Eva and Katryn dive into character arcs this week, from craft inspirations to the similarities between building our characters and parenting them. Eva reveals her new book title (YAY!) and Katryn unveils a Lord of the Rings-inspired story cartography process for character arcs. Martin Short is also discussed, because why the hell not?

Content/Spoiler Warnings: CW for mention of JKR’s transphobia

Sources:

• Katryn discusses a troubling trend she’s noticing in this episode and her substack.

• Eva and Katryn both recommend Susan Dennard’s craft writing--check out Susan’s Substack!

• Eva has recently learned about James Scott Bell’s Write Your Novel From the Middle

• Katryn discusses her own reasons for not writing characters from outside her racial background, but please read author and co-founder of We Need Diverse Books, Dhonielle Clayton’s words on this, because it gets the point across without nearly as much ambient mumbling and word repetition.

• When it comes to redemption arcs, PLEASE pick up Tae Keller’s Jennifer Chan is Not Alone

• Read Becky Albertalli’s Amelia, If Only, Brynne Weaver’s Butcher and Blackbird, Geneva Rose’s The Perfect Marriage
  

This week, Eva and Katryn talk about social media pitfalls for authors, getting back to fangirling over craft, and BookCon’s return. Eva talks about her surprise spiritual connection to Love Island, and Katryn has conspiracy theories about Regina George and the algorithm.

Content/Spoiler Warnings: Kate discusses The Bear season 3 so if you haven't caught up before the next season, skip that portion. She also discusses mild tease spoilers about Hacks and Starstruck (HBO).

Sources:

• Subscribe to Katryn’s multi part series about authors and social media

• We talked about a lot of shows this week, here's where to find them- Love Island USA (Peacock), The Bear (Hulu), Hacks (HBO), Starstruck (HBO)

• We discuss an older episode called Vulturing the Trunk, dedicated to reviving old shelved manuscripts. If you missed it, catch the episode HERE
• BookCon is coming back next year!
• Read Stephanie Lucianovic’s books!
• Newer studies point to evidence that shows kids are using debunked practices to learn to read.
  

This week, Eva and Katryn discuss the ways in which we undervalue ourselves in publishing, and how getting feedback can cause tunnel vision for only the negative points. Eva revels in the second (or possibly fifth) chance romance she’s having with her upcoming book, and Katryn can only be healed by the Elon/Musk breakup - remember, that thing that happened two weeks ago, but now feels like two hundred years?

Sources:

• We discussed that man who had to apologize to Oprah and his flourishing career (why)
• If you’re a fan of fantasy, romance, and everything in between, follow Katryn’s sister, Maren Lane and her thriving book blog!
• Yes, we made merch. Thanks, AJ Davage!
• Katryn discusses additional Pride fuckery in her article on Substack. Follow her there!
• Also, follow Eva on Substack!