Title: She Flies With Her Own Wings
Genre: NA Contemporary
Name: Kara Reynolds
Anna is stuck in a rut. To be fair, though, it’s a very comfortable rut that her dad approves of, and that she dug for herself. But still, it’s time for a change.
Change comes in the form of Coy McLeod, visiting Anna’s small hometown from the far away land of Chicago. He’s as spontaneous, passionate, and independent as Anna is… not.
When Coy gets the idea to take a Shakespeare Festival road trip, Anna agrees to go along, hoping the spontaneity of the trip will help her to be more open to new things. But when she returns home, she is just as uncertain of what to do with her future as when she left. Coy has added a new choice to Anna’s list of possible future plans- he wants her to move to Chicago with him. As if things weren’t confusing enough already.
Should she finish college at her family’s alma mater, while still living at home with her widower father? Or take a chance on Coy, and step into the unknown? As time runs out on Anna’s last semester of school, it will take a proposal, a death, and The Sound of Music to bring down the curtain on her old life.
SHE FLIES WITH HER OWN WINGS is a contemporary NA novel, complete at 90,000 words. It would appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary Young Adult novels, such as those by Sarah Dessen, and are now looking for an older protagonist. Thank you for your consideration.
Showing posts with label QueryCon2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label QueryCon2013. Show all posts
Monday, September 23, 2013
QueryCon 2013—#6 Mem
Title: MEM
Mori works at the heart of the city and the only legal memory alteration company, MEM, as an ethics officer, investigating illegal or improper use of memory technology. Reminded of his own stolen past by the abduction of a child, he discovers not only the secret behind his society’s willingness to forget but the truth of his own lost memories.
Genre: Adult SF
Name: Katharine Allen
Name: Katharine Allen
In a world where memories are alterable at whim it is hard to know who you are much less the world you live in. MEM is an adult science fiction of 80,000 words.
Mori works at the heart of the city and the only legal memory alteration company, MEM, as an ethics officer, investigating illegal or improper use of memory technology. Reminded of his own stolen past by the abduction of a child, he discovers not only the secret behind his society’s willingness to forget but the truth of his own lost memories.
I am a recent graduate of the University of Michigan. I have been writing since I was a child, something I picked up from my own very literary mother.
Thank you for your consideration,
Thank you for your consideration,
QueryCon 2013—#5 Pirate Jenny
Title: PIRATE JENNY
Genre: YA historical
Name: Kathleen S. Allen
It's the year, 1533, King Henry VIII eagerly awaits the birth of what he hopes to be his first-born son by his new queen, Anne Boleyn. The special Tudor Rose brooch he had remade for her was stolen off his fastest naval ship, the Mary Rose. It was stolen by the ruthless Red Lady pirate.
Seventeen year old servant girl, Jenny is intrigued when a ship sails into the quiet harbor of Dowrlam, off the southern coast of England. She's even more intrigued when a woman, dressed as a pirate enters the inn and claims to be the mother who abandoned Jenny when she was an infant. She's not only Jenny's mother, she's also the Red Lady pirate. She has returned for two reasons: first, she wants the brooch back she had fastened to Jenny's cloak when she left her on the door stoop of the inn; and second, she wants Jenny to join her on her pirate ship and train to be a pirate.
Jenny refuses and so her mother orders her band of pirates to burn and pillage the village. Horrified, Jenny runs away only to be captured. When her mother kidnaps a young girl, Jenny must pretend to go along with her mother's scheme in order to protect the child.
PIRATE JENNY (60,000 words) is a YA historical novel based on the true story of the Red Lady pirate who was active during Henry VIII reign.
Genre: YA historical
Name: Kathleen S. Allen
It's the year, 1533, King Henry VIII eagerly awaits the birth of what he hopes to be his first-born son by his new queen, Anne Boleyn. The special Tudor Rose brooch he had remade for her was stolen off his fastest naval ship, the Mary Rose. It was stolen by the ruthless Red Lady pirate.
Seventeen year old servant girl, Jenny is intrigued when a ship sails into the quiet harbor of Dowrlam, off the southern coast of England. She's even more intrigued when a woman, dressed as a pirate enters the inn and claims to be the mother who abandoned Jenny when she was an infant. She's not only Jenny's mother, she's also the Red Lady pirate. She has returned for two reasons: first, she wants the brooch back she had fastened to Jenny's cloak when she left her on the door stoop of the inn; and second, she wants Jenny to join her on her pirate ship and train to be a pirate.
Jenny refuses and so her mother orders her band of pirates to burn and pillage the village. Horrified, Jenny runs away only to be captured. When her mother kidnaps a young girl, Jenny must pretend to go along with her mother's scheme in order to protect the child.
PIRATE JENNY (60,000 words) is a YA historical novel based on the true story of the Red Lady pirate who was active during Henry VIII reign.
QueryCon 2013—#4 Dancing in the Athenian Rain
Title: Dancing in the Athenian Rain
Genre: New Adult Historical Romance (Time Travel)
When Donna is sent back in time to Classical Athens, she is furious at Dr. Stephens for sending her against her wishes. Then a Greek soldier purchases her to be his wife.
She is forced to learn a new language and culture, and faces her fears of never returning to her own time. The society hates her, especially because they think she’s an Amazon, which forces her to confront her issues—being compared to her genius brother, borderline abusive friends, and a cheating boyfriend.
But her husband, Peleus, is kind and patient. Although against her best judgment, she allows him into her heart. He counters all the negative voices from her past, but those voices drive a wedge between them. She must let go of her fears and admit her feelings, or she could lose him and her own life.
Genre: New Adult Historical Romance (Time Travel)
When Donna is sent back in time to Classical Athens, she is furious at Dr. Stephens for sending her against her wishes. Then a Greek soldier purchases her to be his wife.
She is forced to learn a new language and culture, and faces her fears of never returning to her own time. The society hates her, especially because they think she’s an Amazon, which forces her to confront her issues—being compared to her genius brother, borderline abusive friends, and a cheating boyfriend.
But her husband, Peleus, is kind and patient. Although against her best judgment, she allows him into her heart. He counters all the negative voices from her past, but those voices drive a wedge between them. She must let go of her fears and admit her feelings, or she could lose him and her own life.
QueryCon 2013—#3 Gerald and the Amulet of Zonrach
Title: GERALD AND THE AMULET OF ZONRACH
Genre: Upper MG, humorous fantasy
Name: Carl Hackman
Dear Awesome Agent/Editor
In the realm of Wyverndawn, a wizard’s height is the mark of his power, and shrinking one inch is disastrous for twelve-year-old Gerald.
Looking to gain an inch or two, Gerald decides a little landscaping is just what his village needs. But the spell he bought - from a guy who knows a guy - is a tad more powerful than even he anticipates. The resulting earthquake breaks off a chunk of Wyverndawn from the rest of the realm allowing Vabalaz, a highly dangerous wizard, to escape from prison.
A red-faced Gerald is banished from his village and, to complete his shame, shrinks another inch; two more and he’ll join his father as a Royal Equine Poop Disposal Coordinator. Gerald’s love of shiny wizarding objects leads him straight to a golden amulet that could be the answer to his problems. But when Vabalaz discovers it may also be the key to creating his dream wizard realm, the hunt is on.
Gerald’s hopes of returning home hinge on repairing the damage to Wyverndawn and thwarting Vabalaz’s plans. But he could really do without fighting off bumbling bandits, dealing with a very smelly Orcling and evading a female elven assassin. Failure could mean Gerald’s next spell might very well be his last.
GERALD AND THE AMULET OF ZONRACH is a humorous, Upper MG, Fantasy. It is complete at 77,500 words. Similar in tone to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, younger readers would enjoy this novel of the trials of an inexperienced wizard who manages to turn everything he touches into chaos.
Best regards
Genre: Upper MG, humorous fantasy
Name: Carl Hackman
Dear Awesome Agent/Editor
In the realm of Wyverndawn, a wizard’s height is the mark of his power, and shrinking one inch is disastrous for twelve-year-old Gerald.
Looking to gain an inch or two, Gerald decides a little landscaping is just what his village needs. But the spell he bought - from a guy who knows a guy - is a tad more powerful than even he anticipates. The resulting earthquake breaks off a chunk of Wyverndawn from the rest of the realm allowing Vabalaz, a highly dangerous wizard, to escape from prison.
A red-faced Gerald is banished from his village and, to complete his shame, shrinks another inch; two more and he’ll join his father as a Royal Equine Poop Disposal Coordinator. Gerald’s love of shiny wizarding objects leads him straight to a golden amulet that could be the answer to his problems. But when Vabalaz discovers it may also be the key to creating his dream wizard realm, the hunt is on.
Gerald’s hopes of returning home hinge on repairing the damage to Wyverndawn and thwarting Vabalaz’s plans. But he could really do without fighting off bumbling bandits, dealing with a very smelly Orcling and evading a female elven assassin. Failure could mean Gerald’s next spell might very well be his last.
GERALD AND THE AMULET OF ZONRACH is a humorous, Upper MG, Fantasy. It is complete at 77,500 words. Similar in tone to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, younger readers would enjoy this novel of the trials of an inexperienced wizard who manages to turn everything he touches into chaos.
Best regards
QueryCon 2013—#2 Letting Go
Title: Letting Go
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Name: Kristin Smith
Dear Mr. Buckley, Ms. Kelly, and Ms. Lowes,
After the tragic death of her husband, Giselle Roberts is certain she will be single forever. Barely staying afloat caring for the needs of her five small children, romance is the furthest thing from her mind. But a chance meeting of a jaw-droppingly good-looking stranger, leaves her wondering if she’s ready to open her heart again.
Declan Worthington is charismatic, wealthy, and British, hence the sexy accent that drives Giselle to the brink of blissful surrender. He’s also great with her kids, who quickly grow to adore him. All except for Giselle’s oldest son Cohen who thinks another man in the house is one too many.
As Declan weaves his way into her heart and life, Giselle begins to dream about a new future, one that involves romance and passion. Never once does it cross her mind to not trust the man who has brought happiness back to her family.
Upon the discovery of Declan’s shadowy past, Giselle’s perfect image of him crumbles, along with her chance for second love. Will fate find a way to bring Declan back into her life and soften Giselle’s heart?
LETTING GO is a romance novel complete at 105,000 words. I am currently knee-deep in another romance novel and wading through plans for more in the future. Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope my work piques your interest!
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Name: Kristin Smith
Dear Mr. Buckley, Ms. Kelly, and Ms. Lowes,
After the tragic death of her husband, Giselle Roberts is certain she will be single forever. Barely staying afloat caring for the needs of her five small children, romance is the furthest thing from her mind. But a chance meeting of a jaw-droppingly good-looking stranger, leaves her wondering if she’s ready to open her heart again.
Declan Worthington is charismatic, wealthy, and British, hence the sexy accent that drives Giselle to the brink of blissful surrender. He’s also great with her kids, who quickly grow to adore him. All except for Giselle’s oldest son Cohen who thinks another man in the house is one too many.
As Declan weaves his way into her heart and life, Giselle begins to dream about a new future, one that involves romance and passion. Never once does it cross her mind to not trust the man who has brought happiness back to her family.
Upon the discovery of Declan’s shadowy past, Giselle’s perfect image of him crumbles, along with her chance for second love. Will fate find a way to bring Declan back into her life and soften Giselle’s heart?
LETTING GO is a romance novel complete at 105,000 words. I am currently knee-deep in another romance novel and wading through plans for more in the future. Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope my work piques your interest!
QueryCon 2013—#1 The Last Orphans
Title: The Last Orphans
Genre: Young Adult Thriller/Action Adventure
Name: N.W. Harris
Dear Awesome Judges,
The Last Orphans is a YA thriller/action adventure novel complete at 58,000 words.
Small-town sixteen-year-old Shane watches his family’s slaughter when a modern-day government mishap wipes out all the adults on the planet, leaving everyone under the age of eighteen to fend for themselves. An out-of-his-league girl pleads for his help, and
Shane reluctantly finds himself leading his high school friends on a desperate search for answers.
After a run-in with a gang of violent juvenile delinquents, Shane learns a top-secret military weapon’s malfunction caused the massacre. What’s worse, the still-active weapon could, at any moment, turn on the survivors.
While attempting to keep their little brothers and sisters safe, Shane and his friends fight their way through gangs who have taken over Atlanta. They must make it to the heart of the city and deactivate the weapon, which, left unchecked, will target younger and younger people until it kills them all.
I am the author of Joshua’s Tree (MuseItUp Publishing, June 2013), a YA novel that was a quarterfinalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest (2012) and is currently #1 out of 882 books on the GoodReads 2013 Summer Reads List.
I’d be happy to provide a copy of my manuscript for your consideration. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Genre: Young Adult Thriller/Action Adventure
Name: N.W. Harris
Dear Awesome Judges,
The Last Orphans is a YA thriller/action adventure novel complete at 58,000 words.
Small-town sixteen-year-old Shane watches his family’s slaughter when a modern-day government mishap wipes out all the adults on the planet, leaving everyone under the age of eighteen to fend for themselves. An out-of-his-league girl pleads for his help, and
Shane reluctantly finds himself leading his high school friends on a desperate search for answers.
After a run-in with a gang of violent juvenile delinquents, Shane learns a top-secret military weapon’s malfunction caused the massacre. What’s worse, the still-active weapon could, at any moment, turn on the survivors.
While attempting to keep their little brothers and sisters safe, Shane and his friends fight their way through gangs who have taken over Atlanta. They must make it to the heart of the city and deactivate the weapon, which, left unchecked, will target younger and younger people until it kills them all.
I am the author of Joshua’s Tree (MuseItUp Publishing, June 2013), a YA novel that was a quarterfinalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest (2012) and is currently #1 out of 882 books on the GoodReads 2013 Summer Reads List.
I’d be happy to provide a copy of my manuscript for your consideration. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Submissions to QueryCon 2013
Submissions begin Sunday, September 22.
There will be two (2) windows for submissions. Times are Central Standard Time.
Rules:
Format your query:
Title:
Genre:
Name: (name will be posted unless you prefer anonymity)
Then paste the body of the query. No attachments please.
Send to unicornbellsubmissions@gmail.com
Queries will go up starting 5 am Monday and stay up for the week.
Our judges and the genres they represent:
Andrew Buckley, Curiosity Quills. I’m looking for adult fiction be it paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy and/or anything quirky or humorous. No YA or NA please. I like strong protagonists with a unique voice and wonderfully evil antagonists. Please, please, please, no in-your-face sword and sorcery type pieces. They’ve been known to cause sharp pains in my posterior. I’m also looking for cookies. Oatmeal raisin are my favorite.
Angela Kelly, Musa Publishing. I represent Spec-fic, which includes fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, utopian, apocalyptic, post apocalyptic, alternate history, steampunk, supernatural and those strange stories that are just a little hard to classify.
I'm looking for stories that amaze or excite me. Scare me, show me how the world would be different if just one little thing had happened differently in the past. Stories that make me think, especially if they make me think, "What if?" or "Why not?". Stories that make me feel and that move me. Strong protagonists that make me wish they were my best friends. A writing style that draws me in and makes me live in that world, that makes me wish the story would never end. And when it does end, I want to feel like I just have to go back to visit that world or see those characters again. I want to feel a little sad when the story ends, not necessarily because it has a sad ending, but because the story's over and I know I'm going to miss those characters. I guess my biggest thing is that I just want a good story!
Victoria Lowes, The Bent Agency. I currently only represent YA & Adult digital-first titles. I am always looking to represent contemporary and historical romance titles, mysteries, thrillers as well as women's fiction and humor. Right now, I'm more specifically looking for a suspenseful female-driven mystery, an historical fiction set in the early 20th century that has strong romantic elements and a YA or adult contemporary romance that has a strong, authentic voice.
There will be two (2) windows for submissions. Times are Central Standard Time.
- 8 am
- 8 pm
Rules:
- Followers of the blog only
- Queries for completed and polished manuscripts only. No WIPs.
- Manuscripts only for the genres our judges represent. See below for genres.
- Please, do not comment on posted queries. This is Judges Week only.
- In the subject line, type Finals Week, (name of novel)
Format your query:
Title:
Genre:
Name: (name will be posted unless you prefer anonymity)
Then paste the body of the query. No attachments please.
Send to unicornbellsubmissions@gmail.com
- We will accept ten queries in the first window and ten in the second window, total of twenty.
- We will post when the window is open and when it is closed.
- No queries will be accepted before the posted times.
- You are responsible for determining time zones.
Queries will go up starting 5 am Monday and stay up for the week.
Our judges and the genres they represent:
Andrew Buckley, Curiosity Quills. I’m looking for adult fiction be it paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy and/or anything quirky or humorous. No YA or NA please. I like strong protagonists with a unique voice and wonderfully evil antagonists. Please, please, please, no in-your-face sword and sorcery type pieces. They’ve been known to cause sharp pains in my posterior. I’m also looking for cookies. Oatmeal raisin are my favorite.
Angela Kelly, Musa Publishing. I represent Spec-fic, which includes fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, utopian, apocalyptic, post apocalyptic, alternate history, steampunk, supernatural and those strange stories that are just a little hard to classify.
I'm looking for stories that amaze or excite me. Scare me, show me how the world would be different if just one little thing had happened differently in the past. Stories that make me think, especially if they make me think, "What if?" or "Why not?". Stories that make me feel and that move me. Strong protagonists that make me wish they were my best friends. A writing style that draws me in and makes me live in that world, that makes me wish the story would never end. And when it does end, I want to feel like I just have to go back to visit that world or see those characters again. I want to feel a little sad when the story ends, not necessarily because it has a sad ending, but because the story's over and I know I'm going to miss those characters. I guess my biggest thing is that I just want a good story!
Victoria Lowes, The Bent Agency. I currently only represent YA & Adult digital-first titles. I am always looking to represent contemporary and historical romance titles, mysteries, thrillers as well as women's fiction and humor. Right now, I'm more specifically looking for a suspenseful female-driven mystery, an historical fiction set in the early 20th century that has strong romantic elements and a YA or adult contemporary romance that has a strong, authentic voice.
Good luck to all our participants!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Workshop Week, QueryCon2013
What a week it has been!
Great submissions and excellent feedback. I certainly benefited from the help I received. I hope everyone can say the same.
Continue giving feedback, but at this time, we are closing the revision window.
Next up, Finals Week and the rules to submit those polished queries. Check back tomorrow for when and how to submit.
"Keep a weather eye on the horizon." - Will Turner, Pirates of the Caribbean
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Workshop #19 Juniper
When an army of vampires threatens to march into town ready to kill, 482-year-old Nathaniel Perkins wonders if he should just pretend this isn't his problem.
Juniper isn't his hometown and Nathaniel has lived long enough and been betrayed a few times too much to understand people can't be trusted. He’ll stick his neck out, just to get hunted down for being a bloodsucker. Besides, Juniper isn't vampire friendly and 17-year-old spitfire Elizabeth Wright knows his secret. Armed with a deadly wooden stake, she already made sure Nathaniel understood he isn't welcome in her town.
Yeah, he should just let the destructive vampires take it over.
That's when Nathaniel learns his beloved teenage and immortal sister, Anne, has other plans. She is dead set on staying in Juniper and fighting. By her side is Elizabeth, an ally Anne gained by demonstrating concern over human life. Since his sister is willing to save as many people as she can, even at the cost of her own dead heart, Nathaniel needs to pick a side. He can either join his sister and Elizabeth to fight for a cause that might get him killed, even if he is on the winning team. Or he can force Anne out of town at the risk of losing her anyways. He knows there is something even his good-hearted sister won't forgive and that is betrayal.
Told from Elizabeth and Nathaniel’s POV, JUNIPER is a YA fantasy completed at 99,000 words.
Juniper isn't his hometown and Nathaniel has lived long enough and been betrayed a few times too much to understand people can't be trusted. He’ll stick his neck out, just to get hunted down for being a bloodsucker. Besides, Juniper isn't vampire friendly and 17-year-old spitfire Elizabeth Wright knows his secret. Armed with a deadly wooden stake, she already made sure Nathaniel understood he isn't welcome in her town.
Yeah, he should just let the destructive vampires take it over.
That's when Nathaniel learns his beloved teenage and immortal sister, Anne, has other plans. She is dead set on staying in Juniper and fighting. By her side is Elizabeth, an ally Anne gained by demonstrating concern over human life. Since his sister is willing to save as many people as she can, even at the cost of her own dead heart, Nathaniel needs to pick a side. He can either join his sister and Elizabeth to fight for a cause that might get him killed, even if he is on the winning team. Or he can force Anne out of town at the risk of losing her anyways. He knows there is something even his good-hearted sister won't forgive and that is betrayal.
Told from Elizabeth and Nathaniel’s POV, JUNIPER is a YA fantasy completed at 99,000 words.
Workshop #18 No Place in Heaven
Dear Agent,
In a peacekeeping guild above the clouds where students are Blessed with supernatural abilities, seventeen-year-old Quinton Petronis remains Unhallowed. And it's no wonder, what with his mother being the only traitor in history: a madwoman who tried to kill the immortal Father of the Guild himself. Quinton's mere existence is blasphemy.
Why the Guild still keeps him around is anyone's guess.
When he's assigned his first undercover mission (five years later than anyone else, but better late than never), Quinton thinks his luck has finally changed. He joins the Guild's best Silencer – assassin is such an unpleasant word – on a trip to the Deadlands below the clouds, where a rebel organization against the Father has taken root. Here's Quinton's chance to prove treason isn't hereditary. He just hopes he's granted some kickass abilities in time to help nip the rebellion in the bud.
Too bad the people down here aren't terrorists at all, the Father's not the magnanimous leader the Guild paints him to be, and Quinton's “Blessing” is actually the worst curse he could have imagined. A curse that, left unbroken, will turn him into the very tool the Father uses to destroy Quinton's friends in the rebellion.
Looks like treason will have to run in the family, or the Father's reign will overtake heaven and earth – not to mention Quinton's identity – forever.
Complete at 94,000 words, NO PLACE IN HEAVEN is a YA fantasy with crossover potential into the adult market. I believe it will appeal to fans of hybrid fantasies like Brandon Sanderson's MISTBORN trilogy and Brent Weeks' NIGHT ANGEL series.
In a peacekeeping guild above the clouds where students are Blessed with supernatural abilities, seventeen-year-old Quinton Petronis remains Unhallowed. And it's no wonder, what with his mother being the only traitor in history: a madwoman who tried to kill the immortal Father of the Guild himself. Quinton's mere existence is blasphemy.
Why the Guild still keeps him around is anyone's guess.
When he's assigned his first undercover mission (five years later than anyone else, but better late than never), Quinton thinks his luck has finally changed. He joins the Guild's best Silencer – assassin is such an unpleasant word – on a trip to the Deadlands below the clouds, where a rebel organization against the Father has taken root. Here's Quinton's chance to prove treason isn't hereditary. He just hopes he's granted some kickass abilities in time to help nip the rebellion in the bud.
Too bad the people down here aren't terrorists at all, the Father's not the magnanimous leader the Guild paints him to be, and Quinton's “Blessing” is actually the worst curse he could have imagined. A curse that, left unbroken, will turn him into the very tool the Father uses to destroy Quinton's friends in the rebellion.
Looks like treason will have to run in the family, or the Father's reign will overtake heaven and earth – not to mention Quinton's identity – forever.
Complete at 94,000 words, NO PLACE IN HEAVEN is a YA fantasy with crossover potential into the adult market. I believe it will appeal to fans of hybrid fantasies like Brandon Sanderson's MISTBORN trilogy and Brent Weeks' NIGHT ANGEL series.
Workshop #17 The Matchmaker
At only nineteen years of age, Sienna Preston hasn’t developed many skills to provide for a family, except for one - the art of lying. Thrown into the role of primary breadwinner, Sienna gets creative with her job choices. She becomes a liar for hire as she is commissioned to pull off certain undercover jobs, ranging from prostitute to freelance reporter.
When Sienna is hired to kill the wealthy creator of a multi-billion dollar genetic matchmaking company, her conscience comes into play. She isn’t looking for romance, but a way to get out of the hit, when she meets the son of her target.
Zane Ryder is a handsome, genetically modified person. As the son of the creator of Match 360, he is the poster child for the company. His life has been planned out for him since birth: turn twenty and marry the woman he is genetically matched to. Life is going according to plan until he meets a fiery red-head who captures his attention.
Sienna knows her life is in danger when she refuses to kill Zane’s father. Clearly these men are not the forgiving type, and she’s become a liability. Her greatest threat is not knowing who hired her and when they will come after her again.
Zane’s future and the future of his father’s company rest in his hands. Zane must choose between being with the woman he loves, or becoming the poster child he was created to be, while Sienna must decide if Zane is worth waiting for.
Told from the viewpoint of both main characters, The Matchmaker is a romance novel encompassing an intricate tale of lies, deceit, and desire as two young lovers battle for love and for their lives. This is currently still a work in progress (and I do not plan on submitting it until it is complete).
When Sienna is hired to kill the wealthy creator of a multi-billion dollar genetic matchmaking company, her conscience comes into play. She isn’t looking for romance, but a way to get out of the hit, when she meets the son of her target.
Zane Ryder is a handsome, genetically modified person. As the son of the creator of Match 360, he is the poster child for the company. His life has been planned out for him since birth: turn twenty and marry the woman he is genetically matched to. Life is going according to plan until he meets a fiery red-head who captures his attention.
Sienna knows her life is in danger when she refuses to kill Zane’s father. Clearly these men are not the forgiving type, and she’s become a liability. Her greatest threat is not knowing who hired her and when they will come after her again.
Zane’s future and the future of his father’s company rest in his hands. Zane must choose between being with the woman he loves, or becoming the poster child he was created to be, while Sienna must decide if Zane is worth waiting for.
Told from the viewpoint of both main characters, The Matchmaker is a romance novel encompassing an intricate tale of lies, deceit, and desire as two young lovers battle for love and for their lives. This is currently still a work in progress (and I do not plan on submitting it until it is complete).
Monday, September 16, 2013
Workshop #16 She Flies With Her Own Wings
Revision #1
Anna is stuck in a rut. To be fair, though, it’s a very comfortable rut that her dad approves of, and that she dug for herself. But still, it’s time for a change.
Change comes in the form of Coy McLeod, visiting Anna’s small hometown from the far away land of Chicago. He’s as spontaneous, passionate, and independent as Anna is… not.
When Coy gets the idea to take a Shakespeare Festival road trip, Anna agrees to go along, hoping the spontaneity of the trip will help her to be more open to new things. But when she returns home, she is just as uncertain of what to do with her future as when she left. Coy has added a new choice to Anna’s list of possible future plans- he wants her to move to Chicago with him. As if things weren’t confusing enough already.
Should she finish college at her family’s alma mater, while still living at home with her widower father? Or take a chance on Coy, and step into the unknown? As time runs out on Anna’s last semester of school, it will take a proposal, a death, and The Sound of Music to bring down the curtain on her old life.
SHE FLIES WITH HER OWN WINGS is a New Adult novel, complete at 90,000 words. It would appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary Young Adult novels, such as those by Sarah Dessen, and are now looking for an older protagonist. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Original
Dear (agent),
After graduating from high school, Anna Claysmith stayed home. She hates her job, but she needs it to pay for her courses at the community college. Her boyfriend is part of a traveling theater company, which would be cool if she got to see him more than once a year. She knows she wants things to change, but she doesn’t like not knowing what the future will hold.
The one bright spot in her life is working backstage for the community theater- until the director brings in newcomer Coy McLeod. Though she initially resents needing his help, Anna and Coy gradually become friends.
Then Coy gets the idea to take a “Shakespeare Festival” road trip. Anna agrees to go along, hoping the spontaneity of the trip will help her to be more open to new things. When she returns home, she is just as uncertain of what to do with her future as when she left. Coy has added a new choice to Anna’s list of possible future plans- he wants her to move to Chicago with him.
Should she finish college at her family’s alma mater, while still living at home with her widower father? Or take a chance on Coy, and step into the unknown? As time runs out on Anna’s last semester of school, it will take a proposal, a death, and The Sound of Music to bring down the curtain on her old life.
SHE FLIES WITH HER OWN WINGS is a New Adult novel, complete at 90,000 words. It would appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary Young Adult novels, such as those by Sarah Dessen, and are now looking for an older protagonist. Thank you very much for your consideration.
(contact info)
Anna is stuck in a rut. To be fair, though, it’s a very comfortable rut that her dad approves of, and that she dug for herself. But still, it’s time for a change.
Change comes in the form of Coy McLeod, visiting Anna’s small hometown from the far away land of Chicago. He’s as spontaneous, passionate, and independent as Anna is… not.
When Coy gets the idea to take a Shakespeare Festival road trip, Anna agrees to go along, hoping the spontaneity of the trip will help her to be more open to new things. But when she returns home, she is just as uncertain of what to do with her future as when she left. Coy has added a new choice to Anna’s list of possible future plans- he wants her to move to Chicago with him. As if things weren’t confusing enough already.
Should she finish college at her family’s alma mater, while still living at home with her widower father? Or take a chance on Coy, and step into the unknown? As time runs out on Anna’s last semester of school, it will take a proposal, a death, and The Sound of Music to bring down the curtain on her old life.
SHE FLIES WITH HER OWN WINGS is a New Adult novel, complete at 90,000 words. It would appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary Young Adult novels, such as those by Sarah Dessen, and are now looking for an older protagonist. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Original
Dear (agent),
After graduating from high school, Anna Claysmith stayed home. She hates her job, but she needs it to pay for her courses at the community college. Her boyfriend is part of a traveling theater company, which would be cool if she got to see him more than once a year. She knows she wants things to change, but she doesn’t like not knowing what the future will hold.
The one bright spot in her life is working backstage for the community theater- until the director brings in newcomer Coy McLeod. Though she initially resents needing his help, Anna and Coy gradually become friends.
Then Coy gets the idea to take a “Shakespeare Festival” road trip. Anna agrees to go along, hoping the spontaneity of the trip will help her to be more open to new things. When she returns home, she is just as uncertain of what to do with her future as when she left. Coy has added a new choice to Anna’s list of possible future plans- he wants her to move to Chicago with him.
Should she finish college at her family’s alma mater, while still living at home with her widower father? Or take a chance on Coy, and step into the unknown? As time runs out on Anna’s last semester of school, it will take a proposal, a death, and The Sound of Music to bring down the curtain on her old life.
SHE FLIES WITH HER OWN WINGS is a New Adult novel, complete at 90,000 words. It would appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary Young Adult novels, such as those by Sarah Dessen, and are now looking for an older protagonist. Thank you very much for your consideration.
(contact info)
Workshop #15 Pieces of Elysium
REVISION #1
Since facing exile to Earth, the dumping ground for mythological misfits, Ingrid performs odd jobs to make ends meet. Formerly a Valkyrie, she now works as transport security, cracking skulls with her chimera-bone mace. It’s boring, but steady - until she agrees to protect Lacie LaVerre, an ordinary human, from an undead contract killer.
Lacie moves in with Ingrid for round-the-clock protection and promptly hogs the remote, uses her toothbrush, and drinks all the wine. Ingrid would like nothing more than to ditch her and this crappy job, but there’s one small problem: Lacie is also sweet, smart, and might be the first woman Ingrid’s fallen for in 500 years. She needs to decide quickly, because a shadowy figure named CatterNine wants Lacie dead, and he's perfectly willing to go through Ingrid first.
She doesn't know it, but Lacie is the key to opening the doorway from Earth to Elysium, something all the immortals exiled here would desperately like to control – or destroy. Following a trail through an underworld of cynical cupids, sasquatch squatters, and pyromaniac dryads, Ingrid must choose between protecting herself and risking her immortal life to save a woman she hardly knows. Otherwise, it won’t be her world that falls to pieces, but all existence.
Original
[Mr./Ms., name]
I’m writing to introduce my 95,000-word novel, PIECES OF ELYSIUM, a quirky adult urban fantasy. I chose to query you because [tailored explanation].
For the last 500 years since being exiled from the immortal realm of Elysium to Earth, the cosmic dumping ground for mythological misfits, Ingrid has been pulling odd jobs to make ends meet. Because her former job title was “Valkyrie,” this mostly involves cracking skulls with her chimera-bone mace. It’s boring but steady work – at least until she agrees to an unusual request to protect an ordinary human, Lacie LaVerre, from an undead contract killer.
It takes Ingrid about five minutes to regret her decision. Lacie may be beautiful, rich, and successful, but she's also whiny, moody, and a total pain in the ass. She’s the worst kind of roommate – the one who uses your toothbrush, drinks all the wine, and hogs the remote. Ingrid would like nothing more than to ditch her and this crappy job, but there’s one small problem: Lacie might also be the first woman Ingrid’s fallen for in 500 years. She'll need to make up her mind quickly, because a shadowy figure named CatterNine wants Lacie dead, and he's perfectly willing to go through Ingrid first.
She doesn't know it, but Lacie is the key to opening the door between Earth and Elysium, something all the immortals exiled here would desperately like to control – or destroy. Following a trail through abandoned strip malls and crumbling industrial parks, the gray zones of our world inhabited by a motley crew of cynical cupids, sasquatch squatters, and pyromaniac dryads, Ingrid will have to use every resource at her disposal to stop the man out to kill Lacie. Otherwise, it won’t just be Ingrid’s world that will fall to pieces, but all existence.
With its strong narrative voice, PIECES OF ELYSIUM will appeal to fans of SANDMAN SLIM, and the diverse cast of mythological characters will draw in those who enjoyed AMERICAN GODS.
As per your submission guidelines, I have included the first [X] pages below. I am happy to send additional materials at your request. Thank you for your time and consideration.
[Contact information]
Since facing exile to Earth, the dumping ground for mythological misfits, Ingrid performs odd jobs to make ends meet. Formerly a Valkyrie, she now works as transport security, cracking skulls with her chimera-bone mace. It’s boring, but steady - until she agrees to protect Lacie LaVerre, an ordinary human, from an undead contract killer.
Lacie moves in with Ingrid for round-the-clock protection and promptly hogs the remote, uses her toothbrush, and drinks all the wine. Ingrid would like nothing more than to ditch her and this crappy job, but there’s one small problem: Lacie is also sweet, smart, and might be the first woman Ingrid’s fallen for in 500 years. She needs to decide quickly, because a shadowy figure named CatterNine wants Lacie dead, and he's perfectly willing to go through Ingrid first.
She doesn't know it, but Lacie is the key to opening the doorway from Earth to Elysium, something all the immortals exiled here would desperately like to control – or destroy. Following a trail through an underworld of cynical cupids, sasquatch squatters, and pyromaniac dryads, Ingrid must choose between protecting herself and risking her immortal life to save a woman she hardly knows. Otherwise, it won’t be her world that falls to pieces, but all existence.
Original
[Mr./Ms., name]
I’m writing to introduce my 95,000-word novel, PIECES OF ELYSIUM, a quirky adult urban fantasy. I chose to query you because [tailored explanation].
For the last 500 years since being exiled from the immortal realm of Elysium to Earth, the cosmic dumping ground for mythological misfits, Ingrid has been pulling odd jobs to make ends meet. Because her former job title was “Valkyrie,” this mostly involves cracking skulls with her chimera-bone mace. It’s boring but steady work – at least until she agrees to an unusual request to protect an ordinary human, Lacie LaVerre, from an undead contract killer.
It takes Ingrid about five minutes to regret her decision. Lacie may be beautiful, rich, and successful, but she's also whiny, moody, and a total pain in the ass. She’s the worst kind of roommate – the one who uses your toothbrush, drinks all the wine, and hogs the remote. Ingrid would like nothing more than to ditch her and this crappy job, but there’s one small problem: Lacie might also be the first woman Ingrid’s fallen for in 500 years. She'll need to make up her mind quickly, because a shadowy figure named CatterNine wants Lacie dead, and he's perfectly willing to go through Ingrid first.
She doesn't know it, but Lacie is the key to opening the door between Earth and Elysium, something all the immortals exiled here would desperately like to control – or destroy. Following a trail through abandoned strip malls and crumbling industrial parks, the gray zones of our world inhabited by a motley crew of cynical cupids, sasquatch squatters, and pyromaniac dryads, Ingrid will have to use every resource at her disposal to stop the man out to kill Lacie. Otherwise, it won’t just be Ingrid’s world that will fall to pieces, but all existence.
With its strong narrative voice, PIECES OF ELYSIUM will appeal to fans of SANDMAN SLIM, and the diverse cast of mythological characters will draw in those who enjoyed AMERICAN GODS.
As per your submission guidelines, I have included the first [X] pages below. I am happy to send additional materials at your request. Thank you for your time and consideration.
[Contact information]
Workshop #14 Pirate Jenny
When a pirate ship sails into the harbor, seventeen-year-old servant girl, Jenny is intrigued. She’s never met a pirate before and the thought of sailing away to find adventure thrills her.
When the pirate captain enters the tavern, Jenny is surprised that the captain is a woman and even more surprised to find out the Red Lady pirate is the mother who abandoned her as an infant.
The murderous Red Lady pirate has returned to claim Jenny. She wants the two of them to make a life on the open seas.
Jenny’s romantic version of life as a pirate is quickly changed when her mother’s band of pirates pillage and burn the village leaving only bodies in their wake.
Horrified at the thought of killing and becoming like her mother, Jenny runs away only to be found by the pirates.
Now Jenny must protect a young girl kidnapped by her mother and pretend to go along with her mother’s schemes in order for the two of them to survive.
When the pirate captain enters the tavern, Jenny is surprised that the captain is a woman and even more surprised to find out the Red Lady pirate is the mother who abandoned her as an infant.
The murderous Red Lady pirate has returned to claim Jenny. She wants the two of them to make a life on the open seas.
Jenny’s romantic version of life as a pirate is quickly changed when her mother’s band of pirates pillage and burn the village leaving only bodies in their wake.
Horrified at the thought of killing and becoming like her mother, Jenny runs away only to be found by the pirates.
Now Jenny must protect a young girl kidnapped by her mother and pretend to go along with her mother’s schemes in order for the two of them to survive.
Workshop #13 Diamond Black
*oh, what the heck, might as well throw this into the mix. This is my wip-Huntress*
Diamond Black likes her ‘life’ just as it is. She’s dead.
Has been for a thousand years. Now, with no bad hair days, red sequined heels
to die for, and the occasional haunting, her afterlife has purpose. She’s a
Finder, a go-fer between the spectral world and the living.
Her partner Thorne is a living, breathing man who can see
ghosts like Diamond. Together they find things; Wills, lost objects, and
sometimes people. While Thorne promotes the business, Diamond contacts her ghostly
pals for information. The frustrated cops want to know how Thorne gets his
information when their own investigations lead nowhere.
The authorities don’t faze Diamond. She’s dead so what’s to
worry. But she is afraid of one thing. The Dark. When this evil pours into the
countryside, people are murdered and vigilantes walk in broad daylight. After a
mysterious man recruits Thorne to find his brother and the clues point to a
cursed town, Diamond loses Thorne and her purpose in the Afterlife. All that is
left is revenge. And facing The Dark.
Workshop #12 GERALD AND THE AMULET OF ZONRACH
Revision 1
Dear Dream Agent,
In the realm of Wyverndawn, a wizard’s height is the mark of his power, and shrinking one inch is disastrous for twelve-year-old Gerald.
Looking to gain an inch or two, Gerald decides a little landscaping is just what his village needs. But the spell he bought - from a guy who knows a guy - is a tad more powerful than even he anticipates. The resulting earthquake breaks off a chunk of Wyverndawn from the rest of the realm allowing Vabalaz, a highly dangerous wizard, to escape from prison.
A red-faced Gerald is banished from his village and, to complete his shame, shrinks another inch; two more and he’ll join his father as a Royal Equine Poop Disposal Coordinator. Gerald’s love of shiny wizarding objects leads him straight to a golden amulet that could be the answer to his problems. But when Vabalaz discovers it may also be the key to creating his dream wizard realm, the hunt is on.
Gerald’s hopes of returning home hinge on repairing the damage to Wyverndawn and thwarting Vabalaz’s plans. But he could really do without fighting off bumbling bandits, dealing with a very smelly Orcling and evading a female elven assassin. Failure could mean Gerald’s next spell might very well be his last.
GERALD AND THE AMULET OF ZONRACH is a humorous, Upper MG, Fantasy. It is complete at 78,000 words. Similar in tone to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, younger readers would enjoy this novel of the trials of an inexperienced wizard who manages to turn everything he touches into chaos.
Original
In the realm of Wyverndawn, a wizard’s height is the mark of his power, and shrinking one inch is disastrous for twelve-year-old Gerald.
Looking to gain an inch or two, Gerald decides a little landscaping is just what his village needs. But the spell he bought - from a guy who knows a guy - is a tad more powerful than even he anticipates. The resulting earthquake breaks off a chunk of Wyverndawn from the rest of the realm allowing Vabalaz, a highly dangerous wizard, to escape from prison.
A red-faced Gerald is banished from his village and, to complete his shame, shrinks another inch; two more and he’ll join his father as a Royal Equine Poop Disposal Coordinator. Gerald’s love of shiny wizarding objects leads him straight to a golden amulet which has the power to resolve his little problem. Vabalaz discovers that Gerald has the key to creating his dream wizard realm and the hunt is on.
Gerald’s hopes of returning home hinge on repairing the damage to Wyverndawn and thwarting Vabalaz’s plans. But fighting off bumbling bandits, dealing with a very smelly Orcling and evading a female elven assassin do not make things go smoothly. Failure could mean Gerald’s next spell might very well be his last.
GERALD AND THE AMULET OF ZONRACH is a humorous, Upper MG, Fantasy. It is complete at 78,000 words. Similar in tone to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, younger readers would enjoy this novel of the trials of an inexperienced wizard who manages to turn everything he touches into chaos.
Dear Dream Agent,
In the realm of Wyverndawn, a wizard’s height is the mark of his power, and shrinking one inch is disastrous for twelve-year-old Gerald.
Looking to gain an inch or two, Gerald decides a little landscaping is just what his village needs. But the spell he bought - from a guy who knows a guy - is a tad more powerful than even he anticipates. The resulting earthquake breaks off a chunk of Wyverndawn from the rest of the realm allowing Vabalaz, a highly dangerous wizard, to escape from prison.
A red-faced Gerald is banished from his village and, to complete his shame, shrinks another inch; two more and he’ll join his father as a Royal Equine Poop Disposal Coordinator. Gerald’s love of shiny wizarding objects leads him straight to a golden amulet that could be the answer to his problems. But when Vabalaz discovers it may also be the key to creating his dream wizard realm, the hunt is on.
Gerald’s hopes of returning home hinge on repairing the damage to Wyverndawn and thwarting Vabalaz’s plans. But he could really do without fighting off bumbling bandits, dealing with a very smelly Orcling and evading a female elven assassin. Failure could mean Gerald’s next spell might very well be his last.
GERALD AND THE AMULET OF ZONRACH is a humorous, Upper MG, Fantasy. It is complete at 78,000 words. Similar in tone to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, younger readers would enjoy this novel of the trials of an inexperienced wizard who manages to turn everything he touches into chaos.
Original
In the realm of Wyverndawn, a wizard’s height is the mark of his power, and shrinking one inch is disastrous for twelve-year-old Gerald.
Looking to gain an inch or two, Gerald decides a little landscaping is just what his village needs. But the spell he bought - from a guy who knows a guy - is a tad more powerful than even he anticipates. The resulting earthquake breaks off a chunk of Wyverndawn from the rest of the realm allowing Vabalaz, a highly dangerous wizard, to escape from prison.
A red-faced Gerald is banished from his village and, to complete his shame, shrinks another inch; two more and he’ll join his father as a Royal Equine Poop Disposal Coordinator. Gerald’s love of shiny wizarding objects leads him straight to a golden amulet which has the power to resolve his little problem. Vabalaz discovers that Gerald has the key to creating his dream wizard realm and the hunt is on.
Gerald’s hopes of returning home hinge on repairing the damage to Wyverndawn and thwarting Vabalaz’s plans. But fighting off bumbling bandits, dealing with a very smelly Orcling and evading a female elven assassin do not make things go smoothly. Failure could mean Gerald’s next spell might very well be his last.
GERALD AND THE AMULET OF ZONRACH is a humorous, Upper MG, Fantasy. It is complete at 78,000 words. Similar in tone to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, younger readers would enjoy this novel of the trials of an inexperienced wizard who manages to turn everything he touches into chaos.
Workshop #11 Fade Into Me
Revision 1 (I fizzled out at the end. Help! And does this give away to much at the beginning? Also, the story really is about the romance. Everything else complicates the romance. It is the only real goal. Convince the girl to marry or nothing else will go as planned. )
Dear Agent/Editor,
A year after Ryanne Killian’s parents ran off to “find themselves”, her best friend held her down while two of his teammates beat and raped her in a drunken role play. Betrayed and emotionally broken, she’s vowed to never let anyone into her heart again. However, on the day of high school graduation, a stream of magic only she can see, calls her to the botanical gardens on the UNC-C campus. Straight into the arms of her soul mate. She can feel it, but can she trust it?
Caedmon Frey is the Abhithian heir during the year of Reparation. His alien race has lived on the earth longer than humans, but they are being punished by the home world for disobeying the laws of creation. He must marry a human girl by the Day of Reparation in the hopes that she will be able to feel and use magic. Only then will his people be free to ascend to the home planet once more.
For one brief moment Caedmon literally held the fate of two worlds in his arms. When Ryanne flees from his embrace, he wonders if he will ever convince her to marry him.
Ryanne's scars run as deep as her walls are high. In the end she’ll have to find her own inner strength and self worth if she's going to save herself and set Caedmon’s people free.
FADE INTO ME is a modern day YA Fantasy set in Charlotte, NC. It all started with a walk through the botanical gardens where I know faeries play day and night.
Thanks for your time and consideration,
Original
Dear Agent/Editor,
Ryanne Killian's life has taught her that true love doesn't exist. Neither do happy endings. And yet, on the day of her high school graduation, a strange force calls her to the botanical gardens on the UNC-C campus. Straight into the arms of her soul mate. She can feel it, but she'll never trust it.
For a brief moment, Caedmon Frey literally held the fate of two worlds in his arms. As she runs away he wonders if convincing the right human to marry him will take more time than the Abhithian High Council gave him.
Ryanne's scars run deep and the source of her nightmares is never far away. When they return, Caedmon can only hope he's done enough to convince her she's strong enough to save herself. And his people.
FADE INTO ME is a modern day YA Fantasy set in part in Charlotte, NC. It all started with a walk through the botanical gardens where I know faeries play day and night. It is half finished at 35,000.
Thanks for your time and consideration,
Dear Agent/Editor,
A year after Ryanne Killian’s parents ran off to “find themselves”, her best friend held her down while two of his teammates beat and raped her in a drunken role play. Betrayed and emotionally broken, she’s vowed to never let anyone into her heart again. However, on the day of high school graduation, a stream of magic only she can see, calls her to the botanical gardens on the UNC-C campus. Straight into the arms of her soul mate. She can feel it, but can she trust it?
Caedmon Frey is the Abhithian heir during the year of Reparation. His alien race has lived on the earth longer than humans, but they are being punished by the home world for disobeying the laws of creation. He must marry a human girl by the Day of Reparation in the hopes that she will be able to feel and use magic. Only then will his people be free to ascend to the home planet once more.
For one brief moment Caedmon literally held the fate of two worlds in his arms. When Ryanne flees from his embrace, he wonders if he will ever convince her to marry him.
Ryanne's scars run as deep as her walls are high. In the end she’ll have to find her own inner strength and self worth if she's going to save herself and set Caedmon’s people free.
FADE INTO ME is a modern day YA Fantasy set in Charlotte, NC. It all started with a walk through the botanical gardens where I know faeries play day and night.
Thanks for your time and consideration,
Original
Dear Agent/Editor,
Ryanne Killian's life has taught her that true love doesn't exist. Neither do happy endings. And yet, on the day of her high school graduation, a strange force calls her to the botanical gardens on the UNC-C campus. Straight into the arms of her soul mate. She can feel it, but she'll never trust it.
For a brief moment, Caedmon Frey literally held the fate of two worlds in his arms. As she runs away he wonders if convincing the right human to marry him will take more time than the Abhithian High Council gave him.
Ryanne's scars run deep and the source of her nightmares is never far away. When they return, Caedmon can only hope he's done enough to convince her she's strong enough to save herself. And his people.
FADE INTO ME is a modern day YA Fantasy set in part in Charlotte, NC. It all started with a walk through the botanical gardens where I know faeries play day and night. It is half finished at 35,000.
Thanks for your time and consideration,
Workshop #10 Gone Wild
Revision 2
Seventeen-year-old Lia leaves Earth to settle on Stellar 3, a planet across the galaxy. While she knows her new life will be an adventure, she never expects to emerge from stasis to a ship of corpses. A crash landing has killed most of her fellow travelers, and marooned her in the planet’s desert, miles from her destination.
After no reply to their SOS, Lia and the other survivors head for the colony. Lia’s dreams of adventure disappear as her world morphs into a nightmare. Her first night in the desert, foot-long worms invade her campsite and bite, killing a boy. Her friend, Claire, and her little brother, Joe, are bitten and survive, but within days of their recovery, Lia realizes something’s horribly wrong with them. Claire’s spouting psychic predictions, which freak Lia out when they start to come true. Joe insists he can communicate with animals and proves it when he protects Lia from attacking beasts with what he calls the power of his mind.
When Joe falls from a cliff and lies dying in Lia’s arms, Claire shares another vision. Lia can submit to a bite that may give her the power to heal Joe. Or Lia can remain unchanged and watch him die.
GONE WILD is a young adult speculative fiction, complete at 89,000 words.
Revision 1
Dear Stellar Agent:
Seventeen-year-old Lia leaves Earth to settle on planet Stellar 3. While she knows her new life will be an adventure, she never expects to emerge from stasis to a ship of corpses. A crash landing has killed most of her fellow travelers, and marooned her in the planet’s desert, miles from her destination.
After no reply to their SOS, Lia and the other teen survivors head to the colony. Lia’s determined to keep everyone safe but her world goes batty around her. Foot-long worms invade their campsite and bite some of the kids, killing a boy. When her friend Claire, and her brother Joe somehow survive their bites, Lia’s relief and guilt tears her apart.
Within days, Lia realizes something’s horribly wrong with her friends. Claire’s hallucinating about dragons and morphing into the planet’s first psychic while sharing visions of doom. And Joe insists he can telepathically communicate with a lizard-like creature he found in the desert. Although they appear the same, Lia fears Claire and Joe are mutating before her eyes into mind-warped aliens, and it’s freakin’ her out.
When Joe falls from a cliff and lies dying in Lia’s arms, loopy Claire pulls her aside. In a witchy, sing-song voice, she tells Lia she has two choices. Lia can submit to a bite that might give her the power to heal Joe. Or Lia can remain unchanged and watch him die.
GONE WILD is a young adult speculative fiction, complete at 89,000 words.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Original
Dear Stellar Agent:
Seventeen-year-old Lia leaves Earth to settle on planet Stellar 3. The last thing she expected was to wake to a ship of rotting corpses. Total shock sets in when she discovers she’s stranded in Stellar 3’s barren desert with ten other teen survivors, far from the colony.
As they head to safety, Lia’s determined to hold her little group together, but everything goes batty around her. Foot-long worms slide into the campsite her first night and bite her friends. She yanks one off a boy and kills it, but he soon dies from the bite. Claire and her little brother Joe were bitten and she only stays sane when they tell her they feel fine.
Lia has always found Claire a bit off, but within days Claire’s sharing dreams of telepathic dragons and spouting psychic visions of a future of doom. When Joe introduces Lia to a lizard-like creature he says morphed from a worm and insists he can speak to it in his mind, Lia knows her life is spiraling out of control. Although they look exactly the same, Lia fears her friends are mutating into scary, mind-warped creatures.
When Joe falls from a cliff and lies dying in Lia’s arms, Claire pulls her aside. In a witchy, sing-song voice, she tells Lia she has two choices. Lia can go to the desert and submit to a bite that might give her the power to heal Joe. Or Lia can remain unchanged and watch him die.
GONE WILD is a young adult speculative fiction, complete at 89,000 words.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Seventeen-year-old Lia leaves Earth to settle on Stellar 3, a planet across the galaxy. While she knows her new life will be an adventure, she never expects to emerge from stasis to a ship of corpses. A crash landing has killed most of her fellow travelers, and marooned her in the planet’s desert, miles from her destination.
After no reply to their SOS, Lia and the other survivors head for the colony. Lia’s dreams of adventure disappear as her world morphs into a nightmare. Her first night in the desert, foot-long worms invade her campsite and bite, killing a boy. Her friend, Claire, and her little brother, Joe, are bitten and survive, but within days of their recovery, Lia realizes something’s horribly wrong with them. Claire’s spouting psychic predictions, which freak Lia out when they start to come true. Joe insists he can communicate with animals and proves it when he protects Lia from attacking beasts with what he calls the power of his mind.
When Joe falls from a cliff and lies dying in Lia’s arms, Claire shares another vision. Lia can submit to a bite that may give her the power to heal Joe. Or Lia can remain unchanged and watch him die.
GONE WILD is a young adult speculative fiction, complete at 89,000 words.
Revision 1
Dear Stellar Agent:
Seventeen-year-old Lia leaves Earth to settle on planet Stellar 3. While she knows her new life will be an adventure, she never expects to emerge from stasis to a ship of corpses. A crash landing has killed most of her fellow travelers, and marooned her in the planet’s desert, miles from her destination.
After no reply to their SOS, Lia and the other teen survivors head to the colony. Lia’s determined to keep everyone safe but her world goes batty around her. Foot-long worms invade their campsite and bite some of the kids, killing a boy. When her friend Claire, and her brother Joe somehow survive their bites, Lia’s relief and guilt tears her apart.
Within days, Lia realizes something’s horribly wrong with her friends. Claire’s hallucinating about dragons and morphing into the planet’s first psychic while sharing visions of doom. And Joe insists he can telepathically communicate with a lizard-like creature he found in the desert. Although they appear the same, Lia fears Claire and Joe are mutating before her eyes into mind-warped aliens, and it’s freakin’ her out.
When Joe falls from a cliff and lies dying in Lia’s arms, loopy Claire pulls her aside. In a witchy, sing-song voice, she tells Lia she has two choices. Lia can submit to a bite that might give her the power to heal Joe. Or Lia can remain unchanged and watch him die.
GONE WILD is a young adult speculative fiction, complete at 89,000 words.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Original
Dear Stellar Agent:
Seventeen-year-old Lia leaves Earth to settle on planet Stellar 3. The last thing she expected was to wake to a ship of rotting corpses. Total shock sets in when she discovers she’s stranded in Stellar 3’s barren desert with ten other teen survivors, far from the colony.
As they head to safety, Lia’s determined to hold her little group together, but everything goes batty around her. Foot-long worms slide into the campsite her first night and bite her friends. She yanks one off a boy and kills it, but he soon dies from the bite. Claire and her little brother Joe were bitten and she only stays sane when they tell her they feel fine.
Lia has always found Claire a bit off, but within days Claire’s sharing dreams of telepathic dragons and spouting psychic visions of a future of doom. When Joe introduces Lia to a lizard-like creature he says morphed from a worm and insists he can speak to it in his mind, Lia knows her life is spiraling out of control. Although they look exactly the same, Lia fears her friends are mutating into scary, mind-warped creatures.
When Joe falls from a cliff and lies dying in Lia’s arms, Claire pulls her aside. In a witchy, sing-song voice, she tells Lia she has two choices. Lia can go to the desert and submit to a bite that might give her the power to heal Joe. Or Lia can remain unchanged and watch him die.
GONE WILD is a young adult speculative fiction, complete at 89,000 words.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Workshop #9 Shattered
Revision 1
When pursued by a sexy, blue-eyed immortal, an eighteen-year-old girl is bound to swoon. Dawn’s no exception—until reality, in the form of a soccer ball, hits her in the face and reminds her she’s related to infamous immortal traitors.
She runs screaming in the opposite direction.
But Kalan, the sexy immortal, follows and takes a psychic peek inside her mind. His intrusion unleashes a semi-psychopathic entity, Icy, who until this point had been living trapped and dormant in Dawn’s head. Icy’s ecstatic to be free and celebrates by mentally dropkicking Kalan into unconsciousness.
Dawn rushes home to get help from her older sisters—the same treasonous relatives who put her in this situation in the first place. But her sisters are gone and all evidence shouts kidnapping by someone from the immortal realms that parallel Earth. Dawn charges off to save them, but she ends up getting kidnapped herself.
Dawn’s captor, Guinevere, wants her to steal a powerful charm from Kalan. Dawn’s not qualified to steal bubble gum, much less a well-guarded charm. But, to her surprise, Icy makes her the perfect candidate to rob Kalan. And, just in case Dawn doesn’t want to help, Guinevere can always chop off Dawn’s sisters’ heads as a little extra motivation.
Complete at 100,000 words, SHATTERED is a new adult fantasy. It is set both on contemporary Earth and its nine parallel realms. The realms, as well as many of the characters and events, are loosely based on Norse mythology and Arthurian legend. I have included the first five pages of the manuscript in the body of this email.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Original-
When pursued by a sexy, blue-eyed immortal, an eighteen-year-old girl is bound to swoon. Dawn’s no exception—until reality, in the form of a soccer ball, hits her in the face and reminds her she’s related to infamous immortal outcasts.
She runs screaming in the opposite direction.
But Kalan, the sexy immortal, follows and takes a psychic peek inside her mind. His intrusion pisses off a semi-psychopathic alter ego living in Dawn’s head, Icy, who until this point had been trapped and dormant.
Dawn rushes home to get help—because, really, who wouldn’t if they started hearing a voice that mentally dropkicked a hot guy into unconsciousness? But her older sisters are gone and all evidence shouts kidnapping by someone from the immortal realms that parallel Earth. Dawn charges off to save them, but she ends up getting kidnapped herself.
Dawn’s captor, Guinevere, wants her to steal a powerful charm from Kalan. Dawn’s not qualified to steal bubble gum, much less a well-guarded charm. But, to her surprise, Icy makes her the perfect candidate to rob Kalan. And, just in case Dawn doesn’t want to help, Guinevere can always chop off Dawn’s sisters’ heads as a little extra motivation.
Complete at 100,000 words, SHATTERED is a new adult fantasy. It is set both on contemporary Earth and its nine parallel realms. The realms, as well as many of the characters and events, are loosely based on Norse mythology and Arthurian legend. I have included the first five pages of the manuscript in the body of this email.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
When pursued by a sexy, blue-eyed immortal, an eighteen-year-old girl is bound to swoon. Dawn’s no exception—until reality, in the form of a soccer ball, hits her in the face and reminds her she’s related to infamous immortal traitors.
She runs screaming in the opposite direction.
But Kalan, the sexy immortal, follows and takes a psychic peek inside her mind. His intrusion unleashes a semi-psychopathic entity, Icy, who until this point had been living trapped and dormant in Dawn’s head. Icy’s ecstatic to be free and celebrates by mentally dropkicking Kalan into unconsciousness.
Dawn rushes home to get help from her older sisters—the same treasonous relatives who put her in this situation in the first place. But her sisters are gone and all evidence shouts kidnapping by someone from the immortal realms that parallel Earth. Dawn charges off to save them, but she ends up getting kidnapped herself.
Dawn’s captor, Guinevere, wants her to steal a powerful charm from Kalan. Dawn’s not qualified to steal bubble gum, much less a well-guarded charm. But, to her surprise, Icy makes her the perfect candidate to rob Kalan. And, just in case Dawn doesn’t want to help, Guinevere can always chop off Dawn’s sisters’ heads as a little extra motivation.
Complete at 100,000 words, SHATTERED is a new adult fantasy. It is set both on contemporary Earth and its nine parallel realms. The realms, as well as many of the characters and events, are loosely based on Norse mythology and Arthurian legend. I have included the first five pages of the manuscript in the body of this email.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Original-
When pursued by a sexy, blue-eyed immortal, an eighteen-year-old girl is bound to swoon. Dawn’s no exception—until reality, in the form of a soccer ball, hits her in the face and reminds her she’s related to infamous immortal outcasts.
She runs screaming in the opposite direction.
But Kalan, the sexy immortal, follows and takes a psychic peek inside her mind. His intrusion pisses off a semi-psychopathic alter ego living in Dawn’s head, Icy, who until this point had been trapped and dormant.
Dawn rushes home to get help—because, really, who wouldn’t if they started hearing a voice that mentally dropkicked a hot guy into unconsciousness? But her older sisters are gone and all evidence shouts kidnapping by someone from the immortal realms that parallel Earth. Dawn charges off to save them, but she ends up getting kidnapped herself.
Dawn’s captor, Guinevere, wants her to steal a powerful charm from Kalan. Dawn’s not qualified to steal bubble gum, much less a well-guarded charm. But, to her surprise, Icy makes her the perfect candidate to rob Kalan. And, just in case Dawn doesn’t want to help, Guinevere can always chop off Dawn’s sisters’ heads as a little extra motivation.
Complete at 100,000 words, SHATTERED is a new adult fantasy. It is set both on contemporary Earth and its nine parallel realms. The realms, as well as many of the characters and events, are loosely based on Norse mythology and Arthurian legend. I have included the first five pages of the manuscript in the body of this email.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
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