In 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 the podcast when it comes to psychological acuity!

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

For more information about the Deep Dive Series, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/deep-dive-series-2025.html

For more information about Carly's 2025 Publishing Predictions webinar, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/courses--events.html

For further information about The Ultimate Planner for Writers, go to https://www.biancamarais.com/planner-for-writers.html

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands