A Paige-Turning Plot: Vanessa McCausland’s Secrets to Success
Struggling to write a story that hooks readers? Feeling unsure about how to balance plot, character, and big ideas?
This week on Writes4Women with @pamelacookwrites, @vanessamccausland shares the secrets behind her latest novel, The Last Illusion of Paige White, and how she overcame the exact challenges you might be facing as a writer.
Here’s how listening can help YOU:
Tighten your plot: Vanessa breaks down how she crafted a twist so good her first reader (her husband, a plot genius) didn’t see it coming. Learn how to set up red herrings and keep readers guessing without losing the heart of your story.
Make your characters unforgettable: Discover how she layered emotional depth into her characters, giving them flaws, secrets, and complexity that resonate.
Get unstuck: Vanessa shares how she overcame self-doubt, followed her instincts, and pushed through creative risks to write her most ambitious book yet.
Navigate the writing process: From messy first drafts to revisions that matter, this episode is packed with practical tips to keep your project on track.
Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the trenches of a draft, this episode will give you fresh ideas, clarity, and the encouragement you need to write a story that stands out.
Get Inspired. Get Encouraged. Get Writing.
Hello, World!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement
00:24 Book Overview: The Last Illusion of Paige White
01:27 Personal Writing Updates
02:07 Editing Challenges and Techniques
04:41 Upcoming Projects and Courses
09:24 Interview with Vanessa McCausland
10:14 Synopsis of The Last Illusion of Paige White
11:39 Writing Process and Inspirations
22:34 Exploring Themes of Grief and Social Media
33:47 Balancing Social Media and Real Life
36:53 Exploring Themes of Nature and Online Identity
37:09 Social Media and Teenagers: A Personal Perspective
38:36 The Role of Poetry in the Story
41:29 The Evolution of the Book's Title
44:16 Navigating the US Publishing Market
49:16 Balancing Creative Integrity and Market Demands
01:01:51 Rejuvenating the Creative Spark
01:04:23 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Reflections