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“Once you finish one book, you realize you can finish as many as you need to.” -S.J. Kincaid
We have S.J. Kincaid on the show with us today! Her debut novel, Insignia, was shortlisted for the Waterstones prize. Its sequels, Vortex and Catalyst, have received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Booklist.
In today’s episode, S.J. shares how-to writing tips on creating rich multi-layered worlds to enhance the plot, and creating strong emotional tension in romantic scenes. We dive deep into her latest novel, The Diabolic, how she finds idea inspiration for her stories and why it’s crucial to build on the ideas you feel most passionate about. S.J. also advises how to avoid the dreaded Second Book Syndrome pulling from her own personal experiences writing her Insignia series. For NaNoWriMo participants, S.J. has a special message for you!
PS. Do you know anyone who wants to learn how to create rich multi-layered worlds to enhance their story’s plot? Please share this episode, it may really be of help!
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“As soon as I think of a setting, a lot of the story ends up evolving from that and a lot of the universe.” -S.J. Kincaid
“I will never be able to say something like, ‘Hey look, I’ve succeeded after all this time,’ unless I just keep trying.” -S.J. Kincaid
“There is a really fine balance between world building and getting bogged down.” -S.J. Kincaid
What You’ll Learn From This Episode:
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- How to push aside discouragement with determination and intuition, especially when you’ve written multiple manuscripts that haven’t been sold yet
- Why it’s crucial to have a strong beta reader to read through the beginning phase of your manuscript
- Learn about S.J.’s idea process and how she finds idea inspiration for her stories
- Why you should allow yourself to let go of the ideas you lose interest in and build on the ideas you feel passionate about
- S.J. walks us through how she creates rich multi-layered worlds to enhance the plots in her novels
- How the universe of your story can evolve organically from understanding your story’s setting
- Why fully investing in both your characters is the root to creating strong emotional tension in romantic scenes
- How to avoid Second Book Syndrome
- S.J.’s experience with NaNoWriMo and her how-to advice for participants
Learn More About S.J. Kincaid
S.J. Kincaid originally wanted to be an astronaut, but a dearth of mathematical skills turned her interest to science fiction instead. Her debut novel, Insignia, was shortlisted for the Waterstones prize. Its sequels, Vortex and Catalyst, have received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Booklist. Her latest novel, The Diabolic, is available now from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
S.J.’s Recommended Books & Resources:
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling by Donald Maass
A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Verla Kay Blueboards where S.J. read an inspiring forum post by Jay Asher (now merged with SCBWI’s blueboards)
