The Shit No One Tells You About Writing February Bonus Episode
Feb 23, 2026
Robyn Harding, bestselling slow-burn thriller writer known for twist-driven suspense, and Emily Ohanjanians, debut romance author and former editor, join the conversation. They dig into building sneaky prologues, curiosity seeds, power imbalances, structure and therapy transcripts for tension. They also cover pacing, romance tropes, spicy scenes that deepen character, and the journey from editor to first novel.
01:19:11
Plot Major Pegs Then Invent Compelling Beats
- Use structured plotting tools (e.g., Save the Cat) to map major plot pegs, then write between pegs to keep momentum.
- Robyn plots key turning points and treats them as "pegs on the wall," then invents compelling beats to reach each peg.
Use Short Therapy Transcripts For Backstory
- Use short, realistic therapy transcripts as a device to deliver backstory without stalling forward momentum.
- Robyn wrote the sessions in a chunk with a psychologist friend, then slotted them where they'd reveal childhood and trust details at key moments.
With Plot Anchors The Work Is Between Beats
- When you know major plot points, the creative challenge shifts to filling shorter stretches with increasing twists and tension.
- Robyn describes writing thrillers as hard mental work: moving from one high-stakes beat to the next without repetition.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Introducing Robyn Harding and Strangers in the Villa
01:35 • 2min
Opening with a 'sneaky' prologue
03:56 • 1min
Balancing setup with fast pacing
05:21 • 3min
Power imbalances within relationships
08:41 • 2min
The inciting incident and the knock at the door
10:51 • 2min
Character revealed through interaction and dialogue
12:21 • 2min
Structure: perspectives and counseling transcripts
14:32 • 1min
Writing realistic therapy scenes
16:00 • 1min
Outlining, pegs and plotting between beats
17:01 • 3min
Ad break
19:35 • 21sec
Elegant solutions for backstory
19:56 • 2min
Character profiles and psychological depth
21:32 • 3min
Upping tension, recalibrating twists
24:12 • 3min
Longevity in publishing and adapting
26:49 • 2min
Pivoting genres and finding voice
28:51 • 2min
Closing Robyn segment and pre-order push
31:08 • 14sec
Ad break
31:22 • 1min
Introducing Emily Ohanjanians and The Book Tour
32:32 • 2min
From editor to debut novelist
34:08 • 3min
Querying in batches and quick submission
37:18 • 2min
Being edited as an editor
39:10 • 2min
Flap summary and rom-com hooks
41:16 • 2min
Pacing and when leads should meet
43:17 • 2min
Tropes as promises to readers
44:55 • 3min
The non-negotiable happy ending
47:35 • 3min
Social commentary within rom-coms
50:09 • 3min
Crafting memorable secondary characters
52:46 • 3min
Writing meaningful spicy scenes
55:26 • 3min
Segment close and bookshop promotion
58:35 • 42sec
Comps segment introduction
59:17 • 1min
Comps: Jersey Shore women's fiction suggestions
01:00:40 • 2min
Comps: literary-speculative thriller references
01:02:20 • 4min
Comps: upmarket caper and Mardi Gras pitch
01:05:53 • 2min
Comps: cozy YA mystery recommendations
01:08:17 • 2min
Comps: 1880s Southeast Asia historical suggestions
01:10:10 • 3min
Comps: rom-com shell with mystery guidance
01:13:18 • 2min
Comps: business how-to cocktail coaching pitch
01:15:25 • 4min
Comps: dual-POV literary romance suggestions
01:19:05 • 3min
Comps wrap-up and listener thanks
01:21:46 • 13sec
Outro
01:22:00 • 1min
#
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Allie Carter
#
One Lucky Girl
Unknown (author not specified)
#
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
India Holton
India Holton's The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a lively historical novel that follows a band of adventurous women turned scoundrels, blending social satire, romance, and light fantastical elements.
The book is celebrated for its witty tone, imaginative plotting, and affectionate pastiche of Victorian-era adventure tropes.
It was recommended on the podcast as a possible comp for callers seeking upmarket historical fiction with comedic and speculative touches.
The host noted Holton's other works as potential matches as well.
#
Welcome Home, Caroline Klein
Courtney Price
Courtney Price's Welcome Home, Caroline Klein follows a protagonist who returns to her Jersey Shore hometown, confronting old relationships and buried secrets.
The story balances personal growth with small-town dynamics and explores themes of belonging and reconciliation.
Its nostalgic coastal setting and focus on female relationships make it a useful comp for similar women's fiction manuscripts.
The novel offers emotional depth while remaining accessible and character-driven, appealing to readers of contemporary coastal fiction.
It was cited on the podcast as an example for tone and audience match.
#
Village Weaver
Miriam J.A. Chauncey
#
Real Easy
Marie Rutos
Real Easy by Marie Rutkoski—(note: podcast referenced a book titled Real Easy by Marie Rakowski) is a contemporary thriller exploring violent crimes connected to a strip club setting, told with empathy toward characters often marginalized.
The novel combines procedural elements with social commentary and strong character work.
It was mentioned on the podcast as a relevant comp for manuscripts featuring sex-worker protagonists and crime-driven narratives.
The speaker recommended it for its respectful treatment of its setting and characters.
#
Dear Daughter
Elizabeth Little
Elizabeth Little's Dear Daughter is a darkly comic mystery that leans into outrageous plotting and genre-savvy humor, evoking a Scooby-Doo-like caper atmosphere in a modern crime context.
The book balances wit with twists and was cited on the podcast as an exemplar for rom-com shell mysteries that are goofy but compelling.
Emily Summer used it as a tonal comp for submissions seeking a similar playful mystery-meets-friendship vibe.
#
The Agathas
Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson
The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson is a YA mystery that channels a Veronica Mars sensibility, combining sharp dialogue, friendship dynamics, and a satisfying whodunit.
The book is lighter and cozier than darker YA thrillers, providing an accessible entry point for readers who enjoy teen investigative stories.
It was suggested on the podcast as a strong comp for cozy YA mysteries seeking a similar tone and readership.
The recommendation noted its sequel, The Night in Question, as another useful comp.
#
The Night in Question
Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson
#
The Book Tour
Emily Ohanjanians
Emily Ohanjanians' The Book Tour follows Anna Mervillian, a former med student turned buzzy self-help author, who embarks on a promotional tour only to find her new publicist is the perennially serious Ryan Grant.
The novel explores second-generation identity, family expectations, and career pressures while delivering romantic tropes like forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine dynamics.
As a debut by a former editor, the book emphasizes fast pacing, early romantic tension, and a guaranteed happy ending customary to the romance genre.
Secondary characters provide levity, found-family warmth, and help ground the protagonist's emotional journey.
The book was promoted in the episode and discussed in terms of craft, tropes, and spicy scenes.
#
Quarter to Midnight
Karen Rose
Karen Rose's Quarter to Midnight is a thriller noted for its tense plotting and atmospheric setting, often featuring emotional stakes and crime-driven narratives.
It was referenced on the podcast to help position an upmarket caper in terms of setting and tone.
The mention was brief and used as a point of comparison rather than an in-depth discussion.
#51214
Boomtown
Sam Anderson
Sam Anderson's "Boomtown" delves into the cultural landscape of Oklahoma City, weaving together the narrative of a successful basketball season for the Oklahoma City Thunder with the city's historical context.
The book explores the city's founding, its early struggles with racism, and how these historical events continue to shape its present.
Anderson's engaging writing style combines historical analysis with personal anecdotes, offering a nuanced portrait of Oklahoma City's identity.
Through this compelling narrative, the book reveals the complex interplay between sports, culture, and the city's unique history.
The book also features insights into the local artistic scene and its prominent figures.
#7775
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Can't Even
Anne Helen Peterson
#
Murder Bimbo
Rebecca Novack
#
Full Exposure
Tian Kim Lam
#
Meddling kids
Edgar Cantero
Edgar Cantero's Meddling Kids is a playful, eerie homage to classic teen mystery tropes, following now-adult members of a former detective club who reunite to reckon with a past case and supernatural horror.
The novel blends satire, suspense, and nostalgia with brisk pacing and dark humor.
It was recommended on the podcast as a tonal match for manuscripts combining friendship-driven mystery with lighthearted caper elements, capturing a Scooby-Doo vibe for adult readers.
#30275
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Good Girl's Guide to Murder
Holly Jackson
#2803
• Mentioned in 17 episodes
Financial Feminist
Tori Dunlap
#
Stranger in the Village
James Baldwin
#
Dead Yet
Holly Jackson
#43002
The Shore
Larry Levis
#14391
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Blue Sisters
Coco Mellors
#108
• Mentioned in 166 episodes
Unreasonable Hospitality
The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
Will Guidara
In 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' Will Guidara shares his experiences as the General Manager of Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad, highlighting the importance of hospitality in any business.
The book emphasizes that simply offering a great product is not enough; organizations must also focus on creating authentic connections and memorable experiences for both customers and employees.
Guidara provides practical advice on setting expectations, managing teams, and adapting to unexpected situations, all while maintaining a commitment to hospitality that goes beyond mere service.
His approach is applicable across various industries, not just limited to restaurants and luxury businesses.
#5937
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
The signature of all things
Elizabeth Gilbert
The Signature of All Things is a historical fiction novel by Elizabeth Gilbert that follows the life of Alma Whittaker, a 19th-century botanist.
The novel spans decades, exploring Alma's scientific pursuits, her family relationships, and her personal growth.
Gilbert's writing beautifully weaves together scientific detail with a compelling narrative.
The novel explores themes of ambition, love, loss, and the enduring power of nature.
It's a richly detailed and moving story of a woman who defies expectations to pursue her passions.
#4231
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
The Manchurian candidate
Richard Condon
Published in 1959, 'The Manchurian Candidate' is a gripping political thriller that delves into the world of mind control and manipulation.
The story revolves around Raymond Shaw, an American soldier captured during the Korean War and brainwashed by his Communist captors to become a sleeper agent.
Upon his return to the United States, Shaw is programmed to carry out an assassination plot against the President.
The novel follows the efforts of fellow soldier Bennett Marco to uncover the truth behind Shaw's brainwashing and stop the assassination.
Condon uses satire and humor to critique the political establishment and highlight the absurdity of Cold War politics, while also exploring themes of family dysfunction and the abuse of power.
#12086
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Good Dirt
Charmaine Wilkerson
#
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love
India Holton
#78580
Euphoria
Lily King
February’s bonus episode is packed with oodles of amazing writing tips from incredible authors. In part one of this month’s bonus episode, Bianca, connects with bestselling thriller author Robyn Harding and breaks down how she builds slow-burn suspense in ‘Strangers in the Villa’—from sneaky prologues and curiosity seeds to power imbalances, inciting incidents, and structuring twists that keep readers guessing.
In part two of this month’s bonus episode, Bianca chats with debut romance author and former professional editor Emily Ohanjanians about the winding, very human journey behind ‘The Book Tour’—from leaving in-house publishing to writing her first novel, querying in small batches, and the whirlwind of submission. Emily reflects on being edited as an editor, why fast pacing and early tension matter in romance, and why a guaranteed happy ending is a non-negotiable promise to readers. They dig into tropes (grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity), the joy of secondary characters, and how “spicy” scenes should deepen character and move the story forward. Along the way, Emily discusses second-generation identity, family expectations, and how social commentary can coexist with escapist, feel-good romance.
And lastly, don’t miss out on Emilie’s comps!
Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.
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