin writing, and the challenges of navigating language and cultural identity in literature.Karissa shares her journey to publication, the integral role that music plays in framing her narrative, and her thoughts on the responsibilities of writers to their readers.They also discuss the magic that can arise when you allow yourself to “pants” characterization, and how doing so can...2025-01-1634 min
The Discovery Doc - Non-Toxic, Crunchy Mom, Optimal Health92. Think Moderate Drinking is Fine? The Surprising Optimal Health Impacts You Didn’t ExpectKey Discoveries:
Moderate Drinking Myths: Examine why even moderate drinking isn't healthy.
Healing Journey: The commitment needed for alcohol detox and its effects on gut health.
Amanda Kuda's Story: The personal decision and benefits of quitting alcohol.
Toxin Tamer: Understand the dangers of paraquat, a widely-used toxic herbicide.
Debunking Myths: Alcohol and sleep, red wine antioxidants, and swimming after eating.
Action Steps: Realistic goals for reducing toxin exposure.
Amanda Kuda - https://linktr.ee/amandakuda?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaPKit4QNh9r45z6qjnngZP3HNSO_X1uyTXPmzNga876I4QLUT-5paOnvI_aem_UFdfTKgEb2FrvigwAcj8nA
Grab Dr. CeCe's guides for
- The...2025-01-0931 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingA Query That Ticks all of CeCe’s Psychological Acuity BoxesIn this Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe welcome listeners to a new year of writing while they reflect on their critiquing journey over the past four years. They dive into the critique of two query letters, focusing on the importance of connection, character motivations, and cinematic elements in storytelling. The conversation also explores the dynamics of campus novels and the significance of compelling hooks in narratives. They also discuss how psychological acuity is the child of interiority and emotionality, and CeCe declares her query to be the best she’s seen on t...2025-01-0942 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingPlaying to Your Strengths as a WriterIn today’s episode, Bianca interviews Emmy award-winning journalist and bestselling author, Kate Fagan, about her debut novel, The Three Lives of Cate Kay. Kate shares how she originally came to listen to the podcast, as well as the details of her journey to publication (which included querying podcast host, Carly Watters). Bianca and Kate go on to discuss the unique structure of the novel that reads like a memoir featuring multiple POVs. Kate shares insights on the creative process behind her ambitious storytelling and how she played to her strengths as a writer. She del...2025-01-0233 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingCan An Agent Picture a Movie Trailer After Reading Your Query Letter?In today’s Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe provide feedback on two query letters, one for historical fiction and the other for historical fantasy.They discuss the importance of character development, plot clarity, and the balance between world-building and emotional engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for specificity in storytelling and the challenges of writing historical and fantasy fiction.The hosts also explore the significance of themes versus plot in selling a book, and the complexities of crafting effective prologues.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at...2024-12-2636 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingTechniques for Fully Dramatizing Scenes or Bringing Memories to LifeIn today’s author interview, Bianca interviews Jessica Waite about her memoir, The Widow's Guide to Dead Bastards. Jessica discusses her writing journey as a form of healing, the challenges of the publishing process, and the complexities of grief. They also discuss the intentional choices behind the book's structure, the use of present tense, and the importance of dramatizing scenes to engage readers, as well as Jessica’s tips for bringing memories vividly to life on the page. The conversation concludes with insights on the realities of post-publication life for memoirists.Note: Carly Watte...2024-12-1933 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingThe Polarizing “P” WordIn today’s Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe analyze two query letters, one for an upmarket novel and one for women’s fiction, providing insights on character development, prologues, and the importance of clarity in storytelling. The discussion emphasizes the need for movement in narratives and the balance between internal conflict and external action. The hosts offer constructive feedback to aspiring authors, highlighting the significance of engaging openings and the necessity of grounding stories in specific contexts.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Liter...2024-12-1235 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingAll Things Fantasy and RomantasyIn this engaging author interview, Bianca chats with Sarah Hawley to discuss her journey as a fantasy and paranormal romance author, focusing on her latest novel, Servant of Earth. Sarah shares insights into the writing process, the importance of character-driven narratives, and the nuances of defining genres like romantasy. The discussion also delves into world-building, the challenges of plotting a series, and the intersection of political themes within fantasy writing. Sarah emphasizes the significance of personal experiences in shaping her stories and encourages writers to embrace their unique voices and writing processes.Note: C...2024-12-0532 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingThe Challenges of Writing in the First PersonIn today’s Books with Hooks segment, the hosts, Bianca, Carly and CeCe, analyze two query letters submitted by aspiring authors, one of which is a memoir and the other a YA steampunk query. They provide detailed feedback on the structure, content, and emotional depth of the letters, emphasizing the importance of clarity, causality, and character development. The conversation also delves into the challenges of writing in the first person and the need for emotional layers in world-building. Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but the...2024-11-2828 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingNovember Bonus Episode: Comps Title SegmentIn November’s bonus episode, Bianca and Emilie Sommer from East City Book Bookshop tackle a variety of book recommendations based on listener comp requests. They discuss neurodivergent characters, speculative fiction, crime and mystery, literary fiction dealing with trauma, humorous narratives, art and historical mysteries, speculative westerns, dark fiction, hopeful sci-fi, romance in unique settings, historical fiction addressing climate change, feminist retellings, middle grade stories, and courtroom dramas. If you’re looking for our usual Q&A segment, that now gets published as part of our end of the month Substack newsletter. Subscribe to get acce...2024-11-2543 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingAll the Things You Might Not Expect on Your Author Bingo CardIn today’s episode, Bianca interviews KJ Dell’Antonia, author of The Chicken Sisters and Playing the Witch Card. They discuss KJ's journey from nonfiction to fiction, the challenges of debuting with a bestseller, and the intricacies of world-building in contemporary fiction. The discussion also delves into narrative voice, character arcs, and the importance of aligning emotional stakes with plot development. KJ shares insights into the author life, including the highs and lows of publishing, and the impact of adaptations on storytelling.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but thei...2024-11-2128 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingThe Significance of Pacing in StorytellingIn today’s Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe analyze a literary fiction query and a historical fiction query, providing insights on structure, emotional depth, and character development. The discussion emphasizes the importance of compelling opening lines, the need for emotional complexity in characters, and the significance of pacing in storytelling. The hosts also share their thoughts on how to effectively convey a protagonist's journey and the nuances of familial relationships in writing.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not...2024-11-1430 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingThe Black List: The Future of StorytellingIn today’s episode, Carly and CeCe interview Franklin Leonard and Randy Winston, founders of The Blacklist, a platform designed to connect writers with industry professionals. They discuss the role of literary agents, the pricing structure of their services, the qualifications of their readers, and the impact of their recent New York Times profile. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry, emphasizing the importance of quality feedback and the need for writers to aim high in their craft. In this conversation, Franklin and Randy discuss the evolving relationship between the film and television industry and li...2024-11-0739 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingLeveraging Your Characters’ Emotional ComplexityToday Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique a coming-of-age submission set in the 80s, as well as a speculative literary fiction query.They chat about the importance of details in a query, as opposed to big-picture themes; an example of a prologue that induces curiosity; layering emotion to create more realistic interactions with characters; including emotion and interiority during narration/exposition to elevate your work; how the emotional complexity of your characters can heighten your readers’ connection to them; figuring out ways to show what characters want, rather than explicitly telling readers what that is; the risk of wr...2024-10-3132 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingOctober Comp Title Bonus EpisodeJoin Bianca in our October bonus episode as your favourite book person, Emilie Sommer from East City Book Shop, answers all your comp requests!If you’re looking for our usual Q&A segment, that now gets published as part of our end of the month Substack newsletter. Subscribe to get access to that, and so much more: https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and Ce...2024-10-2825 min
The Discovery Doc - Non-Toxic, Crunchy Mom, Optimal Health82.Family, Fitness, and Fluoride - A Holistic Approach to Optimal HealthMaster Family Management & Unity: Dr. CeCe shares her type A secrets for balancing her professional duties at Discovery Wellness and her bustling household. Learn how to foster family unity by collectively attending each other's events, managing without a babysitter, and prioritizing your marriage.
Health and Fitness Post-Pregnancy: Are you struggling to maintain your fitness regimen? Hear Dr. CeCe's candid discussion on prioritizing rest and self-grace post-pregnancy, offering invaluable advice for new moms or anyone trying to balance personal health with a demanding schedule.
Toxin-Free Living: Do you know the real impact of fluoride in your water? Gain practical advice on...2024-10-2443 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingDramatizing a Scene so That It Comes to Life on the PageToday Bianca interviews NYT bestselling nature writer, Leigh Ann Henion. They discuss Leigh Ann's latest work, Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark; the inspiration behind the book; the process of getting a book like this written and published; being able to illustrate how your non-fiction work fills a gap in the market; scene-setting in non-fiction; including relevant and interesting information without overwhelming the narrative; and always paying attention to what a character knows at that particular point in the story.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P...2024-10-2430 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingEnsuring Your Plot and Climax Match Your GenreToday, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique a speculative fiction query and a literary fiction one. They discuss avoiding confusion in your query letter; using names, rather than pronouns, in queries; ensuring your plot and climax match your genre; writing interiority that reflects your characters' realities; title expectations for literary fiction; avoiding being too vague with your plot; and the challenges of writing in epistolary form.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed...2024-10-1731 min
The Discovery Doc - Non-Toxic, Crunchy Mom, Optimal Health80.Crunchy Mama Postpartum Recovery, Toxic Fluoride Tamed, and Medication Dosage BustedEmpowering Postpartum Recovery:
Dr. CeCe opens up about her positive postpartum experience, showcasing the real power of a supportive team. From her doting husband Will, who managed household tasks and cared for their children and pets, to her postpartum doula, whose Ayurvedic-based services like body work and womb massage were essential. Plus, the vital role a lactation consultant played in her successful breastfeeding journey.
Fluoride Debunked:
Annah Kate and Dr. CeCe question the long-held belief that fluoride in our drinking water is necessary to prevent tooth decay. They reveal studies that link fluoride consumption to potential health risks like cognitive...2024-10-1043 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingHow Character Relationships Can Reveal Vulnerability and Create High StakesIn today’s episode, Bianca interviews the Hugo-Award winning and NYT bestselling sci-fi and fantasy author, Alix E. Harrow. They discuss Alix's latest novel, Starling House; her journey to publication and being chosen for Reese's Book Club; novellas and the fantasy/sci-fi genre's flexibility in the length of a work; Alix's process with world-building and her thought-process behind writing a book within a book; using secondary characters to up the stakes and shed light on your main character; the use of footnotes in the novel; maintaining and upping tension; writing beautiful prose in the drafting rather than the editing ph...2024-10-1030 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingBalancing Scene Work and InteriorityToday, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique a family saga submission and a psychological thriller. They discuss whether there's a need for personalization at the top of your query; the importance of having POV information at the beginning of your letter; being concise with your wording; ensuring you illustrate how your multiple POV characters connect through plot and theme; examples of how to successfully share biographical details of characters; ensuring your metaphors don't take your reader out of the pages; avoiding over-writing in opening pages; the importance of reading your work aloud; ensuring your plot paragraphs speak to e...2024-10-0338 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingInsights from NYT bestselling authors, Liane Moriarty and Hannah Nicole MaehrerIn today’s episode, we have two epic author interviews!The first is with NYT best-selling romance-fantasy author, Hannah Nicole Maehrer, and her agent, Brent Taylor. Bianca interviews Hannah and Brent to discuss Hannah's latest novel, Apprentice to the Villain; Hannah's unique, TikTok-related inspiration for her debut novel; how Hannah views her genre; how Brent discovered Hannah; the importance of chemistry in an author/agent relationship; how Hannah comped her debut when querying; what the editing process looked like; Brent's submission strategies with Hannah's debut; whether there were editors that regretted passing on Hannah's extraordinarily successful debut; ha...2024-09-261h 22
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingDigging Deep to Find Your Characters’ Messy EmotionsToday, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe discuss a humorous contemporary fiction query and an upmarket book club query. They discuss clearly defining your genre; the importance of time stamps when you have a ticking time bomb situation; writing characters that are likeable or interesting enough that readers will want to follow their arc and journey; the necessity of giving characters wants and needs immediately; what "likeable" means in a character; ensuring your plot points are connected; starting your novel in the right place and what that requires; and digging deep to find messy emotions in your characters.2024-09-1934 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingMaking Something Unexpected Happen in Your Opening PagesIn today’s Book with Hooks episode, Bianca, Carly, and CeCe critique an upmarket women's fiction query and a dark romance one (spicy content warning!). They discuss the need for cause and effect between your plot points; avoiding overwriting in dialogue; the difficulties with having a very insecure protagonist; the need for something unexpected to happen in the opening pages; the concept of dark romance; specificity in your query; teasing backstory about your main character in your query; avoiding trying to do too much in your query; making your letter as readable as possible; starting novels with ra...2024-09-0541 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingThe Idea of Writing the Book That Doesn’t ExistIn today's Books with Hooks, we’re throwing it back to an early backlist segment.After which, CeCe interviews Claire Jiménez, assistant professor and author of What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez. They discuss the three pivotal moments in Claire's writing career; Claire's experience writing a multitude of POVs; how she went about developing her characters; how publishing is like a nightclub; what surprised Claire about the publishing world; Claire's advice to emerging writers; and the idea of writing the book that doesn't exist.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S...2024-08-151h 19
Self Discovery Wisdom TVRelationship Building & Streaming TV with Cece ShatzRelationship expert Cece stresses the importance of connections in all life areas, highlighting how podcasting and TV can help us understand and improve these relationships. Embark on a transformative journey in the realm of dating together with the esteemed Cece Shatz, fondly called the Doyenne of Relationship Building. In this illuminating episode, Cece guides us through the intricacies of transitioning in the world of relationships. With her wealth of experience and insightful perspective, she sheds light on navigating the twists and turns of modern romance. Whether you’re embarking on a new chapter or seeking to enhance existing connections, Cece’s wi...2024-08-011h 11
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingWorking With an Agent on Edits Ahead of SubmissionIn today's Books with Hooks, we’re throwing it back to an early backlist segment.After which, CeCe speaks with her very own client, Anamely Salgado Reyes, author of My Mother Cursed My Name. They discuss Anamely's query letter to CeCe and CeCe's response to it; Anamely's experience with her first round of edits from CeCe; the inspiration behind her work; how she feels about family and friends reading a work that was loosely inspired by them; and what has surprised Anamely about publishing. Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S...2024-08-011h 16
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingGiving Characters Changing Wants and Needs to Fulfill Their Character ArcsIn today's Books with Hooks, we’re throwing it back to an early backlist segment.After which, Bianca interviews creative writing professor, essayist, and author of Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance, Alison Espach. They discuss falling into the mode of writing the same sorts of novels repeatedly; the genre that Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance was pitched and marketed as; Alison's latest release, The Wedding People; writing a book that spanned a long period of time to one that spanned only a few days; writing a voicey third person POV; inciting incidents that happen off the page an...2024-07-251h 27
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingGiving Yourself Permission to Change and Grow as a WriterIn today's Books with Hooks, we’re throwing it back to an early backlist segment.After which, CeCe interviews Parini Shroff, lawyer and author of the national bestseller and award nominated The Bandit Queens. They discuss, Parini's experience working as a lawyer part-time while also writing fiction; finding it difficult to sustain writing for long periods; Parini's editing and writing process; giving yourself permission to change and grow as a writer; what Parini finds the most challenging in her writing; the POV of The Bandit Queens; Parini's path to publication; how she approaches starting a novel; her re...2024-07-181h 15
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingWriting Issue-Driven YA Fiction & Considering Alternate Routes to PublicationIn today's Books with Hooks, we’re throwing it back to an early backlist segment.After which, Bianca interviews author, editor, head of Writing Ink Publishing, and creative writing teacher, Abigail Wild. They discuss Abigail's latest novel, More Than One Way To Breathe; the extent to which younger readers can handle difficult topics; Abigail's advice to YA writers who want to write issue-driven fiction for teens; writing characters with disabilities authentically and sensitively; Wild Ink Publishing and Abigail's inspiration for starting the company; and building an author brand platform.Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra ar...2024-07-111h 07
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingHow to Tackle Writing an Omniscient POVIn 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; the need for causality when it comes to plot points; utilizing similar pitch copy to help write more difficult or unique aspects of your query; tips for writing a query for a novel that is first person POV; avoiding overexplaining and trusting...2024-06-271h 11
Date The Right 1Never Say Never with Cece ShatzNever Say Never with Cece Shatz, Doyenne of Relationships, Divorce, Dating & Relationship Coach. If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that you should never say never. In this video, I'm going to show you how you can achieve anything you put your mind too regardless of your starting point. So sit back, relax and let me show you how it's done. www.NEWStreamingNetwork.com. Home of NEW Streaming TV, Going Bold Media, Going Solo Media. and WGSN-DB Going Solo Network Radio, Podcasts, and TV. for a Complete Singles Connection (www.goingsolonetwork.com) Contact Cece @ goingsolonetwork@gmail.co...2024-06-2642 min
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingHow Interiority Makes a Character Come AliveIn 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 necessity of including a character's tone in dialogue; properly mapping out how your plot points connect; thinking in specifics and futurization; and an example of strong opening pages.After which, Bianca chats with Claire Lombardo, best-selling author of The Most Fun We...2024-06-201h 12
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingAn Inspiring Journey to PublicationIn 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 surprise the reader; taking the opportunity to use plot points as curiosity seeds when you're able to; avoiding performative dialogue; being mindful about word choice in your query so as not to confuse your reader; avoiding withholding too much plot in your query; and...2024-06-131h 05
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingWriting That Evokes All the FeelsIn 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; highlighting why you're the right person to tell the story you've written; writing plot points that connect to your major dramatic question; the balancing act of trying to write a cross-over novel; always being mindful of your writing at a line-level; the quality of...2024-06-061h 04
The Shit No One Tells You About WritingChoosing How to Frame Certain Aspects of Your WorkIn 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 the right agent for your book based on its content; the need for plot that showcases causality in your query; writing a book that's as long as it needs to be; balancing plot development and character development; being mindful of intentionally writing...2024-05-301h 11