The Evolution of a Novel: Learning to Let Go
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra
4.8 • 733 Ratings
🗓️ 27 March 2025
⏱️ 40 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In this inspiring author interview, Bianca interviews Kath Jonathan, whose debut novel, 'The Resistance Painter', intertwines historical and contemporary narratives. They discuss Kath’s journey as a writer, and the personal challenges she faced, including health issues, over the twelve years she spent writing her novel.
The authors chat about the evolution of a novel from start to finish, and how important it is to learn to let go along the way. Kath also elaborates on her journey as an older author and publishing later in life. The conversation touches on the significance of historical fiction in understanding present-day issues, the emotional journey of writing, and the transformative power of collaboration with editors. Kath's story serves as an inspiration for writers of all ages, emphasizing that it's never too late to pursue one's passion for storytelling.
Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and CeCe on this podcast are solely that of them as podcast co-hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Would you like to do some good in the world while also standing in line to win amazing literary |
| 0:05.0 | prizes? Of course you would. I'm hosting a fundraiser for a cause that's close to my heart, |
| 0:10.8 | literacy in South Africa. There are a host of amazing literary prizes up for grabs if you donate |
| 0:17.7 | to this wonderful cause. They include two books with hook slots where you'll join us on the show, |
| 0:23.3 | as well as developmental edits, coaching packages, manuscript critiques, and so much more, |
| 0:29.4 | being offered by industry experts, Lydia Hilger, Rebecca Faith Heyman, Trevor Brooks, Nicole Mayer, |
| 0:36.8 | Christina Boyd, Hannah Arnaier, Lisa Rivers, Elizabeth Held, Karen Geiger, and Alexandra Kacken. |
| 0:44.2 | To learn more about the cause as well as the prizes and our brilliant and generous sponsors, head to |
| 0:49.7 | Bianca Moray.com and look for the fundraiser tab. Entries close at 8 a.m. Eastern Time on the 10th of April, |
| 0:56.3 | after which the lucky winners will be announced. It's beta reader matchup time again, |
| 1:01.6 | where you can be matched up with those writing in the same genre and or time zone, so they can |
| 1:06.8 | critique your work as you critique theirs. Your manuscript doesn't have to be completed to sign up for |
| 1:12.1 | this 3,000 word evaluation. This particular matchup will be open to registrations from now until |
| 1:17.9 | the 4th of May with the matchup emails going out on the 5th of May. Because my new novel, a most puzzling |
| 1:24.2 | murder, pubs in early June and and will be keeping me very busy. |
| 1:28.2 | This will be the last matchup until the fall. |
| 1:31.1 | Please spread the word, even if you aren't signing up this time. |
| 1:34.3 | The more writers we have registered, the better the matchups will be, |
| 1:37.9 | which means you'll be paying it forward to your fellow authors. |
| 1:41.6 | And hopefully they'll do the same when the time comes for you to register. |
| 1:45.5 | For more information, head to Bianca Moray.com and go to the beta reader matchup page. |
| 1:57.8 | Hi there and welcome to our show. |
... |
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