How to Build a Protagonist Who Actually Makes Sense

How to Build a Protagonist Who Actually Makes Sense

April 16, 2026 · 45 min · Season 30 · Episode 8

About this episode

Miranda Shulman discusses her unconventional path to publishing her literary suspense novel 'Harmless' and the complexities of building a relatable protagonist.

Debut author Miranda Shulman joins literary agent CeCe Lyra to talk about turning a childhood dream into her literary suspense novel ‘ Harmless’ —and why the stories we tell ourselves about adulthood don’t always hold up. From writing her first draft at Planned Parenthood to landing an agent through a fellowship (no traditional querying required), Miranda shares her unconventional path to publication. They dive into obsession, messy female friendships, and the existential spiral of your late 20s—plus what it really takes to shape a compelling, complex protagonist. Note: CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates. If you’d like to query CeCe, please refer to the submission guidelines at www.wsherman.com. Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, but her work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly on this podcast are solely that of her as a podcast co-host ​and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency. Find us on our socials: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author…

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