I've been a lame blogger. But if it's any comfort, I've been doing a lot of writing.
I finished the first draft of my YA speculative book and now I'm doing some revision work before sending out to some alpha readers, whom I am feeling very sorry for in advance (since this is my first YA novel and I'm sure I still have a lot to learn). But this weekend I'll be meeting with an editor from a national publishing house, so I'll let you know if she loves the idea or hates it. (And now you know why I was pushing to have the first draft done by this week!)
I tried to write a pitch, but then it turned into a 3 page synopsis. So I tried again, and although I'm not happy with it yet, at least it's there in black and white. You can tell me if it sounds lame-o.
The Burning
YA Speculative
72,000 words
16 year old Jezebel has been taught to suppress her emotions at young age in order to avoid censure by the New Government. But when she discovers the truth behind her grandmother’s execution—the crime of falling in love—Jez realizes that the emotions she’s been battling put her in the same category as her grandmother. Jez becomes a dangerous liability in a dying world besieged by non-stop rain, where the survival of civilization is dependent on absolute obedience.
7 comments:
It looks good. I love the premise and the promise of a good story. I think your hook could be stronger.
What about something like this?
Falling in love can be deadly; a truth 16-year-old Jez knows from experience. Loosing her grandmother on the executioner's block for the crime of love scrambles her already heavy emotions for (insert name). Forced by the New Government to choose between staying alive and truly living, Jez becomes a dangerous liability in a dying world...
So, are you going national as Heather or H.B. or somebody else. Why YA speculative? What drew your attention to that genre?
Best wishes for success,
Charlie
Christina, thanks so much for your suggestions. I'm going to compile them all and get the pitch ready for this weekend.
Charlie, I had this idea for the book about a year ago, but didn't have time to do any writing on it until after "Ammon" was written. It wasn't slated to be YA originally, but as I thought about the characters, I decided that it would more compelling for a young person who doesn't have as much knowledge and experience to go through this type of decision-making process. As for the genre, I wanted to stay away from "my" stereotype of religious writing. But it's there regardless, just not so obvious in the pitch. Think modern-day Noah's flood.
As I was drifting off last night this phrase popped into my head.
Dying for love takes a different meaning when your grandmother is executed.
Good luck with everything. Though I don't think you'll need it. You are a strong writer!
Thanks, Christina. I like it!
Nice premise. Good luck, Heather. That's really exciting.
Thanks, Angie. I'll need the luck!
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