Teen Writer Critique Partner Match-Up
As you probably know, critique partners are important. I’d even say they’re vital, and all of the best authors have them, because honestly, a second pair of eyes on your manuscript is key to good writing. Plus, you can always use the support and advice that CPs (critique partners) give each other. You guys hear me talk a lot about getting critique partners to look over your manuscript, or getting them to fine-tune your first page, or your query, or your dreaded synopsis. Because they are so amazing, so helpful and necessary. But the most common question I get back is: How? How do I get critique partners?
Well, my friends, it isn’t easy. The best critique partner is someone who you work well with and learn to trust, whose writing you love and want to keep working with, who’s honest with you and has the same tastes as you. You really have to “get” each other to make a great CP-ship, and in a way, it’s like this awkward, introverted, writer dating thing-a-ma-jig. (I know, I know, what a great metaphor.) Personally, I think the best way to find CPs is through blogging, or through Twitter. That’s how I’ve met most of mine. But even that isn’t always easy. So today I propose a teen writer CP match-up, which I’m lovingly calling “teen CP speed dating.” (Because let’s face it; that’s exactly what this is.) I have no idea how many people will participate, or if this will be successful at all, but I’m hoping it will. And yeah, I’ll be your best friend forever if you participate. *wink*
Rules:
– Anyone 13-20 participate, whether you’re serious about writing or doing it just for fun. You may mention your exact age in your entry, or you may not. It’s up to you.
– You don’t have to contact anyone about being CPs if you don’t see an entry that looks like a good match, but you have to participate to contact others. If you see someone who you want to talk more with about being critique partners, contact them in whichever way they say you should in the form below (more on that in a minute), and just tell them (briefly) about yourself, why you think they’d be a good fit, maybe go over what your current manuscript is about, etc. and then ask them if they’d like to swap pages. Please keep it courteous, and respect if they don’t want to swap. It isn’t anything personal. Swapping pages–usually about the first five pages–is a good way to see how you work with the other person, whether you like their writing, whether you like their critiquing style, and vice versa. And if you both agree it will work, you have yourself a new CP!
– If you get contacted by a participant and don’t think they’re a good fit, just politely decline their offer. They’ll understand. If you think they’re a good match, give them more details about yourself and your writing and send them your first five pages to critique, and they’ll send yours in return. Please don’t have them read your whole manuscript until you both agree you should be CPs. Tact is always appreciated.
– CPs don’t have to be purely for critiquing either, and you don’t need a finished manuscript to enter. CPs also make great writing buddies, especially with NaNoWriMo coming up.
– (For what it’s worth, I don’t think you should limit your CPs only to teen writers, though, even if this contest is teen-focused. Remember that adults have great opinions about YA too, no matter how old they are, and a range of input is always good.)
– Most importantly, have fun with this!
Entry Form:
Please answer all the questions below as briefly as possible. A few sentences each is good.
Name or pen name:
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?):
Genre:
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun?
Pitch your current book in under three sentences:
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written):
What you’re looking for in a CP:
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable):
Contact*:
*Note: I know many people don’t like their email addresses published publicly, so if you’d rather not include your email as a means of contact, just ask anyone interested in working with you to comment on your blog (and you can grab their email address from the comment and email them privately), or message you on twitter/facebook/whatever and work it out from there. If you’re fine with having your email in the comment, then include it there, but be sure to space out the “@” and “.com” to avoid spambots. [i.e. TeenRiter(at)gmail(dot)com]
Questions? Comments? Concerns? I’m posting my entry (yes, I’m participating too) in the comment section below to give you an idea of the length and format and such. And just so you know:
All entries most be posted in the comments section below by 11:59 PM EST on October 1st! However, the actual reading entries and contacting participants can go as long as you like.
Thank you! I hope people actually participate in this.
EDIT: To clarify, you can start contacting right away, but you have until Octobeer 1st to put your entry in the comments below.
About Michael Waters
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Teens Can Write, Too! 
Name: John Hansen
What do you write? Novels. (I’m only looking for a CP who writes novels.)
Genre: YA. Anything from YA sci-fi to YA thrillers to YA contemp, all of which are somewhat dark.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book? Yes. Although obviously, no agent has offered on me yet… *shakes fist at agents*
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: For sixteen-year-old Alex Tanner, finding a webpage about himself five years into the future is totally awesome and all until he logs on one morning and his status reads: DECEASED. (Pitched as THE BOURNE IDENTITY meets THE FUTURE OF US.)
About: I’m an intern for a literary agent, a high school student, a teen writer advocate, an obsessive reader and writer of YA, and most importantly, a twitter addict. I love YA with witty dialogue and unique characters (John Green, anyone?). I’m also hooked by strong voices (like in THE DUFF), and for some reason, I’m a fan of teen snark. I’m not a huge epic fantasy person, honestly, but I love YA contemporary fantasy, YA sci-fi, straight up YA contemporary, and YA thrillers. Pretty much, anything YA. I’m currently revising my second novel, and starting my third.
What I’m looking for in a CP: I’m looking for someone who can be totally honest with me when I ask for it, who knows both YA and publishing well, and who rocks at supporting people. You must also be funny. Really. I’m not a serious person, so I must be able to be myself around you (which means, my bad jokes will abound). In addition, I’m nice but honest in my critiques. If you aren’t looking for total honesty—though I can sugar coat if need be—then I’m not right for you.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): https://twitter.com/ABoredAuthor
Contact: Email me at Jhansenauthor(at)gmail(dot)com if you think we might be a good fit. Please don’t be hurt if I say no; I already have a few CPs and very limited time, so I’m going to super picky, though I’m always interested in branching out to some more teen writers.
Oh! And also: Be sure to make spaces in between each question like I did, and to bold the questions like I did, use HTML [b] and [/b], but with “<" instead of "[]"
So it looks like:
INSERT QUESTION HERE
oops, I posted my comment before you posted yours, so I didn’t see that. Sorry, guys. Hope it’s readable anyway.
You’re okay!
Oh….i wrote my comment before this….guess I should have refreshed the page…
Name or pen name: Miriam Joy
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): Novels. Also, blog posts and essays. A lot of blog posts and essays.
Genre: YA urban fantasy, mainly. Also other YA, and this NaNo I am writing a murder mystery.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun?: Yes
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: Alex is one of the lennán sidhe, fated to love those condemned to die, and Jennie was chosen by the Dagda – the king of the fairies – as his next victim. Unlike those Alex failed to save in the past, however, she believes his warnings, and with the help of a terrorist, a thrill-seeker, the Dagda’s daughter and Alex’s former Minder, they prepare to fight against the king. But the Dagda is powerful, and in the end the rebellion will cost them everything
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I have written 9 first drafts. ‘Watching’ (pitched above) is an eighth draft. I’ve also written three drafts of the sequel. Basically I’ve written a lot.
What you’re looking for in a CP: Someone who is honest but gives me tips on how to fix it as well as what needs fixing. I’m looking for comments on characterisation, feasibility etc, rather than grammar and line edits. I’ve had critique before, but after two drafts critiqued by the same wonderful person, I need fresh eyes! 😀
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): Click my name to get to my blog. I’m @miriamjoywrites on Twitter and facebook.com/miriamjoywrites.
Contact: author [dot] miriamjoy [at] gmail [dot] com
PS – I’ll read YA or adult books or children’s books or whatever. I prefer sci-fi or fantasy to romance (in fact, I’m really not a big fan of romance at all), and I don’t particularly like happy endings, so you probably don’t want me as your CP unless you’re horrible to all your characters, as I will complain 😉
I’m picky on grammar if you want it critiqued; if you don’t, just say so. Also, I’m quite slow at getting pages back unless I have a concrete deadline so be sure to nag me.
Essays… essays, essays. Hmmm. *mutters to self* Think about this, Yoda must. *wanders off*
… what the hell is that supposed to mean? ehehe 😀 I’m not looking for essay critique at this point. I just thought it might be something I should mention. Especially since if the person whose work I’m critiquing gives me feels, I will write long essays about it instead of actual feedback.
Talking to self, Yoda was. Erm. Awkward, this is.
Talk to self on public forum-thingy, Yoda probably should not do. *skips off*
Amanda Foody
I write YA novels.
Mostly fantasy thus far (I’ve done epic, steampunk, and I’m mulling over a Southern gothic), but I also love sci-fi. At some point I’d like to write one of them. Or a kind of fantasy historical.
I am 100% serious about getting an agent. But, of course, writing is my favorite thing in the world.
PITCH: In Spirited Away meets Boardwalk Empire set in a city akin to Victorian London, seventeen-year-old Enne Alfero roams the shadow world looking for her lost mother and fleeing from the city’s politicians who want her dead. Her only ally is Levi Glaisyer, the hot seventeen-year-old street lord and card dealer at a casino royale. When the owner of the casino tricks Enne into swearing an unbreakable vow to work as an assassin, both Enne and Levi must play against the politicians in a deadly game for their lives.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’ve written two books, as I mentioned earlier, one YA epic fantasy, one YA steampunk fantasy. I love to read (I write book reviews on my blog), play piano, tennis, and I’m currently getting into belly-dancing (weird, right?). I like to read YA, mostly speculative, but I’m open to contemporary as well (I’m openly in love with John Green).
What you’re looking for in a CP: Someone who is brutally honest, who can spot the small things AND the big things, who can exchange materials around two times a week (I’m pretty flexible). Someone who is serious about writing.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): amandafoody.blogspot.com; @AmandaFoody
Contact*: akfoody(at)gmail(dot)com
Mac Andrews (parts of my real name are used, but this is my pen name)
I write both full novels and the odd short story or two.
I write YA, usually sci-fi or fantasy. One day I might like a contemporary, but nothin like that is in the works yet.
I’m serious about authoring, but it’s unclear when I’ll be satisfied with my WIP
About a brotherhood of dragon-shifters. First book = first MC embracing the darkness and light of completing the transformation.
He also must conquer old (sometimes life-long) demons (metaphorical at this point…)
What I’d like to do? in life? or in writing? um…I love to read all sorts of books, mostly YA fiction because its fun. Write: I love to write sci-fi or fantasy. I love world building.
Books written: None completed, i’m 16,000 words through a WIP. It’s not even close to completion.
What I’m looking for in a CP….. obviously, some one who likes fantasy and sci-fi. Some one who doesn’t mind a quirky style… some one with an open mind. I’m not picky.
blog: http://www.rachelsbookreviews.com/ (twitter handle: ReviewerRachel)
Contact: reviewer_rachel(at)bak(dot)rr(dot)com
I’ve changed my mind and decided not to seek a CP. I’ve had them before, but I feel like if I did have another, I’d never actually send them something that matters to me. (I’d send them….like a mini-story. or delete the important parts.) I’ve been burned before by CP’s, and I just feel like I’d waste my time and energy as well as their time. Thanks,
Rachel
Name or pen name: Emily Rachelle
What I write: Short stories, poetry, fanfiction, and novellas are what I’ve written before, but I’m hoping to write a full novel during NaNo this year. So pretty much anything!
Genre: Young adult contemporary and retold fairy tales
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? I’m serious about publishing my work. However, I haven’t decided whether I want to go with traditional or self-publishing.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: Nikki Johnson has never gotten along with her parents, so it’s no surprise they don’t approve of the great new older guy she’s met. She and Matt date anyway and things are amazing… until a picnic when things go too far. Now Nikki has to salvage her relationships – with her boyfriend, her best friend, her parents, and God. (contemporary inspirational YA novella)
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’m a teenager, a girl, a crafter, and a movie addict. Fiction I read includes contemporary, fantasy, Christian, dystopian, young adult and any combination of the above. I read some nonfiction too, but that’s more of a book-by-book decision basis. I’ve written all YA contemporary, but the project I’m gearing up for is a ‘YA contemporary fantasy.’ I plan to continue writing poetry, novellas, short stories, *and* novels, all young adult and probably all contemporary or partially contemporary.
What you’re looking for in a CP: A female, definitely. A Christian, preferably. A person who reads and writes mainly YA and intends to continue with that genre even when they’re no longer its audience.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): http://maybeteenauthor.blogspot.com/
Contact: newyorksnowflake(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, Emily! Thanks for your post on my blog. Your writing sounds really interesting, and I’d be happy to switch a few poems/stories/first pages of a novel. One thing: I’m not a Christian, I’m a Unitarian Universalist. I’m definitely open to you expressing your religious views, and don’t mind at all if you write Christian literature. Just so you know.
If that means you’re not interested as much, that’s totally fine! Otherwise, let me know, and we can get in touch!
Honestly, I put that part in my CP description for others’ sake more than mine. I don’t mind a non-Christian CP, but I do intend to write Christian works and have been known to come across as closed-minded and/or preachy, etc. And my religious views are sure to come across in some of my critiques, even though I try to withhold “judgement.” I just know that certain people in the past haven’t always appreciated my opinions.
All that said, I think I’d prefer to have a different CP. Sorry!
Name or pen name: Rachel Done
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): Full novels
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy (although I’ll read just about anything)
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun?: So serious it burns my brain when I think about it.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences:
Magic like the Alchemyst meets a quest like Huntress when fifteen year old Jesse discovers his life force can manipulate the physical world and his secret crush Brycen isn’t human. They also fulfill a prophecy to enslave humanity for radical daphirs, creatues that live young for centuries, but can fight their fate by finding magical knives and opposing the radical daphirs. The only problem is the knives to save the world killed Jesse in a past life— and could again by simply being near him—so the choice is clear: the world, or him.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I taught myself to read AND write, so I’m like a jack-of-all-trades, but I can’t spell and a dictionary is my second best friend. I love helping people, whether it be tutoring or constructive criticism on writing! I like to read YA fantasy, but that can encompass anything that has the slightest amount of a not-real aspect. But this doesn’t mean I won’t CP a contemporary, it just needs to a) have badass action like the Bourne saga or be a super well woven mystery like Dan Brown b) not be slow c) have something new in the setting, characters, whatever. Don’t give me a cancer story. I like to write YA fantasy, particularly urban fantasy, because nothing else works for me. I’ve written two books. One is half finished and will never see the light of day (it’s that bad) and the other has gone through 14 million drafts (I’m editing right now) and will be what my CP partner reads. And I’m verbose. Could you tell?
What you’re looking for in a CP: Definitely, as I wish to trademark, someone who’s not afraid to give me a cold, hard reality bitch slap to the face. Likewise, someone will take one from me, too. I’d like someone with at least a general knowledge of writing (ie someone serious who’s done their research) and will be regularly reachable by email, although I am away time zones are the bane of writers’ existence. I also want someone who won’t say, “It’s good,” (because I know it’s not) but someone who will dig until they find something that needs improvement. And I’m being nice when I say this. If you’re a ‘closed minded, judgmental, or sensitive’ person, don’t bother being my CP. Spare yourself the lecture and chewing out I’ll give you.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): Blog http://immemoriallove.blogspot.com
Twitter @Rachel_Done
Contact*: immemoriallove(at)gmail(dot)com (Although this is kind of a bad joke because it was the old title of my book and now I’ve changed it…)
Eeeek I forgot to mention something. In November I’m going to a writing conference and meeting Suzie Townsend, whom I adore and will attempt pitching to. This is the magnitude of my seriousness. Why so ssssserious? I love writing. Batman joke anyone? And I love making comments about Janet Reid that she’d appreciate but probably will never read. It’s all in good spirit.
Totally popping in to say I love the idea of your novel. It’s kinda like mine, The Lucky One… okay, not really. But I like it anyway and I would read it if you published it. 😀
Really? Awesome! I love when people love my novel and would read it if published!! If you haven’t checked out my blog yet, I try to post daily about stuff and I really want to build a following for when I am published. I love your concept of pathological liars, too. The not quite normal characters are always the bomb. I have one and he’s fabulously hilarious to write about because he’ll be relatively nice on scene and stabbing you to death the next. He’s the antagonist, though, so it kind of makes sense.
Haha I like it too. Feeds into the Ego Bank. Why thank you! It helps that I used to be one. 😛 I do love unusual characters– in my zombie novel one of my characters, Rayen, is mute (by choice). She’s, like, nine. And has wicked knife skills.
But yeah. I like your antagonist. Maybe I shouldn’t, BUT I DO ANYWAY. *thumbs up* Now I seriously can’t wait to read your novel!
Ooooo knife skills. Me likey. And don’t worrying about loving my antagonist, I love Daniel too. Probably too much. But alas, he’s taken by a helping character who’s also on the protagonists’ side.
Gah. I would do this, except… I don’t have a novel that I’m currently working on. My past novels… let’s just forget about those.
I’m doing NaNo though, so a CP would be appreciated then, I suppose. But really, I’d like a CP for my nonfiction/journaling/essaying type of writing. I like to write humorous essays and stuff. Occasionally short stories. Could I sign up for this, or is this not what it’s for? If not, I understand.
Go for it! You can do two entries if you like; one for the essays and one for your NaNo novel. You can always use a CP/writing buddy for NaNo, even if it’s a month in advance. You can write together. (Just a thought.) But yeah, there are no real rules here so you’re welcome to participate.
^_^ Thanks!
*ENTRY FOR FICTION CP*
Name or pen name: nevillegirl
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): For fiction, I prefer short stories. However, I need a CP for this coming NaNo – 50,000 words.
Genre: Uh. My short stories are usually realistic/humor, but my NaNovel is going to be fantasy.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? No, this is just for fun.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: My NaNovel will be about a school for children with ‘special abilities’ – vampires, werewolves, and the magically gifted. I’m still working out the details concerning their nemesis, but basically they have to cooperate with the normal kids to save the day. Man, I’m really making this sound stupid, aren’t I?
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): Um… I’m a 16-year-old homeschooled sophomore who aspires to be an author, comedian, and possible actress. I like to read basically any genre, although my favorites are fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and HUMOR . 🙂 Ooh, and good graphic novels. I like to write humor, fantasy, and science fiction. And a bit of realistic fiction. I’ve written Pete the Penguin and his Amazing Adventure (NaNo 2011) – about as stupid as it sounds, untitled screenplay (Screnzy 2012) – takeoff from Greek myths, and The Time Machine (Camp NaNo June and August 2012 sessions) – science fiction. But I like to write essays, mostly. If you’ve read any Bill Bryson, then that’s the kind of writing I do.
What you’re looking for in a CP: Someone who’s honest, mostly. I want to know what I wrote that’s really, really good but I also want to know what I can improve. I’d prefer another teenage girl, but I suppose it doesn’t matter. And someone who writes fantasy/science fiction would be appreciated. 😀
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): http://musingsfromnevillesnavel.wordpress.com
Contact*: musingsfromnevillesnavel(at)gmail(dot)com
Name or pen name: Stephanie Diaz
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): Novels.
Genre: YA sci-fi and fantasy
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun?: I actually have an agent! I’m represented by Alison Fargis of Stonesong. 🙂
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: It’s Pirates of the Caribbean meets Shadow and Bone. Fifteen-year-old Rai, a girl who sees visions in fire, is kidnapped by members of a dark order from an invading kingdom, to be turned into a monster.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’m a college senior who turns 20 in a week. I’ve been a writer since I COULD write. I’m currently working on my fourth book. My third, a YA sci-fi, will be out on submission with my agent very soon. Some of my favorite books to read include Divergent by Veronica Roth and Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness.
What you’re looking for in a CP: I’m looking for someone who’s willing to read WIP chapters as I spit them out (though, uh, the process of “spitting them out” is slow right now). I’d love to find someone whose writing I adore, and who likes mine enough that we can cheer each other on but still help each other reach the next level of writing. Someone who’s honest but not harsh.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable):
@StephanieEDiaz
http://steph-diaz.blogspot.com
My email is stephanieheart7(at)gmail(dot)com 🙂
*ENTRY FOR NONFICTION CP*
Name or pen name: nevillegirl
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): Short stories, I suppose. They’re actually nonfiction/humor essays, but they’re more like short stories than novels.
Genre: I write about real life, books/writing/reading, basically whatever comes into my head… with some humor. Does that help?
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? Yes, fairly serious. I like this writing more than I like fiction, so yes, it would be awesome to get it published.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: Uh, I don’t have a BOOK, per se? But perhaps I shall start working on one – a collection of these essays. See ‘genre’ for description of contents.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): Um… I’m a 16-year-old homeschooled sophomore who aspires to be an author, comedian, and possible actress. I like to read basically any genre, although my favorites are fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and HUMOR . Ooh, and good graphic novels. I like to write humor, fantasy, and science fiction. And a bit of realistic fiction. I’ve written Pete the Penguin and his Amazing Adventure (NaNo 2011) – about as stupid as it sounds, untitled screenplay (Screnzy 2012) – takeoff from Greek myths, and The Time Machine (Camp NaNo June and August 2012 sessions) – science fiction. But I like to write essays, mostly. If you’ve read any Bill Bryson, then that’s the kind of writing I do.
What you’re looking for in a CP: This request is a little more specific. I really want someone who likes humorous essays – they both read them and write them. Preferably, this person has a blog because that writing is awesome for blogs. Adult or teen, it doesn’t matter. Gosh, if I (somehow, crazily) have two people respond to this, it would be wonderful if both an adult and a teen were my CPs for this because I appreciate multiple perspectives.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): http://musingsfromnevillesnavel.wordpress.com
Contact*: musingsfromnevillesnavel(at)gmail(dot)com
Name or pen name: Gilberto Galvez
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): I write both novels and short stories.
Genre: I write almost any kind of fantasy, and some of the more common themes are love and death. They’re pretty dark at times.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? I’m not sure I want an agent, but I am serious about writing. I want to be published.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: An orphaned gypsy discovers her heritage while finding love and fighting werewolves. (I just finished the first draft in September.)
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’m a seventeen year old who has been obsessed with reading and writing from a young age. My favorite genre is fantasy, and if it doesn’t have magic, I usually won’t read it or write it. 🙂 I started participating NaNoWriMo in 2009, so I have a ton of unfinished manuscripts. I also have a lot of short stories.
What you’re looking for in a CP: I’m looking for someone who will brainstorm with me through email or Twitter and who will help me keep motivated for NaNoWriMo. I can take the truth about my writing, and I would like someone who has been writing for at least a year or more. Twitter is also the easiest way to contact and get to know me.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): https://twitter.com/LordReblik
Contact: My email is my Twitter username @gmail.com
Name or pen name: Gabrielle, but you can call me Gabs or Gabby
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): Novels and novellas.
Genre: Everything from humor to sci-fi to mystery, and right now I’m writing a paranormal trilogy and editing a contemporary.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? I’m very serious about getting an agent. I want to get published and become a millionaire! Just kidding.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: Next Full Moon: A vampire hunter named Aura fights vamps and finds kidnapped kids, amongst other things. California Girl: It’s not easy finding the perfect girl for your best friend, especially when you were his first choice.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’m an English student at APSU, plan to be an editor when I get out of school, and sadly don’t get to read as much as I used to. When I do read, I love humor, snark, surprising twists and turns, and anything that makes me cry. I’ve written 17 novels and 3 novellas.
What you’re looking for in a CP: Someone who takes criticism well, has a good sense of humor, wants to improve, and is willing to give as good as they get. Like I said, I want to be an editor, so I take critiquing seriously. I do my best to be positive, but I treat my crit partners like grown-ups who can handle the truth. When I find a project I really like, I fangirl a little bit. Okay, a lot.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): https://twitter.com/gabriellan93, http://gabrielletheauthoress.wordpress.com/
Contact: Message me on Twitter, leave a comment on my blog, or email me at thatgirlgabrielle AT live DOT com.
Name or pen name:
Annika
What you write:
Full novels, though I’ve only completed one. I don’t do short stories or poetry.
Genre:
Soft Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dystopian, Paranormal and YA.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun?:
I’m not too far along in my writing journey, though I am planning a YA dystopian trilogy I’m hoping to get an agent for someday.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences:
Kyrie is a Powered. Gifted with the touch of death since childhood, she’s been allowed to remain in society on one condition: she must abstain from human contact. But when an accident results in the death of a high-ranking government official, she’s given the opportunity to redeem herself… (Nano 2012)
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written):
I love writing, blogging, reading and photography. I like to read Dystopian, Comedy, Fantasy and Sci-Fi though I appreciate a good contemporary (i.e. Shine by Lauren Myracle). I like to watch Star Wars, Legend of Korra and I love pink. A lot. Hehehe.
What you’re looking for in a CP:
Someone who really wants to help and isn’t unnecessarily harsh. I would prefer if they weren’t overly religious, as that may lead to a biased critique.
On the flip side, it seems to be a trend to have POC in your novels when you’re white, and whether you are racist or not stereotypes can creep in. I would prefer if they are open to having things like this pointed out. Also, they must have a good sense of humor.
P.S. bonus points if you’re doing nano this november! 😉
Links to blog or twitter:
Blog: http://writingbeyondthemoon.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @WritingBeyond
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/writingbeyond
Contact: I don’t really like giving out my email, so it is preferable if my potential CP is open to using goodreads.
Name or pen name: Eliana Grace (pen name)
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Bot h?): Full novels!
Genre: Dare I say I only write stories where death is possible and always present? No? Okay, I write YA fantasy (but not epic–yet) and contemporary. So: PR, contemp fantasy, such and such.
Oh, and I’m trying to write my first adult paranormal romance. It’s getting there, maybe.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? Probably to get an agent but I’ll settle for writing a story I love to read. 🙂
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: Vannette Lore knows her energy is getting out of control, but she never thought it’d endanger her life. Now the target of an energy vampire’s hunt and responsible for her loved ones’ wellbeing, she struggles to reign in her abilities to become the superhero she’s been avoiding her whole life.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’m a 20-year-old who can’t decide if she’s thirty-five or sixteen. I’ve written too many stories to count and I have too many plot bunnies to see an end in sight.
I love reading YA fantasy that has a real emotional element. As in, I feel the protag’s feelings and not just those of the romantic type. Something like the Hunger Games that’s emotionally driven, in my opinion.
What you’re looking for in a CP: Someone brutually honest. I’ve been known to say that I don’t trust five star reviews. I’m looking to grow and improve, not to hear ‘it’s good’ or ‘it’s okay.’
That’s the kind of CP I am too, fyi. If you can’t handle the nitpicky notes, I can’t do much. (But I never cross the line.)
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable):
Writersmiter.blogspot.com
Contact:
missellisbelle (at) gmail (dot) com
Also, and this might be too much to ask, but a phone call once in awhile I might help.
I’d be willing to do that.
Name or pen name: Jasmine B. (penname: CinderScoria)
What you write: Novels. (And fanfictions… but that’s irrelevent. Unless you like Psych. And Supernatural. And Doctor Who.)
Genre: Ohh, pretty much everything as of yet. I’ve written MG Adventure, YA Fantasy/Supernatural, YA Contemporary, YA Horror/Humor (all of my books tend to have traces of humor, major genre or otherwise), Adult Adventure… I’m working on the Romance bit, but don’t get your hopes up. I find it hard to write romance when you’ve never actually experienced it. 😛
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? I’m definitely serious about it. Once I actually edit my novels to my liking and will be able to send out some queries. I’m nowhere near that ready though, so…
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: Ivy English is a compulsive liar– or at least she was, until her parents shipped her off to a summer rehab camp for people who have a hard time ever telling the truth. There she meets Jay, the sexy Latino who secretly drag races motorcycles; Amber, a bubbly blonde who can talk her way out of anything; and Parker, the camp’s overly helpful director who is more than he appears. They’re all like her– knee-deep in a lie they can’t escape, that is– and if Ivy’s going to help them, she needs to learn how to stop lying to both the world and herself.
(That was totally cheating. Sorry. 😛 )
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’m sixteen, so, yeah. 😛 I’m also African-American/Filipino/ScotchIrish and some other stuff in there. That doesn’t always mean that my MCs will be African-American (as of yet, only Ivy is). I spread out a lot of my characters as far as ethnicity goes (Maya’s Hispanic, Lucky’s Caucasian, Ivy’s African-American, Rayen’s Native-American, etc). Personality-wise, I’m a bit of a smartass (hazard of being a teenager) but I do love a good laugh and I like making new friends. I don’t tolerate the “woe is me” attitude. In my mind, it could always get worse (Murphy’s Law, as demonstrated in my novel The Lucky One). Also noted, I tend to abuse the parentheses keys. And the hyphens. I like dashes. I love writing, drawing, and reading. I’m also a singer/songwriter/actor. I do a lot of stuff. 😛 My favorite types of books are the kinds where normal, modern people are put into weird situations (like Harvard symbology professor, Robert Langdon in Angels and Demons/The Da Vinci Code/The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, and Cajun (!) high schooler Nick Gautier in the AMAZING series The Chronicles of Nick by Sherrylin Kenyon). I’m a fan of the “guy gets the girl” cliche, although I hate damsels in distress (unless the guy’s the damsel; then it’s hilarious). I also like a healthy dose of humor in the form of sarcasm and witty remarks mixed with action/adventure (which is a main reason why I love the Percy jackson series by Rick Riordan and, of course, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride). As for what I like to write, it usually depends on what pops into my head on any given day. Like I said, I’ve written all sorts of stuff. I’m not really limited by genre. 😛 I’ve completed two works so far. They’re both in the editing/revising stages. The rest I seem to be working on all at the same time… there’s, like, three of them. Plus my random bouts of fanfiction, some contest entries, and a novel series I’m working on with my friends that may or may not be published… hopefully.
What you’re looking for in a CP: Err– somebody nice? Heh, yeah, okay, maybe not NICE, specifically. I’m sure we’re all nice people outside of our critiques. Somebody with a sense of humor, at least, and who can pick up my style fast (because it changes from book to book, no joke). Also somebody who can pick up on my typos. I type fast. Unfortunately, I don’t always read over what I’ve written slow enough to catch mistakes I made. Also– please don’t actually CORRECT my work. Pointing out what could be corrected is always helpful, but it drives me nuts when somebody puts their own words in my writing. Like when one of my art friends erases the nose on one of my characters to draw a better one herself. I’m not the best writer ever, but for goodness’ sake, don’t TELL ME THAT.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable):
Blog: http://cinderscoria.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CinderScoria https://twitter.com/CinderScoria
Contact*:
cinderscoria@gmail.com
Thanks! 😀
Name or pen name: María José Morillo (still thinking about a pen name)
What you write: full novels.
Genre: Contemporary YA, and hoping to start with dystopia.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun?: I’m serious about this.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: Ariella is a chistian girl who has grown apart from God and is now dealing with guilt – which is totally anti-christian -.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’m a christian girl, and I love God with all my heart, so I like to talk about God a lot. I also LOVE to sing and play guitar. Reading isn’t my hobbie, is my partying. Seriously, I love it so much; I can’t imagine life without books. I know my parents would be happy if I didn’t read as much, or write as much, but I wouldn’t. Reading, to me, it’s like eating chocolate, it’s my escape, it’s the thing I do for fun. Like, “what do you do to have fun?” I read; “what do you do when you’re bored?” I read. “What do you do when you’re not reading?” I think about what I’ll read next. I get pretty excited when talking about books, too. Seriously, it’s like you can’t shut me up! I love them with such deepth. <3. But writing; writing is what I want to do to make money – and it's not about money, believe me -. I want to be a professional writer, I want to show people that I can do this, that I'm good enough to do this – with people, I mean my dad, who says this career isn't "practical" -. Writing gives me the chance to be a better version of myself, but it also allows me to tell the stories I want to read. Does that make any sense? It does, to me. I get what this world is about: we are storytellers. We're not just some crazy teenagers who don't have anything better to do than to create stupid stories, with people who don't exists and worlds that might as well make our parents think we're on drugs! We are people so filled with ideas and characters and stories that need to be told, and if we don't get them on paper we might explode! We're special, we see the world in a completely different way.
I've written 1 whole book, and a lot of unfinished books. You know, about 5-10 works in progress. xD
What you’re looking for in a CP: someone who would tell me the truth. Someone who isn't afraid to say "hey, your work sucks!" or, "hey, I think you should work a little more on your _______", as well as the good things.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): https://twitter.com/MajoWrites
Contact*: dioslibrosyyo(at)hotmail(dot)com 😀
Name or pen name: Emily Voldemort Mead
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?) : Full novels
Genre: Contemporary YA
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? Can I be both? Writing is fun, but I’d also like to take it further.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: Rain’s life basically sucks. She’s got an abusive step-father and a mother that can’t and won’t do anything about it, but one day all that changes when she goes to live with her Dad. She finds Chris and blind-girl Thea, who show her that maybe happiness isn’t so hard after all.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I like fantasy and YA (John Green and HARRY FREAKIN POTTER). I have a hobby of riding kangaroos and emus. I’ve written two books, but let’s not talk about the first one.
What you’re looking for in a CP: Someone FUNNY! I want a CP I can joke with and who can laugh at themselves. I know I certainly can.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): https://twitter.com/theloonytuney (that’s for all my tweeps)
Contact*: emily.mead3@live.com.au
*Fingers crossed I’ve done the formatting right*
Oh, and I haven’t done the formatting right…well, that’s just great.
It’s okay!
Name: I go by Veloce
What do you write: Novels, mainly.
Genre: YA my stories usually also involve magic.
Seriousness: Pretty serious; I’m really hoping to be a published author someday :3
Pitch: Zaria Dearlove loves love. After all, she IS a Cupid, so how couldn’t she? But, perhaps, Zaria had been trusting the wrong thing for too long.
About me: First of all, I’m crazy. Really. I say the weirdest things, ramble (though, I still try to deny that one), have strange sleeping patterns and am grumpy in like, the first 10 or so minutes after waking up, regardless of how long or well I slept. I break into songs randomly, fail to shut up when excited or nervous and have a tendency to get über-obsessed with things for a few weeks before moving on. I have major blonde moments, argue with myself and tend to have this long string of thought that makes it difficult to understand what I’m on about at times. Don’t say I haven’t warned you ❤
What I Look For In A CP: Humour is a must. It's properly not going to work if you can't joke around with me. As a CP, I'm hoping for brutally honest opinions. I need someone that won't just simply agree with me, but be able to discuss things with. I need someone to tell me that my writing makes sense or when I completely fail. Naturally, I need someone that is serious about being a CP and willing to look over my writing at, say, a weekly basis. And do please offer some positive feedback – I get terribly sulky when I feel liked writing isn't good enough.
Contact: charlebachmann(at)hotmail(dot)com
Note: Please don't be offended if I decline your offer. I don't mean to be rude and I love you beary much for offering ❤
Oh God.That last bit there got caught by autocorrect. See how difficult it is to work with my phone? I wonder how Dean Winchester texts…
Hmmm. There I go again.
Now, back to the topic at hand. I forgot to mention that I have this thing of deleting everything I wrote to rewrite it. Repeatedly.
I have plans for two trilogies, am 16, and, as a CP, I’ll properly write you a small book to your book as feedback.
Okay… I think that’s all. Bye ❤
I hereby express my INTEREST in you. Your novel sounds awesome, and you do as well. I’m all for crazy people. I can also be brutally honest (I’ve had adult CP’s, and they were shocked). But I’m encouraging, too 🙂 if you’re interested, do you want to do a one-chapter test? Lots of lovely love, Em.
Name or pen name: Sabrina
What you write: Full novels for the most part.
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Contemporary (both of which are YA)
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun?: I’m pretty serious
Pitch your current book in under three sentences:
People would think Micah Rosehart is crazy if she tells them that she’s witnessed glowing eyed figures rising from the ground or has discovered a secret community of shadow people in the forest. But Micah has learned not to care about what people think of her, because now she’s on a mission to find and kill the guy that has rose those figure things from the ground in the first place, his intentions being to wipe out the human race. Along with a wimpy camp counselor, an owl-human hybrid, a girl who is meant to die, and a boy whose destiny never ceases to haunt him, Micah goes on a journey that brings her adventures not even present in her wildest dreams.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): Well, aside from reading and writing I love to draw and go on the internet… My favorite genres are Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic, and some Contemporary YA. I’ve never really finished an actual novel before, but I’m currently working on two Contemporary YA novels, one of which is almost finished.
What you’re looking for in a CP: I’m looking for someone who has similar tastes in books as I do, and can be completely honest when critiquing my work. I’d prefer if they had a similar premise as mine (like fantasy), but I’d do other genres too. I want actual feedback and advice to help me improve, not just praise.(although a bit of that is appreciated lol xD)
Contact*: sabrix333(at)hotmail(dot)com
Name or pen name: Hannah Rachel
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): I write fiction. I primarily write full-length novels (one could say that I’m in it for the long haul), but I also enjoy writing short stories and flash fiction pieces.
Genre: YA Fiction/Magical Realism
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun?: Heck yes! Writing is something I want to do until the day I die! I want to see my book in print.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences:
I’m currently working on two novels (multi-tasker), so I’ll summarize both of them:
The world has turned to glass and Lea and Oliver are the only two people left. A mysterious skeleton sits in Lea’s front yard, and after a striking chain of events Oliver and Lea meet for the first time and discover who they are, what they are, and who the skeleton in the yard really is.
*
In the quaint little town of Klarine, everybody has their problems. Calvin’s is that his parents hate him, Sir’s is that he’s irreparably in love with someone who can’t love him back, and Charlotte’s is that she’s a mermaid, living in a town where if she is discovered for who she really is, she’ll be burned alive.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written):
I’m a nerd-girl living in a small town in Kansas. I have a menagerie of animals, ranging from cats to dairy goats to horses, and a large portion of my time is spent taking care of them. I’m fourteen and homeschooled, but though my body is young and weird, I swear I have the mindset of someone much older. I’d love to be a published author when I grow up.
I love to write magical realism pieces, where the story id very hardset in reality with a twist of something magical (i.e. someone can fly, or a mermaid walks among normal people). I haven’t yet found the source of my happiness towards these types of stories, but I do love them, so that’s all that counts.
I’ve written two novels before, plus about ten half-novels that got weird and horribly unoriginal so I scrapped them. I haven’t yet revised a full novel before, and so I’m looking for somebody to help me in the process, besides my Figment readers (link down below).
What you’re looking for in a CP:
Someone who’s there to help me make my novel better–but not someone who will rewrite my entire chapter themselves and then say that theirs is better (trust me, I’ve had a CP like that before and I don’t want to relive it). Also looking for someone to chat with me about writing problems we’ve had and such.
I might want to phone you sometimes, but it’s no big deal if that can’t happen.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable):
nearlypublished.wordpress.com
twitter.com/nearlypublished
http://figment.com/users/64334-Hannah-Rachel
Contact*:
Please comment on my wordpress blog if you’re interested. I rarely check my email, so this works better.
Oh, and I don’t do poetry. Forgot to mention that up there.
(Sorry if I seem really horrible. I’m actually not, I’m just trying to be formal.)
You’re fine! 🙂
Haha, writer speed-dating! Great metaphor, John.
Yeah, I’ve always wondered whether/how to get a CP. *jumps in*
Anyways, I have a question: when you say ‘current book’, do you mean current WIP or the story that we’d likely offer to the CP first? Because mine are a very different two.
Probably the book you’d offer to a CP. And haha, yeah, teen writer speeding FTW!
Cool, thanks. By the way, do you know what’s happened to the formatting of these comments?
Okay, don’t worry: I’ve just found out that it’s my browser making non-bold look bold and bold even more so.
Hi!
Name or pen name: Alexandrina Brant
What you write: Mostly full novels, though I may need advice on what to edit to increase the word count of a couple of novella that I wrote when I was not in my current shape as a writer (!). I have three complete MSs at various stages of editing. I’m not currently looking for critique on my short stories.
Genre: Almost everything (and I’m happy to critique almost anything, unless there’s lots of gore or vampires/werewolves/typical supernatural beings). I like to think that my main genre is murder mystery, but I also do historical, sci-fi, romance and contemporary drama. And I like to mix it up! It’s probably not relevant, but I don’t stick to YA, though most of my stories are aimed at people my age.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? Oh, I’m serious about writing, which is why I should have got a CP long ago.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences:
Breaking a mantelpiece clock shouldn’t be such a big deal; it’s just a device to count time, after all. However, that’s not the case for Aidelle, who finds herself trapped in her home, alone in a limbo of stopped time, when she throws the clock at her fiancé. Joining plans with a teenaged fugitive who has materialised in her bedroom, claiming to be her granddaughter from one possible future, Aidelle must set about reversing a rupture in time that was never meant to happen and that seeks to keep her from her soul-mate for a non-existent eternity.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): People always look at me strangely when I tell them I’m a writer but that English Literature is not one of my A-Levels. I want to take joint Psychology and Philosophy at university so that I can apply them to my writing. Motive and the structure of knowledge interest me. (I say this because I get somewhat philosophic in my novels, and I might appear lecture-y. I hope not.)
I blog a little, though I feel I have not enough time for that or for non-fiction essays contemplating the above subjects!
I’ve written one novel, two novella [technically three] and a sequel MS novel that needs still to be typed up! I have about three different first drafts on the go at the moment.
I’m probably going to be a little inactive on the critique part until after I’ve finished my university application work (so: Jan), but I’ll try my best in all respects.
What you’re looking for in a CP: I’m looking for someone whom I can trust to give me more than the usual ‘it’s nice’ comment that I receive on writing sites. I want to know which sentences don’t sound right and why, whether I’ve got too many random characters, and to look out for continuity (or technical when it comes to the time-travel ideas) errors that I’ve not spotted. I will get defensive of my prose, but that probably means you’re hitting the right nerves. I’d rather have someone comment on content than SPG, but I’m happy to see helpful SPG points.
Links to blog or twitter:
Twitter: @Celestial_Fleur
Blog: missalexandrinabrant.wordpress.com
Contact: Celestal_Fleur[at]homail[dot]com [yes, the i of ‘celestial’ is missing from the email address]
Name or pen name: Jane C-S
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): Mostly poems and short stories, but I also do NaNoWriMo and am looking to start writing more novels other than in November. 🙂
Genre: Fantasy, Realistic Fiction
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? I’d like to get an agent eventually, but first I need to have a book!
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: I’m still working on my NaNo pitch.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’m turning 15 on Oct 7. I’ve participated in NaNo twice, and won both times. I’m also a dancer, violinist, and theater kid. I lead a busy life! 🙂
What you’re looking for in a CP: Someone who will be willing to read my odd writing pieces, as well as a novel, and give honest feedback, but will also trust me to do the same with their writing.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): Blog: http://www.realityisimaginary.blogspot.com twitter: https://twitter.com/DreamsInSong
Name or pen name: Katie Lemontop
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): Originally, I would just [try to] write novels, but lately I’ve been experimenting with short stories and found that I like it. I also write poetry, but I don’t share that easily, so you’d have to get to know me.
Genre: Fantasy and science fiction with a bit of historical mixed in here or there. Beware, most of my stories have an immediate or eventual romance element.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? I’d like to be published, but I’m not at that point yet. At the moment, I’d just like to work on getting words on paper and perfecting those words.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: (note: this is not my finished novel, just my favorite!) Battle Camp: The Rebellion is a story about four teens who wake up in a room with twelve others not remembering a thing about their pasts. They are made to train for an unknown battle, but the four teens secretly search for answers. This is a medieval-fantasy novel with some romance element later on.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I am a freshman in high school. I play the violin, dance, and I’m in archery. I’m not really super busy unless my teachers conspire against me. I’ll read pretty much anything, but mostly fantasy, science fiction, mystery, some realistic fiction and historical. I’ll also read non-fiction about topics I like (dance, violin, etc.). I’ve finished one novel (around 50,000 words; for NaNoWriMo), and three novellas (around 13,000 each; for fun). I’ve started many others.
What you’re looking for in a CP: I would like someone who’s not timid and will tell me if they’d rather cut themselves with dirty razor blades than read one more word of my writing (vivid images like that are much appreciated by me). I’d also like them to tell me why they’d rather start a friendship with rabid wolf than read my work. Then I’d like them to tell me how I can get my writing to the point where vicious comparisons are no longer necessary.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): http://ktlemonhead.wordpress.com
@ktlemonhead
Contact*: ktlemonhead(at)hotmail(dot)com
Name or pen name: Elyse G. ( NdP Elyse Nalia because my actual last name is a bear to spell)
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): I’ve written one good short story, one full novel, and right now I’m working on another one. I also do poetry once in a while, mostly free verse.
Genre: YA, science fiction (novels), realistic fiction (short stories), plus I’ve dabbled in fantasy
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? Eventually, once I finish this book, I plan to look for a way to get it published. I could really use the money for college. XD But I’m really not quite ready yet (as the book is, you know, not really even started yet let alone done).
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: She can hear you, you know — every time you’ve had a bad breakup, someone’s messed up your perfect day, or you’ve been given the best news of your life, Emily can hear your emotions: she’s one of the Specially Gifted, people with exceptional abilities. And not just that: she can twist them around to control your actions, influence your decisions, or even just make you suffer through the worst emotional pain over and over again. And now she’s running, not just from one of the most powerful groups of the gifted in the world, but from her own past as well.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): Okay, okay, I technically haven’t written any books. I almost finished one full novel, but I hated it so much I just trashed it. I like to write for fun and to get ideas out, but I really struggle with bringing them full arc into something publishable. I’m a kind of boring history person from boring history suburbia where nothing really happens. I’m a textbook perfectionist, sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol, and choral singer extraordinaire. I love to chat with other writers, just talk about stuff even if we don’t quite have it in common, but it’s a good idea to have a sense of humor. I’m kinda sorta really sarcastic. Also, I’m a tough editor, especially with grammar. I’ll point out everything I would change, but that doesn’t mean you have to! A lot of it is my taste or style that I’m subconsciously injecting into your work.
What you’re looking for in a CP: Someone who’s willing to read a lot of little fixes and be harsh. Seriously, rip it apart. I want to know what the problems are. That said, don’t be nasty, please. I want your constructive criticism, but let’s not be all ad hominem, kay?
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): Twitter: @brainz4christ tweet me!
Name or pen name: Rachel
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): Both, though whether I do either of them reasonably well is a matter of some debate. 😛
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Supernatural
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? — Quite serious, though I have a long way to go.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: (I SUCK AT PITCHING SO I’M SORRY FOR THIS) Bound to work for the Brotherhood through her dead father’s blood debt, Eva has spent over half of her seventeen years making sure that the few bits of magic left in the world don’t fall into the wrong hands. When a series of brutal murders occur within her district at the same time that magical rifts begin appearing, Eva must clear her own name or be shipped off to the blood prison for the rest of her life. But Eva discovers that the murderer may be her long-lost best friend, and she must choose between saving her own name or saving the psychopath who is the closest thing she has to family. (YA fantasy)
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’m a junior in college (still a teen, don’t worry) studying Classics—so if you want a CP with knowledge of arcane languages, I’m your girl. I love reading dark, fantastical books with a lyrical feel that manage to make dreams feel more real than the waking world, and aspire to write something similar. At present, I’ve completed two novels (many WIPs came before that I am not acknowledging the existence of)—the first will never see the light of day, and I’m currently revising the second.
What you’re looking for in a CP: Someone who is not horribly brutal, though still honest. Some people function really well with the rip-it-to-shreds approach, but I’m not one of them—I need a more clinical assessment, not a gorefest. Humor is good, and enthusiasm for writing is (of course) lovely. This is the same approach I take to critiquing.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): rachelatarms.livejournal.com, twitter.com/rachelatarms
Contact*: You can email me at nirnaeth7 at gmail. 🙂 Alternatively, just send me a tweet or leave a blog comment, and I would love to talk to any of you!
Name: Alexandra
What do you write? Both novels and short stories
Genre: YA and MG, all genres, but particularly fantasy.
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book? Yes.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: Struggling to live on her own, fourteen-year-old Alli Rosco needs the safety and security of the secretive Thieves Guild, but in order to join she’ll have to risk her freedom and her life to pass the Trial–and everything she believes in will be put to the test.
About: I’m an intern at a literary journal, a college undergrad, and an avid reader and writer. I’m currently working on my third novel; I’ve also written a few novellas and short stories.
What I’m looking for in a CP: Someone who is totally honest and supportive, who knows YA well, and who is serious about writing.
I always try to be nice and supportive in my critique, but I’m also brutally honest, and I’m looking for the same honesty in a CP.
Link to twitter: http://twitter.com/Alexandra_Ott
Contact: Email me at xela879(at)yahoo(dot)com
Name or pen name: Call me Rachel
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): Full novels
Genre: YA (Fantasy, Contemporary, anything that has a strong storyline and dynamic characters)
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun?: My goal is certainly to be published someday.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: As a Commoners’ Thief, Arianna steals from the wealthy and gives to the poor, but when the cruel and corrupt Lord Farlow destroys the Thieves and enlists Arianna as his personal spy and thief, she swears revenge. Caught in a web of lies and inadvertently involved in a covert resistance movement, Arianna uncovers secrets behind Farlow’s power and his dangerous plans that threaten her life. Will she win the dangerous game of treachery or fail and pay with her life?
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I’m working on my first novel, so I’m not very experienced. I’m a sophomore in college and am studying International Studies among a thousand other things. And Spanish. So if you plan to use Spanish in your novel, I’m your girl.
What you’re looking for in a CP: As a critique partner, I will be honest without being cruel, and I expect my critique partner to be the same. I also need someone passionate who will deal with my sarcasm and my attempts at jokes (gosh, this is too much like Internet dating—not that I have any experience, of course), help me brainstorm ideas, understands that I’ve got a hectic schedule and may not be able to get back to him/her immediately, and is supportive.
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): http://www.ebonquill.blogspot.com
Contact*: Just leave a comment on one of the posts on my blog, por favor. 😉
Name or pen name: Camryn Washington
What you write (i.e. do you write short stories? Full novels? Both?): novels mainly I’ve written a short story or two though
Genre: my WIP is Fantasy but in a very laid back way I’ll write almost anything though
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book, or is it just for fun? Definitely serious about writing. I’ve been looking at self publishing but the one thing I want more than anything in the world write now is an editor.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences: Isabella Gregory is being punished by her country, or at least thats how it feels to her. When Isabella’s parents die her country decides it s best for her reside with her jealous uncle until she is ready to take the throne. The only problem is her uncle has different plans, and the only person who seems to be able to help her is a boy named Galvin or perhaps, if only she would believe it, herself.
Briefly about you and what you like to do/read/write (also include how many books you’ve written): I love reading all types of books as long as its written well specifically I like YA though and I do sometimes lean towards fantasy. I have written three novels all apart of the same series which I’m working on editing now (the first one is the one described above). I’ve also written short stories and poems. I’m a senior in high school and I’m home schooled (and at that moment a million stereotypes just entered your head) and I love it. Besides books I’m in love with movies and would love to do some screenwriting sometime.
What you’re looking for in a CP: someone who will be extremely honest but encouraging and who won’t mind the nonsensical things I say and who can help me muddle through my way too complicated plot
Links to blog or twitter (if applicable): https://twitter.com/themessengerkid
Contact*: foreverpanic(at)msn(dot)com
Hey everyone-
My name is Morgan Hyde. I mostly write fantasy novels, with some long ‘short stories’. A lot is YA, but some stuff verges on older. I’m working my way up to the whole getting an agent thing, but it is what I’d like to do with my current book in revision, We Who Are About To Die. Here’s the pitch:
Caught trying to steal her cousin back from the king’s priests, 17-year-old farmer’s daughter Renata is forced into gladiator training. Determined to get home again, she’ll have to fight, kill, and maybe even lead a mutiny to survive. But just when escape seems within her grasp, Ren discovers it’s not too late to save her cousin after all – if she’s willing to sacrifice everything.
Other stuff: I’m a first year engineering student and cross-country runner (so yeah, very little free time). I read mostly sf/f with a fair bit of romance thrown in (this tends to make it’s way into some of my stories as well, fyi). I’ve written roughly 6 books – depends on how exactly you count that though.
CP-wise, I’m looking for someone who enjoys fantasy and adventure and will give me some solid honest feedback about story and writerly mechanics. Someone who also writes YA fantasy would be sweet.
You can check out my blog at http://onelifeglory.blogspot.ca or find me on twitter @amethystars. My email is [twitterhandle]@gmail(dot)com.
Thanks!
Pen Name: Dawn Starlight
What do you write? Novels and short stories.
Genre: Realistic YA Fiction , Supernatural Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Romance .
Are you serious about getting an agent with your book? Yes. I am currently revising my first novel after I have written several short stories and poems.
Pitch your current book in under three sentences:
He is light among the shadows.
He sees beyond the clouds.
He is the knight in the midst of the
darkness and he is called
to save the world.
(If you want to learn more you’ll have to contact me. cause that’s how I roll 😉
About: I’m a senior in high school student, a teen writer advocate, and obsessive writer of YA,, Supernatural ,and Christian Fantasy. Most importantly, I am a manga addict. I love to read any type of manga feel writing style to it (simple or complex) or just regular literature.
What I’m looking for in a CP: I’m looking for someone who is honest, professional, and and able to give good feedback and support.
Links to blog: http://theartofcomposingfiction.blogspot.com/ ):
Contact: Email me at stephens.valencia284(at)gmail(dot)com if you think we might be a good fit. Please don’t be hurt if I don’t answer right away. Like all of us I’m sure, I’m very busy, but I will take the time to check my messages everyday.
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