In today's BONUS EPISODE, Bianca first chats with Rosie Walsh, bestselling author of The Love of My Life, about when a story forces a plotter to become a pantser; figuring out how to work in backstory after the midpoint twist; pulling a manuscript apart and putting it back together multiple times; how the only way to learn how to write a book is writing one; knowing how to pitch your book despite straddling genres; hiding something in plain sight and the care it requires when it comes down to word choice; how the natural world can inform plot and character; how characterization is a process of painstaking layering; allowing your characters to be beige in early drafts; and putting your manuscript in front of non-writers to see a reader's reaction to a story. We then answer the questions you've phoned in with.After which, Bianca chats with NoViolet Bulawayo, the award-winning and bestselling author of Glory, about writing satire and building a lexicon; using allegories in your writing; using your art to be part of something larger; how to be engaged with the times, to facilitate important conversations; writing animals as characters; and her tips for emerging writers.Finally, Bianca is joined by East City Bookshop book buyer, Emilie Sommer, who takes your questions to help you find comp titles! Find us on our socials: Twitter: @TSNOTYAW @BiancaM_author @carlywatters @ceciliaclyra Instagram: @biancamarais_author @carlywatters @cece_lyra_agent @ the_shit_about_writingFacebook: @tsnotyawWebsite: www.biancamarais.comRosie Walsh can be found at www.rosiewalsh.com and on Instagram and Twitter at @therosiewalsh.NoViolet Bulawayo can be found at www.novioletbulawayo.com East City Bookshop can be found at www.eastcitybookshop.com and on Instagram at @eastcitybookshop on Twitter at @eastcitybooksEmilie Sommer can be found on Instagram at @emiliesommer

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