41. Book talk: Discovering layers w/ Maria Secoy

Can you recall a book that inspired you to become a writer? What about a book that fundamentally changed your view of the world or yourself?

Never underestimate the power of reading books you love—and books you hate.

Joining today’s conversation is Maria Secoy, a romance fiction author, former English teacher, and book coach for those who self-publish literary romance novels. 

In this episode, you’ll enjoy a combination of banter and insight into writing techniques as two good friends discuss the books that taught them how to recognize that people (and stories) have layers, what it means to show and not tell, and how people can read the same book but have completely different experiences.

Tune in to enjoy these two good friends bantering while they challenge each other to consider a different point of view. 

Whenever Maria and Erin are together, you’re guaranteed to learn something while laughing. A lot. 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• Books that change the trajectory of our lives
• The book at showed Maria we’re all human
• The book that taught Erin show vs tell
• The trauma of being forced to read the “right” book
• The book that showed Erin the worst in people
• Rosenblatt’s theory of reader response
• The perfect example of satire

About Maria: 

Maria Secoy has a BA in English and an MEd in Secondary English. She spent more than a decade in the classroom helping students grow as authentic writers.

She wrote and published her first romance novel in February 2022, which has since reached #4 on the Amazon Best Sellers List. 

After hearing stories of editors gone wrong, flopped cover designs, marketing struggles, and anxiety over the entire self-publication process, she launched All Write Well, which has grown to include a team of supportive experts who meet all the self-publishing needs of writers.

Get her books:

• Alongside Lucy: https://www.amazon.com/Alongside-Lucy-Trail-Adventure-Adventures-ebook/dp/B09WKYLVVZ 
• Gloria’s Gumption: https://www.amazon.com/Glorias-Gumption-Maria-Secoy/dp/B0BRH2F7WZ/ 
• Standing by Stephanie: https://www.amazon.com/Standing-Stephanie-Trail-Love-Adventures-ebook/dp/B0BY3SWRW7/ 

Connect with Maria:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msecoywriter 
• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/awwromance 
• All Write Well (self-publishing support services): https://allwritewell.com/ 

Books discussed during the show: 

• Fat Kid Rules the World, by K.L. Going
• Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
• The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Sherlock Holmes 
• Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
• Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
• The Chosen One, My Ass, by Michelle Summers
• A Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift

Send us a text

READY TO TAKE YOUR WRITING FURTHER?

Join our Patreon community and access our vibrant Discord writing group to get writing prompts, participate in sprints, download free resources, and more:
https://www.patreon.com/erinptcanningeditor