Anna chats with rom-com writer Meredith Schorr, AS SEEN ON TV, about twisting rom-com tropes, dealing with feedback when a book hits the shelves, and... GASP sex scenes. Somehow, Anna stays entirely mature through most of it. Meredith Schorr's Website AS SEEN ON TV --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/me…

So you've stopped comparing yourself to others, you've made healthy goals, and you're ready to write. Except... the words aren't flowing! What do you do? Anna and Lyssa chat about reasons why the writing isn't happening plus ways to help encourage them to start! Lyssa Mia Smith Website --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod…

Anna chats with Susan Bishop Crispell about the winding journey to publication, the necessity of following your heart, and ways to keep yourself going with the going gets tough. Susan Bishop Crispell Website THE HOLLOWAY GIRLS --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Today, Anna and Lyssa dive deep into one main joy thief: broken goals. They discuss the differences between goals and dreams and why it's important to distinguish the two for a long, healthy, and happy writing career. "Broken Goals" blog post by Lyssa Mia Smith Jessica Lewis Query REVELLE on GoodReads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters…

Anna chats with debut middle grade author Erik Jon Slangerup about nostalgic settings, the helpful necessity of genre, and... dare we say, author age in publishing?! It's heartwarming and funny just like MOLLY AND THE MACHINE, his new 80s adventure middle grade book. Erik Jon Slangerup Website Buy Molly and the Machine --- Send in a voice message: …

Anna and and Lyssa Mia Smith continue their exploration of the balance between mental health and writing by looking at things in the publishing industry that try to steal your happiness: comparison, doubt, guilt, and more! Lyssa Mia Smith Website Mary Oliver Quote BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert THE PRACTICE by Seth Godin --- Send in a voice message…

While Emily is away doing debut events with THIS VICIOUS GRACE, Anna chats with future-debut author and podcast veteran Lyssa Smith. This episode marks the start of their special segment: Finding the Joy. Today, they chat all about deliberate practice, how to make the most out of every ounce of feedback, and how to study the pros in the most effect…

Anna chats with Emily about her debut book THIS VICIOUS GRACE. Out now and available for purchase wherever books are sold! Emily Thiede Linktree THIS VICIOUS GRACE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna chats with Tracy Badua, author FREDDIE vs. THE FAMILY CURSE, about studying comedy, how to keep MG (and all audiences) turning the page, as well as how to use emotions to dive deep into character. Plus, she gives excellent advice on how to build in time for yourself when schedules get hectic! Tracy Badua Linktree Buy Freddie vs. The Family Cur…

Write every day! Kill your darlings! Don't you dare think about a sequel! Anna and Emily debunk these writing myths and so much more. Also, they talk about zombies and serotonin. THIS VICIOUS GRACE SIGNED PRE-ORDER --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Anna chats with Sonora Reyes, debut author of THE LESBIANA'S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL, about how our writing process evolves for the better, how to make scenes irreplaceable, how there's power in finding people who believe in YOU, and how revision is truthfully the key to unlocking a book's true potential. Sora Reyes Website THE LESBIANA'S GUIDE TO…

Anna chats with Maggie Giles, debut author of THE THINGS WE LOST. They discuss women's fiction, taking chances on independent presses, and the importance of a supportive community. Maggie Giles Website THE THINGS WE LOST on Barnes and Noble --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Anna chats with Catherine Bakewell, debut author of WE ARE THE SONG. Together they chat about coping with a long writing journey, using character arcs as a method for plotting, how musicals are perfect examples of character beats, and... garlic bread with god. Buy WE ARE THE SONG now Catherine Bakewell's Website Catherine Bakewell on Instagram --- …

Anna and Emily answer listener questions about whether to think about sequels, how to move onto another project when you're querying, and... why we are so cute???? Basic Pitches on Twitter Basic Pitches on Instagram Basic Pitches on Anchor --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Anna chats with debut author Lillie Lainoff about bringing modern themes to retellings, changing up the pacing of novels to represent chronic illness, and the importance of research! Lillie Lainoff's Website ONE FOR ALL on Goodreads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Emily has an insightful chat with Taylor Harris about memoirs, the crossover of fiction to non-fiction writing, and the power of telling personal stories. Taylor Harris Website --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna and Emily discuss how beat sheets can really help when you're stuck-- especially if you draw from all different types of beat sheets! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna sits down with Alexandria Rogers to talk about her MG debut THE WITCH, THE SWORD, AND THE CURSED KNIGHTS as well as how to use worldbuilding as more than a backdrop and when to let go of a project that doesn't resonate anymore. Alexandria on Twitter Alexandria on LinkTree Buy THE WITCH, THE SWORD, AND THE CURSED KNIGHTS --- Send in a voice mes…

Anna and Emily spend time talking about Pitch Wars and their latest projects. Info About Pitch Decks Anna's Instagram

Emily chats with debut middle grade author Katryn Bury about her book DREW LECLAIR GETS A CLUE, out March 1st! Katryn Bury's Website Drew Leclair Gets a Clue on Goodreads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Welcome to season 2, Pitches! Anna and Emily sit down with Meg Long, debut author of COLD THE NIGHT, FAST THE WOLVES, and chat about sci-fi, adventure stories, and where ideas come from! Meg Long LinkTree Meg Long on Instagram Emily Thiede LinkTree Anna Mercier on Instagram Basic Pitches on Twitter Basic Pitches on Instagram --- Send in a voice mes…

Anna and Emily wrap-up season one with reflections on the past, brainstorming for the future, and plenty of shout outs and thanks to listeners! We'd like to dedicate this episode to our friend K.L. Burd who will always be a member of this family. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

While there weren't any interviews during the event, Anna sat down and chatted with several writers after YALLFest. There are plenty of great pieces of information throughout including advice from Lyssa Smith about not comparing yourself to others, finding joy in reader experience from Lauren Blackwood, information about a writing workshop from Jam…

What's with these titles lately? Are Anna and Emily hungry? Stressed? Both?! Whatever the reason, they chat about ways to keep yourself motivated and going when things get tough. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna and Emily discuss all things Nation Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), how to prep, how to "win", and ways to make it a successful writing. Also, they dish on author heights. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna and Emily talk about the promises we make in a first act and query letter and how making good on those promises make your book sparkle! Basic Pitches on Instagram Basic Pitches on Twitter Emily Thiede LinkTree --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Anna and Emily talk about... snacks??? Yes, but we also talk about the truths of submitting to writing contests which is basically a giant pep-talk! Pitch Wars Author Mentor Match --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna and Emily discuss dialogue and all the ways it can help pacing, character development, and even scene setting. Parker Peevyhouse Instagram about dialogue Emily Thiede Linktree THIS VICIOUS GRACE on Goodreads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Anna and Emily chat with debut author Lyndall Clipstone about her gothic romance LAKESEDGE, writing romance beats, and how to craft an aesthetically gorgeous gothic setting. Lyndall Clipstone LAKESEDGE website LAKESEDGE on Goodreads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Anna and Emily tackle the benefits and tricks to writing multiple points of view. Basic Pitches on Twitter Basic Pitches on Instagram THIS VICIOUS GRACE on Goodreads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna and Emily discuss the essential ingredients for a stellar act four as well as how to go about crafting one. Basic Pitches on Twitter Basic Pitches on Instagram This Vicious Grace on Goodreads Sweet, Bittersweet, Semisweet, and Bitter Endings --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Using the four act structure, Anna and Emily break down the basic components of those messy middles. Basic Pitches on Twitter Basic Pitches on Instagram THIS VICIOUS GRACE on Goodreads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna and Emily discuss how to write and revise a gripping opening chapter, and they came prepared with examples! Basic Pitches on Twitter THIS VICIOUS GRACE on GoodReads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna and Emily start breaking down basic novel structures and discuss what they think are essential ingredients to a great first act! Jami Gold's Beat Sheets THIS VICIOUS GRACE on Goodreads Basic Pitches on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Anna and Emily chat about what the publishing process is like after you sell a book. THIS VICIOUS GRACE on GoodReads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna and Emily chat with Lauren Blackwood about her Ethiopian inspired retelling of Jane Eyre, WITHIN THESE WICKED WALLS (2021). Preorder it now! Lauren Blackwood's Linktree Preorder WITHIN THESE WICKED WALLS Add WITHIN THESE WICKED WALLS on GoodReads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message…

Anna and Emily discuss how tropes are not something to avoid but something to embrace because they're unavoidable, like an inn with only one bed or an arctic cave in which you have to huddle for warmth. THIS VICIOUS GRACE on GoodReads TVTropes.org Basic Pitches on Twitter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpit…

Anna and Emily chat about Lyssa Smith's journey as a returning Pitch Wars mentee. She shares advice about conscious practice with writing as well as getting the most out of the Pitch Wars experience. Lyssa Smith on Twitter. Pitch Wars Website. This Vicious Grace on GoodReads. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basi…

*WARNING* This week's episode contains drowsiness, lots of good advice, and some audio glitches. As such, it's not a "normal" episode. But what IS normal anyway? This week, Anna and Emily discuss when to gauge when to release projects into the hands of trusted CPs, the query trenches, and/or beta readers. THIS VICIOUS GRACE on GoodReads BASIC PITCH…

Anna and Emily talk with author E.J. Wenstrom about her new dystopian book coming in August as well as how to build an author platform. Bonus content: ADHD bumpers and a guest dog appearance! E.J. Wenstrom on Twitter E.J. Wenstrom LinkTree Fantasy + Girls Podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/mess…

Anna and Emily destroy their friendship... Wait. No. They ALMOST destroy their friendship while talking about writing resources that have helped them explore their craft. Scrivener Plottr Helping Writers Become Authors Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland Jami Gold Worksheets --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ba…

Anna and Emily chat with author Jessica James about surviving the querying trenches, navigating the winding round of publishing, and turning your professional jealousy (yes, we all have it) into something good for everyone! Jessica James on Twitter Basic Pitches on Twitter THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads --- Send in a voice message: https://podcaste…

Between giggle fits and "pew pew pew" attacks, Anna and Emily share their thoughts, tips, and perspectives on worldbuilding for all genres. Add THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads. Follow Basic Pitches on Twitter. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpitches/message

Anna and Emily chat with Lyndsay Ely about balancing work, life, and all the side hustles and pressures that come with being a writer. Plus, you get to hear some behind the scenes info about her new book OVERWATCH DEADLOCK REBELS out June 1st, 2021! Lyndsay Ely's Website DEADLOCK REBELS preorder THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads --- Send in a voice me…

Uh, oh. Anna and Emily have their first Happy Hour episode. They talk about finding the right agent as well as red flags to be aware of when searching for someone to query. Also, they laugh... A lot... About pasta. THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads. Basic Pitches on Twitter. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/basicpit…

Anna and Emily chat with KL Burd about his writing journey, his positive spin to the querying process, and the new podcast he's apart of. KL Burd on Twitter The Afronauts Podcast on Twitter The Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermason Story Grid OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS by Justin A. Reynolds THE COST OF KNOWING by Brittney Morris --- Send in a voice message:…

Anna and Emily answer a reader question about how to achieve narrative closeness. Add THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53241038-the-last-finestra) Add Basic Pitches on Twitter (https://twitter.com/2basicpitches) BOOKS MENTIONED: THIS SAVAGE SONG by V.E. Schwab THROWAWAY GIRLS by Andrea Contos GUNSLINGER GIRL by Ly…

Anna and Emily talk with special guest Jade Loren about ways to start new projects! Find Jade Loren on Twitter! (https://twitter.com/jademloren) Jade Loren's editing service! (https://jadewritesbooks.wixsite.com/mysite-1/services) Add THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads! (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53241038-the-last-finestra) JellyNell on Etsy.…

After discussing the new SHADOW AND BONE trailer, Anna and Emily discuss some clever ways to craft memorable character arcs. Add THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53241038-the-last-finestra) Buy from JellyNell's Etsy shop. (https://www.etsy.com/shop/JellyNell?ref=search_shop_redirect) Follow Basic Pitches on Twitt…

Anna and Emily talk with debut author Sam Taylor about morally gray characters and complex villains, all of which can be found in her book WE ARE THE FIRE-- out now! Buy WE ARE THE FIRE by Sam Taylor and follow her on all social media platforms. (https://linktr.ee/samtaylorauthor) Add THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/…