The most satisfying stories don't come from surprises that appear out of nowhere; they come from details that were there all along. In this episode, we'll explore how writers can strategically plant information, objects, emotions, and clues early in a story that later bloom into meaningful revelations, twists, and character growth. Readers love being surprised, but they love it even more when the surprise feels earned. Let us teach you how to make every detail count.

SHOW NOTES:

What does planting seeds mean?

Types of seeds a writer can plant

The rule of set-up and payoff

Where writers get it wrong

Revision tip: read backwards

DO NOW:

For examples of effective seed-planting and a writer’s exercise, download our FREE Planting Seeds companion to this episode from our website @ https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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What happens when a passion for travel, friendship, and embracing life's changes becomes the heart of unforgettable stories? In this episode, award-winning author Patricia Sands shares her journey from indie publishing to traditional success and the inspiration behind her novels set in the South of France. We discuss her latest release, The French Effect, the themes of friendship, reinvention, and aging that resonate throughout her work, and how she's built a career spanning more than a decade. Patricia also offers valuable insights into the writing life, publishing, and finding your authentic voice. Whether you're a writer or an avid reader, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace change and write the stories only you can tell.

SHOW NOTES:

Bio & books

The French Effect

Inspiration

Writing and travel

Narrating an audiobook

Process & Research

Writing advice

SOURCES & LINKS

Patricia’s Website

The French Effect

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

What separates a decent first draft from a truly compelling novel? In this episode, we’ll provide you with 10 tips on the art of revision and explore the strategies that transform rough manuscripts into powerful stories readers can’t put down. Whether you’re tackling your first revision or your fifth, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a sharper editorial eye.

SHOW NOTES:

1. Walk Away
2. Read Through
3. Identify your Core Story
4. Focus on Big Ideas First
5. Revise in Layers
6. Strengthen Character Motivation
7. Raise the Stakes
8. Cut and Move
9. Check Scene Purpose
10. Sharpen Openings and Endings

SOURCES & LINKS

“How to Revise a Novel,” Holly Lisle https://hollylisle.com/how-to-revise-a-novel/

“Novel Revision Checklist,” Nathan Bransford https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2022/06/revision-checklist

Books on story structure, character, motivation and stakes

Story Genius, Wired for Story by Lisa Kron

Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

Related ATB Episodes:

Editing and Revision Methods, Episode 21 (backwards outline, color coding, notecards…)

Editing (interview with 2 editors), Episode 51

Tension and Conflict, Episode 61

DO NOW: Determine where you are in your editing process and try an editing technique that you haven’t tried yet

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you