Hello, friends. Today I’m doing something new and a bit scary: inviting you to read a draft of my side project, a New Adult fairy tale romance.
Usually, I ask a few close writing friends to read my work a couple times before I edit and send it off to a professional editor. A few such friends have already offered valuable input, and now I’d like to open up the floor. Writers give excellent advice. Readers offer valuable input on the experience of reading a book that is preparing to hit the shelves.
You’d probably like to know what this book is about in the first place, right?
It says YA/NA because of some themes such as leaving home, etc. But with the romantic themes being what they are, I’m most likely going with NA. If you read it, I’d love your thoughts on that.
What started as a just-for-fun short story back in February has turned into a longer draft, and it’s been fun indulging in one of my favorite stories.
Want to read a snippet?
“And what is your name? It’s only fair.”
I sighed. He was a worthy opponent, and his question was fair, but I didn’t like answering it. “My name is Beauty.”
“Not an ill-fitting name at all. Yet you are unhappy with it.”
“It comes with certain expectations, and they do not normally include intelligence.”
“That hardly seems fair.”
“It isn’t,” I said, surprised by his sincerity. “When people hear ‘beauty’, they think of delicate grace and a preference for the visually pleasing, and I hate to be taken simply as an ornament when I have a mind for numbers and for challenges, for–“
I broke off abruptly. For scheming and bold plans–those were the words that died on my tongue, the vehemence of my own words catching me off guard.
“You hate to be underestimated,” Armand said quietly.
Mood boards:
Have I piqued your interest yet?
If you’d like to read this draft of my project, please reply to this email or drop a “count me in!” in the comments. Questions are also welcome, because they can help you decide if this is something you’d both enjoy and be able to return on time. Next Friday the 21st will be the last day to apply. I’ll send out a brief reminder email that day, letting you know if enough interested readers have responded or not.
I will send out the draft in either Word or Google docs, along with a few questions to let you know what kind of feedback I’m looking for. If you have a preference (Word or Google), let me know. The two week period is from July 21st to August 4th, so please be honest with yourself and me if that is something you can commit to. No shame if you can’t!
This is new! This is scary! But I want to try something new here. And I’m so excited and grateful in advance for your interest and feedback.
I've replied to the email form, Stephanie.
Count me in! I would LOVE to read this and have been sending out little waves of longing for a YA ish fantasy about these themes. My email is: weavingwisdom.love@gmail.com