February 27, 2025

Lisa Montanaro ON: How to Use Real-Life Experiences to Inspire Memorable Fiction, Writing in Multi-POV and Dual Timelines, and Crafting Secrets in Storytelling

1 hour 7 minutes

If you have real-life experiences that have shaped you, but you want to write a fiction—not nonfiction—story, then don't miss this episode.

In this conversation, I talk to the mesmerizing author and public speaker, Lisa Montanaro, about her heartfelt debut, EVERYTHING WE THOUGHT WAS TRUE. This is a jam-packed conversation, filled with invaluable insights on writing and publishing fiction, like:

How Lisa transitioned from being a published nonfiction author to a fiction author

Finding the balance of writing fiction inspired by real-life events—i.e. how she used her real-life experiences to inspire her debut and also how she had fun making up plot points and character arcs for her fiction story

Writing tips for writing multi-POV and a dual timeline

Why secrets are so important in storytelling, and when and how to reveal them

Her decision to publish with a small publisher (and advice on how to pick your own publishing path)

And that's only the beginning!

By the time you finish this episode, you'll have a strong grasp on how to craft a fiction story pulled from your personal experiences, how to sketch characters before putting them into high-stake conflicts and situations, writing tips that can help you write mult-POV and/or dual timeline, and questions that can help you decide what publishing path is best for your writing endeavors. Plus, you'll want to order a copy of Lisa'a debut pronto!

Don't forget to bring a notepad to this episode. There's so much to learn!

Important Links for this episode >>

Buy EVERYTHING WE THOUGHT WAS TRUE by Lisa Montanaro

Check out Colage and how it can support adult children of LGTBQ parents

Connect with Abigail and Lisa:

Instagram: @abigailkperry | @lisa.montanaro

Abigail's website

Lisa'a website

Wondering what you should you listen to next? Learn more about writing secrets from literary agent Allison Hunter in her episode: Allison Hunter ON: What Makes a Great Beach Read, How to Use Comps, and Why Secrets are Imperative in Fiction

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