In Episode 42 of the Page One Episode we get to hear author Crystal King discuss her latest novel, In the Garden of Monsters, a gothic fantasy published by Mira. We discuss the courage it took to take a double dare, not only to write in a new genre, but to write for the market. Of course we delve into the artistry of writing the prologue in this novel and the first chapter, with insights into how setting up parameters, in this case, making the story timeline fit into one week made the novel that much better. King shares insights into working with her editor and her research on the enigmatic Italian garden featured in the story, working with historical figures like Salvador Dali, as well as her strategic use of marketing and AI tools in staying relevant and successful. King's unique approach offers valuable wisdom for both seasoned authors and aspiring writers. I hope you love this episode as much as I enjoyed creating it. Please tell me what you think on IG @hollylynnpayne Thank you and happy listening! 00:38 Meet Crystal King: Author and Culinary Enthusiast 02:11 Summary of 'In the Garden of Monsters' 04:19 The Importance of Prologues 04:49 Crystal King Reads the Prologue 06:35 Exploring the Myth of Hades and Persephone 07:47 Setting the Stage: Bomarzo and Salvador Dali 11:19 Crafting a Gothic Novel 12:11 Diving into Chapter One 16:29 The Role of Editors in Shaping a Novel 21:58 Research and Historical Accuracy 29:00 Navigating Feedback and Authenticity in Writing 29:30 The Challenges of Publishing During the Pandemic 29:53 Balancing Market Demands with Story Integrity 30:25 The Importance of Complex Characters in Fiction 31:06 Rejection and Resilience in the Publishing World 32:05 The Role of Marketing in a Writing Career 33:37 Exploring Genre and Literary Fiction 37:32 Researching Market Trends for Writing Success 39:45 The Impact of AI on Writing and Publishing 50:34 Current Reads and Inspirations
Page One, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books.
About the guest author:
Crystal King’s latest book In The Garden of Monsters was published by Mira. King is also the author of The Chef’s Secret and Feast of Sorrow, which was long-listed for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize and was a Must Read for the MassBook Awards. Her poetry has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and she served as the former co-editor of the online literary arts journal Plum Ruby Review. In addition to her literary gifts, fueled by a passion for the food, language and culture of Italy, King is a culinary enthusiast and marketing expert. With an MA in critical thinking, she has taught writing, creativity and social media at multiple universities including Boston University, UMass, Mass College of Art, Grub Street and Harvard Extension. A native of the Pacific Northwest, King has made Boston her home. You can find her and lots of wonderful offerings at crystalking.com and IG @crystallyn14.
About the host:
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 an internationally published author of four historical fiction novels. Her debut, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. She recently finished her first YA crossover novel inspired by her nephew with Down syndrome. 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 or find her at Instagram and Twitter @hollylynnpayne.
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.
You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players.
If you're interested in getting writing tips and the latest podcast episode updates with the world's beloved master storytellers, please sign up for my very short monthly newsletter at hollylynnpayne.com and follow me @hollylynnpayne on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. Your email address is always private and you can always unsubscribe anytime.
The Page One Podcast is created at the foot of a mountain in Marin County, California, and is a labor of love in service to writers and book lovers. My intention is to inspire, educate and celebrate. Thank you for being a part of my creative community!
Be well and keep reading.
~Holly~
@hollylynnpayne