In Episode 18, we interview NYT bestselling young adult fantasy author, Ayana Gray, about the first pages of her second book, BEASTS OF RUIN, published by G.P. Putnam. If you’re interested in knowing how to build a story world that thrills and captivates both young adult and adult readers, tune into this episode to hear how one college course on “Good & Evil” catalyzed her career as a literary force and catapulted her to master storyteller status after her debut, BEAST OF PREY, became an instant best seller. Ayana talks openly about navigating the discomfort of accessing deep emotion, which to her is “scary but satisfying.” While we only had time to discuss book two in her trilogy, I hope it’s enough to have you catch up on the first book and enter a world unlike any you’ve ever encountered. What a gift to explore Pan African myths with one of the most compelling female protagonists you’ll ever meet and hear from the creator herself on what it took to birth this wildly imaginative story world.
Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup built to help authors succeed. She is the author of four historical fiction novels, and her debut novel, The Virgin's Knot,was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. Her books have been published in eleven countries and translated into nine languages. She recently finished her first YA crossover novel inspired by her nephew with Down syndrome and her love of Shel Silverstein's poetry. She lives in Marin County with her daughter and enjoys mountain biking, surfing and hiking with her dog. To learn more about her books and private writing coaching services, please visit hollylynnpayne.com.
If you have a first page you’d like to submit to the Page One Podcast, please do so here.
As an author and writing coach, I know that the first page of any book has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. So I thought to ask your favorite master storytellers how they do their magic to hook YOU.
After the first few episodes, it occurred to me that maybe someone listening might be curious how their first page sits with an audience, so I’m opening up Page One to any writer who wants to submit the first page of a book they’re currently writing.
If your page is chosen, you’ll be invited onto the show to read it and get live feedback from one of Page One’s master storytellers. Page One exists to inspire, celebrate and promote the work of both well-known and unknown creative talent.
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Until then, be well and keep reading!