Episode 14: “So You Want to Write a Novel — Really? (Part 1: Before You Begin)”
This week, Meagan and Kirk kick off a three-part series on actually writing a novel. If you’ve ever said, “I think I’ll finally write that book,” this series is the audio equivalent of Cher slapping Nic Cage in the face in Moonstruck. Maybe.
In Part 1 of the series, we’re talking reality checks and big decisions: are you sure you want to do this, what you’re really signing up for (spoiler: years of emotional and financial ruin), and how to choose your genre, POV, and tense without having a full-blown existential, thermonuclear meltdown. Also outlining vs. pure chaos and admit which camps we not-so-secretly live in, and why writers don’t need to be footsoldiers in the gatekeeping wars.
In Hot Goss, we rage about that agent on Threads who insists you need ten betas before querying. We discuss why beta readers are important, why online writer groups are absolutely the hellscape people think (unless you’re in Meagan’s group), and why quality is more important than quantity when it comes to betas.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We're glad you're here, even if none of us know what we're doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Website: https://www.badlitfriends.com/
Jane Friedman on Beta Readers: https://janefriedman.com/beta-readers/
This week, we tackle every writer's favorite task (narrator: no it's not): revisions. From massive rewrites to line editing minutiae, we discuss what to keep, what to fix, and what to destroy in a fire.
We also have some show news, as Rylan steps back to focus on her writing unless, you know, there was some kind of write-in campaign demanding her return. (ahem)
Thank you Rylan for all of your hard work!
In Hot Goss, we dive into PenguinGate (not that Penguin): the drama surrounding Paul and Matthew's children's book, pity marketing tactics, and why doxxing Ingram employees is never the answer.
Whether you're a revision lover like Kirk or a revision resister like Meagan, this episode covers everything you need to know about transforming your manuscript from "meh" to publishable.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We're glad you're here, even if none of us know what we're doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Website: https://www.badlitfriends.com/
Show Notes:
Sorry for the less-than-stellar editing! Did I mention Rylan was our editor?
This week, Meagan, Kirk, and Rylan talk about the wild world of online pitch events—you know, those (used-to-be) Twitter (and now Blue Sky) contests where you condense your entire manuscript into 280 characters and hope an agent notices you in the mob.
Are they a legitimate path to publication? A performative Hunger Games for writers? A way to connect with your people? Spoiler: it's complicated.
We break down what pitch events actually are, which ones are worth your time, how to craft a pitch that doesn't make you cringe. And then we talk about the pros and cons of different events like #PitMad, #PitDark, and #DVPit, the reality of getting likes versus actual requests, and why community might be the real prize here.
In our Hot Goss segment, we dive into the recent piracy drama. We're calling out the performative "think of the disadvantaged people" arguments, discussing why "information should be free" doesn't mean entertainment should be stolen, and getting real about how piracy actually hurts authors.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We're glad you're here, even if none of us know what we're doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann, Kirk Rafferty, and Rylan. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Website: https://www.badlitfriends.com/
This week, Kirk, Meagan, and Rylan sit down with debut author Amber Hamilton to talk about her dark academia romantasy, Seven Deadly Thorns, a twisted Snow White retelling where true love's kiss kills instead of resurrects.
Amber shares her journey from rejection to landing five agent offers for her second novel, and the delicate balance between writing what your heart wants and writing what the market needs.
We also dive into the unique challenges of writing your second book under contract, and the surrealness of people literally painting your book at a garden party.
We had an absolute blast speaking with Amber, and can’t wait to read her book!
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Website: https://www.badlitfriends.com/
Show notes:
Seven Deadly Thorns is published by Bloomsbury YA, and is available for preorder right now. It will be available for purchase on Novemeber 4, 2025. In the UK, it will be available on October 28, 2025.
Amber's website is: https://amhamwrites.com
This week, Meagan and Kirk tackle the sacred cows of writing advice, from “show, don’t tell” to “kill your darlings,” and then gleefully tip them over.
We also discuss adverbs, passive voice, and confess to crimes against first drafts. Meagan shares post-conference war stories (and book five confessions), and Kirk reveals his "sure, why not?" two-adverbs-per-chapter rule.
In Hot Goss, we discuss the latest writing-community drama: authors quitting querying and expensive special editions.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Website: https://www.badlitfriends.com/
Show notes:
The book Kirk thought was zombies on a submarine, but is actually vampires on a submarine, is 100 FATHOMS BELOW by Nicholas Kaufmann and Steven L. Kent. It's now on my TBR list, and should be on yours too! -k)
The Bad Lit Friends are live(ish) and in person! Meagan, Kirk, and Rylan are recording from the Colorado Gold writers conference, sharing a microphone and thoughts on what it's really like to attend a writing conference.
In this episode, we discuss:
In our Hot Goss segment, we tackle the latest internet outrage: people who think the Scholastic Book Fair is...bad?
Whether you're considering attending your first conference or you're a veteran looking to optimize your experience, this episode covers everything from managing introvert energy to making the most of being surrounded by other writers who understand the struggle.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann, Rylan, and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
In this episode, Meagan, Rylan, and Kirk discuss the complexities of writer's block, sharing personal experiences and strategies for overcoming creative challenges. We explore the different types of writer's block, the importance of community support, and various techniques to stimulate creativity.
And in our Hot Goss segment, we call out book haulers and performative book collecting for internet points.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Rylan, Meagan Thompson-Mann, and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Show notes:
Tips for breaking through writer's block:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jT4y4Vo38UOnvKT9d4Xv3DtJ3yvno6_Cb0t8yWxpDok/edit?usp=sharing
Summary
In this episode of Bad Lit Friends, we discuss arguably the most challenging part of your query package, the synopses.
We share personal updates on our writing progress, delve into the structure of a synopsis, and explore common pitfalls.
In our "hot gos" segment, we talk more about the Anthropic settlement, the future of publishing, and the impact of fan fiction on the traditional publishing market.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Show notes:
Writing a Great Synopsis by Nicola Morgan: https://nicolamorgan.com/my-books/write-a-great-synopsis/
Rylan is off having East Coast adventures, so it’s just Meagan and Kirk left unsupervised like gossipy Kevin McCallisters.
Whether you’re staring down your first query or have already sent out fifty, this episode is packed with hard-learned experience, do’s and don’ts, and the structure of your query letter. We break down the must-haves, and Kirk shares his actual hook that landed an agent.
We also commiserate about rejection, resilience, and what makes this whole process just a little bit less demoralizing, rounded out with thoughts on voice, structure, personalizations, and why publishing is basically just a never-ending series of gates to worm your way through.
And of course, more hot goss as we dive into the recent $1.5 billion Anthropic lawsuit settlement, the ethics of AI and piracy in publishing, and their impact on real writers. And as always, Megan and Kirk have plenty of feels about capitalism, copyright law, and the future of the book world.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Show notes:
The query letter that got Kirk an agent:
https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4527162724777475067/3648320377209075956
The five questions your query letter should answer:
• Who is the main character?
• What do they want?
• What’s standing in the way?
• What are they willing to do to get it?
• What happens if they fail?
We didn't discuss on the show, but Lauren Kay has a fantastic query letter guide here:
https://www.laurenkaywrites.com/blog/how-to-write-a-query-letter
With Kirk away on vacation, Meagan is joined by producer (and guest co-host) Rylan for a deep dive into the writing contest industrial complex.
Are contests a legitimate path to publication, or just an expensive detour filled with dashed hopes and black-box judging? Together they compare notes on entering contests, from quarter-finalist laurels to anthology publications, and debate whether the deadlines, feedback, and visibility are worth the fees, or if it’s all just a money pit.
Also: the joys and pains of adapting screenplays into novels, the tea-fueled glamour of Australian book launches, and this week’s Hot Goss: when a querying author’s Twitter misstep spirals into internet drama and unlikely allies.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. This episode is guest co-hosted by Rylan Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Show notes:
What Makes a Great First Page of a Novel: https://gutsygreatnovelist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/What-Makes-a-Great-First-Page-of-a-Novel-.pdf
Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize guidelines: https://www.thegutsygreatnovelist.com/page-one-prize
Mind’s Shine Bright Confidence II Anthology: https://www.mindsshinebright.com
Content warning: We discuss the alleged sexual assault incidents at the Sinners and Stardust conference. (Starts at 29:00 and ends at 34:45)
In this episode of Bad Lit Friends, Kirk and Meagan dive into the messy, beautiful realities of the writing life. They reflect on their own journeys as authors, sharing candid stories of jealousy, comparison, and imposter syndrome, as well as the pressure that comes with reader expectations.
We also talk about the role of conferences and writing contests, and the responsibilities writers carry toward their readers.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Show notes:
MSLexia can be found at https://mslexia.co.uk
Meagan's audio was a little funky--because we are, after all, the podcast that barely knows (and at times, doesn't know) what it's doing. We'll get that fixed before the next show.
Meagan and Kirk dive into the Reddit community r/PubTips, unpacking both the helpful advice and the more problematic trends they’ve seen circulating in the subreddit.
They also explore some of the recurring debates that dominate r/PubTips, including the infamous word-count rules, comparative titles, and the murky territory of query personalization.
For the Hot Goss segment, Meagan and Kirk turn to the ongoing debate about editors. Must every writer hire a professional editor before querying, or is this just another form of gatekeeping?
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
Show notes:
You can find typical editorial rates at: https://www.the-efa.org/rates/
Typical word counts:
Short story: under 7,500 words
Novelette: 7,500 to 17,500 words
Novella: 17,500 to 40,000 words
Fantasy & Sci-Fi: 100,000 to 115,000 words
Mystery & Thriller - 80,000 to 100,000 words
Literary Fiction - 80,000 - 100,000 words
Romance - 80,000 to 100,000 words
Horror - 70,000 to 100,000 words
Memoir - 80,000 to 90,000 words
Young Adult - 55,000 to 80.000 words
Nonfiction - 50,000 to 80,000 words
Middle Grade - 20,000 to 55,000 words
(Source: https://reedsy.com/studio/resources/how-many-words-in-a-novel)
Meagan and Kirk pull back the curtain on an inevitable part of writing life: writing your next book when your first one’s fate is still hanging in the balance. Kirk has just completed the manuscript for his second novel while his debut is out on submission, and Meagan is halfway through drafting her follow-up while actively querying her first. Together, they explore the strange mental limbo of wondering, "What if all this is for nothing?" and how that uncertainty shapes their choices at the keyboard.
Also: a detour into recent book-world drama, and oh hey, it's about AI again!
Whether you’re a debut author, an aspiring novelist, or just curious about the unglamorous, emotional middle of a writing career, this episode has more messy Thoughts and Hottakes™ than you can shake a stick at.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends
Instagram: @badlitfriends
In our chaotic debut, we ask the big (and terrifying) question: Are you still a writer if you're not actually writing? We discuss writing routines (or lack thereof), the myth of writing every day, perfectionism paralysis, the distinction between writing and writing-adjacent procrastination, and why having a cheering section might be the key to finishing anything.
Also: research rabbit holes, book-world drama, Paris Hilton(?), and a spicy BookTok controversy that has us questioning whether vibes alone are enough to sell a novel.
Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.
Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.
Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com
Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social
Threads: @badlitfriends