This week, we're breaking down the art of good prose; specifically, how it delivers the promise of the premise. We're talking sentence lengths, verbs, and punctuation!

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Listen, we could tell you all day what it takes to make a query and a novel sparkle, but why not hear it from a star agent like Michaela (Mike) Whatnall? That's right! This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith chat with Mike Whatnall of the Dystel, Goderich & Bourret agency about what makes a project really stand out and the answer is: specificity. Mike's craft insight covers everything from pitches to magic systems and everything in between.

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This week, romance author Ruby Barrett teaches Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith all about intimacy. From kissing to open-door spice, she shares the techniques that will make readers swoon.

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You've got your outline and character arcs ready, but the draft isn't drafting! What do you do?! Never fear. This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss the one thing that's likely holding your wordcount back: personal stakes.

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Have we got a treat for you! Authors and fellow podcasters Angela Montoya and Melanie Schubert from Of the Publishing Persuasion join us for a chat about how to handle the lows of publishing as well as tips to ensure your journey has staying power.

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We're always told that no writing goes to waste, but what does that actually mean?! Well, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith have got you covered this week. They cover the skills that will follow you throughout the writing journey. From querying to Netflix deals, these are the forever golden techniques to hone.

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As writers, it's our job to create engaging, dynamic, and precious characters... and then torture them until they complete their character arc! Readers will turn the page just to watch a character fight back against a bully or realize their stubbornness and pride is keeping them from the love of their life. This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss how putting characters in a vacuum in which they are devoid of the thing they really need can create addictive stories.

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We said magic systems deserved their own episode, so we delivered! How do you create a magic system that tantalizes your readers, maxes out vibes, and develops a gut-wrenching theme? Authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith go into detail about how you can make your witches, mages, and space wizards do work for you!

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Also, pre-order Lyssa's book, GILDED IN VENGEANCE, now!

You know we love tropes on Turning to Story. Cuddling for warmth. Touch-starved. Enemies to lovers. Butwhyare those tropes so darn good? This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith analyze T. Taylor's7 Figure Fictionto uncover the truth about tropes.

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Pre-order Lyssa's YA fantasy romance, GILDED IN VENGEANCE, now!

Check out7 Figure Fiction by T. Taylor

How do you create a world that leaps from the page? What about one readers will print t-shirts and fanart of? This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss how make the world of your story work for you.

Remember to add Lyssa's new YA romantic fantasy, GILDED IN VENGEANCE, to your Goodreads!

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