Writerly Bites is back with advice on how to set the stage for luck.

This week, think about what makes you accept or reject the invitation of the first page.

Reading rec: BAD ASIANS, by Lillian Li.

This week, it's time for your novel to get some self-care.

Reading recommendation: THE KEEPER by Tana French.

This week, we're flipping the script on who gets to be the hero of your story.

Reading recommendation: TOKYO EXPRESS by Seicho Matsumoto.

This week, make your story's problems personal for your characters.

Reading recommendation: THE COLONY by Annika Norlin.

This week, remembering what you love and why you write.

Reading recommendation: THE TRANSIT OF VENUS, by Shirley Hazzard.

This week, flip the script on power in your scene.

Reading recommendation: THE RED GROVE, by Tessa Fontaine.

This week, a bold prescription for a common problem.

Reading recommendation: STONE YARD DEVOTIONAL, by Charlotte Wood.

This week, put on your deerstalker hat and be a detective for your story.

Reading rec: THE TEN-YEAR AFFAIR, by Erin Somers.

This week, we're going with our gut.

Book recommendation: A GUARDIAN AND A THIEF, by Megha Majumdar.