iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

The tone you use in a #queryletter to describe your story can make or break your pitch. Make sure it matches the genre. Learn more in this week's Agent Spotlight episode of the #storynerd podcast. #literaryagent #queryinglitagents #amquerying

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Getting feedback on your pitch (ie query letter) is so important, agents do it too! Have you submitted to the #storynerd podcast yet? What are you waiting for. Visit storynerd.ca for all the details. #literaryagent #queryinglitagents #amquerying #queryletter

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Please be gentle with yourself! Sometimes the stories that are in our hearts and minds are challenging to execute from a craft perspective. That's ok. Keep going. You've got this. #storynerd #writingpodcasts #writingadvice #fictionwriter #novelwriting

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Is a predictable ending always a bad thing? The answer might surprise you! It's all in this week's #storynerd podcast. #writingpodcasts #writingadvice #fictionwriter #filmanalysis

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

What kinds of writers would literary agent Kathryn Willms want to work with? It's all in this week's Agent Spotlight episode of the #storynerd podcast! #amquerying #queryinglitagents #querytrenches #literaryagent

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The global inciting incident gives rise to the protagonist's object of desire. Discover more on this week's Hook Your Reader episode of the #storynerd podcast. #queryinglitagents #querytrenches #query #amquerying

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Meet literary agent Kathryn Willms! On today's Agent Spotlight episode of the #storynerd podcast, Kathryn tells us the kinds of writers she wants to work with, what's on her #MSWL, and she gives amazing feedback to a podcast listener. #amquerying #queryinglitagents #literaryagent #query

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

What part of the query letter is the most important to #literaryagents (metadata, plot paras, bio)? Find out on this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast. #amquerying #queryletter #querytrenches

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

It's a tall order, but excellence in both line writing and storytelling can be done. Hear more on this week's Hook Your Reader episode of the #storynerd podcast. #queryinglitagents #amquerying #querytrenches #queryinglitagents

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Say it with me..."the middle build belongs to the villain!" This one bit of writing advice could save your novel. Learn more on the #storynerd podcast. #amwriting #writingpodcasts #podcastsforwriters #fictionwriter

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Advice on creating empathy for the protagonist from literary agent, Krista White on this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast. #literaryagent #amquerying #queryinglitagents #query

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Key scenes must be on the page. Period. 🙂 What happens if they aren't? That's what we discuss in this week's Hook Your Reader episode of the #storynerd podcast. #literaryagent #querytrenches #queryletter #queryinglitagents

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

How effective is the antagonist/villain of your story? What happens if he/she/it doesn't do the job of creating tension? It's all on this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast. #writingadvice #writingpodcasts #podcastsforwriters #amwriting

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

If this sounds like you, and you're looking for an agent, you can learn more about Krista White on this week's Agent Spotlight episode of the #storynerd podcast. #amquerying #mswl #literaryagent #querytrenches

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Best advice about creating empathy for characters ... be specific about who they are, not what they are. It's all in this week's Hook Your Reader episode of the #storynerd podcast. #queryinglitagents #amquerying #querytrenches #query

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Ever thought about the phrase "acting out of character" and what it means? Because there's a HUGE difference between characters who are complex and those who are just acting weird. It's all inside this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast. #writingpodcasts #writingadvice #amwriting #novelwriting

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The first line of your book is more important than you think. Agents love a "killer" opening line—yours might be buried way down in your first chapter. It's all in today's HYR episode of the #storynerd podcast. #querytrenches #queryinglitagents #amquerying #literaryagent

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

How do you introduce your main character to your reader? As literary agent, Krista White, points out it's "of utmost importance." #storynerd #literaryagent #amquerying #queryinglitagents #mswl

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

We've got a special bonus episode of the #storynerd podcast this week where we interview literary agent, Krista White to learn about her #MSWL and the kind of writer she wants to work with! #amquerying #literaryagent #queryinglitagents

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

We love a good espionage story and on this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast, we're doing a deep dive into SPY GAME with Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. #writingadvice #writingpodcasts #fictionwriter #podcastsforwriters

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

What happens when the protagonist out maneuvers the antagonist at every turn? The plot falls apart. We discuss all this and more in today's brand new episode of the #storynerd podcast. #writingpodcasts #amwriting #novelwriting #writingabook

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Will the reader 'buy' everything that's happening in your story? Check out the #storynerd podcast Hook Your Reader episodes on all podcast players and on YouTube. #literaryagent #amquerying #queryletter #queryinglitagents (Kathleen's opinions are her own and not those of The Rights Factory)

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Where's the inciting incident in your story? The closer to page one it is, the better! STORYNERD.CA #storynerd #literaryagent #amquerying #literaryagents #queryinglitagents

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

With The Hook Formula, in less than an hour, you can make the plot paragraphs of your QL sing. Check out learn.storynerd.ca for more. #storynerd #literaryagent #literaryagents #queryinglitagents #querytrenches (Kat's opinions are her own and not those of The Rights Factory)

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

What's the nature of change in your story? Does the protagonist change, or does the world around the protagonist change? Both approaches work! STORYNERD.CA #storynerd #literaryagent #amquerying #queryletter #publishinggoals

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

How do you hold a reader's attention? By controlling the flow of information. Tell them only what they need to know, and only when they need to know it. STORYNERD.CA #storynerd #writingpodcasts #writingadvice #novelwriting #keepwriting

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Your protagonist doesn't need to have an arc unless YOU want her to. It's your creative, artistic choice. Nice, huh? 😀 We discuss all this and more in today's #storynerd hook your reader episode. STORYNERD.CA #literaryagent #amquerying #querytrenches #queryinglitagents

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

How sharp are your query letter writing skills? If you need help with the plot paragraphs, check out The Hook Formula where we teach you how to do it! (Link in Bio) #storynerd #amquerying #querytrenches #publishinggoals #literaryagent

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Tension Creates Attention. And to have tension, you need conflict. Learn more about this in this week's episode of the #storynerd podcast. STORYNERD.CA #literaryagent #publishinggoals #querytrenches #amquerying (Kat's opinions are her own and not those of The Rights Factory)

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Here's a quick tip for improving dialogue in a novel. Want more tips? Check out this week's Hook Your Reader episode of the #storynerd podcast. STORYNERD.CA #literaryagent #query #querytrenches #publishinggoals

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Our brains are wired to receive story in a particular way. So why not write your story the way we're programmed to receive it? #storynerd #fictionwriter #podcastsforwriters #novelwriting #aspiringwriter

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Repeating scenes or plot points over and over gets really boring, really fast. Don't believe me? Check out this What Went Wrong episode of the #storynerd podcast where we discuss JASON BOURNE (2016). #writingpodcasts #writingadvice #novelwriting #filmanalysis

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

There's a real art to knowing when and where to start a story. Our best advice is to start as close as possible to the global inciting incident. #storynerd #literaryagent #queryinglitagents #amquerying #publishinggoals (Kat's advice is her own and not that of The Rights Factory)

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Shout out to family & friends who cheer us on! That's a hugely important job, but unless they're industry experts, don't ask them for writing advice. #storynerd #literaryagent #queryinglitagents #queryletter #publishinggoals (Kat's advice is her own and not that of The Rights Factory)

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

OMG...story logic is so important for a story, particularly if you're writing a series. The fictional world MUST remain consistent from book to book. Once you establish a fact in one book, you cannot ignore it in a later book. #storynerd #podcastsforwriters #fictionwriter #amediting #onwriting

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Oh dear. Where did JASON BOURNE go wrong? Well, the antagonist is one area — Heather Lee has no reason whatsoever for wanting what she wants (ie to bring Bourne in). This creates a lack of tension in the story as a whole. #storynerd #podcastsforwriters #novelwriting #creativewriting #writingabook

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

What is the RED FLAG Kathleen is talking about? Tune in to this week's hook your reader episode of the #storynerd podcast to find out. #literaryagent #queryinglitagents #queryletter #querytrenches (Kathleen's opinions are her own and not those of The Rights Factory)

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

A behind-the-scenes view from a special 2-part bonus #storynerd episode featuring, for the very first time, all three hosts! Yep, we managed to wrangle the time zones into submission so that Melanie and Kathleen could finally meet. #literaryagent #writingpodcasts #queryinglitagents #keepwriting

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Why does your antagonist want what he wants? Knowing his motivation will go a long way to making him a much more compelling and complex character. #storynerd #writingpodcasts #novelwriting #writingabook #podcastsforwriters

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

"In a series, you need to maintain the logic and the rules of the world you've established." Great advice, Mel! 😀 #storynerd #writingadvice #writingpodcasts #podcastsforwriters #writingtips

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

How many characters are you introducing in your opening pages? Too many? Not enough? #storynerd podcast STORYNERD.CA #querytrenches #queryletter #literaryagent #queryinglitagents (Kathleen's opinions are her own and not those of The Rights Factory)

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

What's the core event (climax) of your story? Are you setting it up properly in your #queryletter ? #storynerd podcast STORYNERD.CA #queryinglitagents #literaryagent #amquerying

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Does your story need a content warning? Have you included it in your #queryletter ? #storynerd podcast STORYNERD.CA #literaryagent #querytrenches #queryinglitagents

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Are you repeating scenes or plot points verbatim? Sometimes patterns are used to great comedic effect in storytelling, but they can also spell disaster. 😱 It's all on this What Went Wrong episode of the #storynerd podcast. #amwriting #writingpodcasts #podcastsforwriters #writingadvice

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Here's one for the pantser v. plotter debate? If you write premise statements/loglines, do you do it BEFORE you write your manuscript, or AFTER? 🤔 STORYNERD.CA #storynerd #writingpodcasts #podcastsforwriters #aspiringwriter

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Who/What is the antagonist of your story? Is it clear to your reader (because it MUST be!). #storynerd podcast STORYNERD.CA #querytrenches #queryletter #literaryagent #queryinglitagents

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Can you explain your story in ONE SENTENCE? (Yes, one.) It's not a sexy idea, but boy, it sure is important. #storynerd #writingpodcasts #amwriting #novelwriting #writingabook STORYNERD.CA

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Hooboy, here we go again! The old debate between active and passive protagonists ... both can be possible so how do you choose? #storynerd podcast STORYNERD.CA #literaryagent #publishing #querytrenches #queryletter

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

I may have bitten off more than I can chew! We're already previewing Season 19 of the podcast where I'll study how the middle build belongs to the villain. #faceplant? 😅 #storynerd #writingpodcasts #writingadvice #novelwriting STORYNERD.CA

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Valerie Francis @valeriefrancis.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Are you starting your story in the right place? How do you know? #storynerd podcast STORYNERD.CA #queryinglitagents #queryletter #literaryagent #publishing (Kathleen's opinions are her own and not those of The Rights Factory)

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