Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent @ceciliaclyra Twitter profile

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

1 year

It’s that time of year again: let’s refresh my #MSWL ! What follows is what I’m looking for as an agent — keep in mind I rep adult fiction & nonfiction on the adult side. 🧵

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

I just sent an email to a client with the subject line "!!!!" Querying authors: this is the level of sophisticated, professional communication you can expect from me if we work together.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

This week, a client of mine was nervous during calls with editors, so I reminded her that the editors were prob nervous, too. "As the talent, you are the sun," I said. "We are all planets revolving around you." She smiled and told me, "No, the book is the sun."

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

***CeCe does a happy (and grateful) dance*** 🥳

P.S. Literary Agency

@PSLiterary

1 year

We're pleased to announce that @ceciliaclyra has been promoted to literary agent here at #TeamPSLA . Join us in offering congratulations!

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

All right, #amquerying writers—let’s talk #MSWL because it’s a new year! What follows is what I’m looking for as an agent, i.e., my tastes, opinions, and impressions, as well as examples of some of my favorite books. It’s all subjective, of course. (A 🧵) #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Cheers to the writer who included a suggested wine pairing in their query letter and it just so happens to be a bottle I have so naturally I was compelled to open it and pour myself a glass bc I am many things but I am not one to argue with signs from the Universe 🍷✨

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

It's official: I'm sick 🤒 please send healing vibes

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

I want to tell all querying writers to read YELLOWFACE but I also want to tell all querying writers not to read YELLOWFACE. I'm still in the beginning and, as a reader, I am loving it. As a publishing professional... 🫠🫠🫠

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

A gentle reminder that the author of that book you're reading and enjoying would LOVE to get tagged in a social media shout-out. It doesn't matter how "big" the author is or how long ago the book was published --- or anything else. Reader love never gets old.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

When you have an upcoming dinner reservation at a restaurant do you look at the menu to choose what you're having ahead of time or are you a well adjusted person? 🙃

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Me to my clients: you shouldn't take rejection personally; this is a highly subjective business, and it's a part of the journey. Me when editors reject my clients' novels: did you hit your head against a brick wall? You MUST be out of it if you're passing on this!*

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

What disruption occurs in the first chapter of your story? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

Querying writers: when reviewing a literary agent's wish-list, what are some helpful things you'd like to see? And what's NOT helpful?

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Your book is being published. Picture the cover. What color is it? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Passing on projects is the most difficult part of my job. I hate the idea of a writer checking their email to find bad news from me. I know it's for the best: if I'm not the right agent, the writer is better off without me. But I know it hurts, and knowing that hurts me, too 💔

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

What's is your MC afraid of losing at the start of your story? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

Life theory: everyone has at least one TV show that was cancelled that they'd do anything to bring back...

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

Time for my favorite question of the year: what was your favorite book of 2022? (Criteria: you read it in 2022. Even if it was not published in 2022.)

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

If money were no object, and other life-logistical challenges did not exist, where would you choose to go for a full week for a writers' retreat? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

One of the reasons to sign with me is that I dream about future books written by my clients and, of course, I share them with said clients and then they love the idea and go write it. Dream Me for the win!

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

What writing advice would you give your younger self? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

I am a little under the weather. Please send pics of fur babies.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

It's midnight on June 20th, aka my birthday --- I am kicking off the celebrations with a 13-layer chocolate cake because life is too short but cake doesn't have to be 😋

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Me (to my husband): I ordered cake. Will you pick it up? Him: Sure. Is it someone's birthday? Me: There are 8 billion people on the planet so...yes.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

You get to choose an author to blurb your upcoming book (and it'll be a GREAT blurb). Who do you choose? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

"It provides an optimistic window into what I hope New York City can eventually be, when the scariest thing that could happen is having a very tall man with a microphone demand my opinion about Jennifer Garner’s performance in “Juno” and then scurry away." 👇🏾 by @popscribblings

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

I got to the end of a submission (sample chapters — not the full book) and for a second I was confused, wondering where the rest of the book had gone. Picture me stabbing my e-reader in frustration. It's SO GOOD I forgot I wasn't reading a published nonfiction title. 😍

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Yesterday I found out that a writer I was hoping to sign as a client signed with someone else and I'm sad but also happy for her, and the messiness in my heart made me think of how the word bittersweet was made for these publishing moments.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

What's something about you as a human (personality trait, habit, background, etc) that's useful in your writing life? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

Today I requested a full and the author (very gently) warned me that it was dark. My response:

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

A gentle reminder that you are a creative force, a god that builds worlds and inhabits them with people. I hope you are proud of the power of your brain. I know I am. #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

What emotion is your MC experiencing on the first page of your WIP? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Writers, I'm curious: what are some soft skills you're looking for (or were looking for, in the case of agented writers) in a literary agent?

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

4 years

All right, #amquerying writers—let’s talk FAVE RECENT READS because what better way is there for you to get to know my taste? Are one of these titles a comp for your story? Is your writing style similar to one of these authors? If so, please query me! 🙋🏽‍♀️ #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

A promise: at every moment, even as you read this, someone out there is in awe of your talent for storytelling, and hopes to one day write as well as you. #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Best book you read in 2021? #WritingCommunity (Yes, I know the year isn't over yet, but I'm too impatient to wait! This is my fave tweet of the year, every year! ☺️)

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

What is your MC trying to prove at the start of your story? And to whom? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

What is your MC's goal in the opening scene of your WIP? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

What's an important lesson you've learned about writing/publishing in 2021? 📚 👩🏽‍🎓 Let's share the wisdom! #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

Your dream agent has read the first chapter of your novel/memoir and you get 15 minutes of their time to pick their brain. What questions do you have for them? Hint: imo, there is one question EVERYONE should ask.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Had to hit pause on reading a full I requested (loving it so far) to email the author to ask if any of the dogs get hurt --- how pathetic am I? 🙃

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

What's the first book you started reading in 2022? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

This week I finished one of the best novels I've ever read in my entire life and it's... a manuscript.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

I just finished a manuscript that is somehow both addicting/thrilling and insightful/introspective. I don't know how this #amquerying writer did it but WOW!

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Writers, I'm curious! In what ways have your beta readers helped you with your story? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Your book has been made into a movie. What song is playing in the opening scene? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

If this is your novel, please consider querying me! 🙋🏽‍♀️ #MSWL #WritingCommunity

P.S. Literary Agency

@PSLiterary

2 years

“I’m on the hunt for fiction told from the point-of-view of two or more women filled with so-called unsavory emotions: greed, envy, jealousy, shame. And secrets—please give me secrets!” @ceciliaclyra #MSWL

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

What was the first book you *started* reading in 2023? Mine: TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Is there something you will NEVER write in your story? For example, some writers would never include cursing. Some will never give up on a HEA. For me, it's fur babies getting hurt --- I could never have that! #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

A reader has just finished the first five pages of your story. What question keeps them turning the pages? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Agents get copies of their clients books for free. And yet, show me an agent who has never bought a client's book (full retail price, too!) and I will show you a liar. The love is real.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

Please share your favorite self-care tips for dealing with the very real heartbreak of rejection 💔

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

How would your MC fill out this sentence? 👇🏾 #WritingCommunity "_______________ is overrated."

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Share the first line of your WIP 👇🏾🥰 #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

I just had a meeting with a writer via @MSWLMA and let me tell you: I will be obsessively checking my inbox for the next months until the writer sends me her full! I only got 10 pages but they blew my mind! And we had a great brainstorming session! SO SO GOOD!

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

"Have a dream, and the rest will follow." It took me years to fully appreciate the wisdom in my grandma's words. When I look at my life now, at how fulfilled I feel, I realize it has everything to do with how much I love working with stories, w/ storytellers. Dreams and dreamers.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

It's meeting day for me at @MSWLMA and I just read a query that left me DESPERATELY wanting to read the pages 🔥

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Hear me out: publishing, but without the wait, rejection, low sales, and bad reviews. All five-star bestsellers, all the time.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

I just asked my husband to do an emergency wine run if anyone wants to know how my day is going

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

#amquerying can be nerve-wracking for writers AND agents (at least the latter is true for me!). Still, I maintain that a lot of JOY can be found in reading queries. To celebrate, here are #tenqueries currently in my inbox that have stood out in a GOOD way! #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

What's the first mistake your MC makes in your story? And how long until they realize it? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Your WIP has been made into a movie. What song is playing at the very start of the opening scene? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Do we see your MC reading a book in your story? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

I am proud of the editorial notes I offer my clients. It's sophisticated stuff, let me tell you.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Does your MC believe in signs from the universe? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Name the setting on the opening scene of your WIP. #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Attention all curious writers! We're recording a special episode of The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing — it'll basically be a Q&A session where writers get to pick our brains! #WritingCommunity 🎧 #askagent Got a question you'd like to ask us? Write it down below! 👇🏾

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

In 2023 I am embracing a "typos happen" mentality. No point in trying to fight it. There's only so much caffeine in the world. Thumbs deserve to run free. Brought to you by MSWL thread that STARTS with a typo 🥴

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

What is your MC up against? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

When you first started writing* what's something you thought was true about the publishing process that you now know better/different? * = writing with the intention of getting traditionally published

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Please share one GOOD thing that happened in your life in 2020 --- big or small, anything goes as long as it brought you JOY! ☃️🌈☀️🐶 #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

How long have you been working on your WIP? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

Overhead someone saying "You are what you plot" in a coffeeshop and am now trying to figure out what genre they write without letting on that I am eavesdropping 🤭 (it has to be "plot" as in storytelling, right?)

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

I am keeping an eye on #MoodPitch today - -- if I 💙 your tweet please follow P.S. Literary's submission guidelines, and include "Mood Pitch" in the subject (if you forget to include this it's not a big deal! I will read your query and pages regardless!)

Kathleen Foxx | Lit Agent/Author/Editor/Podcaster

@kfoxx_writes

1 year

#Writers : #MoodPitch begins today at 8am ET. If you're participating, good luck! If not, hopefully you'll enjoy the gorgeous moodboards flooding your feed. If you feel inspired, RT or leave an encouraging comment to support your fellow writers! 🥰 #WritingCommunity #kfoxxdaily

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

5 years

#querytip --- as general rule, do NOT comment on an agent's appearance. It doesn't matter if you think it's a compliment. It doesn't matter if their picture spoke to you (whatever that means). #WritingCommunity #HowNotToQuery I really shouldn't have to say this. 🙄 #amquerying

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

A gentle message for storytellers: gratitude does not require complacency. It is entirely possible to be thankful for the gifts you've been given, milestones you've achieved, and journey you've traveled - and still want more. Ambition and appreciation are not mutually exclusive.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

HOW I OFFER REP AS AN AGENT: Me on the outside: This is a big decision and you should consider all offers. There is no rush or pressure. I will be happy with whatever you decide. Me on the inside:

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

When did you start calling yourself a writer?

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Happy Birthday to our podcast: THE SHIT NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT WRITING. 🥳🎂 #WritingCommunity Listeners, please share: What does the podcast mean to you?👇🏾

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

4 years

The cat is out of the bag! I am thrilled and honored to join the fab PSLA team! #WritingCommunity — I'm ready for your queries! Let's make book magic together! 🥳

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Tell me something you love about yourself. Big, small... anything you are happy about! 😊

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

8 years

@mcuban is always able to smell the BS in people who come into the tank #SharkTank

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

In the first scene of your novel, in what way does your MC stand out? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Sometimes it takes my clients a while before they send me a revised draft of their work. Think: many months. Today I'm reading one of those revisions and let me tell you: I'm BLOWN AWAY by how amazing it is (and it was 5 ⭐ before!). I love my job 🙏🏽💜

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

What's your MC really (really!) good at? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

How far into the story before we see your MC fail? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Since I'm preparing a new #MSWL thread for 2022 I thought I'd ask: writers, what helpful information would you like agents to include in their wish-lists? Anything that you'd rather NOT be included? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

My final note after reading pages for an upcoming episode of @TSNOTYAW

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

Storytellers: what's your writing intention for 2023? (Maybe you'd rather frame it as a goal/resolution/dream... whatever works for you goes! 🥰)

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

What's your transitional book? Meaning: the book you started in 2022 that you will (most likely) finish in 2023? Mine is LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY 📖 recommended by @carlywatters

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

How far into the story before your MC tells their first lie? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Where were you in your writing journey one year ago? 🙏🏾✨ I hope this reflection fills you with gratitude, pride, and story-forward momentum.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Will you indulge me in a writers' brag? Please share below something about your own writing (skill, habit, accomplishment, anything!) that makes you feel PROUD and is AWESOME and should be CELEBRATED! 🙌🏾💪🏽💕 #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

Today a dear friend reminded me of the importance of allowing our brain to *slow down* --- I needed to hear it! Storytellers: what's your favorite way of allowing your brain to slow down?

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Sometimes it makes sense to put away a story that lives inside you ---- but please don't put away the storyteller.

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

Storytellers! Have you thanked your brain today for the ability to create stories? When I think about where/who I'd be without stories, all I can say is: thank you 🙏🏾💙

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

1 year

I love my job 🙏🏾💙

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

2 years

A truth about me: I can be exhausted, overwhelmed, overcaffeinated, and generally zonke... when I start reading something GOOD---something voicey and intense---I am no longer anything but a curious, enthralled reader. It just happened now with a submission for @TSNOTYAW 😍

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

Two police officers knock on your MC's front door. What's the first thought that goes through your MC's mind? #WritingCommunity

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Cecilia (Cece) Lyra, Agent

@ceciliaclyra

3 years

What's a question you dread as a writer? #WritingCommunity

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