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! 

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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