Basic Pitches: Recent Episodes
Anna Mercier and Emily Thiede
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 effective ways.
REMEMBER Leave a review for THIS VICIOUS GRACE on GoodReads or Amazon!
Emily Thiede Linktree
Lyssa Smith Website
REVELLE on GoodReads
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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
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 Curse
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
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 CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Info on #QPOCChat
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
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
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
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
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!
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
Anna and Emily spend time talking about Pitch Wars and their latest projects.
Info About Pitch Decks
Anna's Instagram <-- For Writerly Tips
Basic Pitches on Twitter
Basic Pitches on 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
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
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.
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 Jamye Smith, and do's and don'ts from fellow podcaster Jenna Devillier.
Writing with the Soul workshop by Adrienne Young
Jamye Smith on Instragram
From Spark to Shelf with Jenna Devillier
REVELLE on Goodreads by Lyssa Smith
Lauren Blackwood Linktree
Emily Thiede Linktree
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Anna and Emily chat about what the publishing process is like after you sell a book.
THIS VICIOUS GRACE on GoodReads
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
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
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.
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 PITCHES on Twitter
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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 Lyndsay Ely
RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE by Casey McQuinston
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. (https://www.etsy.com/shop/JellyNell?ref=search_shop_redirect)
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 Twitter. (https://twitter.com/2basicpitches)
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/show/53241038-the-last-finestra)
Follow Basic Pitches Podcast on Twitter. (https://twitter.com/2basicpitches)
Anna and Emily discuss all things revision from what revision is to tips and tricks on how to tackle it!
Add THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53241038-the-last-finestra)
Check out JellyNell's Etsy shop. She made our cover! (https://www.etsy.com/shop/JellyNell?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=944664912)
Add us on Twitter! (https://twitter.com/2basicpitches)
Have writerly questions? E-mail us at basicpitchespodcast@gmail.com!
Anna and Emily welcome their very first, very special guest: the fabulous Ayana Gray, author of BEASTS OF PREY coming September 2021. Ayana talks about writing pitches, taking chances, and even gives us a peek into her upcoming debut BEASTS OF PREY. You don't want to miss this episode!
Add BEASTS OF PREY by Ayana Gray on GoodReads. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55038226-beasts-of-prey)
Preorder BEASTS OF PREY by Ayana Gray. (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673322/beasts-of-prey-by-ayana-gray/)
Follow Ayana Gray on Twitter. (https://twitter.com/AyanaGray)
Add THE LAST FINESTRA by Emily Thiede on GoodReads. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53241038-the-last-finestra)
Agent inboxes are busy, and your book deserves the best! That's why Anna and Emily are digging into into a few ways to make your query letter stand out.
Add THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53241038-the-last-finestra)
Cover art by @JellyNellArt on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/jellynellart/)
Add Basic Pitches on Twitter. (https://twitter.com/2basicpitches)
RESOURCES USED IN THE SHOW:
"Queries? Must We?" by Emily Thiede (http://ekthiede.com/2018/10/10/queries-must-we/)
Anna and Emily talk about the pros and cons of pantsing (writing without a plan) and plotting. Spoiler: they're both valuable, and we think you should learn to utilize both!
Add THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53241038-the-last-finestra)
Cover art by @JellyNellArt on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/jellynellart/)
Add Basic Pitches on Twitter. (https://twitter.com/2basicpitches)
RESOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE SHOW:
"Story Corpse" talk by V.E. Schwab (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnMUo6G_-IA&t=1551s)
"How to Plan Your Novel Using the Three-Act Structure" by Emma Johnson (https://writersedit.com/fiction-writing/literary-devices/plan-novel-using-three-act-structure/)
Anna and Emily discuss where to find critique partners.
Thank you to Alyssa for our WONDERFUL cover art. Please go support her on Instagram @jellynellart. She's got an Etsy shop that will soon be up as well as tons of great art for you to feast your eyes upon! Thanks, Alyssa!
Make sure to add Emily's book THE LAST FINESTRA on GoodReads. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53241038-the-last-finestra)
You can find us on Twitter at...
@AnnaRaeWrites
@ethiedee
@2basicpitches
If you liked what you heard, make sure to subscribe and give us a rating! We'd appreciate it!
Anna and Emily talk about where the idea for the podcast originated plus how to build strong critique partner relationships.
Twitter: @AnnaRaeWrites & @ethiedee
For months, Anna and Emily swapped voice messages about writerly angst. Now they're sharing their angst with you in a brand new podcast! Join them for writing tips, wandering analogies, and plenty of giggle fits.
As you wait for our new episode, help us decide on a podcast name. Take our Survey Monkey below!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MKN2VLL
Find us on Twitter!
Anna Mercier: @AnnaRaeWrites
Emily Thiede: @ethiedee
While you're at it, go ahead and add Emily's upcoming debut The Last Finestra on GoodReads.
Special thanks to Josh Woodward for his use of the song "Invisible Light" off the album The Wake.