88 Cups of Tea

https://www.patreon.com/88cupsoftea

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[[Click here to go directly to Alex's shownotes page where we list all the incredible resources and books she shares!]] 

Alexandra Bracken is the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Darkest Minds and Passenger series, as well as a young reader adaptation of Star Wars: A New Hope: The Princess, The Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy.

Connecting with Alex was like catching up with a long-time friend; we immediately kick it off with talks about premonitions, past lives, witches, signs from the universe, and women’s intuition.

Alex walks us through how she first fell in love with writing and her experience in the publishing industry as an editorial assistant. We discuss how to discover story ideas for writing fiction and chat about her newest book Wayfarer releasing on January 3rd, 2017. We freely chatted about everything and anything, no-holds-barred, easily making this episode a writer’s dream. From tips on writing under pressure, overcoming writer’s block, character development and building strong characters, to developing a unique writing voice, and writing through emotional challenges; this is an episode packed with inspiring personal stories and actionable step-by-step advice for writers.

Today's episode is proudly brought to you by Gotham Writers.

Xo,

Yin

PS. Know a friend who would appreciate amazing writing tips and advice? Pass it on for some karmic goodness!

We have S.J. Kincaid on the show with us today! Click here to go directly to S.J.'s shownotes page where we have all of her resources and books listed along with highlights about her episode. Her debut novel, Insignia, was shortlisted for the Waterstones prize. Its sequels, Vortex and Catalyst, have received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Booklist.

In today’s episode proudly brought to you by Vermont College of Fine Arts, S.J. shares how-to writing tips on creating rich multi-layered worlds to enhance the plot, and creating strong emotional tension in romantic scenes. We dive deep into her latest novel, The Diabolic, how she finds idea inspiration for her stories and why it’s crucial to build on the ideas you feel most passionate about. S.J. also advises how to avoid the dreaded Second Book Syndrome pulling from her own personal experiences writing her Insignia series. For NaNoWriMo participants, S.J. has a special message for you! Click here to say 'Hi' to S.J.!

Xo,

PS. Do you know anyone who wants to learn how to create rich multi-layered worlds to enhance their story’s plot? Please share this episode, it may really be of help! 

Please leave a review about the podcast by clicking here. Your honest feedback helps to shape the show. Thank you for your time and for helping with the ranking of the show when leaving a review and rating!

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"Once you finish one book, you realize you can finish as many as you need to.” -S.J. Kincaid (click to tweet)

"As soon as I think of a setting, a lot of the story ends up evolving from that and a lot of the universe.” -S.J. Kincaid (click to tweet)

"I will never be able to say something like, ‘Hey look, I’ve succeeded after all this time,’ unless I just keep trying.” -S.J. Kincaid (click to tweet)

"There is a really fine balance between world building and getting bogged down.” -S.J. Kincaid (click to tweet)

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM S.J.'S EPISODE:

• How to push away discouragement with determination and intuition,especially when you’ve written multiple manuscripts that haven’t been sold yet
• Why it’s crucial to have a strong beta reader to read through the beginning phase of your manuscript
• Learn about S.J.’s idea process and how she finds idea inspiration for her stories
• Why you should allow yourself to let go of the ideas you lose interest in and build on the ideas you feel passionate about
• S.J. walks us through how she creates rich multi-layered worlds to enhance the plots in her novels
• How the universe of your story can evolve organically from understanding your story’s setting
• Why fully investing in both your characters is the root to creating strong emotional tension in romantic scenes
• How to avoid Second Book Syndrome
• S.J.’s experience with NaNoWriMo and her how-to advice for participants

https://www.patreon.com/88cupsoftea

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Thrilled to share our newest episode of the week! Brenda Drake is the author of Thief of Lies and Touching Fate, and the creator of Pitch Wars and #PitMad.  

In Brenda’s episode proudly brought to you by Gotham Writers, we dissect Pitch Wars and Pitch Madness, and what the criteria are for both mentors and mentees to be accepted. We chat about Brenda’s books and the inspiration behind them, along with a detailed look at how Brenda uses a plot graph as a roadmap for all of her stories. We discuss how to discover your character voices and flesh them out. 

For writers who are looking to join Pitch Wars or Pitch Madness, or you’re looking for craft tips and inspiration, this episode is especially for you.

Xo,

Yin

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“There’s always going to be dark times but sometimes we forget that writing takes us away from those dark times.“ -Brenda Drake (click to tweet)

“Writing is our escape.” -Brenda Drake (click to tweet)

“I have to clear everything from my mind, and then I can start writing.” -Brenda Drake (click to tweet)

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TO CHECK OUT THE PLOT GRAPH THAT BRENDA TALKS ABOUT IN HER EPISODE, HEAD OVER TO HER SHOWNOTES PAGE BY CLICKING HERE.

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM BRENDA'S EPISODE:

• What the criteria are for Pitch Madness: A great 35-word pitch, current and fresh storyline, strong voice
• Learn how a tarot reading in New Orleans inspired Brenda with the idea of “Touching Fate”
• How a coffee table book at a bookstore, filled with beautiful photos of libraries around the world, inspired “Thief of Lies”
• How Brenda uses plot graphs as a roadmap to figure out the inciting incident, mid-point, climax, and resolution for all her books (example of Brenda’s plot graph in photo below)
• How acting out loud as your character helps flesh out the character’s voice
• Why it’s important to work with three critique partners
• How to present your best manuscript for querying
• How you’ll discover your own voice through reading other books in your genre

Brenda Drake is the author of Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1) and Touching Fate (Fated Series #1). She grew up the youngest of three children, an Air Force brat, and the continual new kid at school. She hosts workshops and contests such as Pitch Wars and Pitch Madness on her blog, and holds Twitter pitch parties on the hashtag, #PitMad. When she’s not writing or hanging out with her family, she haunts libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops, or reads someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

Look for Brenda’s upcoming novels Cursing Fate (Fated Series #2) releasing November 21, 2016 and Guardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers #2) releasing February 7, 2017 from Entangled Teen.

The Writer’s Voice

Pitches Simplified

Synopsis Simplified

Queries Simplified

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master by Martha Alderson

Liz Pelletier

Teach Me to Forget by Erica Chapman

Forget Tomorrow by Pintip Dun

Stephen King

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Romantic Times Booklovers Convention

Official Site

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Goodreads

https://www.patreon.com/88cupsoftea

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I’m thrilled to have the Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), Grant Faulkner, on the show with us! Grant is also the co-founder of 100 Word Story. And his stories and essays have appeared in The New York Times, Poets & Writers, Writer’s Digest, The Writer, and a ton more literary magazines. He recently published Fissures, a collection of a hundred 100-word stories.

In today's episode proudly brought to you by Vermont College of Fine Arts, Grant and I unpack what NaNoWriMo is and how it’s a tremendous benefit for writers and how it trains you to push past obstacles so there’s barely any time for writer’s block, and why people without writing backgrounds are encouraged to join and how it can be of value to them. We also talk about side jobs, eliminating procrastination, and the common core of what makes us all writers and why all of our stories are worthy of telling.   

For a link to Grant's shownotes page with a list of all his resources and recommendations, click here. 

“Writing doesn’t have to be that grueling grind of a process. Writing can be playful, and fun, and wacky. And experimental.” -Grant Faulkner

“If you're a human being, you're a creative type. We are creative by design.” -Grant Faulkner

“You are a writer in the act of writing.” -Grant Faulkner

• What exactly is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)?
• How NaNoWriMo can exponentially boost your writing process
• Why you don't need to be a writer to join
• Why having a side job, not only helps with income, but also helps with discipline and eliminating procrastination
• How NaNoWriMo helps train you as a writer to push past obstacles

https://www.patreon.com/88cupsoftea

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Sarah is the #1 New York Times and international bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series and A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

I’ve been so excited and antsy about sharing today’s episode with you! Sarah is the #1 New York Times and international bestselling author of the Throne of Glassseries and A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Fun fact– Sarah was just 16 years old when she wrote the first book in the Throne of Glass series, and she’s built an empire of extremely passionate and loyal fans. Deadline recently announced that the “Throne of Glass” series is being developed into an epic fantasy adventure TV series for Hulu. 

In Sarah’s episode proudly brought to you by Gotham Writers, we talk about everything from growing up in New York City with probably the most movie-worthy thing that can happen to any high school kid, to living out in the suburbs of Pennsylvania where she currently writes full-time. We, of course, cover the inspiration behind her book series and why it’s so important for Sarah to showcase strong female characters.

For fans of Sarah, you are going to LOVE her episode. For craft-focused listeners who might be learning about Sarah for the first time through this episode, you’ll have so much fun getting to know Sarah’s personality and she shares really inspiring and helpful advice about breaking out of a writing rut, creating dialogues, and treating your writing like a muscle. Those of you who emailed me about questioning your identity as a writer and feeling like you’re unworthy of the title, this episode is especially for you.

“You can reach your dreams if you are willing to sacrifice and put in the hard work and the effort.” -Sarah J. Maas (click to tweet)

“I can do that. I will do that. Watch me do that.” -Sarah J. Maas (click to tweet)

“You’re a writer if you write. And if that’s what you love, you’re a writer.” -Sarah J. Maas (click to tweet)

“You can take literary tradition and make it come alive again in a new way.” -Sarah J. Maas (click to tweet)

“Every scar on me, every line, it’s a story written on my body of a life lived.” -Sarah J. Maas (click to tweet)

“Writing is a muscle.” -Sarah J. Maas (click to tweet)

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM SARAH'S EPISODE: 

• How Sarah uses character names as a gateway to flesh out character building
• Writing is a muscle that needs to be regularly exercised
• How Sarah’s religious studies minor helps her build and evolve her fantasy worlds
• Creating dialogues with yourself and others to inspire your writing
• Sarah’s how-to advice on breaking out of a writing rut
• Why setting goals in your control that inspire you will make you more productive
• How Sarah creates stories that showcase heroines and female strength
• Surround yourself with a support system and network that help you reach your goals
• Living in the moment and being at peace with where you’re at in your life 

Sarah J. Maas is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series and A Court of Thorns and Roses series, as well as a USA Today and international bestselling author. Sarah wrote the first incarnation of the Throne of Glass series when she was just sixteen, and it has now sold in thirty-five languages. A New York native, Sarah currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and dog. Empire of Storms, the fifth Throne of Glass novel, is available now.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hamilton College in 2008 with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Religious Studies.

Sabriel by Garth Nix

The Hero and the Crown By Robin Mickinely

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Sailor Moon

Revolutionary Girl Utena

Magic Knight Rayearth

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Shannara series by Terry Brooks

Tamora Pierce 

The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

Fiction Press

Official Site

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

New York Times Notable Book of 2014 and one of Amazon’s Top 10 Books of the Year, Cristina Henríquez is the author of The Book of Unknown Americans. 

“It doesn’t matter how fast you write, it matters how well your write.” -Cristina Henríquez

In today’s episode, Cristina and I dive deep into the inspiration behind her novel, and her writing process. I’m so thrilled about this as I’m a huge fan of her newest novel and how she skillfully shows us what it means to be connected through hope and to belong somewhere. We discuss how to build strong characters by first uncovering the language of the story, and how to use multiple first-person narratives as a way to create diversity in your story. We also go into detail about how Cristina reads books and how that can strengthen your writing. For writers looking into an MFA for writing and shopping around for workshop classes, be sure to pay special attention to Cristina’s own experiences with school.

Get ready to fall in love with this episode.

Cheers + so much love,

Yin

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• Why first discovering the language of your story is crucial for building strong characters

• Using multiple first-person narratives as a way to create diversity in your story

• The incredible story behind how Cristina fell in love with writing

• How active reading can strengthen your writing

• Allow yourself to be influenced by good teachers and mentors and how working with a support system will elevate your writing

Cristina Henríquez is the author of The Book of Unknown Americans, which was a New York Times Notable Book of 2014 and one of Amazon’s Top 10 Books of the Year. It was the Daily Beast Novel of the Year, a Washington Post Notable Book,an NPR Great Read, and was chosen one of the best books of the year byBookPage, Oprah.com, and School Library Journal. It was also longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. Henriquez is also the authorThe World In Half, and Come Together, Fall Apart: A Novella and Stories, which was a New York Times Editors’ Choice selection. Her stories have been published in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Glimmer Train, The American Scholar, Ploughshares, TriQuarterly, and AGNI along with the anthology This is Not Chick Lit: Original Stories by America’s Best Women Writers. Cristina earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She lives in Chicago.

Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson

The Danger of a Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (TED Talk)

Merritt Tierce

https://www.patreon.com/88cupsoftea

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I am so honored and beyond excited to finally share today’s special episode with you. We have none other than Gail Hochman on the show! Gail is the president ofBrandt & Hochman Literary Agents, Inc. and the president of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR).  She has built a legacy of representing all-star clients with the likes of National Book Award winning author Julia Glassof “Three Junes”, Michael Cunningham of Pulitzer Prize and PEN/Faulkner award-winning novel “The Hours”, Scott Turow of “Presumed Innocent”, andPulitzer Prize and Academy Award winning Jules Feiffer.

In today’s episode proudly brought to you by Gotham Writers, Gail and I discuss her role as the president of Brandt & Hochman, and we unpack how the AAR is an incredible organization for literary agents and a powerful resource for writers. Storyteller Tribe, if you’re curious about agent-writer relationships, how a literary agent can help to cultivate a writer’s career, how to write strong query letters, and how to create genuine relationships with mentors– you’re going to LOVE this episode. 

Xo,

Yin

PS. Found Gail’s episode helpful? Please share it with friends!

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“There is always something you can do, but you don’t do what you know will result in nothing.” -Gail Hochman (click to tweet)

“You learn over time based on what works in a particular situation. There is no one answer.” -Gail Hochman (click to tweet)

“Publishing is a job most of us do because we love what we do.” -Gail Hochman (click to tweet)

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: 

• How to research which literary agents to send your query letter to

• Creating strong query letters that will resonate with literary agents

• Gail’s role as the President of the Association of Authors’ Representatives

• How to find and establish genuine relationships with mentors

• Why it’s beneficial to intern at a literary agency to understand the various tasks and responsibilities

• How the Association of Authors Representative can help you find a literary agent

• How a literary agent cultivates a writer’s career

• How the publishing world effects the relationship between the writer and the literary agent

Gail Hochman is the President of Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents, Inc. and the President of the Association of Authors’ Representatives, the one professional organization of book and dramatic agents in North America. She started in publishing in 1975 at G.P.Putnam’s Sons, which was then a modest-sized family-owned firm (now part of the Bertelsmann Group).  She became an agent in 1977 atPaul R. Reynolds, Inc., the oldest American literary agency, and moved to Brandt & Brandt (now Brandt & Hochman) in 1983.  Her clients currently include  Julia Glass, Scott Turow, Ann Hood, Craig Johnson,  Jules Feiffer, Terry Tempest Williams, Mary Pope Osborne, Avi, Lauren Tarshis and many others. She specializes in literary fiction and memoir, mystery, children’s books, and serious nonfiction.

Little Women by Lousia May Alcott

The Brontë Sisters

Thomas Hardy

Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne

The Sicilian by Mario Puzo

Sewanee Writers’ Conference

The MacDowell Colony

Allie Hagan is the creator and co-executive producer of Notorious, airingtonight on ABC! Named one of the Best Bloggers by Time Magazine, Allie’s viral Tumblr account went on to land her a book deal for Suri’s Burn Book, and then its follow-up companion book, Suri’s Burn Book: Well-Dressed Commentary from Hollywood’s Little Sweetheart.

In today’s episode proudly brought to you by Vermont College of Fine Arts, I pick Allie's brain about Notorious and how the show goes through different steps from an idea, to an outline, to a pitch, and finally, to a pilot. She walks us through how each episode is set up in the writers' room. We also dive into how Allie landed her book deal for Suri’s Burn Book, the brainchild inspired by her massively popular Tumblr account which Time Magazine named as one of the 'Best Bloggers', and advice on how to earn side income to keep you afloat while you work on your writing.

Get ready for an episode that will rock your socks.

Xo,

Yin

PS. Do you know anyone who’s seriously been considering TV writing but has no idea what the steps are? Please share this episode, it may really be of help! 

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“You just have to do the best work that you can, be confident in your own abilities, and your taste in the projects you pick.” -Allie Hagan (click to tweet)

“I was too stupid to be nervous because I had nothing to lose.” -Allie Hagan (click to tweet)

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM TODAY'S EPISODE: 

• The process of creating ABC’s Notorious from idea, to outlining, to writing the script

• Pitching a TV show to networks like ABC 

• Unpacking what it means to “break an episode” in the Writers’ Room

• How Allie’s viral Tumblr account led to a book deal that birthed Suri’s Burn Book

• How Allie met her writing manager via social media

• Creating opportunities for yourself by maintaining professional relationships 

• Thoroughly researching your characters to fully flesh out their world
• Earning side income from platforms like Upwork while working on your creative career

• How Allie monetized her tremendously popular blog

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LEARN MORE ABOUT ALLIE

Allie Hagan is the creator and co-executive producer of Notorious, airing Thursdays this fall on ABC. She is also the creator of Suri’s Burn Book, the viral Tumblr account, and the author of its 2012 companion book, Suri’s Burn Book: Well-Dressed Commentary from Hollywood’s Little Sweetheart. Allie was named one of Time Magazine’s Best Bloggers of 2013. Before beginning her career as a television writer, she worked for a lobbying firm in Washington, DC. She holds both a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in public policy from George Washington University.

Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need by Blake Snyder 

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert 

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger 

Yes Please by Amy Poehler 

“The only way your book is going to be written is if you sit down and write it.” -Elizabeth Eulberg (click to tweet)

We have internationally bestselling young adult author Elizabeth Eulberg on the show with us today! Elizabeth first started her career as a book publicist who then transitioned into a full-time writer with numerous books under her belt: The Lonely Hearts Club, Prom & Prejudice, Take a Bow, Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality, Better Off Friends, We Can Work it Out, and The Great Shelby Holmes.

In today’s episode proudly sponsored by Gotham Writers, Elizabeth unpacks why it’s crucial to have an accountability partner to keep you on track with your writing, why it’s important to use anauthentic voice for your characters, manageable steps for you to reach your writing goals, how knowing your characters before you write their story is incredibly helpful to you as an author, and so much more. 

Xo,

Yin

PS. Did today’s episode help you in any way? Please share it with someone you think the episode can inspire!

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“I try to make sure my characters reflect my readers as much as I can.” -Elizabeth Eulberg (click to tweet)

“You are allowed to fail and you are allowed to make mistakes.” -Elizabeth Eulberg (click to tweet)

“You are never going to get to paragraph two if you don’t let go of paragraph one.”-Elizabeth Eulberg (click to tweet)

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• Why Elizabeth wrote in secret for five years before publishing The Lonely Hearts Club

• Creating characters that reflect your readers from different cultures

• How having an accountability partner will keep you on track with your writing goals

• Creating an authentic voice for your characters

• How traveling creates inspiration for Elizabeth’s writing

• Letting go of control during the publishing process and how it best benefits you 

• Why it’s crucial to seek out criticism and be open to it

• Manageable steps to take that will  help you reach your writing goals

• Why it’s important to get to know your characters before you write their story 

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Elizabeth Eulberg was born and raised in Wisconsin before heading off to college at Syracuse University and making a career in the New York City book biz. Now a full-time writer, she is the author of The Lonely Hearts Club, Prom & Prejudice, Take a Bow, Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality, Better Off Friends, We Can Work it Out, and The Great Shelby Holmes. She lives outside of Manhattan with her three guitars, two keyboards, and one drumstick.

Sweet Valley High series by Francine Pascal

Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt

Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need by Blake Snyder

Morgan Matson’s podcast episode

Leigh Bardugo’s podcast episode 

https://www.patreon.com/88cupsoftea

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Click here to go directly to Sabaa's shownotes page.

We have #1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir of An Ember in the Ashes and the recently released A Torch Against The Night on the podcast!

Her massive hit series was an immediate best-seller, selling its movie rights to Paramount Pictures before it was even published. Critics compare it to “The Hunger Games” and “Game Of Thrones” for young adult (and adult) readers.

In today’s discussion brought to you by Vermont College of Fine Arts, Sabaa describes what it was like growing up in her family-run motel in the Mojave Desert, and how books played an important role in her childhood. We tap into Sabaa’s memories about family, her relationship with her parents, and how it has influenced her own values and standards of work ethic today.

In her episode, Sabaa shares how working as an editor in the international department at The Washington Post led her to writing fiction. We unpack her thought processes as a storyteller and why it’s crucial for Sabaa to portray realistic human behavior in her work. This episode is a must! 

Xo,

Yin

PS. Did today’s episode help you in any way? Share it with someone who needs a boost of inspiration!

Please leave a review about the podcast by clicking here. Your honest feedback helps to shape the show. Thank you for your time and for helping with the ranking of the show when leaving a review and rating!

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“I didn’t start loving to read until I was a bit older but once I got the bug, that was my happy place, my safe place.” -Sabaa Tahir (click to tweet)

“With “Ember”, the story was meant for me and I was meant for it. It was sort of the soulmate of stories for me.” -Sabaa Tahir (click to tweet)

“I wrote because I love to write not because I thought one day I’m going to be a writer.” -Sabaa Tahir (click to tweet)

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: 

• How working at The Washington Post as an editor inspired the idea for “An Ember in the Ashes” series

• Why it’s of the utmost importance for Sabaa to realistically portray human behavior in her work

• How shifting your mentality about writing from “hobby” to “work” will help you hone your craft

• Crafting a world that allows you to defy reality

• How having a writing mentor can help you the way its helped Sabaa

“It was books that I would turn to. They became my best friends.” -Sabaa Tahir  (click to tweet)

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LEARN MORE ABOUT SABAA

Sabaa Tahir grew up in California’s Mojave Desert at her family’s eighteen-room motel. There, she spent her time devouring fantasy novels, raiding her brother’s comic book stash, and playing guitar badly. She began writing An Ember in the Ashes while working nights as a newspaper editor at the Washington Post, where she covered the international desk and stories on child soldiers and other atrocities in Africa and the middle east. All of these experiences informed elements of her book. She likes thunderous indie rock, garish socks, and all things nerd. Sabaa currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.

Wind, Sand, and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

GMC: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict by Debra Dixon

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi