The Happy Writer with Marissa Meyer

In this week’s episode, Marissa chats with Kayvion Lewis about her new YA heist thriller, THIEVES’ GAMBIT. Also discussed: books coming out of dreams, creating a cast of characters when being a plot-first type of writer, the importance of revision in layering characters and refining complicated details (heists!), letting the world around you influence the writing, no matter how random it may seem at first, the newly coined “Point and See” method, transitioning from one book to the next and how much to include to catch up readers without adding info-dumps, the circle of inspiration from one generation to the next, and more!

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377
Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Ayana Gray about her debut young adult fantasy - BEASTS OF PREY - as well as using online resources to learn from other writers about the publishing journey, and as a way to know that you're not alone; choosing your descriptive words carefully in order to evoke a particular feeling, whether you're describing a minor character or a great mythical beast inspired by real-world lore; striking that balance between fast-paced action and deep emotional moments, even when they both need to happen in a single scene (hint: sometimes your story - and characters - just need to pause and take a breath); using backstory and motivation to get your readers invested in your protagonist's emotional journey; and giving yourself permission to pursue a career in writing, despite the naysayers.

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377
Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

In this week’s episode, Marissa chats with Andrea Tang about her latest sci-fi heist YA, KINGDOM OF WITHOUT. Also discussed, genre-bending in YA, on discovering who your character is during the writing process, how edit notes really can give perspective and sometimes, exactly what the book needs, leaning on experts to help ensure details are authentic and appropriate, how to balance the sci-fi and fantasy elements to create a specific aesthetic, the process of writing a whole distinct ensemble of characters, exploring gender role reversal, the challenges of writing a heist novel, and so much more!
Scrivener writing software - https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview
Episode 60: Leigh Bardugo - https://www.buzzsprout.com/950767/8226816

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377
Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

Marissa chats with Nick Brooks about his debut middle grade novel - NOTHING INTERESTING EVER HAPPENS TO ETHAN FAIRMONT - as well as keeping things interesting for yourself by exploring new genres and mediums, knowing that every type of writing you experiment with - from film to music to books - can make you a better storyteller; one great takeaway from film school - "the plant and the payoff" - and why it is an effective technique to both impress your readers and help them feel more connected to the story; how story structure is largely intuitive, but the tools in your writing toolkit can be strengthened through formal education and studying the craft; a few elements to consider when developing an extraterrestrial or non-human species; fighting to be seen as a creator, and then facing impostor's syndrome once you are there; and some different ways to care for yourself while balancing a busy professional and family life.

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377
Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/

In this week’s episode, Marissa chats with Kristen Simmons about her YA horror, FIND HIM WHERE YOU LEFT HIM DEAD, which has been described (by past guest Kendare Blake!) as “Jumanji but Japanese-inspired”. Also discussed: How rejection can be deeply painful but that being a writer is what you are, regardless of the outside reaction to your work, leveling up as a writer, the challenge and fun in writing a large cast of characters and multiple POVs, deciding how much mythology to use in a book that has deep cultural inspirations, crafting a game and challenges with the kinds of prizes that no one wants, and so much more!

Order The Happy Writer: Get More Ideas, Write More Words, and Find More Joy from First Draft to Publication and Beyond https://bookshop.org/a/11756/9781250362377
Find out more and follow The Happy Writer on social media: https://www.marissameyer.com/podcast/