The first page of a novel can make or break a reader’s attention. In this episode, we explore what goes into crafting an irresistible opening that hooks your audience from the very first line. From setting the tone and establishing stakes to introducing compelling characters and planting questions that beg to be answered, we’ll break down the techniques successful authors use to keep readers turning the page. We’ll also share examples of unforgettable openings, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies you can use to strengthen your own writing. Whether you’re starting your first novel or polishing your next, this episode will help you create an opening that truly captivates.

Why Openings Matter

Key Elements of a Strong Opening

Techniques That Work

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Practical Strategies for Writers

Examples

SOURCES & LINKS:

“100 Best First Lines from Novels,” American Book Review, 2006

DO NOW: Read through some of the best first sentences. Notice what you like about them, what is similar among them, what draws you in.

Write several versions of your own for one work to see which captures the characteristics for a strong opening.

Next Episode: An interview with Joanna Monahan, author of Something Better

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

In this episode, Donna and Hope dive into the ever-evolving world of literary adaptations, exploring why so many novels are making their way to screens—both big and small. They break down the difference between loose and tight adaptations, share the essential qualities that make a novel ripe for adaptation, and examine the rising trend of limited series as the ideal format for complex storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for writers, book lovers and screen buffs alike.

Show Notes:

Number of films made from novels

Upward trend of series adaptations

Loose vs. tight adaptation

What characteristics of a novel make for a good adaptation?

OUR PICKS

SOURCES & LINKS

How to Write a Book Like a Movie, Richard M. Craft

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need, Jessica Brody

Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies: The Screenwriter's Guide to Every Story Ever Told, Blake Snyder

DO NOW:

Choose a companion novel and film. Study HOW (using the characteristics mentioned above) the adaptation brings the written work to life.

Next Episode: Hooked From Page One, the importance of strong openings

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT and SHARE. Thank you

Award-winning author, Gail Priest shares her passion for women’s fiction, inspired by her background in theatre and psychology. Her stories explore healing, family secrets, love, and second chances, set along the New Jersey and Maryland coast. When not writing, she enjoys reading, birdwatching, and beachcombing. She’s the author of Soul Dancing.

SHOW NOTES:

• Soul Dancing themes

• Supernatural story elements

• Awards

• Influence of theater background

• Research

• Common threads throughout Gail’s work

• Writing process

• Advice for writers

SOURCES & LINKS

https://gailpriest.com/

Next Episode: From Page to Screen: What Makes a Story Adaptable?

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

In this episode, we explore how writers can effectively monetize their work on Substack by leveraging paid subscriptions, exclusive content, and additional products. We also discuss strategies for building an engaged audience and turning their passion for writing into a sustainable income.

SHOW NOTES:

Substack is an online platform that allows writers and creators to host subscription-based email newsletters. Think of it as a digital publishing house that puts your content directly into your readers’ inboxes, creating a more intimate connection than a typical blog or social media post.

Founded in 2017, Substack gained popularity because of its simplicity and the direct monetization it provides. Instead of relying on ad revenue or social media algorithms, you can charge subscribers. Whether that’s a small monthly fee or a one-time payment, keep a much larger share of the revenue.

It’s used by journalists, novelists, niche bloggers, and increasingly, book reviewers who want to cultivate a dedicated community around their work.

1. Types of Posts You Can Create
2. Advantages of Substack vs. Traditional Blogging
3. How to Get Started
4. Tips for Success

SOURCES & LINKS

Hope’s Substack

Donna’s Substack

DO NOW:

Sign up for Substack. Observe what other content creators are doing. Brainstorm ideas for your own substack and create goals. Download our FREE How to SUBSTACK to get you started today!

Next Episode: An Interview w/ Gail Priest author of the award-winning Soul Dancing

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Ready to finally conquer Scrivener without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish, we’re breaking down the basics of Scrivener and showing you how to set up your first project like a pro. From organizing chapters to using the powerful Corkboard and Compile tools, we’ll help you unlock the features that make writing easier—and way more fun. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, Scrivener can streamline your process and keep your manuscript on track. Tune in for our best tips, real writer-tested advice, and the benefits that’ll make you wonder how you ever wrote without it!

SHOW NOTES:

1. What Is Scrivener and Why Writers Love It

2. Getting Started: Setting Up Your First Project

3. Key Features Writers Should Use

4. Top Benefits of Using Scrivener

5. Tips & Best Practices

*NOTE: We are not affiliated with Scrivener, but simply find it a useful tool for writers

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

https://scrivener.app/

DO NOW:

Download the Free Trial for Scrivener to try it out. And use our SCRIVENER BASICS: FREE DOWNLOAD to get you started

Next Episode: Substack-What it is, why authors are using it and the basics of how to use it

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

In this episode, we sit down with James Arnett, acclaimed author of The Monmouth Manifesto and Bean Fate, two gripping works of historical fiction. Arnett opens up about the deeply personal inspirations behind his novels and how his legal career shaped the complex worlds he creates. From intense research to navigating the road to publication, Arnett shares the passion and process behind his writing. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation—and find out why these books belong on your must-read list.

The Monmouth Manifesto” delves into the American Revolution through the eyes of Loyalists, revealing a gripping tale of two New Jersey farmers turned soldiers. Their daring exploits against the Patriots lead to deadly reprisals, shattering lives and igniting international tensions in a struggle for survival on the wrong side of history.

• Congratulations on The Monmouth Manifesto! Can you give us a synopsis of this book and tell us what drew you to this story.
• The book really dives into loyalty and moral dilemmas. How do you want readers to think differently about those ideas, especially when it comes to understanding people on both sides of a conflict?
• How much research did you do for this book and your first?
• Talk about the difficulty that you encountered in writing the dialogue for this book. It’s set 250 years ago. And obviously English today is very different.
• Are there any historical figures or hidden truths from the Revolution that you wish more people knew about? Did you include any of those in your story?
• Can you tell us about your first book, Bean Fate? What inspired you to write it, and how was the experience of getting started.
• As a Canadian, what attracted you to telling stories about American History?You’ve had this impressive career in law and business. What made you decide to pivot to writing after retiring? What was the spark that motivated you to start storytelling?
• What was your road to getting the book published? Did you face any surprises along the way?
• What does your typical day look like as a writer/author?
• What is something, as an author, that you learned the hard way?

SOURCES & LINKS

James’ Website: https://www.jamesarnett.ca/

Buy Link: https://www.jamesarnett.ca/the-monmouth-manifesto

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the editing process with two expert guests: Sarah Rexford, a seasoned editor from a Manhattan publisher and John DeDakis, author, freelance editor, book coach and former CNN editor. Whether you're prepping your manuscript for submission or self-publishing, this conversation offers invaluable insights into what editors really look for. You'll hear their biggest pet peeves, hard-won lessons, and the advice every writer needs before hitting "send." Plus, a peek into a typical day in the life of an editor—and how they balance editing with their own creative work. Writers, this one’s for you!

• Can you tell us about your experiences as an editor and book coach?
• What types of editing do each of you do?
• What’s the most common mistake you see writers make during revisions?
• What tools or software do you rely on in your editing workflow?
• How do you handle giving tough feedback to an author?
• John, does being an author affect your processes as an editor? If so, in what ways?
• Sarah, you provide a free downloadable eBook for authors on your website, what golden nuggets can they find there?
• At what stage in the writing or revision process should writers approach an editor?
• What are your pet peeves in a manuscript?
• What have you learned the hard way that might help our authors in their writing or in working with editors?

SOURCES & LINKS

Sarah’s website:

http://sarahjrexford.com/

John’s Website:

http://www.johndedakis.com/

@johndedakis.bsky.social

X: @johnDeDakis

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/john.dedakis/

Instagram: @dedakisjohn

Craft Book Recs from John and Sarah:

Weekend Novelist by Robert J. Ray

Anything by Stephen James and DiAnn Mills

Anything that delves into the psychology of characters

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

For our 50th episode, we’re turning the mic inward! Join Hope and Donna as they interview each other in a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that dives deep into their lives as writers, readers, and creatives. From the highs and lows of the publishing journey to quirky habits and guilty pleasures, nothing is off-limits. You’ve heard their thoughts on craft and industry—now get ready to meet the women behind the voices in a way you never have before. Honest. Unfiltered. Fun.

Next Episode: Editing Uncovered: What Writers Need to Know

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you