Every novel needs fuel to keep it moving forward, and that fuel is conflict and tension. In this episode, we break down the difference between scene-level tension and story-level conflict—and show how they work together to keep readers hooked. From internal struggles to epic battles, we’ll explore techniques that create momentum and make your story impossible to put down. With practical tips and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for any writer looking to craft gripping fiction.

SHOW NOTES:

What Is Tension? Conflict?

How Tension and Conflict Work Together

Writing Tips

Examples

SOURCES & LINKS:

The Conflict Thesaurus & The Emotion Thesaurus, Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi

“Courting Conflict: The Agent of Change,” Wired for Story, Lisa Cron

“Dude with a Problem: Surviving the Ultimate Test,” Save the Cat Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody

*analysis of conflict w/in Stephen King’s Misery

G.M.C.: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, Debra Dixon

The Compass of Character, David Corbett

DO NOW: Look at your current project—is each scene tense? Is the conflict clear and escalating? Check out our FREE Download to see a sample of HOW to use the Thesaurus Series to Create Tension at the scene level and Conflict at the plot level.

Next Episode: An Interview with USA Today Bestselling author Barbara Conrey

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Ready to pitch your book? Pitch events can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also one of the best opportunities for writers to connect with literary agents. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 10-minute pitch: what it is, how to prepare, and how to make the most of those precious few minutes.

You’ll learn how to research agents before you pitch, craft a clear and compelling hook, and present yourself with confidence. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid, tips for turning your pitch into a conversation, and how to use feedback—even a rejection—to your advantage.

Whether you’re attending your first conference or polishing your pitch for a big event, this episode will help you walk in prepared, stay calm, and maximize your chances of making the right connection with an agent.

SHOW NOTES:

What is a 10-Minute Pitch Event?

Our Experience

How to Prepare

Using the pitch to your advantage

Take-aways

SOURCES & LINKS

Related ATB Podcasts Episodes:

“Query Basics: How to Attract the Attention of the RIGHT Agents and Publishers,” Ep 19

“Writing the Dreaded Book Jacket Summary and Pitch,” Ep 42

Hooked from Page One: Nailing Your Novel’s Beginning, Episode 57

“Pitch it To Me!” Save the Cat Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody

Before and After the Book Deal, Courtney Maum

DO NOW: Script your pitch. Practice saying the words. Edit out what seems unnatural to say. Once your script is polished, practice saying it in front of a mirror until you’ve memorized it. Next, practice in front of people: family members, friends, bookish community.

Next Episode: Tension & Conflict: The Writer’s Secret Weapons

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Joanna Monahan lives in North Carolina with her husband, children, and two distracting cats.

Before she began writing, Joanna worked a variety of jobs, including marketing, professional

organizing, and setting up book fairs. She enjoys theater, baseball, and bookmarking recipes she will never make. A child of the 80s, she regrets that she no longer receives pizza coupons in exchange for reading.

You can find her at joannamonahan.com talking about books, writing, and all things GenX or on

Instagram where she regularly torments her characters by participating in fiction writing

Challenges.

Joanna is a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the North Carolina

Writers’ Network and the Author’s Guild.

About the Book: SOMETHING BETTER is a coming-of-(middle-) age tale of love, family, and

the dangers of attending your high school reunion. It was published in June 2023 by Blue Ink

Press.

SHOW NOTES:

Something Better

• Synopis
• Inspiration
• Gen Xer & Musical references
• “Every villain is the hero of their own story” & complex protagonist

Welcome to Blooms, release date April 2026

• Synopsis
• Inspiration
• Possible series

Writing and things learned the hard way

• Writing process & schedule
• Personal branding
• Community & the WFWA
• Book cover creation
• Current WIP

Trivia

• The title SOMETHING BETTER comes from the song “Start a War” by The National. The first lines are: “We expected something, something better than before. We expected something more.”
• Joanna’s favorite authors are Beverly Cleary and Jan Karon. Her love of the Mitford series was part of the reason her family chose to relocate to North Carolina from Colorado in 2015.

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.joannamonahan.com/

Instagram: @joannamonahanauthor

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you