The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

By: Bianca Marais Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra
  • Summary

  • This is a podcast for emerging writers who want to improve the quality of their work and learn more about the publishing industry. Your one host, Bianca Marais (the bestselling author of 'The Witches of Moonshyne Manor') interviews authors, agents, editors and just about anyone and everyone who's involved in bringing a book to market. She's joined by her cohosts, literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency, who read and critique query letters as well as opening pages in their Books with Hooks segment. Expect good advice, honest insights, and a few laughs along the way.
    © 2022 The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Knowing the Shape of Your Story
    Mar 13 2025

    Warning: 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 book, showcasing her distinctive voice and style.

    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 CeCe on this podcast are solely that of them as podcast co-hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

    Upcoming in person event you won't want to miss! A 'Most Puzzling Murder' Book Launch!

    https://blueheronbooks.com/item/FEHiE_RNkHAGOSqfUUiVXw

    Find us on our socials:

    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

    https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

    https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate

    page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/

    Please consider donating to The Masana Library Project. To learn more head to:

    https://www.biancamarais.com/fundraiser.html



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW
    * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
    * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • Using the 'Micro to Macro' Hack
    Mar 6 2025

    In 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 novel that intertwines friendship and premonitory visions, prompting discussions on stakes and character motivations.


    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 CeCe on this podcast are solely that of them as podcast co-hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

    Upcoming in person event you won't want to miss! A 'Most Puzzling Murder' Book Launch!

    https://blueheronbooks.com/item/FEHiE_RNkHAGOSqfUUiVXw

    Find us on our socials:

    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

    https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

    https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/

    Please consider donating to The Masana Library Project, for more information visit: https://www.biancamarais.com/fundraiser.html



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW
    * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
    * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Those Aha Moments That Arrive at the 80 000-Word Mark
    Feb 27 2025

    In 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 affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and CeCe on this podcast are solely that of them as podcast co-hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.


    Find us on our socials:

    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing

    https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

    https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

    https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

    Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

    Bookshop.org affiliate

    page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

    To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/TSNOTYAW
    * Check out Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
    * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    Show more Show less
    28 mins

What listeners say about The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    9
  • 4 Stars
    1
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    7
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    7
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Five Stars

Fast paced and no nonsense advice on the craft, the business, and the writing life.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Finally!

All about writing and publishing from the professionals who know in one fascinating, educational podcast.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

love this format! ❤️

I literally live for this podcast. Especially this format. I cannot wait to be in a place to submit my own work. congrats on 2 million downloads!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great learning resource for writers

My favorite podcast. Any books with books episodes are especially helpful for those learning to write query letters.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!