Lit Match

Abigail sits down with book coach and fantasy writer, Dani Abernathy, to discuss a unique tool that Dani uses with her clients: the Enneagram Personality Test.

Many writers love personality tests (Abigail included), but in this episode, Dani shares how to use the Enneagram test effectively—and with this knowledge, it won’t become a resource that sends writers down a research rabbit hole.

How does this work? Dani explains how, by deeply understanding the Enneagram test, writers can develop a more diverse cast of personalities in their books. Additionally, writers who better understand their personalities can use this knowledge to their advantage, resulting in a happier, and more efficient writing and publishing process. 

Plus, when writers understand the Enneagram of their main characters, they can use it as a tool to develop a character’s wants, fears, and ultimately, decision making abilities—all of which are paramount to a story’s character arc, plot, and ultimate change.  

Do you use a personality test to write your books? The Enneagram test might be your next favorite writing tool! 

Bonus!

Take Dani's Enneagram Personality Test for Writers

Follow Abigail and Dani:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.daniabernathy.com/

IG: @abigailkperry | @daniabernathyauthor

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @DaniAuthor

Abigail sits down for an insightful conversation about agenting and craft with Senior Literary Agent, Maria Vicente, of P.S. Literary Agency. 

While Maria has a love for and strong list of children’s books and graphic novels, she’s also looking to expand her list with adult fiction and nonfiction. Learn about Maria’s MSWL and her agenting style, along with other solid pieces of writing and business advice, in this episode. 

Some key takeaways from this conversation include:

Maria Vicente is actively seeking new client. In addition to this episode, visit her website for her full MSWL and more insights. Is she the perfect business partner and advocate for your writing and publishing career? Listen to find out! 

Some of Maria's Clients and Books:

Follow Abigail and Maria:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.mariavicente.com/

IG: @abigailkperry | @agentvicente

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @agentvicente

This week's episode deviates from the normal Lit Match episode structure in order to honor the life of Abigail's aunt, Gail Hayes, who was a talented writer, devoted mother and wife, and active fundraiser—some of her many roles in life. Gail (who Abigail called Gigla or Gig) passed away on January 24, 2023 from Glioblastoma (brain tumor) after courageously fighting this disease for 21-months. 

In this episode, Abigail pulls her interview with Gail from her first podcast, Story Effect. She interviews Gail about four dominant story-influences on her life, which include THE CRICKET IN TIMES SQUARE, her favorite book, and three of Gail's favorite songs. All of these explore Gail's love for music and how it has an innate ability to connect, inspire, and educate people—even transcend language, although Gail focuses on the words and messages in the book and songs to discuss why they influenced her.

Following the interview, Abigail pulls 5 big takeaways and explains why they can teach and inspire writers. With each takeaway, Abigail provides a writing exercise or writing tip(s) that writers can immediately apply to their craft and WIP (work-in-progress). 

So, writing friends, take out your notebooks! This episode offers both life and writing lessons you won't want to miss—and all from a kindred spirit who possessed a magical ability to simplify words in powerful and meaningful ways. 

Read the full obituary of Gail Hayes 

Make a donation in Gail's name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Read Gail's Creative Writing Articles on Cooking, "How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Cook the Ways"

Books and Songs Covered in this Episode:

Follow Abigail:

IG and Twitter: @abigailkperry

Website: www.abigailkperry.com 

This week, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo joins Abigail for a first chapter deep dive analysis of a Colleen Hoover mega-hit, UGLY LOVE. This is also a particularly special episode because it pulls a small clip from the first meeting of Savannah and Abigail's virtual book club, Book Notes. 

In this episode, you'll learn how the first chapter of UGLY LOVE gives readers insight into what the Big Picture is all about, and how it works as a well-structured scene that hooks readers. Some key details you'll hear include: 

These first chapter deep dive analysis episodes are designed to help you, the burgeoning writer, learn how to improve and master your craft—especially if you want to polish your first pages before querying your dream agent.

Not sure what UGLY LOVE is about? Read this blurb from the book's back cover on Amazon:

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she doesn't think it's love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.

Connect with us:

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @savannahgilbo

Instagram: @abigailkperry | @savannah.gilbo

Website: www.abigailkperry.com  | https://www.savannahgilbo.com/

P.S. Don't miss out on Savannah's amazing podcast for writers: FICTION WRITING MADE EASY 

Today, Abigail brings on a guest who is an avid reader and professional book reviewer—and popular podcast host!—Sarah Dickinson. Together, they take a first chapter deep dive analysis of one of 2022’s most popular books (what NYT called the Best Book of the Year!), and one of their favorite reads in 2022: LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus.

This episode is particularly fun since Sarah, as a reader, shares her analysis based on her reaction as a reader, paired with Abigail's editorial viewpoint. 

Come listen to their analysis as they breakdown big first and second chapter hooks like:

How the prologue in disguise might not quite work as a scene with a value change—but absolutely hooks readers and works as an engaging, rich opening 

 Elizabeth Zott, the logical, confident, and depressed chemist/celebrity chef who exemplifies a well-developed character and has inspired countless readers 

 How the first two chapters encapsulate so much of what readers need to know in order to embrace the big picture 

The smart execution of POV and how sharing multiple perspectives about Elizabeth Zott electrified her character (and the story)

A breakdown of the scene structure for chapter two (what we called the official chapter one)

What Bonnie Garmus hopes women readers take away from LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, and what she hopes men take away from it 

Plus, more! 

Email Abigail with your thoughts or share on social media and tag her. Let's continue the conversation!

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus (pulled from Amazon)

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results. 

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.  

Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.

Buy LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY>>

Listen to Sarah's Podcast (and episode with Bonnie Grams):

Find Abigail and Sarah:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/sample-page/

IG: @abigailkperry | @SarahsShelves

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @sarahsbookshelves

Abigail sits down with book marketing expert (with 13 years Big 5 publishing experience), Andrea DeWerd, to discuss the writing community's mass departure from Twitter.  

In this conversation, Andrea explains what's really happening on Twitter, why eight percent of the writing and publishing community have left this platform, and what this means for writers who want to find information about the publishing business, discover agents (among other professionals in the book industry), and sell books. 

Andrea also shares insights from her book marketing expertise with specific tools and strategies authors can use to market their books—and make a splash! 

Listen to this conversation to learn a wealth of book business-related news and book marketing tips that you won't want to miss, some including:

What are your biggest takeaways from Andrea's insights? Abigail would love to know! 

P.S. Abigail’s email list is up and running! If you’d like to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, insight on the publishing industry, and writing tips, be sure to sign up at www.abigailkperry.com 

Follow Abigail and Andrea:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://ajdewerd.com/

IG: @abigailkperry | @ajdewerd

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @ajdewerd

Come join Abigail and certified book coach, Rona Gofstein, as they analyze the first chapter of bestselling author Jasmine Guillory’s USA Today bestselling novel, THE WEDDING DATE.  

Abigail and Rona explore many of the important elements of contemporary romance, as well as what makes this first chapter so engaging. Read the first chapter, listen to this conversation, and join Abigail and Rona as they share their craft knowledge and observations.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

Email Abigail with your thoughts or share on social media and tag her. Let's continue the conversation!  

THE WEDDING DATE by Jasmine Guillory (pulled from Amazon)

Agreeing to go to a wedding with a guy she gets stuck with in an elevator is something Alexa Monroe wouldn't normally do. But there's something about Drew Nichols that's too hard to resist.

On the eve of his ex's wedding festivities, Drew is minus a plus one. Until a power outage strands him with the perfect candidate for a fake girlfriend....

After Alexa and Drew have more fun than they ever thought possible, Drew has to fly back to Los Angeles and his job as a pediatric surgeon, and Alexa heads home to Berkeley, where she's the mayor's chief of staff. Too bad they can't stop thinking about the other....

They're just two high-powered professionals on a collision course toward the long distance dating disaster of the century--or closing the gap between what they think they need and what they truly want....

Buy THE WEDDING DATE>>

Find Abigail and Rona:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://ronagofstein.com

IG: @abigailkperry | @write.with.rona

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @ronathewriter 

Join Abigail as she interviews CeCe Lyra, Associate Literary Agent at P.S. Literary Agency and the brilliant co-host of the popular writing podcast, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. Abigail’s said it in more places than one: This conversation will be one that Abigail thinks about (and refers back to) for many, many years. 

Here are some of the multitude of important, insightful topics CeCe covers—like the writing process, the realities of the publishing industry, and even questions that will make you reflect about yourself and your story beyond writing and publishing a book:   

What was your biggest takeaway from CeCe’s interview?  Email Abigail, she'd love to hear from you! 

P.S. Abigail’s email list is up and running! If you’d like to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, insight on the publishing industry, and writing tips, be sure to sign up at www.abigailkperry.com 

CeCe’s Wishlist: https://cecilialyra.com/query-wishlist/

Query CeCe: https://www.psliterary.com/submissions/

More Articles with CeCe:

Follow Abigail and CeCe:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://cecilialyra.com/

IG: @abigailkperry | @cece_lyra_agent

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @ceciliaclyra

Come join Abigail and USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer Klepper, as they perform a first chapter deep dive analysis of Celeste Ng’s bestselling masterpiece, LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE.

Abigail and Jennifer agree, Celeste Ng is an exceptional author and LFE is a book that every writer can learn from. And the first pages prove why.

Abigail admits that she found this scene particularly challenging to analyze, and she’s curious what YOU think. Read the first chapter, listen to this conversation, and let her know! 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

Come study the first pages of Ng’s award-winning and bestselling work of literary fiction/domestic suspense. And then let us know, how do you think the 7 Key First Chapter Questions and Scene Structure work in the first chapter?

Email Abigail with your thoughts or share on social media and tag her. Let's continue the conversation!  

LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE BLURB (pulled from Goodreads)

Everyone in Shaker Heights was talking about it that summer: How Isabelle, the last of the Richardson children, had finally gone around the bend and burned the house down.

In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is meticulously planned—from the layout of the winding roads, to the colors of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules.

Enter Mia Warren—an enigmatic artist and single mother—who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenage daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than just tenants: All four Richardson children are drawn to the mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past, and a disregard for the rules that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community.

When old family friends attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town—and puts Mia and Elena on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia's past. But her obsession will come at an unexpected and devastating cost… 

Buy LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE >>

Find Abigail and Jennifer:

Website: www.abigailkperry.com | https://www.jenniferklepper.com/

IG: @abigailkperry | @jennifer_klepper

Twitter: @abigailkperry | @jenklepper

"Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?" — Blurb for Matt Haig's bestselling novel, THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY 

Abigail sits down with certified book coach Sharon Skinner to analyze the first chapter of THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. This is one of Abigail's favorite reads in 2022 (it published in 2020), and it's also in Abigail's top reads. Sharon also loved THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY, and is an excellent coach to talk to about this book since Sharon specializes in TML's genre, (curio) speculative fiction. 

Join Abigail and Sharon for a first chapter deep dive analysis of Matt Haig's bestselling, award-winning novel! Following the traditional format for these deep dive episodes, Abigail and Sharon discuss how the *prologue in disguise* and first chapter set up expectations for the big picture (using Paula Munier's 7 Key First Chapter Questions from her book THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO BEGINNINGS), and then they zero-in to examine each scene's structure (using Story Grid's scene analysis tools, some of these also used by Robert McKee). 

In addition to the macro and micro analysis, Abigail and Sharon discuss:

 Did you read THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY? What did you think of its first chapter?

Don't forget to read Diane Callahan's article on Tor: What Is “Curio Fiction”? Finding a Name for a Fantastical Subgenre

Connect with us:

Twitter: @abigailkperry |@SharonSkinner56

Instagram: @abigailkperry | 

Website: www.abigailkperry.com  | https://bookcoachingbysharon.com/ | http://sharonskinner.com/