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Ann Newton's avatar

Fantastic interview! I’ve been focusing on my hero’s transformation and workshopping how to make it compelling. I appreciate the book recommendations that depict thoughtful before and after methods, and am especially excited to read Lady Tremaine!

Rachel Hochhauser's avatar

Thank you so much, Ann. I'm glad this was remotely helpful!!

Kat Lewis's avatar

Thanks so much for reading. Excited for you to meet Lady Tremaine!

Jo Shaw's avatar

This is a great complement to the previous interview that focused on line-level craft. Admittedly I tend to put plot on the back burner in favor of style (my favorite books are the ones without much action, a la Virginia Woolf), but the reframe as "momentum" is very helpful! I'll be keeping it in mind, thanks a lot :)

Kat Lewis's avatar

I was so tempted to title this post "Plot Before Prose." I love the serendipity of these two interviews being in conversation with each other.

Totally agree that framing plot as movement, change, and consequence is a really accessible way for literary fiction writers to weave momentum into their stories. Thanks as always for reading!

Kahli Scott's avatar

All so beautifully articulated. Also love seeing The Other Valley in the recommendations...one of my recent favorites.

Kat Lewis's avatar

I am bumping The Other Valley up on my TBR list. Thanks for reading!

Rachel Hochhauser's avatar

I found it so readable, for lack of a better word! I couldn't put it down.

Shanti A's avatar

Great interview and excellent examples. Thanks for these recommendations and distilling the advice so well. Appreciate it.

Kat Lewis's avatar

Thanks for reading!

Sarah Allen's avatar

Oh this is so cool!! I've had my eye on this book since I saw it, now I definitely need to get a copy!

Rachel Hochhauser's avatar

Thank you!! I hope you love the book!

Kat Lewis's avatar

Excited for your read!