An Agent's Inbox #26

March 14, 2017

Hello Agent!

To participate in #AnAgentsinbox, I am respectfully submitting for your review the first 250 words of of my middle grade, magical realism novel, JAZ AND THE MYSTERIOUS TABLET: FARAWAY WORLD.

Twelve-year-old Jackson Alexander Zane--aka Jaz--wants more than anything to live the kind of life he reads about in his books. In his novel-life, his mom’s job would be able to afford a big house with a yard, instead of a tiny, apartment in a building filled with senior citizens. He would have lots of friends nearby and they’d ride to school together, hang out at each other’s houses and share interesting adventures. His chief modes of entertainment would be much more than escaping into library books and playing chess with an elderly neighbor. Oh--and he would also have a dad.

When Jaz and his mom suddenly inherit a farm in Michigan, he is excited and terrified at the same time. But the shock of the move is nothing compared to the knowledge that the farm was left to them by paternal grandparents he didn’t even know he had. And to top it off, his mother confesses that his father didn’t really die before he was born. In fact, he had disappeared, never to be heard from again.

While exploring his new hundred-acre “backyard,” Jaz discovers items with inexplicable properties. Giant boulders that can be moved with one hand and bushes that can block sound are early indicators his new home isn’t a normal farm. But when he uncovers a hidden box containing a tablet covered in strange markings and indentations, Jaz begins to realize all the bizarre components are related to his father’s disappearance.

With the help of his two new friends--science nerd AJ, as well as sassy, street-smart Issy--Jaz sets out on a quest to decipher the cryptic clues needed to solve the mystery of the tablet. He’s certain if they’re successful, it will lead to finding his dad, and just as certain his dad will be lost forever if they are not.

Jaz and the Mysterious Tablet: Faraway World is a story of an isolated boy who will risk his life and his dream of a home and friends for a chance to save his father. It is complete at approximately 71,000 words, and will be enjoyed by fans of THE LABYRINTH SOCIETY: THE VERSAILLES VENDETTA, by Angie Kelly.

I am an upper middle-aged debut author gearing up to retire, at which time I will write full-time. Like Jaz, I grew up isolated on a Michigan farm reading for adventure. I welcome your constructive suggestions and critique.

Thank you in advance for your review of my submission. I hope to receive a request for further reading. Please feel free to contact me with any question you might have.

Sincerely,
D.D.

JAZ AND THE MYSTERIOUS TABLET: FARAWAY WORLD

The last normal thing he did was try to beat Mr. Thompson in a game of chess.

Again. 

At twelve years of age, Jackson Alexander Zane--a.k.a. Jaz--had yet to best the man who had introduced him to the game five years before. He had immediately become hooked, loving the stealth and strategy in pretty much the same way boys like to play Army. His chess matches kind of felt like he was on an adventure, deciphering clues and solving a mystery at the same time. It was such a contrast to his own routine life.

However, despite the elderly man’s effort after the games, patiently explaining what the boy did wrong, Jaz had yet to win a game.

The game had been in progress about an hour when a knock vaguely penetrated Jaz’s concentration. He knew it would be his mom telling him she was home, so he rested his chin on his stacked fists and kept his attention on the game.

Sure enough, in response to Mr. Thompson’s “come in,” he saw his mother walk gracefully through the door out of the corner of his eye. “I see you’re at it again,” she said, smiling while her son glared at the chest board.

He didn’t look up. “It’s a tight game.”

Focused, he missed Elizabeth Zane roll her eyes. It was the same thing day after day. “Alright, but come straight upstairs as soon as you finish,” he heard her say. “I’m going to get the mail.”