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Ever wondered what it takes to transform rejection letters into a publishing triumph? Join us on Craft Chat Chronicles as Shalini Abeysekara shares her inspiring journey from facing countless rejections to celebrating the success of her debut novel "This Monster of Mine." Shalini unveils the secrets behind balancing a demanding legal career with her passion for writing, and offers profound advice on crafting stories that grip readers right from the first page. Learn about the pivotal moments that turned her dreams into reality and the strategies she used to nail her query letter, landing her multiple offers from literary agents.
In this episode, we also delve into the importance of staying ahead of market trends. Shalini’s insights extend to the burgeoning popularity of genres like horror romances and the critical role of captivating your audience with powerful opening lines. Further, we explore the nuances of writing realistic and engaging dialogue, enriched by concise exchanges, effective dialogue tags, and nonverbal cues that bring conversations to life. We also tackle the challenges of building and sustaining an author platform on social media, providing practical tips to maintain a consistent and engaging presence despite the obstacles.
We wrap up with an emphasis on the invaluable support of the writing community and the importance of reading broadly to refine your craft. Shalini shares her experiences with turning setbacks into motivators and the necessity of persistence in the face of rejection, offering encouragement to never give up. The episode also covers strategies for creating engaging promotional content on platforms like Bookstagram and TikTok, along with recommendations for essential resources that can aid in both writing and marketing. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights that will equip you with the tools and inspiration needed to succeed on your writing journey.

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🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

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