The Darling Killers Podcast

Rules are made to be broken, and "show, don't tell" is one of them. Join Allison, Laura, and Joan as they explore the nuances of the writing principle 'show, don't tell,' discussing its importance in storytelling and the balance between showing and telling in writing. The hosts share insights on how to effectively use detail, symbolism, and character development to enhance storytelling, ending wit...

Love 'em or hate 'em, R+Rs are part of the publishing process that some of us could do without. Join Darling Killers Podcast hosts Joan, Laura, and Allison as they dive into the complexities of the revision and resubmission (R&R) process in the publishing industry, highlighting the emotional stakes for authors and the importance of critical feedback. They share personal experiences and insight...

They're back! In this kickoff episode of Season 2, the hosts of The Darling Killers Podcast reflect on their summer highlights and challenges, and, right, wrong, or otherwise, delve into their 2027 predictions for the publishing market. Join Joan, Laura, and Allison as they explore storytelling trends, the cyclical nature of genres, and the evolving landscape of writing, covering everything from v...

You asked, we answered! Allison, Laura, and Joan collected listener questions and they answer many via Q+A in the season finale of The Darling Killers Podcast. The authors cover a range of topics including traditional vs. self-publishing, genre/audience considerations, how to get started, and their favorite tips on writing. The hosts address the common fear of idea theft and provide advice on navi...

We talk about talking in the PENultimate episode of Season 1! Join Joan, Laura, and Allison as they chat all things on the impact of dialogue on reader experience. The co-hosts delve into the craft of effective dialogue, the role of nonverbal communication, and the importance of using it to drive the plot forward. As usual, they can't get through an episode without referencing a show. This time, t...

Literary citizenship: What does it mean to be a good literary citizen, anyway? In this episode, Allison, Laura, and Joan chat about the concept of literary citizenship, what good support looks like, and the importance of community and collaboration in the literary world--along with its risks. The hosts also discuss the significance of book covers and the impact of small gestures of kindness in spr...

Talent is only one part of the recipe for making it in traditional publishing. Join Allison, Laura, and Joan as they delve into three traits authors should foster to bolster their writing careers that go way beyond the book deal. Each host brings one personality trait with them to the chat, exploring the challenges and triumphs of having a working career in the publishing world. (S1 E7) Chapters 0...

Sometimes, the best ideas don't become the best books. Join Allison, Laura, and Joan in good book idea versus good book concepts. The authors discuss the challenges of generating ideas, the importance of query writing, and the hard reality of writing execution. Additionally, they answer a listener question about whether it's okay to use AI to draft publishing materials, highlighting recent studies...

The Darling Killers Podcast co-hosts discuss one of the most popular questions they get asked: "Where do you get your book ideas?" Their conversation explores the sources of inspiration for authors, particularly the influence of media like popular TV and movies. Joan, Laura, and Allison discuss their creative processes and the role of unique ideas in storytelling, providing insights into how to ge...

The Darling Killers Podcast hosts explain what it means to plot fiction, "pants" it, and the hybrid of the two: plants it. Joan, Laura, and Allison discuss the pros and cons of the various methods, including sharing insights on the challenges and rewards of the writing process. As always, they agree you need to know the rules to break them. (S1E4) Takeaways The writing process involves a variety o...

We all want it, but do you have it? High concept is a buzzphrase in the industry, and this episode of The Darling Killers tackles why. Here, Joan, Laura, and Allison provide a definition for high concept work, its characteristics, and methods to test out if your book idea is one that makes people sit up. The hosts chat stakes, fresh takes on familiar themes, and the need for a compelling and easil...

In this episode of the Darling Killers, Joan, Laura, and Allison explore various themes surrounding writing, career pivots, and personal growth. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating market trends in the publishing industry, the balance between creativity and business, and the role of agents in making career decisions. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with pivoting,...

The authors' conversation covers book discussions, writing and publishing excitement, TV shows and comfort viewing, unique critique group dynamics, and critique group safety and trust. The speakers share insights into their collaborative writing process and the dynamics of their critique group, emphasizing the importance of trust and safety in their interactions. Next week, they'll talk the quiet...

New podcast alert! In this kickoff bonus episode, Joan, Laura, and Allison's chat revolves around the friendship and collaboration between three authors, their writing and publishing journey, and the birth of their podcast The Darling Killers . The authors discuss their virtual connection, the formation of their group, and introduce their author brands, backgrounds, future projects, and engagement...