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 chapter Romantasy as a genre and New Adult as a category Character development and relationships Plus, 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: • Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros • The Writer’s 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

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 “P” factors Meghan considers when looking at a literary agent Her agent matchmaking strategy The “Barcelona Rule” and thoughts on the agent-author power dynamic Why Meghan left her role at a traditional publisher but still believes in traditional publishing Main pitfalls of publishing (and what authors can do about them) Traditional publishing myths that need to be busted Does Meghan sound like someone you want to work with? Reach out to her!  Learn more at Meghan Stevenson Books Not 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 | 

 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 once—and 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/

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 readers—and 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 plot A 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 Notes—and sign up for their next meeting!      Follow Abigail and Savannah:  www.abigailkperry.com | www.savannahgilbo.com  @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo   

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 writing—and 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 readers—and 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

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 story’s hook   How to define and pitch a story’s stakes  And more!  Does Ariele sound like the ideal literary agent for you? Send her your query!  Ariele's Full MSWL: Review it here Learn more about UTA: Visit their website      Follow Abigail and Ariele: Website: www.abigailkperry.com  IG: @abigailkperry | @arielestewart Twitter: @abigailkperry | @arielestewart

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 summary How 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 recap  Links 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 

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. Lewis’s 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 example—but not as a model for MG fantasy stories published in today’s 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. Lewis’s classic world and adventure, relatable characters, and unique narrative—among other strengths—make 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  

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 books—and 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