Personal, Political, Published: Finding Agents For Important, Sensitive Topics with Annie Cardi

Content Warning: Mentions of abortion, grooming, assault.Annie Cardi's new book, Red, is a very modern take on The Scarlet Letter. Today, Annie joins Jessica and Julie to discuss the importance of tough topics in YA books, how to create 'quiet' books that pack a punch, and writing advice for new authors. Transcript here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/podcast-annie-cardiWe discuss: Teaching teens relationship red flagsFiction as a safe space for difficult conversationsThe power of supportive communityBeing a good literary citizen Finding the right agent for you-even if it means making tough choicesAnnie Cardi is the author of young adult novels. Her first book, The Chance You Won’t Return, received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, and was named a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year for 2015. She has an MFA from Emerson College, and she currently lives with her family and dog in the Boston area. Learn more about Annie here: https://www.anniecardi.com/aboutTimestamps:Annie Cardi's writing process and journey to finding an agent (00:01:07)Differences between first and second book publication (00:03:59)Reading of the first page and foreshadowing (00:07:30)Character development and relationships (00:13:26)Navigating sensitive topics in the publishing industry (00:16:01)Creating tension and emotional range in the story (00:18:13)Creating a quiet book with commercial appeal (00:22:55)Content warnings and their importance (00:27:26)Using storytelling to educate about manipulation and red flags (00:32:05)Navigating agent relationships (00:48:46)Community support (00:52:16)Being a good literary citizen (00:57:57)