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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · 19d

You’re very welcome 😊

Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Sep 19

Is too much backstory getting in the way of your actual story?

open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

Front-loading Backstory: Opening Pages Shouldn't Read Like a Wikipedia Entry

Start the Story in the Right Place

open.substack.com

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Aug 27

Strong writing doesn't mean more words. Often, less is more. See how less can make a bigger impact.

reneefountain.substack.com/p/tight-writ...

Tight Writing: The Art of Word Choice

Fewer words. Bigger Impact

reneefountain.substack.com

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Aug 15

Sometimes the “scenic route” can delay the excitement of the journey.

✂️ Cut the clutter. Keep the magic.

reneefountain.substack.com/p/less-is-mo...

Less Is More: An Agent's Case for Cutting the Clutter

Tighter prose, stronger voice, bigger impact

reneefountain.substack.com

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Aug 13

Thank you, Vincent. That was very kind of you to say.

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 24

Writers often ask if events are worth it. It’s often inferred they’re a money grab. Someone asked me why I do events if agents never sign anybody. Not an informed comment, but their perception. Jen is proof that writers do get signed, as do writers sending blind queries.

Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 23

The above meant to say compatibility, not comparability.

Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 23

MA is more for making sure you’re ready to pitch or query, more so than to sign up to “pitch”. They do however do the occasional pitch event here on Bluesky.

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 23

Not implying anything beyond an “edge” being the opportunity to meet and speak with each other. It’s good to see if there’s comparability.

Look into WDW. They have a lot of on line pitches as well as in person. I’ve met with people from all over. I’m sure there are other good ones.

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 23

July 2025 Agent Wishlist Update

👻 Horror: make it scary. Also trope defying 🔪 Serial killers
😂 Humor: Fiction/NF
👩‍❤️‍👩 Women’s Fiction: Rebecca Serle
♥️ Rom Com - heavy on the com
🔎 Romantic Mystery

📚 Non-Fiction:
🌟 Self-Improvement
🎬 Pop Culture
🤯 Narrative
💼 Business (esp. women led 👩‍💼)

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 23

Most people paint (legit) events as a money grab. Slush piles work too. I feel like an event might give you a bit more of an edge sometimes.

But I’ve signed authors this year from both places.

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 23

For writers who wonder if pitch events are worth it. Jen is on her second book.

Here's the link: www.writersdigest.com/my-home-run-...

My Home Run at the Writer's Digest Conference Pitch Slam

Author Jen Ruiz shares how taking a chance on the Writer's Digest Conference Pitch Slam event connected her with her agent and a book deal.

www.writersdigest.com

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 21

⏳ Ticking clocks aren’t just for hidden explosives—they’re how you make a story feel like time is of the essence.

Whether it’s a breakup ultimatum, a big game, or the last summer before everything changes, urgency drives momentum in almost every genre.

open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

The Ticking Clock: Going Beyond Thrillers

A Sense of Urgency for Any Genre

open.substack.com

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 10

Setting the scene doesn't mean naming every single thing in the room.

It also doesn't require describing what every person in that room is wearing... unless they're furries. Then it's always helpful to get a visual.

reneefountain.substack.com/p/scene-sett...

Scene-Setting or Inventory List? An Agent's Take on Excessive Description

A Quick Lesson on Chekhov's Gun

reneefountain.substack.com

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 3

I don’t care if your story has a love triangle, a time loop, or a magic sword.

Don't just tack it on. Give it weight. Make it matter.

reneefountain.substack.com/p/you-say-pl...

You Say Plot Device Like It's a Bad Thing: An Agent’s Take on What Works—And What Doesn’t

And How to Tell the Difference

reneefountain.substack.com

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jul 1

I literally went down a rabbit hole for the past 30 minutes looking at cute bunny pics... @dailybunnies.bsky.social

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jun 30

Does your entire plot depends on whether the character gets revenge?

open.substack.com/pub/reneefou...

Revenge Isn’t a Stake—It’s a Symptom: Why Stakes Matter More than Motive

Ensuring Bigger Consequences for Your Characters

open.substack.com

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jun 27

Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jun 25

You only get one shot at a first impression.
Make yours count.

The Query Confident Workshop is coming soon—
This only happens 2x per year, so get on the waitlist for early access + limited VIP spots.

reneefountain.com/2025Wait

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Renee Fountain @reneefountain.bsky.social · Jun 23

😬 Agents don’t read bad queries. They delete them.

Stand out—in the right way. The Query Confident Mini Course is here:

📬 Write a sharper query letter
🧩 Craft a real synopsis
📖 Solid opening pages
💻 Includes 3 bite-sized videos + Bonus workbook

NO fluff. NO filler.

👉 reneefountain.com/mini