A Light-Hearted Mystery, and Writing the Next Chapter

Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:07:16 — 61.6MB)

In this episode 349, we feature award-winning author and founder of Starr Creek Press, Julie Mathison, and her novel The Starlet Letter, which reviewers call a “quirky, light-hearted historical mystery” with “wonderfully developed characters.” Plus Robert Babirad talks about writing that next chapter, and Charlotte Lit teaches us to embrace beach reads.

Today’s Featured Authors

Julie Mathison Time Stamp: 4:34

The Starlet Letter is book one of the Canary House Mysteries, a tongue-in-cheek historical mystery series featuring amateur sleuths and literary themes. When a washed-up Ziegfeld Follies star goes missing, can the Van der Beeck twins crack the case without breaking their necks… or losing their hearts?

Robert Babirad Time Stamp: 46:18

From Robert Babirad’s blog post “Writing That Next Chapter,” we take the following points:

  • Start a chapter with your character already in action.
  • Describe what your character is doing throughout the scene to avoid summarizing.
  • End a chapter with a cliffhanger or an open question.
  • If a chapter doesn’t move the plot forward, consider cutting or editing it.

2-Minute Tip: Time Stamp: 39:25

Don’t miss Charlotte Lit co-founder and executive director Paul Reali’s tip about embracing beach reads.

Elevator Pitches:

Thanks to Michael Polelle for sharing two elevator pitches.

Community Updates:

         Listen to our episode for updates on the Charlotte writing community, including events from the Charlotte Writers Club, Charlotte Lit, and more.

Book Recommendations: Time Stamp: 57:08

         Hannah recommends:

         The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

         Sarah recommends:

         Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

         Landis recommends: 

         The Last Full Measure by Jeff Shaara

         The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

Mark West, Storied Charlotte Blog, recommends:

Carolina Moonset by Matt Goldman

The Write Quotes Series:

Go to https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/writequotes/ to learn more about our series of quote books, download Book 1 for free, or support the show and get more free books by joining our street team.