The Shit No One Tells You About Writing April Bonus Episode
Canwen Xu, debut author of Boring Asian Female, shares how 25 drafts and a genre pivot turned personal failure into a razor-sharp psychological thriller. Rea Frey, best-selling author and book doula, reveals behind-the-scenes truths about rewriting, shelving manuscripts, and the business moves that actually matter. A candid, fast-paced conversation about obsession, timing, and getting a book right.
01:24:53
Turning Personal Failure Into Fiction
- Canwen Xu turned personal failure into fiction by transplanting her emotional truth about an internship rejection onto a law school rejection at Columbia to explore identity and belonging.
- She used her own jealousy and outsider feelings as raw material, transforming them into Elizabeth Zhang's obsessive drive to belong.
Avoid Querying Too Early
- Don't query too early; Canwen queried after six months and a rough draft, then used agent feedback to substantially rework the manuscript.
- Seek critique but treat it as diagnostic: use smart feedback to guide deep revisions rather than defensive rewrites.
Pivot Genre When Feedback Reveals Core Flaws
- Be open to major structural genre changes when feedback reveals pacing or momentum issues; Canwen pivoted from literary women's fiction to a suspense novel after editorial guidance.
- She rewrote large sections, invented a new antagonist, and embraced the change, which led to a two-book preempt and sale.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app 1 chevron_right 2 chevron_right 3 chevron_right 4 chevron_right 5 chevron_right 6 chevron_right 7 chevron_right 8 chevron_right 9 chevron_right 10 chevron_right 11 chevron_right 12 chevron_right 13 chevron_right 14 chevron_right 15 chevron_right 16 chevron_right 17 chevron_right 18 chevron_right 19 chevron_right 20 chevron_right 21 chevron_right 22 chevron_right 23 chevron_right 24 chevron_right 25 chevron_right 26 chevron_right 27 chevron_right 28 chevron_right 29 chevron_right 30 chevron_right 31 chevron_right
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Introducing Canwen Xu and Boring Asian Female
02:16 • 3min
Genesis: Setting the Novel at Columbia
05:15 • 2min
Turning Personal Failure into Emotional Truth
07:05 • 4min
25 Drafts and a Genre Pivot
10:50 • 7min
Reading the Original Query Letter
17:24 • 2min
Creating Elizabeth Zhang: Self-Aware Yet Delusional
19:18 • 6min
Social Media, Comparison, and Narrative Detail
25:17 • 4min
Closing Thoughts on Boring Asian Female
29:26 • 31sec
Ad break
29:57 • 3min
Introducing Rea Frey and the Book Doula Role
32:39 • 3min
Pre-Agent Matchmaking and Pitching
35:27 • 2min
Dear Mother: The Book's Unusual Journey
37:50 • 3min
Rewriting Under Pressure with Live Editing
41:00 • 47sec
Ad break
41:47 • 1min
When to Shelve a Manuscript
43:10 • 4min
The Pros and Cons of Multi-Book Deals
47:14 • 3min
Using a Sneaky Prologue to Seed a Mystery
49:45 • 4min
Structure: Multi-POV and Timelines
53:26 • 5min
Managing the Second Act and Pacing
58:06 • 3min
Character Development Under Tight Deadlines
01:00:46 • 18sec
Biggest Mistakes Authors Make: Business Ignorance
01:01:04 • 4min
Ad break
01:05:30 • 32sec
Monthly Comps Segment Intro
01:06:02 • 30sec
YA Dystopian and Memoir Comps
01:06:33 • 4min
New Adult Dramedy and Grounded Speculative Romance
01:10:16 • 5min
Mental Illness Fiction and YA Supernatural Comps
01:14:48 • 4min
Speculative Thriller and Time-Travel Comps
01:18:43 • 5min
Calm Book Club Fiction and YA Fantasy Comps
01:23:34 • 6min
Closing the Comps Segment
01:29:19 • 12sec
Outro
01:29:31 • 55sec
#81119
This Woven Kingdom
Tahereh Mafi
Tahereh Mafi's 'This Woven Kingdom' is a sweeping YA fantasy that combines lush worldbuilding, prophecy-driven plotlines, and intense romantic chemistry.
Mafi uses evocative language to create an immersive atmosphere and complex characters embroiled in political and magical conflicts.
Themes include destiny, agency, and the struggle to define one's path amid prophecy and expectation.
The narrative blends action with emotional introspection, appealing to readers who favor character-led epic fantasies.
The book is noted for its poetic voice and cinematic scope.
#85979
We Could Be Rats
Emily Austin
Emily Austin's 'We Could Be Rats' explores the turbulent inner life of young adults confronting identity, relationships, and societal expectations.
The narrative employs dark humor and candid voice to depict emotional volatility and the search for meaning.
Austin's work often centers on flawed protagonists whose coping mechanisms lead to messy but revealing situations.
The book blends sharp observations with empathetic characterization, crafting an intimate coming-of-age portrait.
It appeals to readers drawn to raw, contemporary depictions of early adulthood.
#100352
Conform
Ariel Sullivan
Ariel Sullivan's 'Conform' is a contemporary fantasy exploring themes of identity, societal expectations, and resistance within an immersive world.
The novel features compelling worldbuilding tailored to YA readers while engaging older crossover audiences through layered themes.
Sullivan's engaging prose and characterization make the stakes personal and immediate, often centering on protagonists forced to navigate constraining systems.
The book's appeal lies in its blend of accessible fantasy tropes with poignant character arcs.
It suits readers who enjoy thought-provoking YA-leaning fantasy with emotional resonance.
#43897
Boring Asian Female
Canwen Xu
Canwen Xu's debut novel centers on Elizabeth Zhang, a driven protagonist whose rejection from a prestigious program triggers an escalating obsession with a classmate and a spiral into morally messy behavior.
The book began as women's fiction and, after many drafts and editorial input, pivoted into a psychological thriller emphasizing internal validation over external achievement.
Xu explores themes of identity, social comparison, and the corrosive effects of validation-seeking in a tightly realized college setting.
The narrative is notable for its claustrophobic interiority, self-aware unreliable narration, and acute social commentary about social media and belonging.
Praised for its tension and originality, the novel presents a vivid, unsettling portrait of a character magnified to her worst impulses.
#51326
The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls
Anissa Gray
Anissa Gray's 'The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls' examines the long-term effects of trauma on a Black family, shifting perspectives among sisters and relatives to reveal secrets and reckonings.
The novel navigates themes of abuse, survival, and the complex web of familial obligation, using intimate prose and incisive character study.
Gray balances emotional intensity with moments of tenderness, highlighting resilience in the face of systemic and interpersonal harm.
The book is notable for its layered character work and unflinching look at difficult subjects.
It resonates with readers seeking literary fiction that centers Black women's experiences with empathy and nuance.
#57979
Dear Mother
Rea Frey
Rea Frey's 'Dear Mother' is a tense domestic psychological thriller that follows Isabel Archer as she returns to her hometown after the death of her foster mother, Gail Archer, reopening questions about a fire that killed children decades earlier.
The novel juxtaposes present-day investigation with multi-POV flashbacks to the night of the tragedy, gradually revealing secrets, community divisions, and possible foul play.
Written under pressure after an earlier manuscript was scrapped, the book was developed collaboratively with editors in a rapid rewrite, resulting in a layered mystery and strong character work.
Frey employs epistolary devices, newspaper-style prologues, and time-shifting perspectives to sustain suspense and deepen emotional stakes.
The novel explores themes of memory, trauma, community culpability, and how the past reverberates in the present.
#93683
We're all damaged
Matthew Norman
Matthew Norman's 'We're All Damaged' follows an ensemble of characters grappling with personal crises, using sharp humor to illuminate vulnerability and resilience.
The narrative balances comedic misadventures with moments of quiet poignancy, exploring how flawed people find connection.
Norman's voice is both irreverent and empathetic, capturing the absurdities of modern life.
The book's mixture of levity and emotional depth appeals to readers who enjoy character-driven contemporary fiction.
It offers a humane look at how people cope with heartbreak and change.
#44605
All Our Wrongs Today
Elon Mastai
Elan Mastai's 'All Our Wrongs Today' (also published as 'All Our Wrong Todays' in some regions) is a speculative novel that examines the consequences of altering timelines and the emotional fallout of living with regrets.
The story blends humor, romance, and philosophical questions about whether fixing the past would truly lead to happiness.
Mastai's imaginative premise provides a platform for exploring identity, gratitude, and the unexpected costs of utopian aspirations.
The novel balances inventive worldbuilding with character-driven stakes, making it both thought-provoking and accessible.
It appeals to readers who enjoy speculative premises grounded in human dilemmas.
#26569
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Mame
Jerome Lawrence
Robert E. Lee
#13920
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Bell
Iris Murdoch
#21960
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Wrong Place, Wrong Time
David Perlmutter
Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a true-life account of David P. Perlmutter's journey to Marbella, Spain, where he faced unimaginable challenges after losing everything in London.
The book is a thrilling narrative of his experiences, which have captivated readers worldwide.
It has become a bestseller in several countries and is currently being adapted into a movie.
#36281
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Opal
Lux - Book Three
Jennifer L. Armentrout
In 'Opal', Katy and Daemon navigate their deepening relationship amidst intense danger and emotional turmoil.
The story unfolds with shocking revelations, intricate plots, and engaging characters as they confront a sinister organization responsible for torturing hybrids.
The book is a thrilling continuation of the Lux series, filled with action, romance, and suspense.
#25279
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
More or less Maddy
Lisa Genova
Lisa Genova's "More or Less Maddie" delves into the life of a young woman navigating bipolar disorder while pursuing her dream of becoming a stand-up comedian.
The novel explores the complexities of mental illness, the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, and the impact on personal identity and relationships.
It highlights the importance of seeking help and finding support while maintaining agency over one's life.
The story is both poignant and humorous, offering a relatable and insightful portrayal of a young woman's journey.
Through Maddie's experiences, the novel challenges societal perceptions of mental health and encourages empathy and understanding.
#2535
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
Dark Matter
A Century of Speculative Fiction from the African Diaspora
Sheree Renée Thomas
This anthology, edited by Sheree Renée Thomas, features a collection of 29 fictional short stories and novel excerpts, along with five non-fiction essays.
It showcases the work of various African-American writers in the science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction genres, highlighting their contributions and the diversity within these genres.
The book includes works by notable authors such as W.E. B.
DuBois, Octavia Butler, and Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, among others, and addresses themes of race, inequality, and societal issues through speculative fiction.
#5449
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
The Memo
Five Rules for Your Economic Liberation
John Hope Bryant
In 'The Memo', John Hope Bryant offers a roadmap to financial independence by emphasizing the connection between 'inner capital' (mindset, relationships, knowledge, and spirit) and 'outer capital' (financial wealth and property).
He provides tools for empowerment, focusing on financial literacy, positive relationships, and a new approach to wealth.
Bryant aims to restore 'silver rights', enabling individuals to succeed despite societal barriers.
#98183
Maybe in another life
Rocio Giselle Acosta
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid's Maybe In Another Life centers on a woman who experiences two divergent paths after a single decision, examining love, identity, and the ripple effects of choices.
The book alternates between timelines to show how small moments can change life trajectories and personal fulfillment.
Reid's accessible prose and character focus highlight emotional nuance rather than metaphysical spectacle.
The novel engages readers with themes of regret, longing, and the interplay between chance and agency.
It fits within Reid's oeuvre of emotionally driven, relationship-focused fiction.
#19257
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Where the Heart Is
Susannah Crispe
Irma Gold
This book is a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and the power of community.
Set in a vibrant coastal town, the story revolves around a young boy named Finn who discovers an injured penguin on the beach.
With the help of his family and the local community, Finn nurses the penguin back to health, forming an inseparable bond along the way.
As the penguin, affectionately named Percy, becomes a part of their lives, Finn and his family learn valuable lessons about compassion, acceptance, and the importance of protecting our natural world.
'Where the Heart Is' is a celebration of the human-animal bond and the extraordinary connections that can be forged in unexpected places.
#14913
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Help Wanted
Adelle Waldman
#24169
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Seven Year Slip
Ashley Poston
#19569
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
This Is Where I Leave You
Jonathan Tropper
This Is Where I Leave You is a novel by Jonathan Tropper that follows the story of the Foxman family, who are forced to spend a week together in their childhood home after the patriarch's death.
The book explores themes of family dynamics, love, and personal growth as the characters navigate their complicated relationships and pasts.
The novel was adapted into a film in 2014.
#34594
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Caraval
Stephanie Garber
In Stephanie Garbers „Caraval“ werden die Schwestern Scarlett und Donatella in ein magisches Spiel hineingezogen, bei dem Realität und Illusion verschwimmen.
Scarlett, die kurz vor ihrer Hochzeit steht, wünscht sich nichts sehnlicher, als Caraval zu besuchen, ein legendäres Spektakel unter der Leitung des geheimnisvollen Legend.
Als sie und ihre Schwester entführt und in das Spiel hineingezogen werden, muss Scarlett Donatella finden, bevor das Spiel endet, wobei sie sich nicht sicher sein kann, wem sie trauen kann oder was real ist.
Die lebendige Welt und die fesselnde Handlung machen „Caraval“ zu einem fesselnden Leseerlebnis.
#10374
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
About a Boy
Nick Hornby
About a Boy follows the lives of Will Freeman, a 36-year-old bachelor living off his father's royalties, and Marcus Brewer, a 12-year-old boy struggling with his mother's depression.
Their paths cross when Will joins a single parents group, leading to an unconventional friendship that changes both their lives.
The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of human connection.
#4908
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
Sorrow and Bliss
Meg Mason
#34142
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Speckled Beauty
Rick Bragg
#91729
Running with Sherman
The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero
Christopher McDougall
Running with Sherman follows Christopher McDougall's journey of adopting and rehabilitating Sherman, a severely neglected rescue donkey, and training him to compete in burro racing—a unique sport where humans and donkeys run side by side over mountains and challenging terrain in Colorado.
With the help of his family, neighbors, and an eccentric team of supporters including Amish running clubs and professional donkey trainers, McDougall discovers profound lessons about human-animal relationships, donkey behavior, and the importance of slowing down to enjoy life's journey.
#42722
Coldwire
Chloe Gong
Coldwire is a dual-perspective young adult dystopian cyberpunk novel set in a future where humanity has moved to virtual reality to escape rising seas and epidemics.
The story follows Eirale, an orphan and soldier who is framed for assassination and forced to cooperate with an anarchist, and Lia, a military academy student on a mission to infiltrate a virtual world.
As both characters navigate their separate missions across different planes of reality, they begin to suspect they are pieces of a larger conspiracy that will bring their worlds into collision.
#22940
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The River is Waiting
Wally Lamb
#46599
Skyfalling
Mia McKenzie
Mia McKenzie's 'Skyfalling' explores the life of a fiercely independent protagonist whose routines and beliefs are disrupted when a teenager unexpectedly enters her life.
The novel interrogates themes of responsibility, chosen family, and the ways sudden caregiving responsibilities can alter identity and purpose.
McKenzie's writing foregrounds Black queer experiences with sensitivity and nuance, balancing humor and emotional depth.
The book offers a moving look at how chance encounters can create lasting bonds and force reevaluation of priorities.
It appeals to readers who enjoy character-driven fiction about relationships that reshape lives.
#62478
Stray City
Chelsea Johnson
Chelsea Johnson's 'Stray City' examines the lives of characters who form kinship and community amid the chaos of urban life, exploring themes of belonging, identity, and the ways people assemble families outside biological ties.
The book offers vivid character portraits and intimate glimpses into relationships formed through shared marginalization and resilience.
Johnson's prose balances humor and pathos, creating an affectionate portrait of found family dynamics.
The novel appeals to readers interested in contemporary fiction centered on community, queerness, and the search for home.
Its understated power lies in nuanced character work and emotional honesty.
#106500
The Beauty and Breaking
Michelle Harper
Michelle Harper's 'The Beauty in Breaking' (also published as 'The Beauty in Breaking' in some editions) is a memoir blending clinical insight with personal narrative, examining the emotional and systemic complexities of practicing medicine as a Black woman.
Harper interweaves patient stories, reflections on race and gender, and the ethical dilemmas faced in healthcare settings.
The book offers both critique and compassion toward the medical system, highlighting moments of beauty amid trauma and institutional failure.
Harper's prose is both lyrical and precise, bringing humanity to clinical encounters.
The memoir is valued for its clear-eyed examination of medicine's promises and shortcomings.
#52930
A Fate Inked in Blood
Danielle Jensen
Danielle Jensen's 'A Fate Inked in Blood' is an adult fantasy novel focusing on prophecy, betrayal, and courtly machinations as the heroine fights to assert control over her destiny.
Jensen crafts a propulsive narrative with vivid action and emotionally fraught relationships.
The book explores themes of autonomy, moral compromise, and the cost of power.
Rich worldbuilding and dynamic pacing make it appealing to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with high stakes.
The novel balances intimate character moments with sweeping political drama.
#69489
The Danger of Small Things
Carol Lewis
#92809
The Naturals
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Naturals follows Cassie, who uses her profiling skills to join an elite FBI program with teens like Dean, Lia, Michael, and Sloane, each with unique abilities.
As they tackle unsolved murders, a new killer emerges, striking close to home and forcing them to use their gifts to survive a deadly game.
This gripping psychological thriller blends mystery, romance, and suspense in a series starting with the 2013 novel.
Debut author Canwen Xu joins Bianca to talk about ‘Boring Asian Female’—the dark, addictive novel that began as women’s fiction and evolved into a razor-sharp psychological thriller. They discuss, turning personal failure into emotional truth on the page, the 25 drafts and major genre pivot that changed everything, writing a morally messy, hyper self-aware protagonist and why internal validation matters more than external wins. A candid conversation about obsession, identity, and the long road to getting it right.
Part two of this month’s bonus episode, Bianca connects with best-selling author, Rea Frey. Rea dives into the behind-the-scenes realities of writing and publishing, with a sharp focus on what truly moves the needle for authors. From the power of agent meetings—offering market-savvy, no-nonsense feedback you won’t get from peers—to the brutal truth about rewriting entire manuscripts under pressure, this episode pulls back the curtain on the process . She shares hard-earned insights on resilience, why some books need to be shelved (for now), and how timing can make or break a manuscript. Plus, a candid look at the biggest mistakes writers make—from submitting too early to ignoring the business side of publishing—and why understanding the industry is just as critical as mastering craft.
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.
Find us on our socials:
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing
https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author
https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/
https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW
Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.com, www.biancamarais.com, www.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com
Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting
To sign up for our Substack newsletter, head to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/TSNOTYAW
* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/tsnotyaw
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com
* Check out Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands