Lit Match – Details, episodes & analysis

Do you love historical romance? Do you want to learn what makes a first chapter capture a reader's (and literary agent's!) attention?

Then you need today's episode. 

In today's episode, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo returns for a deep dive into the uber-popular, time-traveling romance, OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. This conversation is jam-packed with insightful tips on how to pull readers into your story with world-building, set ups, and memorable, interesting characters without slowing the pace. 

Some other topics Savannah and I explore include:

• How to write an intriguing opening (and scenes) with what can sometimes feel like less intense stakes 
• How many scenes are in this first chapter, and why each models a well-structured scene
• How to plant set ups and share meaningful backstory without dragging down the pace
• Plus, more! 

By the time you finish this episode, you'll know how to identify and answer some important questions that first chapters need in order to set up reader expectations. You'll also take away a handful of tools that you can use to tighten and polish well-structured scenes. So pick up a notebook and get ready to learn!

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! 

Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Lit Match podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, I'd greatly appreciate if you took a minute or two to rate and review the show. Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're super insightful to me. Thanks in advance! 

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
• The Writer's Guide to Beginnings by Paula Munier
• Story Grid by Shawn Clyne

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! 

If you're unsure how to write or analyze well-structured scenes in your novel, you need today's episode. 

Today, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo returns for a deep dive and scene analysis...only this time, it's extra special because it not only features a chapter from one of our favorite books, it is also the book Savannah analyzes in her Writer's Guide: The Writer's Study Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Story Grid Publishing). 

When writers reach out to Savannah about this writer's guide, they often as her, "How many scenes are in the Diagon Alley chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone?” Well, today Savannah and I take a deep dive into this very chapter, which was quite a challenge to break down!

Listen to our conversation to hear us discuss the ins-and-outs of the major events and details that happen in Diagon Alley, which includes topics like how many scenes are in the chapter, exceptional world building details, and conflicts that come close to causing Crisis questions, but only one actually does this.  

Some other topics we explore are teaching points like:

• How to analyze your scenes from three different perspectives—the reader’s perspective, the character’s perspective, and the author’s perspective
• A quick trick for determining if your scenes work (and how to identify which areas of your scenes need work once you’ve written them)
• *Spoiler alert!* Why we chose to analyze this chapter as one 6,500-word-long scene versus a bunch of smaller scenes (and how the structure of this scene works)
• The purpose of the smaller moments within the scene that are arguably significant (and move the scene) forward but aren’t technically “scenes”
• Our final thoughts on writing a scene like Diagon Alley

By the time you finish this episode, you'll go from scrambling to put a scene together (or understand how your favorite scene in a bestselling book works) to feeling confident about how you write scenes in your story or analyze them in masterworks. Plus, if you like this episode, you’ll probably LOVE Savannah's book, The Writer's Study Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Story Grid Publishing). Click here to order a copy for your bookshelf >>

Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Lit Match podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, I'd greatly appreciate if you took a minute or two to rate and review the show. Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're super insightful to me. Thanks in advance! 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• OrderThe Writer's Study Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone— Click here 
• Watch the video interview on Story Grid’s YouTube channel

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! 

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

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