Lit Match

If you have real-life experiences that have shaped you, but you want to write a fiction—not nonfiction—story, then don't miss this episode.  In this conversation, I talk to the mesmerizing author and public speaker, Lisa Montanaro, about her heartfelt debut, EVERYTHING WE THOUGHT WAS TRUE. This is a jam-packed conversation, filled with invaluable insights on writing and publish...

  Do you love historical romance? Do you want to learn what makes a first chapter capture a reader's (and literary agent's!) attention? Then you need today's episode.  In today's episode, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo returns for a deep dive into the uber-popular, time-traveling romance, OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. This conversation is jam-packed with...

If you're unsure how to write or analyze well-structured scenes in your novel, you need today's episode.  Today, book coach and developmental editor Savannah Gilbo returns for a deep dive and scene analysis...only this time, it's extra special because it not only features a chapter from one of our favorite books, it is also the book Savannah analyzes in her Writer's G...

If you've written a book and are in need a book cover, this is a super important episode for you to hear.  In this conversation, I talk to the brilliant book cover designer, Zoe Novell, who is also the founder of the one-of-kind book designer directory, available on her website, I Need a Book Cover. In this special conversation, Zoe and I cover a range of invaluable and interesting informatio...

If you're planning your novel or have a finished draft and don't know where to begin with revisions, you need to hear this episode.  This is a special two-part discussion with the brilliant book coach, developmental editor, and author Savannah Gilbo as she breaks down the main plot line—or the big picture—in J.K. Rowling's debut and phenomenon, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (HPSS).&nb...

Abigail sits down with Karyn Fischer, a book coach and past literary agent of Bookstop Literary Agency, to discuss narrative voice and how to differentiate a character’s voice in middle grade and young adult novels.  If you’re writing a middle grade or young adult novel—or you get consistent feedback that something is just “off” with your voice—this episode is for you.  Karyn shares spec...

Join Savannah Gilbo and Abigail for the second part of an inside interview with Tim Grahl, CEO of Story Grid, on our latest book, a masterwork analysis guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ( now available for purchase !). In this interview, we discuss how Rowling created an unforgettable cast of quirky and relatable characters in the Harry Potter series. You’ll learn insights and ti...

What made Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone a worldwide bestseller ? Why does this story still resonate with readers almost thirty years later? And why did Savannah Gilbo and I agree to spend so much time dissecting every single scene and page to find out how and why it works?! Tune into this episode to hear Savannah Gilbo and I talk to Tim Grahl (the CEO of Story Grid) about what it...

The third (and final!) analysis in a 3-part episode series!  Abigail and Savannah return for their final first chapter analysis in The Hunger Games series, this time analyzing the first chapter (and scene) of MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins. Learn why they think this first chapter makes a splash, and how it emotionally pulls fans into the final chapter of a high stakes...

The second analysis in a 3-part episode series!  Abigail and Savannah are back to analyze the first chapter of CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins, the sequel in  The Hunger Games phenomenon, and the second analysis in The Hunger Games first chapter deep dive episodes. Come listen to why Abigail and Savannah think this first chapter hooks, and why it sets the stage for arguably th...

The first analysis in what will be a 3-part episode series!  Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the YA dystopian phenomenon, THE HUNGER GAMES  by Suzanne Collins. This is one of Abigail's and Savannah's favorite series....ever...and their passion for this story shines in their discussion about what (1) sets up big picture expectations for the main plot, and (2) w...

Abigail sits down with domestic suspense author, Jen Craven—her first *returning!* guest. In Jen's previous episode, Abigail and Jen discussed her writing career as a self-published author. In this episode, Jen talks about her latest books and what it's been like to shift from self-publishing to traditional publishing. Some of the big discussion topics Abigail and Jen explore i...

Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling and award-winning novel REMARKABLY BRIGHt CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt. This was one of Abigail's favorite reads in 2023, and there are great reasons it received (and continues to receive) such hype! Together, Abigail and Savannah discuss why these opening pages hook readers and set up big picture expec...

Take out your notepads! Abigail sits down with literary agent Kate McKean for a very special conversation about book publishing contracts. This is a topic that intimidated Abigail early in her career—as it does many writers who are interested in traditional publishing. It's also extremely important for writers to understand what makes a good deal, and who better to learn from than an exp...

Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo! Today, Abigail and Savannah analyze the first chapter of the bestselling fantasy novel FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros. Together, they discuss why these opening pages hook readers and set up big picture expectations for the story. Some key elements they take deep dives on include: How to raise the stakes (and why they're so important) S...

Abigail sits down with Megan Tady ( Super Bloom , May 2023) to discuss her debut and path to publishing . Humble and resilient, Megan shares her experience and knowledge about a wide range of writing tips from the importance of accountability partners and writing strategies to game-changing mindset tips and what to expect as a published author.  Some of Abig...

Abigail sits down with Meghan Stevenson (Meghan Stevenson Books) to talk about all things traditional publishing . After an editing career at a traditional publisher, Meghan left her job and started Meghan Stevenson Books ( 2012). Meghan and her team have helped their clients earn over $5,000,000 in advances from top publishers. In total, their books have sold millions of...

  Abigail sits down with certified editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo to discuss and analyze the first chapter of Lev Grossman's THE MAGICIANS (and it's a doozy of a first chapter!). Both fantasy lovers, Savannah and Abigail come to this first chapter with a unique approach: Savannah is a super fan of this book and Abigail has only read it once—and several years ago. With the...

Abigail is back with book coach and editor Savannah Gilbo! Today, Abigail and Savannah sit down to analyze the first chapter of the bestselling fantasy novel A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness. Together, they discuss why these opening pages hook readers—and model other outstanding elements of fiction, some including: A micro-analysis of a well-structured scene (while planting set ups...

Abigail sits down with book coach and memoir writer Suzette Mullen to analyze the prologue and first chapter of Glennon Doyle's bestselling and groundbreaking memoir, UNTAMED. Together, they discuss the differences between memoir and fiction writing—and also why writers can benefit greatly from reading and analyzing both genres.  In addition to their analysis (using the 7 Key First Chapt...

Abigail sits down with Ariele Fredman, a book publicist turned literary agent at United Talent Agency (UTA). Ariele is  actively seeking commercial fiction in: General fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense/thriller, Feel-Good Fiction, Women's Fiction, and YA.    Ariele joined UTA after working 12 years at Atria Books, where she worked across genres and launche...

A special episode that shares a piece of Abigail and Savannah's May Book Notes meeting!  In this episode, Abigail and book coach companion Savannah Gilbo share a piece of their May virtual book club meeting; they take a deep dive into the first chapter (and prologue) of Tracy Deonn's YA fantasy bestseller LEGENDBORN. Here's a preview of what they discuss: First chapter summary How they s...

In this episode, Abigail takes a first chapter deep dive with kidlit book coach and author, Sara Gentry. Together, they discuss the first chapter of C.S. Lewis’s beloved masterwork, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (book two in The Chronicles of Narnia series). In addition to their analysis of how the first chapter (and part of chapter two) sets up big picture expectations and creates a well-...

In this episode, Abigail takes a first chapter deep dive with Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense book coach expert and author, Samantha Skal. Together, they discuss the first chapter of Riley Sager's THE HOUSE ACROSS THE LAKE and why its prologue and first chapter hook readers and set up big picture expectations. Plus, Abigail picks Samatha's brain about several elements that make MTS novel...

Abigail sits down with author Mikki Brammer to discuss her (amazing!) contemporary fiction/upmarket debut, THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER. This story features  a socially stunted death doula whose obsession with documenting her clients’ final words sends her on the adventure of her life.  This is one of Abigail's favorite reads in 2023—and releases May 9th, 2023 ! Together, Mi...