This post, written by Cara Wood, was originally published on Dead Darlings, a blog about novel writing run by alumni of GrubStreet's Novel Incubator program.

 

One family burdened with division over three generations. Shilpi Suneja‘s debut novel, House of Caravans (September 2023, Milkweed Editions), chronicles the birth of Pakistan and an independent India with grace, scrutiny, and depth. Somehow, she manages this saga in just over 300 pages – her skillful prose does not shy away from the physical or emotional violence of Partition or its continued aftershocks.

My favorite moments of this novel come …

This post, written by Bonnie Waltch, was originally published on Dead Darlings, a blog about novel writing run by alumni of GrubStreet's Novel Incubator program.

 

Many of us know her from her newsletter, Your Weekly Writing Exercise, chock-full of craft tips, writing exercises, and inspiration; or have used her book, Your Book Starts Here, to plot our stories. We’ve benefitted from her W-structure workshop and participated in her writing retreats. Mary Carroll Moore became a published fiction author in 2009 with her debut novel, Qualities of Light. Her follow-up to …

This post was originally published on Dead Darlings, a blog about novel writing run by alumni of GrubStreet's Novel Incubator program.

 

Next Chapters is a biweekly feature spotlighting graduates of GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator program, which has been running since 2010. You can check out the rest of the series here.

Novel Incubator Year: 9

Current Project: There Is No Bear on Our Lake, literary fiction

 

Suzanne Hegland: What writers have most influenced your writing?   

John McClure:

Margaret Atwood, for unflinching insight, reckless imagination, killer zingers, and patience.

Jesse Ball, …

The Novel Incubator is a program for writers interested in a deep revision of their novel draft, a comprehensive study of the novel form, and a thoughtful introduction to the publishing world

Alfred Hitchcock famously insisted that all suspense requires a ticking clock. Regardless of genre, authors who want to thrill their audiences know they must harness the power of expectation, uncertainty, and nerve-wracking tension to keep readers turning the page. Join authors Dan Fogarty (Kill the Prince), Henriette Lazaridis (Terra Nova), and Lise Haines (Book of Knives) for a captivating discussion about how the crucial element of suspense can electrify your story.

Join us on January 18th at 7:00pm at 50 Liberty Dr. Boston, MA 02210. Porter Square Books …