By the time seventeen-year-old
Emma Perez's brother, Ethan Giovanni, sits in a mental institution for the murder of Dr. and Mrs. Falls. Deemed mentally incompetent and unfit to stand trial, Ethan has one weekly visitor--Emma. She doesn't deny his guilt, he's her brother and even though he's paranoid schizophrenic doesn't mean she has to stop loving him.
They say when you cross paths with someone more than once, it's fate--you're destined to meet.
I am pleased to submit for your consideration
My second novel, a MG fantasy, was recently picked up by a small local publishing house in
I've included the first 250 words below. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
L.L.C.
This is my assignment for summer. The special school I attend--not short bus special--and my shrink Dr. Dynerbaugh co-conspired against me. They think this will be great therapy, part of the healing process, for me to put my thoughts and feelings down on these pages since talking about it doesn't seem to help.
I've got news for them; there are more pages in this empty journal than I have days left. Sure, there might be some days when I have more to say. Like today. Today's entry will be longer because my assignment is to talk about myself. Who I am and a brief history of my life. That way, when somebody reads it later they'll understand what was going through my head and why.
I'm not supposed to just talk about things like the weather. Or current events around the world. It's all supposed to be about me and my life.
I'm seventeen and live with my aunt and uncle on
My parents were murdered--on Valentine's Day.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cool concept. I love the idea of this young boy having his life all mapped out, only thirty days and counting, and then throwing something like love to derail all his plans. Very cool. Also, love the fact that these two characters have this tragic connection neither of them knows about. I thought the query was good, but needs work in a few places.
This phrase--"practically in front of his face"--I think is a bit confusing. Instead of upping the tension, for me, it takes away--especially the word "practically." Maybe take that word out? I think the para about Emma is almost there, but could be stronger. I think it should hit harder, like Tyler's did. Same with the third para. I love the structure: 1st para about the boy, 2nd para about girl, 3rd para what happens when they meet, but it could be so much more, build up the story/tension. A great reference would be the jacket of Jenny Downham's "You Against Me." Similar to your project--though a completely different plot.
I really love this first page, thought you did everything you needed to do. I might consider actually having Tyler writing some of the things he thinks in the second to last para (i.e. I'm seventeen and live with…).
Great concept and writing. Also, love the title!
Ninja Girl
I agree with the comments above re: the query needs a bit of tweaking:
ReplyDeletethe line with 'practically in front of my face' needs work.
How about: Ethan Giovanni sits in a mental institution for the murder of Dr. and Mrs. Falls. Deemed mentally incompetent and unfit to stand trial, Ethan has one weekly visitor, his sister Emma Perez.
Good premise. I'd like to read more.
Good luck.
I like this story idea, as well. Another good male YA character. Also, I like the play on words with his name.
ReplyDeleteThe query was good- the hook at the beginning, the summary, and ending with your credentials. My only question arose from your 4th paragraph. It wasn't clear how Emma and Tyler crossed paths. You seemed to speed past that while developing other parts more thoroughly. Maybe cut some of the 3rd paragraph (I could understand Emma would support her brother; that didn't need to be said necessarily) and tweak the 4th so there's more explanation or lead-in of how the paths crossed. That seems like a hook that would get me even more interested.
I liked the writing. I like the "not short bus special" line because I think it makes the male teen voice authentic.
I want to read more.
Good luck.
Right at the top of the first 250 you set up a great premise, and do it in a way that grabs the reader immediately. I think the energy and immediacy of the excerpt needs to be injected into the query part of the letter -- introducing Tyler and his "Thirty Days Left to Live" plan is way less arresting than "Tyler Falls has thirty days to live."
ReplyDeleteThat said, I like the story that's introduced -- Ethan, Emma and Tyler have a horrible event in common, and I really want to know how they will resolve their sizable differences. But again, I think it's the jolt of the excerpt that needs to appear more than fate's cruel sense of humor.
Really nice. Would definitely read this book.
I thought the query was a little long to keep my attention, but the first 250 hooked me. The first line is very intriguing, as is the fact that his parents were murdered on Valentine's Day. I'd want to read more.
ReplyDeleteLove the concept, the writing and the title - good luck!
ReplyDeleteJodi
This novel seems a little too dramatic for me. I'm also not sure if I'm 'buying' this storyline. As I read further, I wasn't impressed by the writing style. This one isn't for me.
ReplyDeleteI like this. In the query, I think you might want to mention a bit more about Tyler and Emma's connection - how they get involved in each other's lives.
ReplyDeleteI like the 250 pages as well. Strong wry voice - makes me want to know the character more. Nicely done :)