tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81245870724413324792024-03-13T18:26:53.894-07:00Carissa TaylorMy thoughts on writing, reading, and other amazingness as I work toward becoming a published author!Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-71392533077980249572020-09-20T05:30:00.010-07:002022-05-27T18:52:45.583-07:00Decodable Books - Round Two<p>I hope you and your kiddos are doing well <3 Here are some more free learning-from home resources for your budding readers!<br /><br />I wanted to get this second round of decodable books posted ages ago, but 2020 being what it is, life got in the way. Regardless, here they are at last! My <u><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2020/04/first-readers.html">first set of early readers</a></u> focused on the Long E sound, and combinations of Long E and Long U as well as Short A, Short O, and Short I combinations.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMxaODa42zw/X2crGLXKPlI/AAAAAAAAEx4/kOLJqRLk_kcaf0Z9Dj1tCwOk77TDHTi9ACPcBGAYYCw/s1500/EarlyReaders-Round2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMxaODa42zw/X2crGLXKPlI/AAAAAAAAEx4/kOLJqRLk_kcaf0Z9Dj1tCwOk77TDHTi9ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/EarlyReaders-Round2.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>The phonics readers I'm sharing today each focus primarily on one vowel sound:</p><p><b>Short A</b></p><p><b>Short E</b></p><p><b>Short I</b></p><p><b>Short O</b></p><p><b>Long I</b></p><p>I've played around with various narratives and styles this time, and have tried to incorporate more STEM concepts into the readers, including a read-together non-fiction book. </p><p>Like last time, I've striven to make these books 99% decodable for your kiddos, and have listed the letter sounds and the few "tricky" sight words they'll need to know on the second page of each book. </p><p>I'm always looking to improve, so let me know what you think!</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>help me keep these readers free for whoever needs them</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ko-fi.com/carissawrites"><img alt="donate to my kofi <3" border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="264" height="82" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcA3dCTB86I/X2dIb_beh8I/AAAAAAAAEzA/7-zU2Ty1i-U3hAppiSXOashFO4DS8Za_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w75-h82/Kofi.png" width="75" /></a></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Click on the images below to view a pdf version of the book, which should be suitable for tablet or smartphone. Let me know if you have any troubles downloading, or if you'd like a different format!</div><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eJiwon4H1VVshqa_cXqJ8pQGCkqz7fOY/view?usp=sharing">Cam Adapts a Ramp</a></span></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eJiwon4H1VVshqa_cXqJ8pQGCkqz7fOY/view?usp=sharing"><img alt="Camp Adapts a Ramp - pdf book" border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OetUBsji9S4/X2c3Oxx22gI/AAAAAAAAEyA/kOICfNmFt7kbHZh3dmcQKNktPtWM1E6EQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h175/TheRamp-CoverThumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eJiwon4H1VVshqa_cXqJ8pQGCkqz7fOY/view?usp=sharing">pdf<br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>This book is very short, so it's ideal for a beginning reader. Do note that it includes the word "adapt" -- which people with certain accents pronounce using a schwa rather than a Short A. To make things easier for your kiddo, I recommend pronouncing the word with a Short A while reading this.</p><p><b>Phonics Focus: </b>Short A</p><p><b>Word Count:</b> 43</p><p><b>Sight Words:</b> 4</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cVcf_xnmacm7GyLNsr4dyWjeu29QwJos/view?usp=sharing">Crop Bot and Cod</a></span></b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cVcf_xnmacm7GyLNsr4dyWjeu29QwJos/view?usp=sharing"><img alt="Crop Bot and Cod - pdf book" border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-preh2FAllPA/X2c6VGWgRDI/AAAAAAAAEyM/gRQ6hXyJeIw7USa31FXzvCsBsQB3tqB3ACPcBGAYYCw/w320-h180/CropBot_Coverthumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cVcf_xnmacm7GyLNsr4dyWjeu29QwJos/view?usp=sharing">pdf<br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>This book is another that is designed for your just-getting-started reader. It also includes a touch of chemistry and biology in the storyline, so your kiddo can build a little STEM knowledge along the way!<p></p><p><b>Phonics Focus: </b>Short O</p><p><b>Word Count:</b> 105</p><p><b>Sight Words:</b> 6</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NA9xyI_IsI4O5A18Eo8ZS7rhzFC80ZQr/view?usp=sharing">A Trip for Siskins</a></b></span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NA9xyI_IsI4O5A18Eo8ZS7rhzFC80ZQr/view?usp=sharing"><img alt="A Trip for Siskins - phonics book pdf" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuHh7mhoEQc/X2c9JtcqkYI/AAAAAAAAEyY/84EONnpyTTQN8WTo02q_YDT5pR-ebLkmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h180/Siskins_CoverThumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NA9xyI_IsI4O5A18Eo8ZS7rhzFC80ZQr/view?usp=sharing">pdf<br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This is a narrative non-fiction book about birds and the seven continents. It's designed for you to read together with your child. There are decodable sections for your kiddo to read, while you'll read the other sections. You can pick-and-choose how much of the supplementary informational text you want to read aloud to your child based on their interest level and your time constraints.<p></p><p>Note that the file size is fairly large (80MB) for this one, so here is a link to a <u><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OmSQYkhFCq7UBxeOcaAwv2hpmK2cbqXs/view?usp=sharing">lower-res version</a></u> as well.</p><p><b>Phonics Focus:</b> Short I </p><p><b>Word Count:</b> 155</p><p><b>Sight Words:</b> 12</p><div><i>NOTE: </i><i>The non-fiction sections in this book are purposefully written using fairly advanced phrasing. I've done this as it's important for children to become accustomed to hearing textbook-type language spoken aloud. It's not something we often think to do but is critical for building their oral-auditory STEM-oriented literacy before they encounter this type of writing on their own.</i></div><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ld9IDrozKTc5dOxfJMU156Ysug0PzTbd/view?usp=sharing">The Trek</a></span></b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ld9IDrozKTc5dOxfJMU156Ysug0PzTbd/view?usp=sharing"><img alt="The Trek - phonics book pdf" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOj1UhqY5z8/X2dAWysqbAI/AAAAAAAAEyk/DHf7gBMPr-k0DfXq5eM4Aoj5P9veScJNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/TheTrek-CoverThumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ld9IDrozKTc5dOxfJMU156Ysug0PzTbd/view?usp=sharing">pdf<br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />In "The Trek" your child will try to guide the main character along the correct paths to reach their friend, using the written clues the friend left behind. They'll likely learn the names of some plants and animals along the way too, so it's a bit STEM-oriented.<p></p><p>It does incorporate a few words with tricky endings such as <i>-ed, -edge, </i>and <i>-ettle</i>, so this one's best for readers who already have a fair amount of practice with their short vowels, CVC, and CCVC words.</p><p><b>Phonics Focus:</b> Short E<br /> <i> plus these endings:</i><br /> -ed / -edge / -ettle</p><p><b>Word Count:</b> 145</p><p><b>Sight Words:</b> 11</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gUzHINjFO5lS54rwCsjHKIc9__UpHkYG/view?usp=sharing">White</a></span></b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gUzHINjFO5lS54rwCsjHKIc9__UpHkYG/view?usp=sharing"><img alt="White - phonics book pdf" border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="400" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bl1y_5ylu7U/X2dD0eSWjxI/AAAAAAAAEyw/OmcOf4J3A40i44j7mPHVhkvmYIMPltn3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/White-CoverThumb.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gUzHINjFO5lS54rwCsjHKIc9__UpHkYG/view?usp=sharing">pdf<br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This book follows the story of two children who live in a colorless world, but who discover the secret to bringing the color back into it. It's designed for readers who already have extensive practice with all the short vowel sounds, and who are learning the various Long I spellings.<p></p><p><b>Phonics Focus:</b> Long I</p><p><b>Word Count: </b>257</p><p><b>Sight Words: </b>16</p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1duIpBvbe-UIXyTcWs-xF2PACXweTJ4MU/view?usp=sharing">Six Kids on Bandit Island</a></b></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ba8iRAiefycRVkdpuyKkfQNYAOAUgwUM/view?usp=sharing" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="153" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROKTNcYw0Mc/X4pLDrbP_vI/AAAAAAAAE28/K1WmLr3PPw8HjHsKLWjiCdcd81Jneg-kwCLcBGAsYHQ/w227-h320/SixKidsCoverSm.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iS8avcZ1iVTP6tTfKD1n9LmsvJGBrjW4/view?usp=sharing">pdf<br />kindle<br /><br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1duIpBvbe-UIXyTcWs-xF2PACXweTJ4MU/view?usp=sharing">(Chapter Book)</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><div>This is a chapter book designed for readers who are comfortable with common high frequency words and all the short vowel sounds. Each chapter is approximately 250-400 words, and there are 14 chapters, for a total of approximately 5,600 words. </div><div><br /></div><div><span><b>Phonics Focus:</b> short a and short i focus<br /> (other short vowels too),</span> all hard consonants,<br /> th, ch, sh, qu, wh</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Word Count:</b><i> 5,600</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>Chapters:</b><i> 14</i></div><div><i><br /></i><b>High-Frequency Words:</b> 32</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tricky Words:</b> island, fire, OK </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div>When a storm hits a ship on a day trip to Picnic Island, the six kids suddenly find themselves without a Captain. Adrift on the sea, they finally crash land, but it's not the island they were aiming for, and all their food and water was destroyed in the storm. How will they survive?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The book is available as <u><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1duIpBvbe-UIXyTcWs-xF2PACXweTJ4MU/view?usp=sharing">a PDF</a></u> and as a <u><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iS8avcZ1iVTP6tTfKD1n9LmsvJGBrjW4/view?usp=sharing">Kindle .mobi file</a></u>. I should mention that the Kindle file arranges the illustrations and captions somewhat oddly, so it's not the ideal format for this book. However, if you are looking to have flexibility with the font face and font size, the Kindle version is the one for you! </div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">---------</p><p><br /></p><p>I hope you and your kiddos enjoy these readers! Be sure to check out the <a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2020/04/first-readers.html"><b>first 5 readers</b></a> I posted if you're working on your Long E sound, or need some Short Vowel combo phonics books. I'm hoping to get out another few readers, including one for the Short U sound, a few even more basic books, and a decodable novella soon. But I also have another side project in the works so we will see how soon I can get to the readers!</p><p><br /></p><p>If you're looking for a list of all the readers I've completed thus far, I have compiled them in this <b><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/decodable-readers.html">Master List</a></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/decodable-readers.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="600" height="108" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YizYVUPe2ig/X2l-BxauTPI/AAAAAAAAE0U/v6sU8oQdY30F-mE7RSWNMdd-JFeoSJvhwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h108/Banner-DecodableReadersMasterList.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>If you have any feedback, I'd love to hear from you! email me at (( carissawritesthings )) @ (( gmail )) . (( com ))</p><p><br /></p><p><3 <3 <3<br /><br /><br /><style type="text/css">
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</script><img alt="." border="0" height="1" src="https://track.mailerlite.com/webforms/o/2015456/j2f5e1?vee71a8848f3cc4af6b2730283dbdc659" style="display: block; margin: 0px; max-height: 1px; max-width: 1px; padding: 0px; visibility: hidden;" width="1" /><script src="https://static.mailerlite.com/js/w/webforms.min.js?vee71a8848f3cc4af6b2730283dbdc659" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b></b><br /></p><center>You can find me on social media here:</center><center></center><center> <b><a href="http://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor"><img alt="Follow Me On Twitter" height="30" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7GIVK6Gntk/VWV9-un_aPI/AAAAAAAACv8/dSDRzJ7FzyM/s1600/Twitter.png" title="Twitter" width="30" /></a><a href="https://instagram.com/carissawrites/"><img alt="Follow Me On Instagram" height="30" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PwPT12J_oHY/VWV99vnvY6I/AAAAAAAACvU/d579wN3H2z4/s1600/Instagram.png" title="Instagram" width="30" /></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarissaTaylor"><img alt="My Facebook Page" height="30" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fr4UzROR6I0/VWV98_IiI9I/AAAAAAAACvA/sg_zLNoP69o/s1600/Facebook.png" title="Facebook" width="30" /></a><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/carissataylor/"><img alt="Follow Me On Pinterest" height="30" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLUi5_0Rxts/VWV997jfFwI/AAAAAAAACvs/4nVLQgZa3S8/s1600/Pinterest.png" title="Pinterest" width="30" /></a><a href="http://carissa--taylor.tumblr.com/"><img alt="Tumblr" height="30" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sD0Q60QNDWY/VWV9-aRCbeI/AAAAAAAACvw/EV__PtyYnTQ/s1600/Tumblr.png" title="Tumbl Me" width="30" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7011159.Carissa_Taylor"><img alt="Add Me on Goodreads" height="30" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wH6m_4ewv9U/VWV986FN79I/AAAAAAAACvI/udapA-i5PpQ/s1600/Gittub.png" title="Goodreads" width="30" /></a></b></center><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>If you read and enjoyed the books, I would love your help keeping them free for those in need. I'm going to have to pay for to a new server for my next batch of books, but I want to keep the books free, so any donations would be so appreciated, no matter how small!</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ko-fi.com/carissawrites"><img alt="donate to my kofi <3" border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="264" height="82" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcA3dCTB86I/X2dIb_beh8I/AAAAAAAAEzA/7-zU2Ty1i-U3hAppiSXOashFO4DS8Za_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w75-h82/Kofi.png" width="75" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-29052514850054288502020-06-23T00:12:00.012-07:002020-07-05T13:57:29.634-07:00Teaching Our White Kids About Racism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuRIbx1wTCk/XvGWbtvSPqI/AAAAAAAAEJg/yuHeV21oif07YWdOHzQL7XX3FTGRalH7QCK4BGAsYHg/s2877/TeachingWhiteKidsAboutRacism.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2877" data-original-width="1920" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuRIbx1wTCk/XvGWbtvSPqI/AAAAAAAAEJg/yuHeV21oif07YWdOHzQL7XX3FTGRalH7QCK4BGAsYHg/w335-h500/TeachingWhiteKidsAboutRacism.png" width="335" /></a></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-ef0ec6a0-7fff-4163-83ed-0da6d9b8a574"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font size="5">A Step-By-Step Guide to</font></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 24pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 24pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teaching our White Kids About Racism</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><font face="arial" size="2"><i> { Jump to:</i></font></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><font face="arial" size="2"><i> <u><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html">1. Getting Oriented</a></u>, </i></font></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><font face="arial" size="2"><i><u><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/exploring-racial-diversity-with-your.html">2. Exploring Racial Diversity</a></u> } </i></font></p></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like many white parents, I've spent these past few weeks teetering between hope and anxiety as I’ve watched Black America crying out for change, and I wonder what sort of future we will pass on to our children.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Will this be the year we listen? Will we finally work together to transform our policies and business practices and personal habits to dismantle the racism embedded in them? Will we finally act? </i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But as I tried to do better in my own life at speaking out, stepping up, calling my government reps, and otherwise supporting this 400-year cry for racial equity, I also keep coming back around to the same question:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>How do we make sure our kids don’t repeat our mistakes?</b></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve had conversations with my kids about some of these issues before, but I knew I needed to do more. The problem? There's so much to say. Where do we begin? What are the most important things we need to teach our kids about race and racism? How do we talk about this in language they can understand? How do we give this issue the emphasis it deserves rather than skimming over it? How do we teach them not only what racism is, but how to dismantle it? What am I forgetting? Are my kids too young for this? Where do I even start??? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It can feel overwhelming to talk to our kids about race. But I don’t think it has to.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the years, I've done a fair amount of research, both for my PhD and my novel writing, about racism, racial inequities, and the need for change. Now that I have two small children of my own, I know how important it is to teach them about this, and how important it is to start early. But I also know ... (<i>like really really know</i>) ... how hard it is to find time to do this, how tricky it is to do this abstractly without concrete visual aids like books or videos, and how difficult it can be to find the ideal books and videos you need for young children to springboard these discussions.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This guide breaks down the process step-by-step.</b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't want complexity or uncertainty or lack of resources to stop any of us from having these important conversations about race and racism with our kids. So I designed this as a step-by-step, conversation-by-conversation sequence that we can follow to make sure we are having all of these very necessary discussions about race with our young children.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1920" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMFVXyS4eKQ/Xv5t3gh7T-I/AAAAAAAAEOs/0jnDhGJpq_IwrsoVKgsIQ_y7gAuv5K2aQCK4BGAsYHg/w500-h164/BannerGuide.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In each section, I’ve included: (1) </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">an intro for parents, (2) a “script” we can read aloud to our kids if we’re having trouble finding the right words, and (3) links to videos, picture books, read-alouds, and other resources we can use both to introduce the topics and to delve more deeply into them. Keep in mind that a few of the activities and conversations about skin color are geared primarily toward sighted people, so these may need a tweak or two if you and/or your child are visually impaired. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I made this for me, and I made this for us. This is a work in progress, so let me know if you notice anything that needs fixing, or if you know of amazing resources I’ve missed and should add.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Okay, now let’s roll up our sleeves and do the work!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 24pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Table of Contents</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
You can start wherever you need, but the concepts will probably make the most sense to your kiddos if you start in Chapter 1 and work through sequentially. If you have only very young children (infants and toddlers), you’ll want to focus on <i>Chapters 1-3: Exploring and Celebrating Racial & Cultural Diversity.</i></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once your kids are in Pre-K - 6, and can communicate more fully about complex concepts, you’ll be able to move onto more explicitly discussing racism, fairness, and activism (Chapters 4 - 6).</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Note: I don’t have all the chapters completed yet, but you will be able to find them all linked here once I do. <3</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font size="5"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html">1. Getting yourself Oriented</a></font></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><font size="5"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2877" data-original-width="1920" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMnoa7c2niI/XvH4u8R3rNI/AAAAAAAAEKk/mq7wp9hLXTsJUyeuVRNMU92L-2-R3uueACK4BGAsYHg/w171-h256/01-GettingOriented.png" width="171" /></a></font></b></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html"> <i>(Parents-only section)</i></a></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html">a. Individual vs. Systemic Racism</a></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html">b. Is it too early to talk to my kids about race?</a></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html">c. The danger of teaching kids to be ‘colorblind’</a></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html">d. Optional: do a bias-check</a></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font size="5"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/exploring-racial-diversity-with-your.html">2. Exploring Racial Diversity</a></font></span></b></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><b style="white-space: pre;"><font size="5"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/exploring-racial-diversity-with-your.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2877" data-original-width="1920" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoruLLFEPi4/XvMABP_lU4I/AAAAAAAAELs/7CiwoatQ_UkZJXM_nqdWJlu-gi37lQMJQCK4BGAsYHg/w171-h256/02-ExploringRacialDiversity.png" width="171" /></a></font></b></b></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/exploring-racial-diversity-with-your.html"><br /></a></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/exploring-racial-diversity-with-your.html"><br /></a></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/exploring-racial-diversity-with-your.html">a. What race am I?</a></b></p></blockquote><div> </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/exploring-racial-diversity-with-your.html">b. Why do people have different skin colors?</a></b></p></blockquote><div> </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/exploring-racial-diversity-with-your.html">c. Different families, cultures, & traditions</a></b></p></blockquote><div> </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/exploring-racial-diversity-with-your.html">d. Learn about your family history</a></span></b></p></blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e" size="5">3. Celebrating Diversity</font></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e"><br /></font></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">a. The Beauty of Difference</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">b. Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">c. Diverse Communities</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">d. Choosing Diverse Toys, Books, and Media</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">e. Pointing Out Lack of Diversity</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">f. Dismantling Color Associations</font></b></p></blockquote><div> </div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e"><br /></font></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e" size="5">4. Examining America’s History of Racism</font></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e"><br /></font></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">a. Where Our Family Came From</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">b. White Settlers and Native Americans</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">c. Slavery</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">d. Abolishing Slavery </font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">e. Civil Rights & Standing Up For What’s Right</font></span></b></p></blockquote><div> </div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e"><br /></font></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e" size="5">5. Seeking Fairness & Equity</font></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e"><br /></font></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">a. What is Racism?</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">b. Fairness & Equity</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">c. Luck of Birth</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">d. Impact vs. Intent</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">e. Unintended Consequences</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">f. Systemic Racism</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">g. Racism in Current Events</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">h. Racism in Books, TV, and Movies</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">i. Racism in Everyday Talk & Action</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">j. When your Kiddo Says Something Racist</font></span></b></p></blockquote><div> </div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e"><br /></font></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e" size="5">6. Do Something! Kid-Friendly Activism</font></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e"><br /></font></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">a. Empathy Building</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">b. Being an Includer</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">c. Standing up to Bullies</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">d. Microaggressions</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">e. Civic Engagement</font></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font color="#9e9e9e">f. Activism: Protests, Campaigns, and Art </font></b></p></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font size="5"><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html">Let's Get Started >></a></font></b></p></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1920" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMFVXyS4eKQ/Xv5t3gh7T-I/AAAAAAAAEOs/0jnDhGJpq_IwrsoVKgsIQ_y7gAuv5K2aQCK4BGAsYHg/w500-h164/BannerGuide.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Resources</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some of the resources I found most helpful when compiling this guide.</span><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><font face="arial"><br /></font></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><font face="arial"><br /></font></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><font face="arial">ARTICLES</font></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://safespaceradio.com/wp-content/uploads/RR-Tips.pdf">Talking to White Kids about Race & Racism</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.parenttoolkit.com/social-and-emotional-development/advice/social-awareness/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-race-and-racism">How to Talk to Kids About Race & Racism - Parent Toolkit</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/teaching-tolerance/talking-about-race-with-kids/">Your Age-By-Age Guide to Talking About Race - Parents.com</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://booksforlittles.com/racial-diversity/?fbclid=IwAR39vJQQyCnHfhF0m66o67GnGgR9BuWclmDQJXBQuUwznf1-YxaZxSzM_l4">Anti-Racism For Kids 101: Starting to Talk About Race</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.ahaparenting.com/blog/talking-with-children-about-racism-police-brutality-and-protests">Talking with Children About Racism, Police Brutality, and Protests - Aha! Parenting</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.mother.ly/child/talking-to-kids-about-racism-age-by-age/why-its-never-too-early-to-start-talking-about-race-and-racism-with-kids">An Age-By-Age Guide to Talking to your Kids About Racism - Motherly</a></u></span></font></div></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.incultureparent.com/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-race-whats-appropriate-for-ages-3-8/">How to Talk to Kids About Race: Ages 3-8 - InCulture Parent</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/how-raise-anti-racist-babies-according-psychology-ncna1232031?fbclid=IwAR3zi0b0QO14Z5-j_Wj83cJr2DhayJ9w57ai-G5JX2rsnr9oryfWWcs_KOc">How to Raise Anti-Racist Babies, According to Psychology - NBC</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://medium.com/@andrew_70172/your-5-year-old-is-already-racially-biased-heres-what-you-can-do-about-it-d72de0480ba3">Your 5-year-old is already racially biased. Here's what you can do about it.</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.embracerace.org/resources/how-do-i-make-sure-im-not-raising-the-next-amy-cooper">How do I Make Sure I'm Not Raising the Next Amy Cooper? - EmbraceRace</a></u>
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<u><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/31/how-talk-kids-racism-racial-violence-police-brutality/5288065002/">How to Talk to Our Kids About Racism - USA Today</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/01/health/protests-racism-talk-to-children-wellness/index.html">How to Talk To Your Children About Protests & Racism - CNN</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.fox13news.com/news/expert-advice-for-talking-to-kids-about-race">Expert advice for talking to kids about race - FOX</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/28/health/parents-raising-white-children-racism-wellness/index.html">How to not raise a racist white kid : Jennifer Harvey - CNN</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><font face="arial"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://time.com/5362786/talking-racism-with-white-kids-not-enough/">Talking Racism with White Kids is Not Enough - TIME</a></u></span></font><br /><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="http://www.raceconscious.org/2016/06/100-race-conscious-things-to-say-to-your-child-to-advance-racial-justice/">100 Race Conscious Things You Can Say To Your Child - Raising Race Conscious Children</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/in-the-news/talking-about-race/">Talking to Kids About Racism - National Geographic</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-honestly-with-children-about-racism">How to Talk Honestly with Children About Racism - PBS</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.embracerace.org/resources/teaching-and-talking-to-kids">10 tips for teaching and talking to kids about race - EmbraceRace</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.embracerace.org/resources/5-ways-to-raise-more-inclusive-kids-if-you-live-in-a-segregated-neighborhood">5 Ways to Raise Inclusive Kids Despite Living in Segregated Neighborhoods - EmbraceRace</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/talking-to-kids-race-racism-books_b_2618305">Resources for Talking to Kids About Race and Racism</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://kappanonline.org/richardson-race-interview-beverly-daniel-tatum/">Can we talk about race? - Beverly Tatum</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://kappanonline.org/hooven-never-early-learn-antibias-education-young-children/">Never to early to learn - Kappan Online</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.readbrightly.com/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-race-books-and-resources-that-can-help/">Books to Talk to Kids About Race - Brightly</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/08/raising-racially-conscious-kids/">Raising Socially Conscious Kids - Everyday Feminism</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.care.com/c/stories/16858/teaching-anti-racism-to-kids/">How white parents can teach their kids to be anti-racist - Care.com</a></u></span></font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/general/beyond_golden_rule.pdf">Beyond the Golden Rule: A Parent's Guide to Preventing Prejudice - Tolerance.org</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><font face="arial">PODCASTS</font></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><font face="arial"><br /></font></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://safespaceradio.com/talking-to-white-kids-about-race-racism/">Talking to White Kids about Race & Racism</a></u></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/05/31/866426170/raising-white-kids-author-on-how-white-parents-can-talk-about-race">Raising White Kids - NPR</a></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/06/03/869071246/how-white-parents-can-talk-to-their-kids-about-race">How White Parents Can Talk to Their Kids About Race - NPR</a>
<a href="https://www.imagineneighborhood.org/post/how-to-start-the-conversation-about-racism">How to Start the Conversation About Racism - Imagine Neighborhood</a></u></font></span></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><font face="arial"><br /></font></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><font face="arial">VIDEOS</font></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w14nUdUDqw8">Raising Anti-Racist Kids - Jennifer Harvey</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfnj4BE_q7Q&feature=youtu.be">How to Talk to Your Kids About Race - The Mom Psychologist</a></u></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></font></div><div><font face="arial"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://youtu.be/ExeinaiNtUM">How Do I Make Sure I'm Not Raising The Next Amy Cooper? - EmbraceRace</a></u>
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</span></font></div><div><u style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.embracerace.org/resources/something-happened-in-our-town-addressing-racial-injustice-with-young-children">Something Happened in Our Town - Addressing Racial Injustice with Young Children</a></u></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.embracerace.org/resources/something-happened-in-our-town-addressing-racial-injustice-with-young-children">A Discussion with the Authors (who are Psychologists)</a></u></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><u style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/teaching-tolerance/talking-about-race-with-kids/">Your Age-By-Age Guide to Talking About Race - Parents.com</a></u></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.haymarketbooks.org/blogs/177-raising-antiracist-kids-ibram-x-kendi-with-derecka-purnell">Raising Anti-Racist Kids - Ibram X. Kendi & Haymarket Books</a></u></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/573184/talk-kids-race/">How to Talk to Your Kids About Race - The Atlantic</a></u></font></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><font face="arial">LESSON PLANS</font></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.adl.org/education-and-resources/resources-for-educators-parents-families/lessons"><font face="arial">Anti-Defamation League Lesson Plans</font></a></span></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.dcareaeducators4socialjustice.org/black-lives-matter/resources/">Black Lives Matter School Week of Action Lesson Plans</a></u></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://ready.web.unc.edu/">Project READY: ReImagining Equity & Access for Diverse Youth</a></u></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.dcareaeducators4socialjustice.org/black-lives-matter/resources/young-children#lessons">DC Area Educators: Teaching for Change</a></u></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.teachingforchange.org/teaching-resources">Teaching for Change: Teaching Resources</a></u></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/lessons?keyword=&field_grade_level%5B35%5D=35">Tolerance.org: Lessons</a></u></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><b>JOURNAL ARTICLES</b></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><b><br /></b></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01419870.2013.848289">White Families and Race - Margaret Hagermann</a></u></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://kappanonline.org/conversations-children-race-childhood-racism-hagerman/">Conversations with Kids About Race - Margaret Hagermann</a></u></font></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><b><br /></b></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><b>BLOGS & FACEBOOK GROUPS</b></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><b><br /></b></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><a href="https://raisingkidswithpurpose.com/avoid-raising-racist-kids/">How to Avoid Raising Racist Kids - Raising Kids With Purpose</a></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/social-justice-resources/">They're Not Too Young to Talk About Race - Childrens Community</a></u></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.liyunalvarado.com/blog/anti-racist-parenting">Anti-Racist Parenting - Li Yun Alvarado</a></u></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><u><a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/how-white-parents-can-use-media-to-raise-anti-racist-kids">How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids - Common Sense Media</a></u></font></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/raceconscious/">Raising Race Conscious Children</a></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><b><br /></b></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="arial"><b>BOOKS</b></font></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/raising-white-kids-bringing-up-children-in-a-racially-unjust-america/9781501878077">Raising White Kids - Jennifer Harvey</a></u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/why-are-all-the-black-kids-sitting-together-in-the-cafeteria-and-other-conversations-about-race/9780465060689">Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? - Beverly Tatum</a></u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/learning-race-learning-place-shaping-racial-identities-and-ideas-in-african-american-childhoods/9780813554297">Learning Race, Learning Place - Erin N. Winkler</a></u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/white-kids-growing-up-with-privilege-in-a-racially-divided-america/9781479802456">White Kids: Growing Up with Privileges in a Racially Divided America - Margaret Hagerman</a></u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://laneshatabb.com/2020/05/a-white-families-guide-for-talking-about-racism/">A White Families Guide for Talking About Racism - Education with an Apron</a></u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/parent-orientation-to-racism.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1920" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMFVXyS4eKQ/Xv5t3gh7T-I/AAAAAAAAEOs/0jnDhGJpq_IwrsoVKgsIQ_y7gAuv5K2aQCK4BGAsYHg/w500-h164/BannerGuide.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-86792137352862361282020-04-27T01:08:00.001-07:002020-09-20T06:06:39.641-07:00Early Readers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Now that we're doing distance learning due to coronavirus, one of the things my kiddo has been missing during "school at home" is reading the daily home readers our school provided.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTkcu0ImsVE/XrC487UdvtI/AAAAAAAAEDM/8iRfmaXKCdAONja0tPv-vxTs0gDeLbY7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/EarlyReaders.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTkcu0ImsVE/XrC487UdvtI/AAAAAAAAEDM/8iRfmaXKCdAONja0tPv-vxTs0gDeLbY7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/EarlyReaders.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've found a few great first readers online but I wanted more early readers that were decodable and fit the specific sounds and reading level he's doing in his phonics program.<br />
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We started playing around with silly sentences on our fridge and we had so much fun, I eventually turned a few of them into digital books. I wanted to share them with all of you, as I know a lot of us are in the same "school from home" boat. If your child is learning to read in Kindy / Prep or Year One, these ebook readers are for you!<br />
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(P.S. - that's Kindergarten and First Grade for all my U.S. folks!)<br />
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I've had a lot of fun making these, and my kiddos and I are already in the porcess of developing more! If you'd like to know when I have more available, you can sign up here:<br />
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All these are available as free .pdf files, and are formatted landscape for maximum readability on your smartphone or tablet. If you'd like a kindle or epub file, let me know!<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<3<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Kindergarten Early Readers</span></b><br />
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Our school uses the <u><a href="http://www.getreadingright.com.au/">Get Reading Right</a></u> systematic synthetic phonics program, so I've designed most of these decodable readers to fit that phonics sequence. They are all .pdf files, but if you'd like a kindle or .epub file, drop me a message and I can probably make you one!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Short Vowels: A O </span> </b><br />
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If your child just started kindy, they are likely in the early stages of their phonics reading program. At our school, that's Get Reading Right's <u><a href="http://www.getreadingright.com.au/basic-code/">Basic Code</a> </u>. The first unit focuses on the letter sounds made by the consonants S M C T G P and the <i>short </i>vowel sounds A O and the camera words <i>I, the, was, to, are, she, </i> <i>the.</i> If they are working on those words and sounds, these first decodable books are written for them to read on their own!<br />
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<b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uclumZNkOxBgaJVsbOh7d71lESzmRoBD/view?usp=sharing"><span style="font-size: large;">Sam and Pom-Pom</span></a></b><br />
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I have such fond memories of the first books I read by myself, with just a few letters and sight words. It felt like such an accomplishment. Hope your kiddos like this reader!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uclumZNkOxBgaJVsbOh7d71lESzmRoBD/view?usp=sharing"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_usCHF1Elzc/XqZrn0BsKqI/AAAAAAAAEAw/cVJc-q7G8BE7ZyfYjYaMbm8eYstGEHCSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SamPomPomCoverThumb.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Short Vowels: A I</span></b><br />
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I have one book that follows the <u><a href="https://www.jollylearning.co.uk/">Jolly Phonics Programme</a></u> sequence of letter sounds, as I know a lot of you are using that phonics progression, and it's what I started my oldest on in preschool. For this emergent reader, your child would need to be able to read the consonants S T P N and the <i>short</i> vowel sounds A I, and be learning the early tricky words <i>the, was,</i><i> she. </i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Tds9fK2S1qWEm2j1wGx5TQvPNP8iYy_/view?usp=sharing">Ann the Ant</a></span></b><br />
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This book about a little ant dreaming of her name up in lights restricts itself to a very few letter sounds, so it's suitable for new readers just beginning to learn phonics.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Tds9fK2S1qWEm2j1wGx5TQvPNP8iYy_/view?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="400" height="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xquIyqCtCM8/X2dTLKSyXvI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/joptzGmm2bMXJ0m4e9swqUn5q-KNKgQcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h350/AnnTheAnt-00-CoverThumb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Drop me an email at { carissawritesthings } { @ } { gmail } { .com } if you have any trouble and I'll send you a copy!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Year One (First Grade) </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Early Readers</span></b><br />
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My child's school uses the <u><a href="http://www.getreadingright.com.au/">Get Reading Right</a></u> synthetic phonics program, so I wrote these books to fit with that sequence of teaching letter sounds. By the beginning of Year One, students will have already learned all the hard consonants and all the short vowel sounds, as well as a fair amount of camera words (that's "sight words" for all of you in the US!). In Year One, they focus on learning the different spellings of the long vowel sounds, starting with the long E sound. Get Reading Right has their phonics sequence and camera word lists for their <u><a href="http://www.getreadingright.com.au/advanced-code/">Advanced Code</a></u> (Year One) in the free resources section of their website, so check it out if you're curious where your child is at.<br />
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These books are all landscape-oriented .pdf files for your computer, tablet, or smartphone, but if you'd like a kindle or .epub file, email me and I can probably make you one!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Long E Sound Family</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>EE EA -Y _E</b><b> </b><b>(also: -E_E IE -EY)</b></span><br />
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If your child is at the beginning of year one, they'll likely be learning the first phase of the Get Reading Right Advanced Code at school. That means a focus on the long E letter sound family.<br />
All the early readers below focus on the various spellings of the long E sound.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Hhk9g4D3WB8KIUSNwOonzyVzYF14WkH/view?usp=sharing">Deep Beneath</a></span></b><br />
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I wrote this first reader in the early days of our social distancing due to COVID-19. Our beaches here in Australia had just closed. When I sat down to write my little guy a couple ee / ea sentences about an imaginary seapony, I ended up with a story about working through the grief of our newly quarantined world, and about finding joy closer to home.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Hhk9g4D3WB8KIUSNwOonzyVzYF14WkH/view?usp=sharing"><img alt="Deep Beneath by Carissa Taylor" border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GnYAmFnm39I/XqZG8dxJJ9I/AAAAAAAAEAQ/5zCY0jhRWasxb5LIH9QRWOiCCfeCOdtQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DeepBeneath-CoverThumb.jpg" title="Deep Beneath" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kgX5kYUn9ZUai3y02yMf14vN6enGNEEh/view?usp=sharing">Grubby the Dung Beetle</a></span></b><br />
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This early reader was a special pet project between my son and I. The book is, in a way, my coming-to-terms with the fact that yes, my kid is obsessed with poo ... and you know what? Let's run with it, shall we?<br />
... and maybe learn a little about North American animals and nutrient cycles on the way? ;o)<br />
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Due to the subject matter of the book, YMMV. Reader beware: poo puns and dung jokes abound within these pages. I also introduce the grapheme OO, which is technically out of sequence in the Get Reading Right program. But hey, if your kid is like mine, "poo" was one of the first words they learned to read and write <span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14px;">¯\_(ツ)_/¯</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kgX5kYUn9ZUai3y02yMf14vN6enGNEEh/view?usp=sharing"><img alt="Grubby the Dung Beetle" border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iyf8cUgMc8A/XqaQhu-2SYI/AAAAAAAAEBM/Yye6dh062YYh3inJ61r4z0WIapmkmxHFACEwYBhgL/s1600/DungBeetle-CoverThumb.jpg" title="Grubby the Dung Beetle" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b3cMdKuQ-wGgAOmfEoOZRyxe9s5zT-cg/view?usp=sharing">The Queen's Feast</a></span></b><br />
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This reader focues on the EE sound family but also is designed to incorporate many of the <u><a href="http://getreadingright.com.au/wp-content/uploads/camera-word-list-advanced.pdf">camera words</a></u> from Units 1-5 of the Advanced Code of the Get Reading Right program.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b3cMdKuQ-wGgAOmfEoOZRyxe9s5zT-cg/view?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="400" height="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptD3VRCYgjc/X2dTtJ73ZkI/AAAAAAAAEzY/lP5q_VSR8QQgEXZebQGnvm8sPIjvdUZVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h350/TheFeastCoverThumb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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I had so much fun writing and illustrating these. I hope you and your kids enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed making them <3<br />
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Drop me an email at { carissawritesthings } { @ } { gmail } { .com } if you have any trouble and I'll send you a copy!<br />
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<div class="ml-form-embedContainer ml-subscribe-form ml-subscribe-form-2015456" id="mlb2-2015456">
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<div class="ml-form-embedWrapper embedForm">
<div class="ml-form-embedHeader">
<img border="0" src="https://bucket.mlcdn.com/a/2006/2006142/images/db86ca092cb4ec7465d8ebf804904e3b3c7ec6d4.jpeg" style="display: block;" />
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<div class="ml-form-embedBody ml-form-embedBodyDefault row-form">
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<div class="ml-field-group ml-field-email ml-validate-email ml-validate-required">
<input autocomplete="email" class="form-control" data-inputmask="" name="fields[email]" type="email" />
</div>
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<button class="loading" disabled="disabled" style="display: none;" type="button"> <div class="ml-form-embedSubmitLoad">
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<div>
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<div class="ml-form-successContent">
<h4>
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<center>
<b><a href="http://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor"><img alt="Follow Me On Twitter" height="30" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7GIVK6Gntk/VWV9-un_aPI/AAAAAAAACv8/dSDRzJ7FzyM/s1600/Twitter.png" title="Twitter" width="30" /></a><a href="https://instagram.com/carissawrites/"><img alt="Follow Me On Instagram" height="30" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PwPT12J_oHY/VWV99vnvY6I/AAAAAAAACvU/d579wN3H2z4/s1600/Instagram.png" title="Instagram" width="30" /></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarissaTaylor"><img alt="My Facebook Page" height="30" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fr4UzROR6I0/VWV98_IiI9I/AAAAAAAACvA/sg_zLNoP69o/s1600/Facebook.png" title="Facebook" width="30" /></a><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/carissataylor/"><img alt="Follow Me On Pinterest" height="30" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLUi5_0Rxts/VWV997jfFwI/AAAAAAAACvs/4nVLQgZa3S8/s1600/Pinterest.png" title="Pinterest" width="30" /></a><a href="http://carissa--taylor.tumblr.com/"><img alt="Tumblr" height="30" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sD0Q60QNDWY/VWV9-aRCbeI/AAAAAAAACvw/EV__PtyYnTQ/s1600/Tumblr.png" title="Tumbl Me" width="30" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7011159.Carissa_Taylor"><img alt="Add Me on Goodreads" height="30" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wH6m_4ewv9U/VWV986FN79I/AAAAAAAACvI/udapA-i5PpQ/s1600/Gittub.png" title="Goodreads" width="30" /></a></b></center>
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<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Additional Resources:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
(Online books, printables, online learning, and phonics resources.<br />
Some are free resources, others are not)<br />
<br />
<u><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/">Teachers Pay Teachers</a></u> || <u><a href="https://www.speld-sa.org.au/services/phonic-books.html">SPELD SA Phonic Books</a></u> (these are free online books!) || <u><a href="https://www.mommyshorts.com/2020/03/a-complete-list-of-online-educational-resources-for-kids-to-use-during-quarantine.html">Mommy Shorts: Quarantine Learning Resources</a></u> || <u><a href="https://www.readinga-z.com/books/decodable-books/">Reading A-Z: Decodable Books and Phonics Lessons</a></u> || <a href="https://www.spelfabet.com.au/phonics-resources/07-decodable-books/">Spelfabet: Decodable Books list</a> || <u><a href="https://www.soundcityreading.net/pdf-files-for-level-4---phonics-patterns-books-1-8.html">Sound City Reading Phonetic Stories for Beginning Readers</a></u> - free pdfs || <u><a href="http://www.freereading.net/wiki/Decodable_passages.html">Free Reading: Decodable Passages</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.progressivephonics.com/phonics-books/beginner-phonics-books">Progressive Phonics - Beginner Phonics Books</a></u> (these free readers are for reading together)|| <u><a href="https://www.starfall.com/h/ltr-classic/">Starfall Academy Free Language Resources : Learn to Read</a></u>|| <u><a href="https://www.coreknowledge.org/free-resource/ckla-unit-1-grade-1-skills/">CKLA - Common Core First Grade Decodable Readers and Tricky Spellings</a></u> (free but you'll need to sign up) || <u><a href="https://www.phonicshero.com/category/parents/covid-19-home-schooling/">Phonics Hero COVID -19 Learning</a></u> || <u><a href="https://misskindergarten.com/at-home-learning-worksheets/">Miss Kindergarten Free At Home Learning Resources for Reading</a></u> || <u><a href="https://moneysavingmom.com/free-educational-games-for-kids-during-quarantine/">Money Saving Mom : Free Quarantine School Resources</a></u> || Learning to Read || <u><a href="https://www.themeasuredmom.com/print-2/">The Measured Mom Free Kindergarten Printables</a></u> and <u><a href="https://www.themeasuredmom.com/free-phonics-books/">Free Printable Phonics Books</a></u> || <a href="https://thisreadingmama.com/free-printables-learning-activities/" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">This Reading Mama: Free Printables and Learning Activities for Homeschooling</a> - and <u><a href="https://thisreadingmama.com/ultimate-list-free-phonics-activities/">Free Phonics Activities</a></u> and <u><a href="https://thisreadingmama.com/phonics-readers-early-reading/">Phonics Books</a></u> || <u><a href="https://www.ateachableteacher.com/category/phonics/">A Teachable Teacher Free Phonics Bundles</a></u> || <u><a href="https://www.homeschoolingdownunder.com/living-books-book-list-index/learning-to-read-books/">Homeschooling Down Under : Learning to Read Books</a></u> ||<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-20987430777402731192019-09-08T17:11:00.002-07:002020-04-27T23:26:21.503-07:00Sci-Fi Name Generator<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XnA2dVfahI/XWXcssEBoEI/AAAAAAAADzk/eQbN0hu3Vr0PHNB397wyCjG44XPM8HDWQCLcBGAs/s1600/NameGenerator-Sci-Fi.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="388" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XnA2dVfahI/XWXcssEBoEI/AAAAAAAADzk/eQbN0hu3Vr0PHNB397wyCjG44XPM8HDWQCLcBGAs/s320/NameGenerator-Sci-Fi.png" width="320" /></a><br />
Need a sci-fi name?<br />
<br />
I've created these sci-fi name generators to help you find the perfect first name and surname name for your science fiction character. Don't see a name you like? Click the button or refresh the page to see more!<br />
<br />
<i>{there are thousands of science fiction inspired names here ... I may have gone a bit overboard, hah!}</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
Choose a name generator to begin:<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i><b><a href="https://yawriterstoolbox.blogspot.com/p/female-sci-fi-name-generator.html">FEMALE NAME GENERATOR</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://yawriterstoolbox.blogspot.com/p/male-sci-fi-name-generator.html">MALE NAME GENERATOR</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://yawriterstoolbox.blogspot.com/p/enby-sci-fi-name-generator.html">ENBY NAME GENERATOR</a></b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://yawriterstoolbox.blogspot.com/p/starship-name-generator.html">STARSHIP NAME GENERATOR</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
Let me know if you have any requests for more futuristic character names, notice anything amiss, or spot any first or last names that should be removed!<br />
<br />
Most of the science fiction names are ones I have made up myself using a varity of prefixes and suffixes. While some are grounded firmly in certain linguistic roots, others are blends. And because English is my primary language, I may have inadvertently included names that read poorly in other languages. Apologies in advance for this, and please don't hesistate to let me know if you find any that are offensive. I'll remove them!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay tuned: I'm working on a star and planet name generator!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{ Also on the blog: <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/02/pitch-factory-twitter-pitch-logline.html">Twitter Pitch Generators</a></u> }</div>
<br />
<b>More SciFi Names: </b> <u><a href="https://donjon.bin.sh/scifi/name/">donjon SciFi Name Generators</a></u> || <u><a href="https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/futuristic-names.php">Futuristic Name Generator</a> </u> || <u><a href="http://www.scifiideas.com/sci-fi-character-name-generator/">Sci-Fi Character Name Generator</a></u> || <u><a href="https://www.fantasynamegen.com/">Fantasy Name Gen (choose the sci-fi option)</a></u> ||<br />
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-33059147307570730502018-07-19T08:35:00.000-07:002020-04-27T23:25:33.367-07:00Researching Literary Agents<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YB6i3huQyVo/W1CszfZv53I/AAAAAAAADn4/E3-kKDwzgKQp742N9wF3aARZjaZcxX29wCLcBGAs/s1600/Notebook1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YB6i3huQyVo/W1CszfZv53I/AAAAAAAADn4/E3-kKDwzgKQp742N9wF3aARZjaZcxX29wCLcBGAs/s320/Notebook1.JPG" width="320" /></a>You've got your book.<br />
You've got your query.<br />
<br />
You want to be published by one of the Big Five publishers, which means you need a Literary Agent.<br />
<br />
So how do you find a Lit Agent that will be a good fit?<br />
<br />
Thankfully it's an easy, two step process ... <i>that may or may not consume your life with how long it can take and how much energy you pour into it. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Shhh</i>.<br />
<br />
{ see also my <b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/03/querying-resource-roundup.html">Query Resources</a></b> }<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Finding the perfect Literary Agent for You:</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Step 1: Compile a List of Literary Agents</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Open up a spreadsheet, and make a list of at least 50-100 agents that:<br />
<br />
1. Represent books like yours<br />
2. Represent your age category (Adult, YA or MG etc)<br />
3. Represent your genre (Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Contemporary etc.)<br />
4. Have a track record of sales<br />
<br />
<b><i>How do you find agents who represent books like yours?</i></b><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
Grab a book where you could imagine yourself saying: "Well, my book is kind of like THIS book, except ... [Insert difference]." It could have similar themes, or the writing is similar, or the subgenre and world have a similar feel to yours, or just <i>something about the book</i> really jives with you.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
a. Flip to the acknowledgements. Writers will usually thank their lit agent there. <br />
If the agent loved <i>this</i> book enough to represent it, maybe just maybe they'll love yours!!<br />
<br />
b. Visit QueryTracker's <u><b><a href="https://querytracker.net/clients.php">Who Reps Whom</a>:</b></u><br />
Select the first letter of the author's last name, and you're off!<br />
<br />
c. Visit Query Tracker's <b><a href="https://querytracker.net/literary_agents.php">Agents By Genre</a></b> Search<br />
You'll need a (free) subscription to Query Tracker to do this,<br />
but you will want one when Querying. <i>Believe me! </i><br />
I could write an entire series of posts on all the gems buried in Query Tracker.<br />
<br />
d. If YA or MG SFF is your niche, I've got a list of<br />
<b><u><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2012/05/agency-list-who-reps-ya-fantasy-sci-fi.html">Lit Agencies that Represent YA or MG Spec Fic</a></u></b></div>
<br />
After you've done that, do a double check on their agency or agent website guidelines. Are they still representing your age/genre? Yes? Good. Add them to your list!<br />
<br />
<b><i>How do you find agents who WANT books like yours?</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Agents might technically represent your genre, and may have even represented the best Comp Title to your book once upon a time, but that doesn't mean they are looking for another book like it now. So to find what they really want, you'll need to dig deeper. This is where things start to get tricky and you can waste a lot of time. BUT. Taking the time to do a bit more sleuthing can also be a gold mine. Full disclosure: twitter stalking is how I (somewhat indirectly) found my agent.<br />
<br />
So how do you find what they want <i>now</i>?<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Agency or Agent Websites</b><br />Not all agencies will do this, but some will have mini wishlists on the sidebars of their site, or list wishlist items on their bios. Unfortunately these are not always dated.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">Manuscript Wish List</a><br />This website is amazing, pure amazing. Search for an agent or a genre, subgenre or other keyword and find an agent who has said they want just what you're serving. Thank agent Jessica Sinsheimer for this MSWL miracle!</li>
<li><a href="http://mswishlist.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">MSWishList</a><br />This is similar to the above site in some ways, but simply pulls #MSWL listings from agents' twitter accounts.</li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mswl?f=tweets&vertical=default" style="font-weight: bold;">#MSWL Hashtag on Twitter</a><br />This will be the best way to see the most recent Manuscript Wish List requests from agents</li>
<li><a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/search/label/Agent%20Spotlight" style="font-weight: bold;">Agent Spotlight</a><br />Though some of these will be older interviews, they are a great way to get to know agents and their tastes! Be sure to Google for other recent interviews too.</li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor/lists/literary-agents">Twitter Stalking</a></b><br />Okay, not <i>actual</i> stalking, but in all seriousness, one of the best ways to get to know an agent's tastes might just be by following what they have to say on Twitter. The link above is to my list of over 500 Lit Agents on Twitter!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, have you found 50 or 100 or 500 agents that you could potentially query? </div>
<div>
Great! Now it's time to do a little more research:</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Step 2: Research and Rank</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
If an agent on your list has already sold a book to a well-known and respected publisher, it's fairly likely that they are a reputable agent, and worthy of a query from you. BUT NOT ALWAYS.<br />
<br />
<b>Red flags? </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Fees</b><br />The biggest is if an agent tries to charge you for anything up front. A reputable agent will <u>never</u> charge you anything until they sell your book.</li>
<li><b>Lack of Sales</b><br />Some agents will not have a track record of sales. Maybe they only sold that one book. Not necessarily a red flag, but could show lack of experience and connections, so dig deeper. How long have they been operating as an agent? Have they been around forever but few sales? Red flag. Are they brand new but interned and assisted at a few reputable agencies? Are they at an agency with a good track record now? You may want to give them a query!<br /><br />How do you dig up agent sales? Well, in addition to combing through their bios on agency websites, and Query Tracker's client listings (which link you to the clients' Amazon pages), one of the best ways is via <u><a href="https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/">Publisher's Marketplace</a></u>. Caveat here: Publisher's Marketplace provides an incomplete picture of agent sales, because agents won't report all their sales there, for a variety of reasons. However, it's still useful. Unfortunately, you'll have to pay for full access. Fortunately, <u><a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/search/index.html?q=Rights+report&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&sortByDate=on">Publishers Weekly "Rights Report"</a></u> is published regularly, is free, and is an extremely valuable resource. You can browse the listings, or Google "dream agent's name" + "rights report" to see what their latest reported sales are. They won't have advertised all of them, but it will give you a good idea.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Shoddy practices </b><br />Some agents will play a numbers game: sign a lot of clients, won't read (or edit) the entire manuscript, then send that work out scattershot style to a horde of publishers all at once and see if something sticks. Obviously, this is NOT the kind of agent you want. <i>They</i> might sell one or two things, but if you're one of the many clients whose work doesn't sell, your work (which might not have been quite ready) cannot be fixed up and shown to those editors again. You just missed your shot.<br /><br />See also: <u><a href="https://michaeljmcdonagh.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/scary-agent-vetting-test-in-real-time/">Scary Agent Vetting Test</a></u></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Before submitting to any agent, do your research Make sure they aren't a schmagent:</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Visit AW's <a href="https://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?22-Bewares-Recommendations-amp-Background-Check"><b>Bewares, Recommendations, & Background Checks</b></a>:<br />Again, you'll need a free subscription to Absolute Write Water Cooler, but <i>these forums are writerbee gold.</i>Once there, scroll past the adverts to the top of the forum threads and click the small dropdown menu header to the right that says "Search Forum" <br />Search for the name of the agent or agency you are trying to research. <br />If there is dirt on an agent, chances are high it will be here. Do be aware that there may be disgruntled queriers in the mix too, so keep this in mind. Seek out opinions from folks who have actually worked with the agent.</li>
<li>Check out <b><a href="http://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/">Writer Beware</a></b>, read their <u><a href="http://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/agents/">Literary Agent Red Flags</a></u>, and their <u><a href="http://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/thumbs-down-agency/">Thumbs Down Agencies List</a></u>.</li>
<li>When in doubt, ask:<br /><br />If you know a writer who has been through the querying trenches a time or two, chances are they know some of the shoddy agents and agencies by name. I can think of several in my head right now. o.O</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, go forth and polish up your manuscript, fix up that query letter, and query those agents!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you need help with your Query, I've compiled some resources for that here: <br />
<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/03/querying-resource-roundup.html">Querying Resource Roundup</a></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Additional Agent Researching Resources:</b></div>
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.janefriedman.com/find-literary-agent/">How to Find a Literary Agent - Jane Friedman</a></b> || <b><a href="http://www.publishingcrawl.com/2013/09/06/researching-literary-agents/">Researching Literary Agents - Susan Dennard</a></b> || <b><a href="http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2012/01/24/25-things-writers-should-know-about-agents/">25 Things Writers Should Know bout Literary Agents - Chuck Wendig</a></b> || <b><a href="https://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2014/05/02/classifying-your-book-how-to-research-target-literary-agents/">How to Research and Target Literary Agents - Writers In The Storm</a></b> || <b><a href="https://blog.nathanbransford.com/2017/06/how-to-research-literary-agent">How to Research a Literary Agent - Nathan Bransford</a></b> || <b><a href="https://www.janefriedman.com/how-do-you-know-if-your-agent-is-any-good/">How Do You Know if Your Agent is Any Good?</a></b> || <b><a href="http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2007/06/bad-agent.html">Bookends on Bad Agents</a></b> ||<br />
<br /></div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-65115418243742538252018-04-04T05:04:00.001-07:002018-04-18T15:20:28.125-07:00Query Lab #4 - April Giveaway Open<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-k5pO9MtNw/VyH4-HsdN7I/AAAAAAAADH8/qlA59UZMpyAhHKL5FkRzza337PO1sji7QCLcB/s1600/QueryLab3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-k5pO9MtNw/VyH4-HsdN7I/AAAAAAAADH8/qlA59UZMpyAhHKL5FkRzza337PO1sji7QCLcB/s320/QueryLab3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Query Lab #4 Giveaway</b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">image: </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/users/holdentrils-297699/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">holdentrils</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In case you missed it, <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></u> is a new feature on my blog. After getting through the query trenches myself I wanted to give back to the writing community!<br />
<br />
When the giveaway runs, I'll open up a submissions window for those interested in receiving a Query & 1st 10 page critique from me. When the sub window closes, I'll randomly select winners and a runner up!<br />
<br />
<i></i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>4 Winners</i> will receive a private Query & 1st 10 page critique/consultation from me.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></b><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>1</i> <i>Runner-Up</i> will receive a Query-only Critique from me that will be <u>publicly posted</u> on this blog.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-small;"> { What does a public crit from me look like? </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-small;"> <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-lab-1-ya-urban-fantasy-query.html">Click here to see</a></u>! }</span><br />
<br />
I'm <i>most</i> experienced with YA and MG, as that's what I write. However, I can definitely help with other age categories as well. The only thing I wouldn't be a good fit for is erotica (sorry!!)<br />
<br />
{ For more info on <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></u>, please see the original information post <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">here</a>!</u><br />
And check out my Calendar of <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/critique-calendar.html">other opportunities for query critiques</a></u>.}<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The Query Lab #DVPit & #</span></b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>pitdark</b></span><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> Edition</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Query + 1st 10 Page Critique Giveaway</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">O</span></b><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">PEN UNTIL A</span></b></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">PRIL 18th</span></b><br /><br /><b style="color: #cc0000;">Also! Note that next month's theme will be #PitMad manuscripts,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">check back <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/search/label/Query%20Lab">here</a></u> in May for that<br />announcement and entry window!</span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Enter:</span></b></div>
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<li><b>Meet the Monthly Focus Criteria: </b><br />Each month, I will focus on a particular type of submission. This will limit the types of authors and/or manuscripts that are eligible to enter each month. I decided to do this so that my query critiques will be of maximum help to writers preparing for upcoming contests that have a particular genre or focus!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A</span><span style="text-align: left;">p</span></b></span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b>ril Focus: </b></span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">#DVPit & #pitdark Edition</span></b><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></b></span><br />
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<li><b>Comment on this Post before 11:59pm, April 18th: </b>Please leave a comment on this post with the following:<br /></li>
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<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Enter Me!"<br /></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> A way for me to contact you if you win</span></b><br /><i> (If you aren't signed in with your Google ID, maybe leave a Twitter handle or blog address, OR check back here when the contest closes to see if you've won)<br /></i></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b> Note if you are willing to be a Runner-Up</b></span><br /><i> (Runners-Up will receive a PUBLIC query critique from me, posted on this blog<br /> Want to see what that looks like? <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-lab-1-ya-urban-fantasy-query.html">Check out a Previous Critique here</a></u>.)<br /></i></li>
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<li><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Check out my past Query Advice:</b><br />Okay, so technically you don't </span>have<span style="font-style: normal;"> to do this before you enter. BUT I do highly recommend you browse my query tips and apply those that seem relevant </span>before<span style="font-style: normal;"> subbing ... because why enter to "win" advice from me that I'm already giving away to everyone?? <i><span style="font-style: normal;">;oD</span></i></span></i><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><br />You'll get better, more tailored tips from me if you're already applying some of the things I mention in the posts below! </span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(keep in mind all queries/stories are different so your mileage may vary with some of the advice)<br /></span></i></li>
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<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-anatomy-of-query-letter.html">The Anatomy of a Query</a></b></i></li>
<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-query-letter-pitch-as.html">The Query Pitch as Story </a></b></i></li>
<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-lab-1-ya-urban-fantasy-query.html">Query Lab Critique: YA Urban Fantasy, Multiple POV Query</a></b></i></li>
<li><b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-lab-2-mg-fantasy-query-critique.html">Query Lab Critique: MG Fantasy</a></b></li>
<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/03/querying-resource-roundup.html">Querying Resources</a></b></i></li>
<li><b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-theory-101-successful-query.html">Successful Query Database</a></b></li>
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Want to know more about <b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></b>, or the upcoming submission theme/focus schedule? Check out the original post <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">here</a></u>.<br />
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Got a question? Feel free to drop me a line on Twitter! ( <u><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor">@carissaataylor</a></u> )</div>
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-9548241802363477972017-05-30T19:59:00.001-07:002020-04-27T23:26:53.313-07:00Read Authors of Color - A Resource List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Need to find books written by Writers of Color and Native Authors? This is a set of resources for you!<br />
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Apologies in advance -- most of these links will be heavily weighted toward authors of YA / MG, because that is what I gravitate toward. However, I will keep expanding to include others! This is a work in progress and I'd love your input if you know of resources I've missed.<br />
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Also note that while I've tried to keep this collection as strictly focused on POC & Native <i>Authors</i> as possible, a few resources may also list a few books with POC / Native<i> main characters</i> too. I will try to note those.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html%20id=" top="">Table of Contents</a></span></b><br />
<i>(Click to jump to a particular section)</i><br />
<i><br /></i><b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#General">General / Mixed Lists</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Black">African-American / Black Authors</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#AsianAmerican">Asian-American / Pacific Islander Authors</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Latinx">Latinx Authors</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Muslim">Muslim & Middle Eastern-American Authors</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Native">Native Authors</a></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="General">General / Mixed Authors of Color Lists:</a></span></b><br />
(<a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Top">back to top</a>)<br />
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<i>New Releases by Writers of Color</i><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/10-diverse-books-by-ya-authors-of-color-to-read-in-2017">10 YA Must Reads by Authors of Color in 2017 - Teen Vogue </a></span></li>
<li><a href="https://wtpsite.wordpress.com/2017-summer-reading-list-2/" style="font-family: inherit;">We're the People : Summer 2017 Reading List</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><a href="https://campbele.wordpress.com/booklists/booklist-2016-2017/" style="font-family: inherit;">POC 2016 / 2017 Release List - CrazyQuiltEdi</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://campbele.wordpress.com/booklists/booklist-2014/" style="font-family: inherit;">YA Authors of Colo</a><u style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://campbele.wordpress.com/booklists/booklist-2014/">r </a><a href="https://campbele.wordpress.com/booklists/booklist-2014/">2014-15 releases - CrazyQuiltEdi</a></u></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/writing-resources/2016-17-yas-by-authors-of-color/">Upcoming 2016/2017 YA Books by Authors of Color - DailyDahlia</a> </li>
<li>Goodreads List: SFF By Authors of Color: in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/112179.2019_SFF_by_Authors_of_Color">2019</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/103493.2018_SFF_by_Authors_of_Color">2018</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/102904.2017_SFF_by_Authors_of_Color">2017</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/94873.2016_SFF_by_Authors_of_Color">2016</a> </li>
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<i>Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Picture Book Authors of Color</i></div>
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<li><u style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/91987.MG_YA_NA_ownvoices">Goodreads List: #OwnVoices MG/YA/NA</a></u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/96119._ReadPOC_List_of_Books_by_Authors_of_Color" style="font-family: inherit;">Goodreads List: #ReadPOC</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/96059._1000BlackGirlBooks_Suggestions_for_Marley_Dias_s_Amazing_Book_Drive">Goodreads List: #1000BlackGirlBooks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/107255.Comic_Creators_of_Color">Goodreads List: Comic Creators of Color</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/94201.Young_Adult_SFF_by_Writers_of_Color">Goodreads List: YA, MG Spec Fic by Writers of Color</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/94201.MG_YA_Speculative_Fiction_by_Authors_of_Color">Goodreads List: MG & YA SFF by Writers of Color</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/98911.POC_YA_Novels_NOT_about_The_Struggle_">Goodreads List: POC YA Novels not about "the struggle" </a>(not all #ownvoices)</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bookavid.tumblr.com/post/154485028523/ya-books-about-poc-by-poc-ownvoices">YA #ownvoices books about POC, by POC - BookAvid</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="https://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/writing-resources/yas-by-and-about-people-of-marginalized-races/">Books by and About Marginalized Races - Daily Dahlia</a></u></span> </li>
<li><a href="https://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/writing-resources/ya-authors-of-color-backlist/">YA Backlist by Authors of Color - Daily Dahlia</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.yainterrobang.com/ya-fantasy-by-women-of-color-list/">YA Fantasy by Women of Color - YA Interrobang</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://ghoststar.net/blog/urban-fantasy-writers-of-color-an-ongoing-list">Urban Fantasy Writers of Color - DanielJoseOlder</a> </li>
<li><u style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://diversityinya.tumblr.com/tagged/DiYA-Lists">Diversity in YA Lists</a></u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/15-yas-that-get-it-right/">15 YA Books that Get it Right</a></u> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><u style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amightygirl.com/books/fiction/multicultural-fiction">Multicultural Fiction - A Mighty Girl</a></u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><u style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/diversity/multicultural/multi_background.html">Exploring Diversity Through Children's and YA Books</a></u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://weneeddiversebooks.org/perspectives-of-authors-with-disabilities-part-2/">Perspectives of Authors with Disabilities</a> (some authors of color, some are not)</span></li>
<li><a href="https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/list/share/220740577_librariandest/650702937_ownvoices_middle_grade_fiction" style="font-family: inherit;">#OwnVoices MG Fiction</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.imnotthenanny.com/2016/01/diverse-chapter-books-about-growing-up-in-the-south.html">Diverse Chapter Books & Novels about Growing up POC in the South</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://weneeddiversebooks.tumblr.com/post/85086028867/does-anyone-have-suggestions-for-diverse-books-for">Diverse Picture Books for Toddlers (3-5yo) </a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="http://weneeddiversebooks.org/summer-reading-series/">WNDB - "If You liked ..." Summer Reading Recs</a> </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">Other / General Writers of Color Lists</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/32106.Feminist_Books_by_Women_of_Color" style="font-family: inherit;">Goodreads List: Feminist Books by Women of Color</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/89207.Books_by_LGBTQ_People_of_Color">Goodreads List: Books by LGBTQ Authors of Color</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/90926.Queer_Female_Authors_of_Color">Goodreads List: Queer Female Authors of Color</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/96119._ReadPOC_List_of_Books_by_Authors_of_Color" style="font-family: inherit;">Goodreads List: #ReadPOC</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/96282._ReadPOC_List_of_Romance_Books_by_Authors_of_Color">Goodreads List: #ReadPOC Romance</a></span></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/12716.Speculative_Fiction_by_Authors_of_Color">Goodreads List: Speculative Fiction by Authors of Color</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/96240._ReadPOC_List_of_Historical_Fiction_by_Authors_of_Color">Goodreads List: Historical Fiction by Authors of Color</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/96191._ReadPOC_List_of_Nonfiction_Books_by_Authors_of_Color">Goodreads List: Non-Fiction Books by Authors of Color</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/95678.Multicultural_Female_Authors">Goodreads List: Multicultural Female Authors</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://campbele.wordpress.com/poc-authorsmgyagraphic/">POC Authors List - </a></span><span style="color: #659bb2; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://campbele.wordpress.com/poc-authorsmgyagraphic/">CrazyQuilt Edi</a></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/looking-to-diversify-your-reading-history-read-these-20-books-to-get-started/">20 Books to Start Diversifying Your Reading History - RDB</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.readincolour.com/2017/05/2017-carefree-colourful-women-beach.html">Carefree Colorful Women Beach Reads</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://www.librarything.com/catalog/World_Full_of_Color">Librarything - World Full of Color</a></u> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://fatgirlpopculture.tumblr.com/post/130818205402/dear-cbcdiversity-hear-me-roar-here-are-ten">10 Books Actually Written by Authors of Color</a></u> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://writingwithcolor.tumblr.com/tagged/authors-of-color">WWC: Authors of Color</a></u> </span></li>
<li><u><a href="http://marinaomi.com/poc/cocindex.html">The Cartoonists of Color Database</a></u> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://readingasiam.wordpress.com/2016/12/26/diversitybingo2017-tbr-and-book-suggestions/">Diversity Bingo - ReadingAsianAmerican</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.readincolour.com/p/authors-of-color-online.html">Authors of Color Online List - RIC</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://eleanorglewwe.com/hapa-book-list/">Hapa Booklist</a> </span></li>
<li><a href="http://diaryofareadingaddict.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-bookish-diversity-link-list-2017.html" style="font-family: inherit;">The Bookish Diversity Link List 2017 - DORA</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (And 2016 Version</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://diaryofareadingaddict.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-bookish-diversity-link-list-2016.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/the-ultimate-diverse-reading-list/">The Ultimate Diverse Reading List - RDB</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogwritteninwonder.wordpress.com/diversity/">Diverse Book List - Written in Wonder</a> (notes if the book is ownvoices)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://avajae.blogspot.com/2015/11/diverse-books-resource-list.html">Diverse Books Resource List 2015 - Ava Jae</a> / <a href="http://avajae.blogspot.com/2016/12/diverse-books-resource-list-2016.html">2016</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://ifyoucanreadthis.wordpress.com/2016/06/06/diversity-nonfiction-writers-of-color-as-experts/">Diversity in Non-Fiction</a> </span></li>
<li><a href="http://weneeddiversebooks.org/where-to-find-diverse-books/" style="font-family: inherit;">WNDB - Where to Find Diverse Books</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="http://weneeddiversebooks.org/end-of-the-year-booklists/">WNDB - End of the Year Book Recs</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="http://weneeddiversebooks.org/summer-reading-series/">WNDB - "If You liked ..." Summer Reading Recs</a> </span></li>
</ul>
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<i>Sci-Fi and Fantasy POC Authors </i></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://www.yainterrobang.com/ya-fantasy-by-women-of-color-list/">YA Fantasy by Women of Color - YA Interrobang</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/87575.Fantasy_Novels_by_Women_of_Color">Goodreads List: Fantasy Novels By Women of Color</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/12716.Speculative_Fiction_by_Authors_of_Color">Goodreads List: Speculative Fiction by Authors of Color</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/96415._ReadPOC_List_of_Speculative_Fiction_by_Authors_of_Color">Goodreads List: Adult Spec Fic by POC</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/94201.Young_Adult_SFF_by_Writers_of_Color">Goodreads List: YA, MG Spec Fic by Authors of Color</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/94201.MG_YA_Speculative_Fiction_by_Authors_of_Color">Goodreads List: MG & YA SFF by Writers of Color</a> </li>
<li>Goodreads List: SFF By Authors of Color: in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/112179.2019_SFF_by_Authors_of_Color">2019</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/103493.2018_SFF_by_Authors_of_Color">2018</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/102904.2017_SFF_by_Authors_of_Color">2017</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/94873.2016_SFF_by_Authors_of_Color">2016</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/home.php">All Our Worlds - Diverse Fantastic Fiction</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://ghoststar.net/blog/urban-fantasy-writers-of-color-an-ongoing-list">Urban Fantasy Writers of Color - DanielJoseOlder</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://theillustratedpage.wordpress.com/diversity-in-fantasy-and-science-fiction/non-white-protagonists-in-fantasy-and-science-fiction/">List: Non-White Protagonists in SFF -- IllustratedPage</a><br /> (note: not all are authors of color - scroll halfway down the page to view POC authors)</li>
</ul>
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<b><i>Hashtags:</i> </b><a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&q=%23OwnVoices&src=typd">#OwnVoices</a><b> ||</b> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&q=%23Diverseathon&src=typd">#Diverseathon</a> || #<a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23RamadanReads&src=typd">RamadanReads</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23RamadanReadathon&src=typd">#RamadanReadathon</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AsianLitChat&src=typd">#AsianLitChat</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AsianLitBingo&src=typd">#AsianLitBingo</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&q=%23ReadAsianOz&src=typd">#ReadAsianOz</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&q=%23ReadDiverse2017&src=typd">#ReadDiverse2017</a> ||<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="Black">African-American / Black Authors</a></span></b><br />
(<a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Top">back to top</a>)<br />
<b><br /></b><i>New Releases by Black Authors</i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/109149.25_Books_for_Teens_by_Black_Women_Writers_to_Rock_Your_2017">Goodreads List: 2017 Teen Releases by Black Authors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/105133.Whoever_Wants_Honey_Must_Brave_the_Bees_Forthcoming_Books_for_2017_by_Authors_of_African_Descent">Goodreads List: Adult Releases by Authors of African Descent 2017</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/93248.If_The_Yam_Used_In_Sacrifice_Does_Not_Die_Prematurely_It_Will_Eventually_Germinate_Forthcoming_Books_for_2016_by_Authors_of_African_Descent">2016</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/73391.There_Is_Sweetness_In_Bitter_Leaf_At_The_End_Forthcoming_Books_for_2015_by_Authors_of_African_Descent">2015</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/46888.However_Long_the_Night_the_Dawn_Will_Break_Forthcoming_Books_for_2014_by_Authors_of_African_Descent">2014</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/37335.2013_Adult_Literary_Reads_From_Authors_of_African_Descent">2013</a> </li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thebookavid.blogspot.com/2016/08/20-exciting-201617-ya-books-by-black.html" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">20 Exciting YA Books by Black Women 2016/2017 - TheBookAvid</a><a href="http://thebookavid.blogspot.com/2016/08/20-exciting-201617-ya-books-by-black.html"> </a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://aalbc.com/books/comingsoon.php">63 Upcoming Books of Black Literature 2017 - AALBC</a> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="https://africanbookaddict.com/2017/01/04/2017-new-releases-to-anticipate/">24 New African, African-American and Caribbean Releases for 2017 - African Book Addict</a></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zettaelliott.com/2016-mg-ya-titles-by-african-americans/" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">2016 YA & MG Titles by African American Authors - Zetta Elliott</a> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="https://thebrownbookshelf.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/bbs-fiction1.pdf">2016-2015 African-American Fiction Highlights - The Brown Bookshelf</a> </li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.theroot.com/15-new-books-by-black-authors-to-dive-into-this-summer-1790910868">15 New Books to Dive Into Summer 2015 - The Root</a> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/25-books-by-black-authors-from-2015-you-need-to-read_us_5678308fe4b06fa6887dfbac">25 Must Read Books by Black Authors from 2015 - HuffPo</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.zettaelliott.com/2015-african-american-mg-ya-fiction/">2015 African American Fiction - Zetta Elliott</a> </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Young Adult & Middle Grade Black Authors</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3446.African_American_Books_for_Teens">Goodreads List : African American Books for Teens</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/109149.25_Books_for_Teens_by_Black_Women_Writers_to_Rock_Your_2017">Goodreads List: 2017 Teen Releases by Black Authors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/82752.If_You_Patiently_Dissect_An_Ant_You_See_Its_Intestines_Incoming_Middle_Grade_Young_Adult_Books_Written_by_Black_Authors_for_2016">Goodreads List: 2016 Teen Releases by Black Authors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/72586.Patience_is_the_Mother_of_a_Beautiful_Child_Incoming_MG_YA_Books_Written_by_Black_Authors_for_2015">Goodreads List: 2015 Teen Releases by Black Authors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/45146.A_Patient_Man_Will_Eat_Ripe_Fruit_Incoming_MG_YA_Books_Written_by_Black_Authors_for_2014">Goodreads List: 2014 Teen Releases by Black Authors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/35903.2013_MG_YA_Books_Written_by_Authors_of_African_Descent">Goodreads List: 2013 Teen Releases by Black Authors</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.xojane.com/entertainment/black-female-authors-ya">Must Read YA Books by Black Women - xoJane</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/19/books/review/black-lives-matter-teenage-books.html">YA Books Exploring Race & Police Brutality</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://bookriot.com/2016/08/10/30-black-comic-book-writers-you-should-know/">30 Black Comic Writers You Should Know</a> </li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/7-books-to-read-while-you-wait-for-the-hate-u-give/">7 Books to read while you wait for The Hate U Give -BN</a> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://richincolor.com/2017/02/8-ya-books-for-blackhistorymonth/">8 YA Books for Black History Month - RichInColor</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://rampyourvoice.com/2016/02/11/disabled-black-history-shining-a-light-on-disabled-black-authors-their-work/">12 Disabled Black Authors</a></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zettaelliott.com/african-american-speculative-fiction-for-kids/" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">African-American Spec Fic for Kid</a>s</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://blackchildrensbooksandauthors.tumblr.com/">Black Children's Books and Authors</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://diversityinya.tumblr.com/post/75802493410/10-african-american-ya-authors-to-know-click-on">10 African-American Authors to Know - DiversityInYA</a> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thebookavid.blogspot.com/2016/08/20-exciting-201617-ya-books-by-black.html" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">20 Exciting YA Books by Black Women 2016/2017 - TheBookAvid</a><a href="http://thebookavid.blogspot.com/2016/08/20-exciting-201617-ya-books-by-black.html"> </a></span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.zettaelliott.com/2016-mg-ya-titles-by-african-americans/" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">2016 YA & MG Titles by African American Authors - Zetta Elliott</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/2014/02/10-ya-books-about-african-american-teens-by-african-american-writers/">10 YA Books by African American Writers 2014 - DiversityInYA</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://theblackkidstable.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/a-guide-to-black-friendly-young-adult-fantasy/">A 2012 Guide to Black Friendly YA Fantasy</a> </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Adult Black Authors</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/35443.Books_by_Authors_of_African_Descent_That_Don_t_Feature_Slavery_Colonialism_Racism_or_Poverty">Goodreads List: Literary Fiction by Authors of African Descent where race is not a focus</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/102448.Black_women_by_black_women">Goodreads List: Black Women by Black Women</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/105133.Whoever_Wants_Honey_Must_Brave_the_Bees_Forthcoming_Books_for_2017_by_Authors_of_African_Descent">Goodreads List: Adult Releases by Authors of African Descent 2017</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/93248.If_The_Yam_Used_In_Sacrifice_Does_Not_Die_Prematurely_It_Will_Eventually_Germinate_Forthcoming_Books_for_2016_by_Authors_of_African_Descent">2016</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/73391.There_Is_Sweetness_In_Bitter_Leaf_At_The_End_Forthcoming_Books_for_2015_by_Authors_of_African_Descent">2015</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/46888.However_Long_the_Night_the_Dawn_Will_Break_Forthcoming_Books_for_2014_by_Authors_of_African_Descent">2014</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/37335.2013_Adult_Literary_Reads_From_Authors_of_African_Descent">2013</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyford/13-must-reads-for-the-black-feminist?utm_term=.jep8MEARk#.bjlmKlopW">13 Must-Reads for the Black Feminist in Training</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://rampyourvoice.com/2016/02/11/disabled-black-history-shining-a-light-on-disabled-black-authors-their-work/">12 Disabled Black Authors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://brownbooksandgreentea.com/2016/08/11/20-black-women-with-killer-bibliographies/">20 Black Women with Killer Bibliographies</a> </li>
<li><u><a href="http://blavity.com/22-books-by-black-authors-to-add-to-your-beach-bag-this-summer/">22 Black Authors to add to your Beach Bag This Summer</a></u> </li>
<li><a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_African=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">All Our Worlds : African Tag Search</a> / <a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_Black=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">Black Tag Search</a> <i>(note: some are not #ownvoices)</i> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.readincolour.com/search/label/African-American%20chick%20lit">African American Chick Lit - Read In Colour</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.forharriet.com/2014/08/7-black-women-science-fiction-writers.html">Black Women Science Fiction Writers - For Harriet</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books/adults/booklists/246/">Black History Month Booklist - Book Trust</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books/adults/booklists/66/">Books Set in Africa - Book Trust</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://mauricebroaddus.com/uncategorized/5446/">African Americans in Speculative Fiction : A Primer</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.fantasticstoriesoftheimagination.com/a-crash-course-in-the-history-of-black-science-fiction/">A Crash Course in The History of Black Science Fiction</a></li>
<li><u><a href="http://www.biography.com/people/groups/black-writers">Famous Black Writers</a></u> </li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/5-must-read-jamaican-authors/">5 Must-Read Jamaican Authors - Read Diverse Books</a></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://aalbc.com/books/comingsoon.php">63 Upcoming Books of Black Literature 2017 - AALBC</a> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="https://africanbookaddict.com/2017/01/04/2017-new-releases-to-anticipate/">24 New African, African-American and Caribbean Releases for 2017 - African Book Addict</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thebrownbookshelf.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/bbs-fiction1.pdf">2016-2015 African-American Fiction Highlights - The Brown Bookshelf</a> </li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.theroot.com/15-new-books-by-black-authors-to-dive-into-this-summer-1790910868">15 New Books to Dive Into Summer 2015 - The Root</a> </span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/25-books-by-black-authors-from-2015-you-need-to-read_us_5678308fe4b06fa6887dfbac">25 Must Read Books by Black Authors from 2015 - HuffPo</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.zettaelliott.com/2015-african-american-mg-ya-fiction/">2015 African American Fiction - Zetta Elliott</a> </li>
<li><br /></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>PB & Children's Book Black Authors</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://muslimgirl.com/19929/celebrate-black-history-month-african-american-muslim-authors-childrens-books/">Children's Books Written by Black Muslim Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://unconventionallibrarian.com/2017/05/17/8-books-kids-celebrating-african-american-hair/">8 Books for Kids Celebrating African-American Hair</a> </li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zettaelliott.com/african-american-speculative-fiction-for-kids/" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">African-American Spec Fic for Kids</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Other Black Author Lists</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<u><a href="http://twinjabookreviews.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/why-we-need-diverse-book-reviewersand.html">Twinja's Black Book Bloggers List</a></u> || <a href="http://blackgirlnerds.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #659bb2; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Black Nerd Girls</a><span style="text-align: center;"> || <a href="https://africanbookaddict.com/">African Book Addict</a> ||</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="AsianAmerican">Asian-American / Asian / Pacific Islander Authors</a></span></b><br />
(<a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Top">back to top</a>)<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://thebookavid.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/20-upcoming-201617-ya-books-by-asian.html">Upcoming 2016/2017 YA Books by Asian Women</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://readingasiam.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/asian-lit-bingo-reading-challenge-announcement-and-master-post/">Asian Lit Bingo - ReadingAsianAmerican</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/summer-reading-books-featuring-asian-americans-pacific-islander-kids-teens-n765896">16 Books by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - NBC</a></li>
<li><a href="http://richincolor.com/2015/04/10-ya-books-by-asian-american-authors/">10 YA Books by Asian American Authors - Rich in Color</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://bookriot.com/2017/04/10/5-ownvoices-ya-reads-on-the-asian-immigrant-experience/">5 #Ownvoices Reads on the Asian Immigrant Experience</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/154087-11-young-adult-novels-by-asian-american-authors">11 YA Novels by Asian-American Authors - Bustle</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/2015/05/10-new-debut-asian-american-ya-authors/">10 New and Debut Asian American Authors 2015 - DiversityinYA</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://richincolor.com/2017/05/8-books-for-asianpacific-american-heritage-month/">8 Books for Asian-Pacific Heritage Month - RichInColor</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/groundbreaking-asian-american-poets-read-immigrant-refugee-roots-n764211">Groundbreaking Asian-American Poets with Immigrant Roots </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1341.Best_Asian_American_Teen_Fiction">Goodreads List: Best Asian American Teen Fiction</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/108792.Works_by_Asian_Canadian_Authors">Goodreads List: Asian Canadian Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/103490.Asian_Speculative_Fiction_by_Asian_Authors_ownvoices#21979832">Goodreads List: Asian Spec Fic By Asian Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/107257.Asian_American_Writers">Goodreads List: Short List of Asian American Writers</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_South_Asian=on&tag_Southeast_Asian=on&tag_East_Asian=on&tag_Central_Asian=on&tag_Asia-Pacific=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">All Our Worlds : Asian Tag Search</a> / <a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_South_Asian=on&tag_Southeast_Asian=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">South Asian</a> (note: some are not #ownvoices) </li>
<li><a href="https://campbele.wordpress.com/2017/05/02/8961/">Asian / Pacific Island YA Authors - CrazyQuiltEdi</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.cbcdiversity.com/post/125170240059/7-books-about-growing-up-asian-american-i-wish-id">7 Books about growing up Asian-American - CBC Diversity</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://richincolor.com/2017/05/8-books-for-asianpacific-american-heritage-month/">8 Books for Asian-Pacific Heritage Month - RichInColor</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.crazyredpen.com/2014/06/diversity-list-of-books-by-23-asian.html">23 Asian American Authors - CrazyRedPen</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/jarrylee/essential-asian-american-writers-you-need-to-be-reading?utm_term=.xndy4dKDw#.xkvVapNX3">32 Essential Asian-American Writers - Buzzfeed</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://theyayayas.wordpress.com/2007/05/06/asian-americans-in-young-adult-fiction-booklist/">Asian-Americans in YA Fiction - YaYaYas</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://literarytreats.wordpress.com/2017/02/02/recap-asian-writers-read-in-2016/">Asian Lit - Literary Treats</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://colorfulbookreviews.wordpress.com/tag/asian/">Asian Books Tag - Colorful Book Reviews</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.readincolour.com/search/label/Asian%20lit">Asian Lit - Read In Colour</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://asiaintheheart.blogspot.com/">Asia in the Heart Reviews</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://asianya.tumblr.com/">Asian YA</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.yainterrobang.com/ownvoices-east-asian-authors/">East Asian #Ownvoices - YA Interrobang</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/mini-reviews-fantasy-novellas-written-by-asian-women-part-1/">Fantasy Novellas by Asian Women - Read Diverse Books</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://carriecuinn.com/2013/06/18/list-94-asian-speculative-fiction-authors-with-links/">150+ Asian-American Spec Fic Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.apalaweb.org/">Asian / Pacific Islander Librarians Association</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>East Asian / East Asian - American / Authors</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://www.yainterrobang.com/ownvoices-east-asian-authors/">East Asian #Ownvoices - YA Interrobang</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/genres/east-asian-authors">Goodreads List: East Asian Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://lgbtqreads.com/2017/03/24/fave-five-lgbtq-ya-by-east-asian-authors-with-east-asian-mcs/">LGBTQ by East Asian Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://readingasiam.wordpress.com/2017/01/01/asian-reads-winter-edition/">East Asian Reads: Winter Edition - ReadingAsIAm</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/19186.Chinese_American_Authors">Goodreads List: Chinese American Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://readingasiam.wordpress.com/tag/chinese-american/">Chinese-American Tag Search - ReadingAsIAm</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/16307.Japanese_American_Authors">Goodreads List: Japanese American Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://robintalley.tumblr.com/post/152814138246/yainterrobang-mini-list-of-the-week-japanese-ya">Mini-List: Japanese YA Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://readingasiam.wordpress.com/tag/japanese-american/">Japanese-American Tag Search - ReadingAsIAm</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/14592.Fiction_by_Korean_Authors_and_or_Containing_Korean_Characters">Goodreads List: Books by Korean Authors or with Korean Characters</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://jennyhan.tumblr.com/post/72783323628/cielrouge-ya-reads-featuring-korean-american">YA Reads Written by Korean-American Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/read-your-world-4-must-read-korean-writers/">4 Must-Read Korean Authors - RDB</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/98417.Taiwanese_Literature">Goodreads List: Taiwanese Literature</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://readingasiam.wordpress.com/tag/taiwanese-american/">Taiwanese-American Tag Search - ReadingAsIAm</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://bookriot.com/2017/04/20/searching-for-taiwan-in-ya-lit/">Searching for Taiwan in YA Lit</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<i><br /></i><i><br /></i><br />
<div>
<i>Filipino, Malaysian & Other Southeast Asian Authors</i><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/92237.Southeast_Asians_in_YA_Middle_Grade_Fiction">Goodreads List: Southeast Asians in YA & MG Fiction</a> (not all are #ownvoices )</li>
<li><a href="http://www.yainterrobang.com/ownvoices-southeast-asian-authors/">#OwnVoices Spotlight: Southeast Asian Authors - YAInterrobang</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_South_Asian=on&tag_Southeast_Asian=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">All Our Worlds :</a><a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_South_Asian=on&tag_Southeast_Asian=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">Southeast Asian</a> (note: some are not #ownvoices) </li>
<li><a href="https://vrocampo.com/sea-writers/">A Guide to South East Asian Authors</a></li>
<li><a href="http://yabooknerdlibrarian.tumblr.com/post/133232181434/filipino-authors-you-need-to-know">Filipino authors you need to know - YABookNerdLibrarian</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7898.Best_Books_by_Filipino_Authors">Goodreads List: Best Books by Filipino Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8078.Philippine_Philippine_American_Fiction">Goodreads List: Literary Philippine / Philippine-American Authors </a></li>
<li><a href="http://mirrorswindowsdoors.org/wp/katrina-gutierrez/">Picture Books by Filipino Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://vrocampo.com/sea-writers/sea-writers-philippines/">A Guide to Authors from the Philippines</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://mirrorswindowsdoors.org/wp/themes/mwd-theme-malaysia/">Malaysian Theme - MirrowsWindowsDoors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FVcW0bqhgHy6IDzD83C5JXwa_RFw9PfecldwphCSkA8/edit">Malaysian SFF Authors - Google Spreadsheet</a> (see <a href="http://zencho.org/malaysian-science-fiction-fantasy-writers-in-english/">also here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="https://vrocampo.com/sea-writers/sea-writers-malaysia/">A Guide to Malaysian Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://vrocampo.com/sea-writers/sea-writers-indo/">A Guide to Indonesian Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/87053.Books_by_Vietnamese_Vietnamese_Diaspora_Writers">Goodreads List: Vietnamese & Vietnamese Diaspora Writers</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/43494.Vietnamese_American_Novels_Memoirs">Goodreads List: Vietnamese Novels & Memoirs</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<i><br /></i><i>Indian / Indian-American / Sri-Lankan Authors</i><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://www.yainterrobang.com/ownvoices-southeast-asian-authors/">#Ownvoices Spotlight on South Asian Authors - YAInterrobang</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_South_Asian=on&tag_Southeast_Asian=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">All Our Worlds :</a><a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_South_Asian=on&tag_Southeast_Asian=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">South Asian</a> (note: some are not #ownvoices) </li>
<li><a href="https://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2014/04/8-great-ya-novels-featuring-south-asian-protagonists.html">8 Great Novels featuring South Asian MCs - Paste Mag</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://masalareader.wordpress.com/category/anglo-indian/">Anglo-Indian</a> & <a href="https://masalareader.wordpress.com/category/indian-american/">Indian American Books - Masala Reader</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/10-books-by-indian-authors-to-look-out-for-in-2017-29680">10 Books by Indian Authors in 2017 - Bustle</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://richincolor.com/2013/07/four-ya-books-with-indian-or-indian-american-protagonists/">4 YA Books with Indian Protagonists - Rich In Color</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/andreborges/kitaabein?utm_term=.gnXo5XWKa#.amADm2d0Z">34 Books by Indian Authors that Everyone should Read - Buzzfeed</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books/adults/booklists/232/">An Indian Summer Reading List - Book Trust</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://booksandstrips.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/indian-lgbtq-books/">Indian LGBTQ Books - Books And Strips</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://cinderzena.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/a-compilation-of-sri-lankan-literature/">A Compilation of Sri-Lankan Lit - Cinderzena</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Other Asian Author Lists</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://gamingforjustice.com/2016/12/02/native-hawaiian-ownvoices-wrap-up/">Native Hawaiian #Ownvoices -- Reading for SJ</a> || <a href="https://eleanorglewwe.com/hapa-book-list/">Hapa Booklist</a> || <a href="http://richincolor.com/2017/05/8-books-for-asianpacific-american-heritage-month/">8 Books for Asian-Pacific Heritage Month - RichInColor</a> || <a href="https://written-in-wonder.tumblr.com/post/131056183552/asian-australian-kidlit">Asian-Australian Kidlit</a> || <a href="http://loveozya.com.au/love/readasianoz-poster/">Read Asian Oz</a> ||<br />
<br />
See also: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AsianLitChat&src=typd">#AsianLitChat</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AsianLitBingo&src=typd">#AsianLitBingo</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&q=%23ReadAsianOz&src=typd">#ReadAsianOz</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pacific Islander / </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pasifika </b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">& Native Hawaiian Authors</span></b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/PasifikaWomenBookClub/">Tales from </a><a href="https://talesfrompasifika.com/category/book-recommendations/">Pasifika: Book Recommendations</a></li>
<li><a href="https://anjulietepohe.com/category/pasifika-spotlight/">Pasifika Author Spotlight - Anjulie Te Pohe</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/aotearoa-reads-details/tina-makereti-five-maori-and-pasifika-favourites">5 Maori and Pasifika Favourites - NZ Book Council</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thespinoff.co.nz/books/27-06-2017/maori-and-pasifika-writing-in-2017-thalia-kehoe-rowden-recommends-22-picture-books-that-feature-pasifika-and-maori-children/">22 Picture Books featuring Pasifika or Maori Kids</a></li>
<li><a href="https://rurureads.com/">Ruru Reads (Short Fiction by Indigenous authors -- Māori and others )</a></li>
<li><a href="https://paperwanderer.wordpress.com/2018/05/07/2018-may-reading-books-by-pasifika-writers/">Reading Books by Pasifika Writers - Paper Wanderer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.samoaplanet.com/stories-tala-mai-le-moana/">Our Stories : Tala mai le Moana - Samoa Planet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://gamingforjustice.com/2016/12/02/native-hawaiian-ownvoices-wrap-up/">Native Hawaiian #Ownvoices -- Reading for SJ</a></li>
<li><a href="https://eleanorglewwe.com/hapa-book-list/">Hapa Booklist</a></li>
<li><a href="https://written-in-wonder.tumblr.com/post/131056183552/asian-australian-kidlit">Asian-Australian Kidlit</a></li>
<li><a href="http://richincolor.com/2017/05/8-books-for-asianpacific-american-heritage-month/">8 Books for Asian-Pacific Heritage Month - RichInColor</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/PasifikaWomenBookClub/">Pasifika Women Book Club</a><br /><i>(note: this is a Private FB Group, but you can request to join)</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
See also: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indigenouslit?src=hash">#IndigenousLit</a> </div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="Latinx">Latinx Authors</a></span></b><br />
(<a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Top">back to top</a>)<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><i>New Releases by Latinx Authors</i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://remezcla.com/lists/culture/books-by-latino-writers-2018/">5 Books by Latino Authors you should read in 2018</a></li>
<li><a href="http://remezcla.com/lists/culture/best-books-latino-authors-2017/">15 Unmissable books from Latino/Latin American Authors in 2017</a></li>
<li><a href="https://fierce.wearemitu.com/fierce-boss-ladies/7-afro-latina-writers-whose-books-you-should-be-reading/">7 Afro-Latina Authors You Should Be Reading</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/djolder/status/992445269051691008">Signal Boosting Latina Authors (Twitter Thread)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/118840.2018_books_published_by_for_about_Latinos_Latinas_Latinx">Goodreads List: 2018 Titles By/For/About Latinx</a> (not all #ownvoices)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/120875.2018_Latinx_Latin_American_SFF">Goodreads List: 2018 Latinx SFF</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thebookavid.blogspot.com.au/2016/10/18-upcoming-and-recent-201617-books-by.html">18 Upcoming and Recent Books by Latinx Authors 2016/2017 - TheBookAvid</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/9-2017-releases-from-latinx-authors-to-add-to-your-tbr-this-womens-history-month-41920">9 YA Latina Books Releasing in 2017</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/108761.2017_Titles_By_For_About_Latinx">Goodreads List: 2017 Titles By/For/About Latinx</a> (not all #ownvoices)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/8-great-latino-books-published-2016-n695906">8 Great Latino Books Published in 2016 - NBC</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/your-summer-2016-reading-list-9-great-books-latino-authors-n577111">Your Summer 2016 Reading List</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.yainterrobang.com/latino-book-awards-2016-finalists/">Latino Book Awards : 2016 Finalists - YAInterrobang</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://remezcla.com/lists/culture/15-best-latino-books-2016/">15 Best Latino Books 2016 - Remezcla</a> </li>
<li>The "Not New York Times" Summer Reading List 2015: <a href="http://aldianews.com/articles/culture/literature/not-new-york-times-summer-reading-list/39131">Adult</a> // <a href="http://aldianews.com/articles/culture/literature/not-new-york-times-summer-reading-list-teens/39290">Teen</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<i>Young Adult & Middle Grade Latinx Authors</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/112294.YA_MG_Books_by_Latinx_Authors">Goodreads List: YA & MG Books by Latinx Authors</a></li>
<li>Latinx in Kidlit : <a href="https://latinosinkidlit.com/books-we-have-read-reviewed/">PB</a> / <a href="https://latinosinkidlit.com/reviewed-books-middle-grade/">MG</a> / <a href="https://latinosinkidlit.com/reviewed-books-young-adult/">YA</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/172750-9-books-by-latinx-authors-i-wish-i-had-as-a-teenager">9 Books by Latinx Authors I wish I had as a Teen - Bustle</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.latina.com/entertainment/book-club/latino-young-adult-authors-know">Latino YA Authors Everyone Needs to Know -- Latina.com</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://lgbtqreads.com/2016/04/19/lgbtq-yas-by-latinx-authors-with-latinx-mcs/">5 LGBTQ YAs by Latinx Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.wordpress.com/">Vamos a Leer</a> // <a href="https://teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.wordpress.com/latin-american-young-adult-literature/">YA Lit</a></li>
<li><a href="http://diaryofareadingaddict.blogspot.com/2016/09/graphic-novels-with-latinx-main.html">Graphic Novels with Latinx MCs</a> (some may not be #ownvoices) </li>
<li>Mamiverse: <a href="http://mamiverse.com/childrens-book-hispanic-heritage-month-46551/">Children's</a> / <a href="http://mamiverse.com/mamiverse-books/picture-books/">Picture Books</a> / <a href="http://mamiverse.com/mamiverse-books/middle-grade-books/">MG</a> / <a href="http://mamiverse.com/mamiverse-books/young-adult-books/">YA</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/farrahpenn/incredible-ya-books-by-latino-authors-you-need-to-pick-up?utm_term=.hm1QydraJ#.us6l74NdE">12 Amazing YA Books by Latinx Authors - Buzzfeed</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>Adult Latinx Authors</i><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/83042.51_Must_Read_Latina_o_Novels">Goodreads List: 51 Must-Read Latino/a Authors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/30051.Chicana_Latina_Lesbian_Books">Goodreads List: Chicana/Latina Lesbian Books</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/latinx-authors">Goodreads List: Popular Latinx Authors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/162477-13-ya-novels-by-latino-authors-everyone-needs-to-read">13 Latino Authors Everyone Needs to Read - Bustle </a></li>
<li><a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_South_American=on&tag_Latino=on&tag_Hispanic=on&tag_Caribbean=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">All Our Worlds : Latinx & Hispanic Tag Search</a> (note: not all are #ownvoices )</li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/in-honor-of-orlando-10-books-that-celebrate-queer-latinx-identity/">10 Books that Celebrate Queer Latinx Identity - RDB</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://colorfulbookreviews.wordpress.com/tag/latin/">Latin@ Book Tag - CBR</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.readincolour.com/search/label/latina">Latina Lit - RIC</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://comosedicenerd.tumblr.com/post/126846387720/thisisnotlatinx-books-written-by-latinx">Latinx Authors - ComoSeDiceNerd</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/20-books-to-read-during-and-after-latinx-heritage-month/">20 Books to Read During and After Latinx Heritage Month- RDB</a> </li>
<li><u><a href="http://latinas4latinolit.org/">Latinas for Latino Lit</a></u> - <a href="http://latinas4latinolit.org/latino-authors-illustrators/">Authors and Illustrators</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/LatinxinPub/lists/latino-authors/members">Twitter List: Latinx Authors </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books/adults/booklists/75/">South American Stories - Book Trust</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.silviamoreno-garcia.com/blog/latin-americans-in-english-language-spec-lit-2017/">Latin American Authors in English Speculative Lit</a></li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/5-must-read-contemporary-mexican-writers/">5 Must-Read Contemporary Mexican Authors - RDB</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/6-must-read-but-lesser-known-books-by-mexican-american-authors/">6 Lesser-Known Must-Read Books by Mexican Authors - RDB</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/read-your-world-5-must-read-brazilian-novels/">5 Must-Read Brazilian Novels - RDB</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/5-must-read-jamaican-authors/">5 Must-Read Jamaican Authors - RDB</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See also: <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinxinPub">@LatinxInPub</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="Muslim">Muslim & Middle Eastern American Authors</a></span></b><br />
(<a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Top">back to top</a>)<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/109576.Muslim_YA_and_Kidlit_2017_2018">Goodreads List : Muslim YA & Kidlit 2017/2018</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/95881.Muslim_Squad_YA_MG_Books_by_Muslims">Goodreads List: Muslim Squad - YA & MG by Muslims</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/95885.Muslim_Squad_adult_Fiction_by_Muslims">Goodreads List: Muslim Squad - Adult Fiction by Muslims</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/95882.Muslim_Squad_Memoirs_by_Muslims">Goodreads List: Muslim Squad - Memoirs by Muslims </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/756.Best_Books_by_Muslim_Women">Goodreads List: Best Books by Muslim Women</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/97980.Muslims_Represented_in_Literature">Goodreads List: Muslims Represented in Literature</a> (not all are Muslim Authors) </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/17136.LGBT_in_the_Middle_East">Goodreads List: LGBT In the Middle East</a> (not all are #ownvoices) </li>
<li><a href="https://loveinshallah.com/2014/07/01/join-the-national-ramadanreads-campaign/">Ramadan Reads 2017 - LoveInshAllah</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.onceuponabookcase.co.uk/2017/05/ramadan-readathon-what-i-plan-to-read.html">What I Plan To Read For #RamadanReadathon 2017 - OnceUponABook</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://loveinshallah.com/2014/07/01/join-the-national-ramadanreads-campaign/">Join the National #RamadanReads Campaign - LoveInshAllah</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2015/05/fsyalit-muslim-representation-in-ya-lit-a-guest-post-by-kaye-m/" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Muslim Representation in YA Lit - TeenLib guest post by Kaye M</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://ummjuwayriyah.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-big-end-of-year-book-list-islamic.html">Islamic Fiction Booklist 2016</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/gauntlet-author-karuna-riazi-6-must-read-yas-starring-muslim-protagonists/">6 Must-Read YA Books with Muslim Protagonists - BNTeen</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/11-books-by-muslim-women-that-show-the-many-facets-of-islam-34353">11 Books by Muslim Women that Show the Many Facets of Islam - Bustle</a></li>
<li><a href="http://lithub.com/10-contemporary-novels-by-and-about-muslims-you-should-read/">10 Contemporary Novels By and About Muslims - Lithub</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://ew.com/books/2017/02/02/muslim-authors-books/">26 Authors of Muslim Heritage to Read Right now - EW</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://bookriot.com/2017/02/09/five-great-canadian-muslim-books/">5 Great Canadian Muslim Authors - BookRiot</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://caseythecanadianlesbrarian.com/2017/01/31/nine-muslim-canadian-writers-you-should-read/">9 Muslim Canadian Writers</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.wordcontessa.com/2016/03/muslims-representation-young-adult-fiction.html">Muslim Representation in YA - Word Contessa</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.slj.com/2014/05/diversity/why-we-need-muslim-american-kidlit">Finding Muslim American Voices for Today's Libraries</a> (scroll halfway down to see list) </li>
<li><a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_Middle_Eastern=on&tag_Muslim=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">All Our Worlds - Muslim & Middle Eastern Tag Search</a> (note: some are not #ownvoices) </li>
<li><a href="http://www.slj.com/2013/05/resources/islam-in-the-classroom/">Islam in the Classroom</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://reemfaruqi.com/published-writings-by-the-doodler/childrens-book-reviews-by-the-doodler/">Muslim Children's Books and Multicultural Stories</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://wabashcenter.typepad.com/teaching_islam/2016/02/teaching-islam-through-literature-a-recommended-list-of-books.html">Teaching Islam Through Literature</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://zaheerahkhalik.com/2016/04/09/ya-novels-muslim-characters/">YA Novels with Muslim Characters - ZK</a> (not all authors are Muslim, but the list compiler is) </li>
<li><a href="http://loveozya.com.au/love/readmuslimoz/">Read Muslim Oz - LoveOzYA</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://muftah.org/words-american-muslims-new-literary-movement/">American Muslims : A New Literary Movement</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://muslimgirl.com/19929/celebrate-black-history-month-african-american-muslim-authors-childrens-books/">Children's Books Written by Black Muslim Authors - MuslimGirl</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
See also: #<a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23RamadanReads&src=typd">RamadanReads</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23RamadanReadathon&src=typd">#RamadanReadathon</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&q=%23ReadMuslimOz&src=typd">#ReadMuslimOz</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23muslimshelfspace&src=typd">#MuslimShelfSpace</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/themuslimsquad/"> @TheMuslimSquad,</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MuslimReadathon">@MuslimReadathon</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/SalaamReads">@Salaam Reads</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="Native">Native Authors</a></span></b><br />
(<a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Top">back to top</a>)<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u><a href="http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com.au/p/best-books.html">American Indians in Children's Literature - Best Books</a></u> </li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/2016-book-releases-by-native-americans/">2016 Releases by Native Authors - ReadDiverseBooks</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.yainterrobang.com/ownvoices-native-american-authors/">#OwnVoices Representation Native Authors - YA Interrobang</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1482.Native_American_Writers">Goodreads List: Native Writers</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/native-american-authors">Goodreads List: Popular Native American Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/12763.Best_Native_American_First_Nations_Fiction">Goodreads List: Native American / First Nations Fiction</a> (not all #ownvoices ) </li>
<li><u><a href="http://www.oyate.org/index.php/reviews">Oyate - Reviews of Native Peoples' Literature</a></u> </li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/exploring-the-works-of-indigenous-writers/">10 books 10 months - Exploring the Work of Indigenous Authors - RDB</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.pragmaticmom.com/2010/06/top-10-native-american-childrens-books-ages-2-16/">Top 10 Native American Kidlit Books (2-16 yo)</a> (not all #ownvoices)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.firstnations.org/sites/default/files/%2A/Book%20Insert%20Web%20Version.pdf">Native American Childrens Lit Recommended Reading - First Nations Dev Inst </a></li>
<li><a href="http://lithub.com/10-books-by-indigenous-authors-you-should-read/">10 Books by Indigenous Authors You Should Read - Lithub</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://allourworlds.com/aow/tagpage.php?option=or&tag_race=on&subtagsButton=on&tag_Native_American=on&tag_Indigenous=on&tag_Genetic=on&tag_Chronic_Illness=on&tag_Deaf=on&tag_Mobility=on&tag_Blind=on&tag_Mental_Illness=on&tag_Amputee=on&tag_Autism=on&tag_Injury=on&tag_Learning_Disability=on&tag_Epilepsy=on&tag_Unspecified_Disability=on&tag_Mute=on&date=any&bookYes=on&anthYes=on&comicYes=on&F=on&S=on&H=on&A=on&YA=on&Adult=on&MG=on">All Our Worlds - Indigenous & Native American Tag Search</a> (not all #ownvoices ) </li>
<li><a href="http://weezieswhimsicalwritings.blogspot.com/2016/11/happy-native-american-heritage-month.html">Happy Native American Heritage Month - Weezie</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/20-native-american-authors-you-need-to-read/">20 Native American Authors You Need to Read</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://media.bookbub.com/blog/2016/11/22/books-by-native-american-authors/">10 Books by Native Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.slj.com/2013/11/collection-development/focus-on-collection-development/resources-and-kid-lit-about-american-indians-focus-on/">Resources and Kidlit About American Indians </a></li>
<li><a href="https://colorfulbookreviews.wordpress.com/100-indigenous-books/">100 Indigenous Books - Colorful Book Reviews</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.buriedinprint.com/?p=16631">Canadian Book Challenge: Indigenous Writers</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/5962475">BlackWords - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Writers & Storytellers</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://loveozya.com.au/love/indigenous-ozya-poster-1/">Indigenous Oz YA</a> & <a href="http://loveozya.com.au/love/indigenous-ozya-poster-2/">Part II</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://written-in-wonder.tumblr.com/post/131802393097/indigenous-australian-kidlit">Indigenous Australian Kidlit</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.huia.co.nz/huia-bookshop/about-us/">HUIA - Maori and Pacific Authors</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://eleanorglewwe.com/hapa-book-list/">Hapa Booklist</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://gamingforjustice.com/2016/12/02/native-hawaiian-ownvoices-wrap-up/">Native Hawaiian #Ownvoices -- Reading for SJ</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.slj.com/2015/10/collection-development/teen-books-by-native-writers-to-trumpet-year-round/">Teen Books By Native Writers to Trumpet All Year Round</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Reviewers of Racially Diverse Books</span></b><br />
(<a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2017/05/authors-of-color-reading-resource-list.html#Top">back to top</a>)<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://campbele.wordpress.com/poc-authorsmgyagraphic/">CrazyQuilt Edi</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://thebrownbookshelf.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #659bb2;">The Brown Bookshelf</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></li>
<li><a href="http://richincolor.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #659bb2;">Rich In Color</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.readincolour.com/">Read in Colour</a> </span></li>
<li><a href="http://twinjabookreviews.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #659bb2;">Twinja Book Reviews</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://readdiversebooks.com/">Read Diverse Books</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://readpoc2016.tumblr.com/">ReadPOC2016</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wocreads.wordpress.com/">WOC Reads</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/">DiversityinYA</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/writing-resources/yas-by-and-about-people-of-marginalized-races/" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Dahlia Adler</a> </li>
<li>Reading in Color: <u><a href="http://blackteensread2.blogspot.com/p/reviews-by-title.html">Reviews</a></u>, <u><a href="http://blackteensread2.blogspot.com/p/booklists.html">Booklists</a></u> </li>
<li><a href="https://readingasiam.wordpress.com/">Reading Asian American</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://thedarkfantastic.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #659bb2;">Dark Fanstastic</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></li>
<li><a href="http://mirrorswindowsdoors.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #659bb2;">Mirrors, Windows, Doors</a><span style="text-align: center;"> : <a href="http://mirrorswindowsdoors.org/wp/themes/books/picture-books/">PB</a> // <a href="http://mirrorswindowsdoors.org/wp/themes/books/middle-grade-books/">MG</a> // <a href="http://mirrorswindowsdoors.org/wp/themes/books/young-adult/">YA</a> </span></li>
<li><a href="http://readingwhilewhite.blogspot.com.au/p/blog-page.html" style="background-color: white; color: #659bb2;">Reading While White</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://africaaccessreview.org/">Africa Access</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://gamingforjustice.com/">Reading and Gaming for Justice</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://technicolorreading.wordpress.com/">Technicolor Reading</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://wellreadblackgirl.com/bookshelf/">Well Read Black Girl</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://browngirlreading.com/">Brown Girl Reading</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://brownbooksandgreentea.com/">Brown Books and Green Tea</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.wordcontessa.com/">Word Contessa</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://africanbookaddict.com/" style="text-align: center;">African Book Addict</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://biblionyan.com/">Biblio Nyan</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/booksbe4bandaids/">Books Before Bandaids</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cinderzena.wordpress.com/">Cinderzena</a> </span></li>
<li><a href="https://colorfulbookreviews.wordpress.com/100-indigenous-books/">Colorful Book Reviews</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/">Daily Dahlia</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://diaryofareadingaddict.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Reading Addict</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.duskyliterati.com/">Dusky Literati</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.com/">Olivia's Catastrophe</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://paperwanderer.wordpress.com/">Paper Wanderer</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.quartzfeather.com/">QuartzFeather</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blackteensread2.blogspot.com/">Reading in Color</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://thebookpandas.wordpress.com/category/recommended-reading/">The Book Pandas</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://unconventionallibrarian.com/">The Unconventional Librarian</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://weezieswhimsicalwritings.blogspot.com/2016/11/happy-native-american-heritage-month.html">Weezie's Whimsical Writings</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://blogwritteninwonder.wordpress.com/">Written in Wonder</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://zaheerahkhalik.com/">Zaheerah Khalik</a> </li>
<li><u><a href="http://twinjabookreviews.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/why-we-need-diverse-book-reviewersand.html">Twinja's Black Book Bloggers List</a></u> </li>
<li><a href="https://diversebookbloggersdirectory.wordpress.com/">Diverse Book Bloggers Directory</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/artfromafriend/status/1062879323571478528">Twitter Thread of Diverse Book Bloggers</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Bookstagrammers:</i></b> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/booksbeforebandaids/">@BooksBeforeBandaids</a> ||<br />
<br />
<b><i>Book Clubs:</i></b> <a href="http://www.mochagirlsread.com/">Mocha Girls Read</a> || <a href="https://wocreads.wordpress.com/category/study-group/">Diverse Study Group - WOCReads</a> || <a href="http://www.entomologyofabookworm.com/p/social-justice-book-club.html">Social Justice Book Club</a> || <a href="http://www.latinabookclub.com/">The Latina Book Club</a> || <a href="https://midwestbsfa.wordpress.com/">Midwest Black Speculative Fiction Alliance</a></div>
</div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-64741270436678512622016-07-06T02:16:00.000-07:002017-06-01T19:50:45.377-07:00Top Ten Underrated Books on Goodreads (under 2000 ratings)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I haven't done a Top Ten Tuesday from <u><a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/2016/07/top-ten-books-we-enjoyed-that-have.html">The Broke and the Bookish</a></u> in AGES, but I just <i>had</i> to jump in on this week's topic, which is:<br />
<br />
<b>Top 10 Books that have under 2000 ratings in Goodreads</b><br />
<br />
If you'd like to participate in this bloghop, jump on over to <u><a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/2016/07/top-ten-books-we-enjoyed-that-have.html">The Broke and the Bookish</a></u> and link up!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">NOTE: Okay full disclosure, I may have cheated and a few of these have just <i>slightly</i> over 2K ratings, but not by much!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Also this is more like 20 books, but oh well!</span><br />
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<br />
<b>Middle Grade</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I have been on a middle grade kick lately. Anyone else know of some great underrated MG reads?<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16192212-words-with-wings">Words With Wings</a></u> - Nikki Grimes<br />
I loved this novella-in-verse so much that I had to name-drop it a few times in my latest WIP. :oD<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/272393.Heaven">Heaven</a></u> - Angela Johnson<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18079754-the-blossoming-universe-of-violet-diamond">Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond</a></u> - Brenda Woods<br />
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<u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25534380-mia-s-optiscope">Mia's Optiscope</a></u> - Natalie Rose<br />
<br />
<i>Honorable Mentions</i> (these were "classics" in my house growing up): <br />
<u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/259598.The_Fairy_Rebel">The Fairy Rebel</a></u> - Lynne Reid Banks <br />
<u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12759.The_Search_for_Delicious">The Search for Delicious</a></u> - Natalie Babbit<br />
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412530813l/23235720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412530813l/23235720.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><b>Memoir</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
For fans of<i> Eat, Pray, Love</i> and <i>Wild</i>: some people have normal "midlife crises" some might even might pick up a new hobby like sailing. Most people don't put their life on the line and their new hobby to the test by sailing halfway across the world! I loved this trans-Pacific sailing adventure complete with close-calls and bonus tropical marine biology tidbits for the marine bio geeks like me.<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23235720-call-me-captain">Call Me Captain</a></u> - Susan Scott<br />
<b><br /></b>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Science Fiction</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
All of these are really gorgeous and thought-provoking and well, sci-fi FTW!<br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34109678-ardulum">Ardulum</a> - J.S. Fields<br />
This is probably my favorite sci-fi book of all time! Neek is an exile from her home planet -- shunned because of her rejection of her people's religion. When she meets a child strangely reminiscent of her people's gods, her whole world (and the rest of the galaxy) is thrown into chaos.<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25898435-beyond-the-red">Beyond the Red</a></u> - Ava Jae<br />
(okay kind of cheating because it's a pretty new release, which would account for fewer ratings. But I'm putting it on there anyway because it's one of my favorite reads of 2016)<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25785674-bounders">Bounders</a></u> - Monica Tesler<br />
(ditto above comment)<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15945897-starglass">Starglass</a></u> - Phoebe North<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13518102-salvage">Salvage</a></u> - Alexandra Duncan<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17255996-tin-star">Tin Star</a></u> - Cecil Castelucci<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18142342-the-galaxy-game">The Galaxy Game</a></u> - Karen Lord<br />
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<b>Young Adult / New Adult --- Fantasy & Realistic</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Umm... so the only reason I can think that these don't have more ratings is that they are relatively new?? Here we have gorgeous historical of Malcolm X's days before the X, an incredibly immersive and artistic urban fantasy, a super hottt ballet/post-ballet story, a fantastically creepy yet fun Australian fantasy, a high fantasy with a beautifully wrought magic system, and a contemporary about a mixed-race school club that launches a movement.<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22292486-x">X</a></u> - Ilyasah Shabazz & Kekla Magoon<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22663595-second-position">Second Position</a></u> - Katherine Locke<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22295304-shadowshaper">Shadowshaper</a></u> - Daniel José Older<br />
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<u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22549788-isla-s-inheritance">Isla's Inheritance</a></u> - Cassandra Page<br />
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<u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26304119-magic-s-stealing">Magic's Stealing</a></u> - Stephanie Flint<br />
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<u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8492302-the-latte-rebellion">The Latte Rebellion</a></u> - Sarah Jamila Stevenson<br />
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1414587724l/19542831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1414587724l/19542831.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><b>Terrifying Reads</b><br />
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Okay. I'm going to go ahead and admit that I am a COMPLETE scaredy-cat and I can't really handle books like this that are incredibly terrfying. BUT it was a really good book. Perfect for fans of <i>Gone Girl </i>and <i>The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly</i>:<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19542831-damage-done">Damage Done</a></u> - Amanda Panitch<br />
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<b>And a couple others in my Soon-To-Read Stack that I've heard GREAT things about but don't have many ratings yet:</b><br />
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422732313l/22392935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422732313l/22392935.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1444506678l/25657130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1444506678l/25657130.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22392935-this-side-of-home">This Side of Home</a></u> - Renee Watson<br />
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<u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25657130-all-american-boys">All American Boys</a></u> - Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">What about you? What are some of your favorite, yet underrated books?</span></i></b><br />
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-1602706814642495752016-06-19T22:27:00.000-07:002016-06-27T00:01:21.421-07:00Query Lab #3 - July Giveaway Window Closed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Query Lab #3 Giveaway Closed</b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">image: </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/users/holdentrils-297699/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">holdentrils</a><br />
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In case you missed it, <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></u> is a new monthly feature on my blog!<br />
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Each month, I'll open up a submissions window for those interested in receiving a Query & 1st 10 page critique from me. When the sub window closes, I'll randomly select winners and a runner up!<br />
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<i></i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i style="color: #6aa84f;">3 Winners</i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> will receive a private Query & 1st 10 page critique/consultation from me.</span><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>1</i> <i>Runner-Up</i> will receive a Query-only Critique from me that will be <u>publicly posted</u> on this blog.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-small;"> { What does a public crit from me look like? <br /> Check out my previous <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-lab-1-ya-urban-fantasy-query.html">YA Query Crit</a></u> <br /> & <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-lab-2-mg-fantasy-query-critique.html">MG Query</a><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-lab-2-mg-fantasy-query-critique.html"> Crit</a></u> }</span><br />
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I'm <i>most</i> experienced with YA and MG, as that's what I write. However, I can definitely help with other age categories as well. The only thing I wouldn't be a good fit for is erotica (sorry!!)<br />
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{ For more info on <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></u>, please see the original information post <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">here</a>!</u><br />
And check out my Calendar of <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/critique-calendar.html">other opportunities for query critiques</a></u>.}<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The Query Lab</span></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Query + 1st 10 Page Critique Giveaway</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Query & 1st 10 Page Critique Winners: <br />Anonymous, KBarina, and Andrea Roach</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<b style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">>> Submission Window Now Closed <<</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></b>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Note that The Query Lab will be on a hiatus during August<br /><i>Please check back <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/search/label/Query%20Lab">here</a></u> in September<br />for the next session</i></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Enter:</span></b></div>
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<li><b>Meet the Monthly Focus Criteria: </b><br />Each month, I will focus on a particular type of submission. This will limit the types of authors and/or manuscripts that are eligible to enter each month. I decided to do this so that my query critiques will be of maximum help to writers preparing for upcoming contests that have a particular genre or focus!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>July Focus:<a href="https://pitchamerica.wordpress.com/">#PitchAmérica</a></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://pitchamerica.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">(Latinx voices)</span></a></div>
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Not sure this applies to you? Check out the<a href="https://pitchamerica.wordpress.com/"> #PitchAmérica Website</a> for their guidelines.</div>
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And be sure to read more about their upcoming</div>
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<a href="https://pitchamerica.wordpress.com/submission-guidelines/"> PitchAmérica Pitch Contest </a></div>
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<li><b>Comment on this Post</b><br /> Please leave a comment on this post prior to June 25th 11:59pm Eastern with the following:</li>
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<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Enter Me!"<br /><br /></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> A way for me to contact you if you win</span></b><br /><i> (If you aren't signed in with your Google ID, maybe leave a Twitter handle or blog address, or check back here when the contest closes to see if you've won)<br /><br /></i></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b> IMPORTANT: Please state "Yes, Runner up Public Query crit is OK" <br /> OR "No Runner Up Public Query crit, thanks" <br /> </b></span><i> Note that the Runner-Up will receive a PUBLIC query critique from me, posted on this blog<br /> Want to see what that looks like? Check out a <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-lab-1-ya-urban-fantasy-query.html">Previous YA Fantasy Critique here</a></u>, <br /> and an <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-lab-2-mg-fantasy-query-critique.html">MG Fantasy Critique</a><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-lab-2-mg-fantasy-query-critique.html"> here</a>.</u>)</i></li>
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<li><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Check out my past Query Advice:</b><br />Okay, so technically you don't </span>have<span style="font-style: normal;"> to do this before you enter. BUT I do highly recommend you browse my query tips and apply those that seem relevant </span>before<span style="font-style: normal;"> subbing ... because why enter to "win" advice from me that I'm already giving away to everyone?? <i><span style="font-style: normal;">;oD</span></i></span></i><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><br />You'll get better, more tailored tips from me if you're already applying some of the things I mention in the posts below! </span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(keep in mind all queries/stories are different so your mileage may vary with some of the advice)</span></i></li>
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<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-anatomy-of-query-letter.html">The Anatomy of a Query</a></b></i></li>
<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-query-letter-pitch-as.html">The Query Pitch as Story </a></b></i></li>
<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-lab-1-ya-urban-fantasy-query.html">Query Lab Critique #1: YA Urban Fantasy, Multiple POV Query</a></b></i></li>
<li><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-lab-2-mg-fantasy-query-critique.html" style="font-weight: bold;">Query Lab Critique #2: MG Fantasy Query</a><br /><br /><br />Not advice really, but other query resources:</li>
<li><b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-theory-101-successful-query.html">Successful Query Database</a></b></li>
<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/03/querying-resource-roundup.html">Querying Resources</a></b></i></li>
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Want to know more about <b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></b>, or the upcoming submission theme/focus schedule? Check out the original post <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">here</a></u>.<br />
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Got a question? Feel free to drop me a line on Twitter! ( <u><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor">@carissaataylor</a></u> )</div>
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-51133860384511901002016-06-09T16:11:00.000-07:002016-06-09T16:11:34.007-07:00Query Lab #2: MG Fantasy Query Critique<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 17.92px;">Query Lab #2 : MG Query <br />Public Critique</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 17.92px;">image: </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/users/holdentrils-297699/" style="background-color: white; color: #659bb2; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 17.92px; text-decoration: none;">holdentrils</a></td></tr>
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Welcome to The Query Lab!<br />
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The <b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">Query Lab</a></b> is a new feature on my blog. Each month, I host a giveaway and three winners receive a private query & 1st 10 page critique/consultation from me, while one <strike>victim</strike> lucky runner-up receives a PUBLIC query critique posted right here on my blog!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> { Watch <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/search/label/Query%20Lab">this space</a></u> for future giveaway windows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> The next giveaway will open June 20 }</span><br />
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Today's lovely <strike>subject</strike> guest has a Middle Grade query up for critique. The author said they would love any feedback you guys have to offer as well, so please feel free to <i><b>leave a comment with your thoughts on the query. </b></i><br />
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Now, without further ado ... the query critique!<br />
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As I mentioned last time, I do tend to go a bit comment-wild when I crit, so just warning you in advance: be prepared to grab a cup of tea and settle in for awhile! ;o)<br />
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<b>Title: MUCH ADO ABOUT MAGIC</b><br />
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<b>Genre/Age: Middle Grade Fantasy</b><br />
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----- ORIGINAL QUERY -----<br />
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Dear XXX,<br />
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Tiffany has been slaving away all year at the high-pressure middle school her parents chose for her, and now that summer vacation is here, all she wants to do is relax. So when her parents pack her off to stay with her aunt, who runs some stupid Shakespeare festival, Tiffany is furious—until she finds a magical jester's staff with the power to whisk her into Shakespeare’s plays. Soon, she’s stealing Romeo’s heart, falling into Macbeth’s clutches, and playing Scrabble with the Princes in the Tower.<br />
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But when Tiffany and her new festival friends accidentally break the staff, the Shakespeare festival is cursed. Its rehearsals fall into chaos, and its main donor walks out, threatening the festival’s very existence. And Tiffany seems cursed too. Her parents call to tell her they’re enrolling her in an even tougher school program for seventh grade—another step along a narrow path to success that she doesn’t want to be on.<br />
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When the children are pulled into one final adventure inside an unfinished play the festival has commissioned, it’s Tiffany’s chance to save the festival—and unexpectedly, it’s also a chance for her to learn how to stand up to her parents and start shaping her own life.<br />
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MUCH ADO ABOUT MAGIC is a complete, 79,000-word middle grade novel, aimed at the kind of confident reader who would happily dive into a book like The Mysterious Benedict Society.<br />
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----- "FIRST IMPRESSIONS" FEEDBACK -----<br />
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Overall this is working pretty well for me! One initial hiccup is that I feel a bit uncertain what Tiffany wants. It's mentioned several times that she <i>doesn't</i> want what her parents want ... but it also doesn't seem like she's very much into theater. What does she want? It's not something that <i>necessarily</i> needs to come into play in the query, but it was something that was nagging me a bit regarding that thread.<br />
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For me, the "hook" in this query -- the thing that'd make me say "pages please!!!" -- is definitely the whole idea of being able to travel into plays, and interact with the characters there. Too fun! That concept isn't taking up a ton of space within the query though, and I'm wondering if there's a bit of a missed opportunity there to really excite the imagination around that idea.<br />
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I like that the query is leaving me with questions like "Ooh, how does she escape Macbeth's clutches? Who wins the Scrabble game?" and "How is she going to pull through in her last adventure in play-land?" But there are some questions that I'm left with that I wish I had a little more tangible handle on regarding details. For example: "What IS that last play about? What kind of adventure do they have? What does solving a problem in play-land have to do with standing up to her parents?"<br />
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Particularly in the last paragraph things are starting to read a little more generic. It's mentioned that Tiffany and her friends are pulled into another play, but the moment falls a little flat for me because it's summarized as an 'adventure' without giving any details about the play, or the antics they get up to within it. It'd be great to have even one or two "tangibles" to really re-ground us in the fantastical aspects of the story as the query comes to a close! (in my opinion) :oD<br />
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Relatedly, I thought there was some great 'voice' in the second half of the first paragraph and I loved the peek that gave of attitude & personality of the MC, but in the latter two paragraphs, I wasn't picking up on a lot of Tiffany-isms. It's not a huge huge deal, but I do feel that especially in Middle Grade queries, it can be a really good idea to showcase <i>voice</i> -- if not of your MC, then the overall tone of the novel.</div>
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----- QUERY WITH FEEDBACK -----</div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Edits in orange.</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Rework suggestions in blue.</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Comments in purple.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><strike>Dear XXX,</strike> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Dear XXX:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Not a big deal, but some agents do prefer a formal, business-letter type greeting. For that reason, I typically recommend sticking to the formal greeting ( Dear Ms./Mr. Surname: ) -- using the <u>colon</u> to close instead of a comma.</span><br />
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Tiffany has been <span style="color: #e69138;"><strike>slaving away</strike></span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">[ insert specific &/or voicey bit ] </span>all year at the high-pressure middle school her parents <span style="color: #e69138;"><strike>chose for her</strike> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">[ insert specific &/or voicey bit ]</span>, and now that summer vacation is here, all she wants to do is <strike><span style="color: #e69138;">relax</span></strike> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">[ insert specific &/or voicey bit ]</span>.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I think this works okay as a first sentence in terms of setting up the story, but I think it might be a bit of a missed opportunity to reveal more about Tiffany. I'm not getting a strong sense of her voice here, or the specifics about her everyday life and what really she really wishes she could be doing. What does 'relaxing' look like to her? What's her voice like? Is she snarky? Funny? Spunky? Quirky? </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Prone to exaggeration?</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"> Wistful? Sensitive? Sad? If you can use her voice to hint at her unique reaction the high-pressure school and the summer-situation I think you could really make this sentence pop, and help us connect to Tiffany from the get-go! </span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">For example, instead of "Tiffany has been slaving away at the high-pressure middle school" maybe something that uses a few voicey-phrases like: "Thirteen-year-old Tiffany's totally done with her snob-school and the 24-7 homework that comes with it." (I realize her voice might not sound anything like this, but you get the picture, heheh!) And instead of "all she wants t</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">o do is relax" maybe something specific like "all she wants is a long summer lounging in the backyard with her books." </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">[</span><i style="color: #c27ba0;">Sidenote: I generally recommend moving away from words like 'slave' employed casually as much as possible, because using them in everyday speech kind of diminishes the horrific reality of those things.</i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">] </span><br />
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So when her parents pack her off to stay with her aunt, who runs some stupid Shakespeare festival, Tiffany is furious—until she finds a magical jester's staff with the power to whisk her into Shakespeare’s plays. Soon, she’s stealing Romeo’s heart, falling into Macbeth’s clutches, and playing Scrabble with the Princes in the Tower.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">This is my favorite part of the whole query for sure! I'm loving the voice in the phrase "some stupid Shakespeare festival," and the whole idea of this jester's staff that teleports her into Shakespeare plays. Awesome hook.</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">The only slight hiccup for me here was that the Romeo line made me wonder how much of a role the "stealing Romeo's heart" aspect plays into the novel. It makes me question a little whether or not this story would fit firmly into the MG category, or if the romance aspect will make it read more YA. It's not something that I personally would be overly concerned about if I were the agent reading, but for some agents, especially if they were on the fence about things it *might* be a bit of a red flag. If true to the story, you might think about tweaking the wording a bit to something to show what Romeo and Tiffany actually do together ("sneaking around Verona" etc) rather than focusing on the romance aspect.</span><br />
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But when Tiffany and her new festival friends accidentally break the staff, the Shakespeare festival is cursed. Its rehearsals fall into chaos, and its main donor walks out, threatening the festival’s very existence. And Tiffany seems cursed too. Her parents call to tell her they’re enrolling her in an even tougher school program for seventh grade—<span style="color: #e69138;">another step along a narrow path to success that she doesn’t want to be on.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I think this works pretty well, but again, I'm feeling like it wouldn't hurt to have a bit more voice here, particularly in the last line. Phrases like "threatening the festival's very existence" and "along a narrow path to success" sound a little more formal than I'd expect from a contemporary Middle Grade. If your MC *is* pretty formal/old-fashioned sounding in her speech, that's totally fine too but in that case I'd maybe run with that a little more -- amping it up to the next level of formality throughout the query so that we can see that it IS the MC's voice, if that makes sense?</span><br />
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When <span style="color: #e69138;"><strike>the children</strike></span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tiffany and her friends </span>are pulled into one final <span style="color: #e69138;">adventure</span> inside an unfinished play <span style="color: #e69138;"><strike>the festival has commissioned</strike></span>, it’s Tiffany’s chance to save the festival—and unexpectedly, it’s also a chance for her <span style="color: #e69138;">to learn how to stand up to her parents and start shaping her own life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">For streamlining purposes, I think you could probably afford to ditch the "the festival has commissioned" line. Nothing wrong with it, but I'm not sure it adds much to the query. It might be more meaningful and add more flavor if instead you mentioned the theme of the play.</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I'd love to get a better sense of what you mean by "final adventure" here. </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">I think if you're going to go the optimistic/upbeat route for the last line of the paragraph (see below), you may want to think about revealing the specific goal of this final mission/adventure in play-land. We do have a bit of a taste of what's at stake, which is good (future of the festival, and Tiffany's life), but what does Tiffany have to <u>do</u> to "succeed" on this new adventure? Adding e</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">ven just a word or two to hint at the plot or what they end up doing in the play would be a nice tangible thing to leave readers with. That is, if you can do it concisely :o)</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I'm a bit on the fence about the last line. It ends on a hopeful/upbeat note, and that's not something you see queries doing super often. More often, there's an ominous "MC must or else" or a "now the MC must choose between X and Y" sort of darker feel to the end. </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">I <i>do</i> think going the hopeful route for the last line fits okay here because it helps complete</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"> the arc of Tiffany's character journey, which is nice. </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">But I wonder if it could be a bit punchier. As it stands it's a little vague. How does it help her learn to stand up to her parents? Is there a specific choice she has to make? A skill she learns in play-land that she can translate back to the real world? Is what's happening in play-land somehow influencing the real world?</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
MUCH ADO ABOUT MAGIC is a complete, 79,000-word middle grade <span style="color: #3d85c6;">fantasy </span>novel, <span style="color: #f6b26b;">aimed at the kind of confident reader who would happily dive into a book like</span> The Mysterious Benedict Society.</div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">So the word count here is pretty high for a Middle Grade debut, and that might make some agents a bit leery. It is Fantasy, so you have a bit more leeway there than you would with a realistic Contemporary or Historical novel, but if you can get it under 70,000 words or close to that, you might be doing yourself a big favor in the query trenches. I always like to point people toward agent Jennifer Laughran's post on the topic: <u><a href="http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2011/05/wordcount-dracula.html">Wordcount Dracula</a></u>. Also, you may or may have not seen, but I recently did a <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-theory-101-successful-query.html">blog post of "successful queries"</a></u> (queries that resulted in agent offers) and some of their "stats" in a spreadsheet. Of the 16 middle grade sci-fi/fantasy queries I found, the average (median) word count was about 50,000, with the highest being 70,000. It's a small subset of data, and also not to say that agents won't sign things outside the 'norm' ... but it's something worth considering, as word count can definitely play a big factor for many agents. You'll have the best odds in the query trenches if your manuscript is kicking around within the typical word-count range.</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">The middle chunk that I've highlighted orange above is a little bit wordy and unclear. Instead of "aimed at the kind of confident reader," it's clearer and more concise to just say "upper middle grade" in place of "middle grade" earlier on. I also wasn't super clear as to the connection between your book and The Mysterious Benedict Society. The way this is worded, it almost sounds like the main link is the reading level. That's fine if true, but *if* there are other reasons you chose this comp title, you might want to lay those out instead, since you can get across the reading level info more succinctly. Are there similarities in tone/style? Plot? Themes? </span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Effectively, maybe this final "housekeeping details" paragraph could look something like this:</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">MUCH ADO ABOUT MAGIC is a complete, 79,000-word upper middle grade fantasy novel. It should appeal to readers who enjoy fantastical and theatrical mysteries in the vein of The Mysterious Benedict Society.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">CLOSING THOUGHTS:<br /><br />Like I mentioned earlier on, overall this is working pretty well for me! I do think it could be a bit "hookier" with a little more voice added and few more specifics so we delve deeper into Tiffany's character in the query. I also there's some missed opportunity to delve into the specifics of their last mission/adventure. But if I were an agent, I'd definitely be requesting to see pages!</span><br />
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<b>Readers: What do you think of the query? Please leave your comments or suggestions below!</b><br />
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-1193048566867471082016-06-01T09:09:00.003-07:002020-07-23T20:15:42.932-07:00Query Theory 101: Successful Query Database<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Successful Query Letters Database</b><br />
Image: <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/card-catalog-drawers-wood-brass-194280/">Pixabay Vonriesling</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking for Successful Query Letter Examples?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've talked about <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-anatomy-of-query-letter.html">Query Anatomy</a></u>, and the <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-query-letter-pitch-as.html">Query Pitch</a></u>, but for many, the best way to learn how to write a great query letter is by studying queries that worked. There are <i>lots</i> of places on the interwebs for finding successful queries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">{ Check my <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/03/querying-resource-roundup.html">Querying Resource Roundup</a></u> for more on that }</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But sometimes it's hard to find what you want. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe you only want to see successful queries that landed literary agents in the last 2 years, because those formats will be the most relevant. Maybe you only want to see query letters that worked in your genre. Maybe you're tired of scouring the web looking for examples of query letters that fit the bill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I bring you: </span></div>
<b><u><br /></u></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Successful Query Database</b></span><br />
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Okay, so it's more like a spreadsheet. <i>But</i> ... it's got links to over 600 query letters that worked, with a primary focus on queries that landed agent offers from the years 2010-2019. <br />
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<b><font size="5">What Can You Do With The Database?</font></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><font size="5">. . . Some Ideas</font></b><br />
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<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Find Successful Queries for YOUR Genre / Age Category / Dream Agents </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">See how authors with no MFA or Pub credits spun their author bios</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Check out different formats for Last Lines, Comps, Themes, and Personalization.</span></b></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Probably other cool stuff too!</b></span></li>
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The spreadsheet has s<b>everal tabs</b> so you can see the data organized different ways. However, if the format is getting too annoying for you (not sure the frozen fields work in all browsers), please feel free to visit the <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Lhye7SCTVuz34zPd9NHfR4uiiMv5PAAfwR9E8Iv65yc/edit#gid=0">Successful Queries Spreadsheet</a> </b>directly in Google Docs<b> </b>and view or download it (File > Download As) there :o)<br />
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Also be sure to jump down and see the <b>Successful Query Stats</b> after the spreadsheet in this post.<br />
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<b><span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><font size="6">Successful Queries Database<br />2010-2019</font></span></span></b></div>
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<br /><font size="5"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Lhye7SCTVuz34zPd9NHfR4uiiMv5PAAfwR9E8Iv65yc/edit#gid=0">Click to view in Google Docs</a></u></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">for maximum functionality</span></b></font><br />
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<i>Please drop me a comment or <a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor/">tweet me</a> if you notice any errors <br />or know of any other queries I should add to the database! </i></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Lhye7SCTVuz34zPd9NHfR4uiiMv5PAAfwR9E8Iv65yc/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="600"></iframe>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Spreadsheet Last Updated: March 2020</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Currently, this database ONLY includes query letters that resulted in an offer of representation from a literary agent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**I may later expand this to include queries that got agent requests because ultimately, <i>that </i>is the measure of success of a query, whereas an offer only comes when the manuscript also syncs with the agent. But the definition of success and what constitutes a <u><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor/status/724692000100880384">good request rate</a></u> starts to get tricky, and many people don't share their request rates. So for now, the simple definition.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-small;">TROUBLESHOOTING: If you can't get the scroll bar to work, try these work-arounds:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-small;">(1) Click on the chart, then use page-up/page-down keyboard commands</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-small;">(2) Click on the white space toward the bottom of the scrollbar to scroll down. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-small;">Dragging the grey bar seems to work to scroll it back up</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">Successful Query Letter Stats</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>For those of you who are interested in statistics { maybe you were following my <u><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor/status/734092522339762179">stats teaser tweets</a></u>? ;o) } here are the basics from the original 355 queries in the database (as of June 1, 2016):<br />
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<b>Average Request Rate for a Successful Query:</b><br />
26% request-rate to see more material <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Median)</span><br />
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Note: Few authors posted their full statistics, and several mentioned that they <i>didn't</i> want to post because theirs were on the low end, request-rate-wise, so this figure is likely skewed higher than reality. A few months back I did an anonymous poll of over 100 agented authors regarding their <u><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor/status/724692000100880384">request rate from their successful query</a>.</u> It's interesting to see the wide spread there!<br />
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<b>Average Length of the "Pitch" Portion of the Query: </b><br />
198 words <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Median)</span><br />
<i>Standard Deviation: 51</i><br />
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<b>Typical Number of Paragraphs in the Pitch</b><br />
3 pitch paragraphs<br />
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<b>Loglines, Taglines, or Regular Pitch Opening:</b><br />
While some used a logline (12% or n=30), and others used a tagline (14% or n=51) at the start of their query pitch, the vast majority simply opened with their regular pitch paragraph (77% n=274).<br />
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<b>Comps: </b><br />
Of the 284 pitches that included their 'housekeeping details' paragraph (category/genre/word count/title) where Comps would typically be included, most <i>did</i> include Comp Titles (61% or n=173) .... but many didn't include Comparative Titles (40%, or n=111).<br />
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<b>Last Line of Pitch:</b><br />
I'm still digging into the nitty-gritty of this, but since last lines are arguably one of the most important parts of the query pitch ... here's a sneak peek at the stats as they are now. While most successful queries used a specific choice or imperative "must-or-else" format (45% or n=157) at the end of the pitch, almost as many went for a more vague, ominous approach that hinted at impending doom, or a dark secret (42% or n=147), and there were some (particularly Romance, Issue Books, MG, & PB) that eschewed doom & gloom altogether and took a more hopeful/optimistic (9% or n=33) or voicey approach (4% or n=3). There's more than one way to end your query on a cliffhanger!<br />
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<b>Personalization:</b><br />
Because not all shared queries included personalization, these stats were a little more limited. But for the 197 that showed or at least talked about their personalized-to-agent paragraph, here are some stats:<br />
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The overwhelming <i>majority opted to include personalization</i> (83% or n=164), with just a few opting out (17% or n=33). This didn't necessarily mean they ALWAYS included personalization though. While a few mentioned they always or almost always included a personalized paragraph (5% or n=9), others only personalized 'sometimes' (17% or n=33). Others 'rarely' did -- opting to personalize only when they had a referral or other really strong personal connection to the agent (7% or n=13).<br />
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<i>Most put their personalization before the pitch</i>, right at the opening of the query (75% or n=85) to grab the agent's attention straight away, but some preferred to put it at the end (25% or n=29).<br />
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<b>Author Bio:</b><br />
Bios were another aspect of the query letter that not all authors chose to share when posting their successful query letters. However, the evidence seems to indicate that yes: putting an author bio is certainly standard (and probably would cause red flags for some agents if absent).<br />
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Out of 209 queriers that included or talked about their bio, nearly all of them opted to include an author bio (96% or n=200). Only nine queries explicitly stated that they didn't bother with a bio (4% or n=9)<br />
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Of the 112 queriers whose bios I've scoured for more details so far, it's interesting to note that only a few of the authors had an MFA (13% or n=14). Instead, others pointed different selling points: Some held degrees in other areas, such as BAs in English, MAs, MDs, or PhDs (21% or n=23), many had already published short stories, articles, plays, or poetry (53% or n = 59), others mentioned that their manuscript had won or reached semi-finals in prestigious contests (10% or n = 11), nearly a dozen had already been agented once, and mentioned this in their query (10% or n = 11) some mentioned their editorial background or internships (5% or n=6), others noted a strong social media presence (2% or n = 2), and one mentioned that an editor at one of the Big 5 was already interested in the manuscript.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Take home message?</span></b><br />
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There are <u>lots</u> of different ways to write a successful query. If you've got a your basic "housekeeping details" (age category, genre, word count, title), a query pitch of 1-3 paragraphs and about 150-250 words, and an author bio of some kind, you're off to a good start.<br />
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<i>Personalization? </i>Probably a good idea, and it seems like the standard place to put it is up front and center before the pitch paragraph. But sometimes personalization is too much of a stretch, and in those cases, it's probably fine to leave it off.<br />
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<i>Loglines & Comp Titles?</i> Do them if they fit (and/or if the agent your querying likes them), but if not? Don't sweat it! And keep in mind that these are the kinds of things that some agents love and some agents roll their eyes at, so YMMV depending on the agent!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Related Resources:</span></b><br />
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<b>Successful Query Letters with Agent Commentary on what worked:</b><br />
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<u><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/successful-queries">Writer's Digest - Successful Queries</a>*</u> || <u><a href="http://www.yahighway.com/search/label/query%20series?max-results=7">YA Highway - Query Series*</a></u> || <a href="https://www.ericsmithrocks.com/perfect-pitch">Eric Smith - Perfect Pitches</a> ||<br />
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<b>Other Successful Queries:</b><br />
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<u><a href="https://querytracker.net/success.php">Query Tracker - Success Story Interviews</a>*</u> (those with interviews often have query at bottom of page) || <u><a href="https://chasingthecrazies.wordpress.com/tag/query-letter/">Quite the Query</a>*</u> || <u><a href="http://agentqueryconnect.com/index.php?/forum/25-aq-connect-examples-of-successful-queries/">Agent Query Connect - Successful Queries</a>*</u> || <u><a href="http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?92925-Successful-Queries/">Absolute Write Forums - Successful Queries</a>*</u> || <u><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/YAwriters/comments/32tmi0/discussion_query_letters_that_worked/">YA Reddit - Query Letters that Worked</a>*</u> || <u><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/comments/6slgyd/pubtip_agented_authors_post_successful_queries/">Reddit : Post Successful Queries</a></u> || <u><a href="https://querytracker.net/forum/index.php?topic=19529.0">Query Tracker Forum - Successful Queries</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.carlhackman.com/category/interviews/successful-queries/">Successful Queries - Carl Hackman's Blog</a></u> || <u><a href="http://suzannevanrooyen.com/category/queries-that-worked/">Queries that Worked - Suzanne Van Rooyen's Blog</a>*</u> || <u><a href="https://subitclub.wordpress.com/tag/query-letters-that-worked/">Query Letters That Worked - Sub It Club (Picture Book Queries, mostly)</a>*</u> || <u><a href="https://twitter.com/PitchWars/status/1022119279183847424">Twitter Thread of PitchWars Mentors' Successful Queries</a></u> ||<br />
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* = in my Successful Queries Database (2010-May 2016 queries)<br />
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<b>I'd love to hear from you!</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Know of any other successful queries I should include? Stats that would be good to calculate? What are your thoughts on pitch length/last lines/comps/personalization and/or author bios?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Notice any errors? It's 2am and I'm getting a bit loopy so there are bound to be some!</span></b><br />
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-51969970109740524092016-05-26T00:30:00.000-07:002016-06-04T02:28:52.123-07:00Query Lab #2 - June Giveaway Closed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">image: </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/users/holdentrils-297699/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">holdentrils</a><br />
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In case you missed it, <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></u> is a new monthly feature on my blog!<br />
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Each month, I'll open up a submissions window for those interested in receiving a Query & 1st 10 page critique from me. When the sub window closes, I'll randomly select winners and a runner up!<br />
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<i></i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>3 Winners</i> will receive a private Query & 1st 10 page critique/consultation from me.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></b><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>1</i> <i>Runner-Up</i> will receive a Query-only Critique from me that will be <u>publicly posted</u> on this blog.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-small;"> { What does a public crit from me look like? <br /> <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-lab-1-ya-urban-fantasy-query.html">Click here to see</a></u>! }</span><br />
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I'm <i>most</i> experienced with YA and MG, as that's what I write. However, I can definitely help with other age categories as well. The only thing I wouldn't be a good fit for is erotica (sorry!!)<br />
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{ For more info on <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></u>, please see the original information post <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">here</a>!</u><br />
And check out my Calendar of <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/critique-calendar.html">other opportunities for query critiques</a></u>.}<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The Query Lab #SFFPit Edition</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;">Query + 1st 10 Page Critique Giveaway</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Winners: Lee Gomez, Ben Langhinrichs, & EmilyKBee</span></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">The random number generator has also chosen a runner-up<br /><i>Please check back in a couple weeks when the runner-up's<br />public query critique will be posted!</i></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Also! Note that next month's theme will be #PitchAmérica manuscripts,</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">check back <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/search/label/Query%20Lab">here</a></u> toward the end of June for that<br />announcement and entry window!</span></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Enter:</span></b></div>
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<li><b>Meet the Monthly Focus Criteria: </b><br />Each month, I will focus on a particular type of submission. This will limit the types of authors and/or manuscripts that are eligible to enter each month. I decided to do this so that my query critiques will be of maximum help to writers preparing for upcoming contests that have a particular genre or focus!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>June Focus: </b></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://dankoboldt.com/sffpit/">#SFFPit</a></b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /><a href="http://dankoboldt.com/sffpit/">(Sci-Fi & Fantasy)</a></span></b><br /><br /><br />And be sure to check out the <a href="http://dankoboldt.com/sffpit/">#SFFPit Website </a>to read more about the upcoming<br /> <u><a href="http://dankoboldt.com/sffpit/">SFFPit Twitter Pitch Contest </a></u></span><br />
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<li><b>Comment on this Post</b><br /><br />Please leave a comment on this post with the following:</li>
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<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Enter Me!"<br /></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> A way for me to contact you if you win</span></b><br /><i> (If you aren't signed in with your Google ID, maybe leave a Twitter handle or blog address, or check back here when the contest closes to see if you've won)<br /></i></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b> Note if you are willing to be a Runner-Up</b></span><br /><i> (Runners-Up will receive a PUBLIC query critique from me, posted on this blog<br /> Want to see what that looks like? <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-lab-1-ya-urban-fantasy-query.html">Check out a Previous Critique here</a></u>.)<br /></i></li>
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<li><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Check out my past Query Advice:</b><br />Okay, so technically you don't </span>have<span style="font-style: normal;"> to do this before you enter. BUT I do highly recommend you browse my query tips and apply those that seem relevant </span>before<span style="font-style: normal;"> subbing ... because why enter to "win" advice from me that I'm already giving away to everyone?? <i><span style="font-style: normal;">;oD</span></i></span></i><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><br />You'll get better, more tailored tips from me if you're already applying some of the things I mention in the posts below! </span><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(keep in mind all queries/stories are different so your mileage may vary with some of the advice)<br /></span></i></li>
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<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-anatomy-of-query-letter.html">The Anatomy of a Query</a></b></i></li>
<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-query-letter-pitch-as.html">The Query Pitch as Story </a></b></i></li>
<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-lab-1-ya-urban-fantasy-query.html">Query Lab Critique #1: YA Urban Fantasy, Multiple POV Query</a></b></i></li>
<li><i><b style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/03/querying-resource-roundup.html">Querying Resources</a></b></i></li>
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Want to know more about <b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></b>, or the upcoming submission theme/focus schedule? Check out the original post <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">here</a></u>.<br />
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Got a question? Feel free to drop me a line on Twitter! ( <u><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor">@carissaataylor</a></u> )</div>
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-36427808973905823972016-05-14T16:15:00.003-07:002016-05-14T16:15:18.652-07:00Query Lab #1: YA Urban Fantasy Query Critique <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 17.92px;">Query Lab #1 : YA Urban Fantasy Query <br />Public Critique</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 17.92px;">image: </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/users/holdentrils-297699/" style="background-color: white; color: #659bb2; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 17.92px; text-decoration: none;">holdentrils</a></td></tr>
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Welcome to The Query Lab!<br />
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The <b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">Query Lab</a></b> is a new feature on my blog. Each month, I host a giveaway and three winners receive a private query & 1st 10 page critique/consultation from me, while one <strike>victim</strike> lucky runner-up receives a PUBLIC query critique posted right here on my blog!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> { Watch <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/search/label/Query%20Lab">this space</a></u> for future giveaway windows. </span></div>
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The next giveaway will open May 27 }<br /><br /></div>
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My first lovely <strike>subject</strike> guest is MonTanna, with her YA Urban Fantasy query. She said she would love any feedback you guys have to offer her as well, so please feel free to <i><b>leave a comment with your thoughts on the query. She'd really appreciate it!</b></i><br />
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You can find <b><a href="https://twitter.com/MonTannaSpring">MonTanna</a></b> on Twitter <u><a href="https://twitter.com/MonTannaSpring">here</a></u>. Drop her a line and say hello!*<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> *<u>Note for future participants</u>: You do not <i>have </i>to have any personal info posted in the public query critique, <br /> but MonTanna thought it would be fun to connect with y'all, so that's why it's here!! :o)<br /> If you'd prefer to be completely anonymous, that's totally fine too!</span><br />
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Now, without further ado ... the query critique!<br />
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I do tend to go a bit comment-wild when I crit, so just warning you in advance: be prepared to grab a cup of tea and settle in for awhile! ;o)<br />
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<b>Title: TITLE REDACTED</b><br />
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<b>Genre/Age: YA Urban Fantasy</b><br />
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----- ORIGINAL QUERY -----<br />
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Dear Ms. Taylor,<br />
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All Demons are different. Adeline Ellsworth knows. Not only because she can see them, but because they’ve spent more time in her body than she has. Some are kind and quiet while others are abusive, overbearing and manipulative. But they all have one thing in common. The urge to possess her.<br />
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Roderick Lyle doesn’t understand. His whole life fits in his accordion case, his friends are nonexistent, and this strange girl is telling him that Demons exist. These things all make perfect sense. What he doesn’t understand is why humans have such outrageous issues with murder. Death is natural. If he really wasn't supposed to kill anyone, they wouldn't have died. Nobody even noticed the bodies anyway.<br />
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Nothing is invisible to Stein; Demons, aliens, emotions. His addled mind may interpret things a bit differently but he can see it all. Everything but the last fifty years of his life. Some things he forgets how to remember.<br />
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But Adeline remembers every moment that hasn't been stolen from her and is determined to stand up against the Demons. With Roderick, the first person to ever offer her help, and Stein, the only one able to see the way, she sets out to confront the Demon’s creator. Even though something else seems to have found the creator first.<br />
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And it only <i>looks</i> like an Angel.<br />
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I would love to offer my novel, BOOK TITLE, for you to consider publishing. It weaves a dark layer of fantasy through our modern world, placing complex and diverse characters in a realm only seen by the creatures hidden within. BOOK TITLE laces together our instinctual fears of the unknown, our learned distrust of those around us, and our constant strain against the evil inside us all.<br />
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Born in Kansas eighteen years ago, I graduated high school just before turning fourteen and have spent my time since then traveling, reading, and writing. BOOK TITLE is a YA Urban Fantasy approximately 108,000 words long and is the first in a series. It is told from the viewpoints of Adeline, Roderick, and Stein, allowing the reader to explore events in a multifaceted way. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear back from you.<br />
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----- "FIRST IMPRESSIONS" FEEDBACK -----<br />
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After reading through the query I'm intrigued by the story and characters, but feeling like the query is pulling me in several different directions. It brings up three different MCs and hints at a few subplots, and I'm having trouble getting a good handle on how everything ties in to the central storyline. <br />
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Queries for multiple POV novels are <u>such</u> tricky things. In a query you have limited space. In that space you have to get the reader to connect to your main character <i>and</i> be drawn in by the conflict they're thrust into. When you introduce two or three characters' stories in that limited query space, it makes it harder and harder do justice to each of their storylines.</div>
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Right now, I'm feeling like I'm not getting a clear enough picture of Adeline beyond the fact that she's possessed by demons. How old is she? Is she in school? Working? What are her dreams and aspirations? What does she do when <i>not</i> demon possessed? What do the demons force her to do when possessing her? In what ways have they ruined her life? This isn't to say that all these questions need to be answered in the query, but adding in a bit more detail could really flesh out her storyline.<br />
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Roderick has a fascinatingly creepy backstory and set of morals! This is <u>great</u>, because I'm going to remember him long after I finish reading this query. But ... I feel like I'm missing a key piece of info: how does this outlook on life (and death) play into his dynamic with Adeline, and ultimately the central plot? If there is a way to weave this in more clearly (or at least hint at it), that would be awesome. </div>
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My initial instinct would be to cut Stein's POV for the purposes of streamlining the query. Then use that space to delve more deeply into Adeline's story, and how Roderick plays a role in it. I also think a few of the sentences in the query are bit on the vague side. I'd <u>love</u> to see a few more specific details. Use every opportunity to highlight what makes your story unique! (I'll point out some places I think might work well for this in my comments below.)</div>
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----- QUERY WITH FEEDBACK -----</div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;">Edits in orange.</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Rework suggestions in blue.</span> <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Comments in purple.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><strike>Dear Ms. Taylor,</strike> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Dear Ms. Taylor:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Not a big deal by any means, but there<i> are</i> agents out there who prefer a formal, business-letter type greeting at the opener of a query. For that reason, I always recommend authors stick to the formal greeting ( Dear Ms./Mr. Surname: ) -- using the <u>colon</u> to close instead of a comma.</span><br />
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All Demons are different. Adeline Ellsworth knows. Not only because she can see them, but because they’ve spent more time in her body than she has. Some are kind and quiet while others are abusive, overbearing and manipulative.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I like this opener, and LOVE your "hook" </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">(demons have spent more time in her body than she has)</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"> but I think this paragraph needs refocusing so we learn more about Adeline. </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">I feel like I'm getting a better sense of who the demons are than who Adeline is, and in this first paragraph, I'd really love to get to know </span><u style="color: #c27ba0;">her</u><span style="color: #c27ba0;">. </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">A bit of a sidenote, but </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">I also generally recommend putting the MC's age right up front in MG/YA/NA queries, just so the reader feels nicely oriented. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">You might think about re-arranging and reformatting slightly to focus the paragraph more wholly on details about Adeline. For example, something along the lines of:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">When she's <i>not</i> possessed by demons, seventeen-year-old Adeline Ellsworth spends her days [insert hobby/aspiration etc here]. Unfortunately, that's difficult to do when a demon is [ insert things they do while they inhabit her ] every other day. Pretty soon they'll have spent more time in her body than she has.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>But they all have one thing in common<span style="color: #e69138;">: the urge to possess her. </span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I'm a bit on the fence about this as the ending to your opening paragraph. I think it's because it's a little vague, and I'm not sure exactly how to interpret it. Is it saying that all demons mysteriously want to possess <u>her</u> (as opposed to other people)? </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Or is it saying that demons in general have urges to possess people in general? </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">If the former, I think this needs clarification and maybe delving a little further into details (for example, is she curious why she in particular is such a demon magnet)? If the latter, I'm not sure it gives the right amount of punch as a last line for your opening paragraph because it's generally understood that demons possess people. If possible with that last line, you want to highlight a super unique aspect of <u>your story</u>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Before the query launches into the paragraph about Roderick's story, we should have a clear idea of who Adeline is as a person. Also -- if it seems to fit -- it'd be nice to highlight the inciting incident that drives her into the demon-hunting frenzy we see later on. If the inciting incident is actually meeting Roderick and Stein, and realizing for the first time that she might be able to fight the demons I'd mention that! This might even serve a dual-purpose as the cliffhanger-punchline to close out your first paragraph.</span><br />
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Roderick Lyle<span style="color: #e69138;">'s </span><strike><span style="color: #e69138;"> doesn’t understand. His </span></strike>whole life fits in his accordion case, his friends are nonexistent, and this strange girl is telling him that Demons exist. These things all make perfect sense. What he doesn’t understand is why humans have such outrageous issues with murder. Death is natural. If he <span style="color: #e69138;"><strike>really </strike></span>wasn't supposed to kill anyone, they wouldn't have died. Nobody even noticed the bodies anyway.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I think Roderick's paragraph works really well to set up his character. I love the details about his whole life fitting into his accordion case, as it shows an interest he had/has, and the fact that he seems to be a bit of a roving loner (and murderer and possibly not human - eep!). What we're not getting here is how he fits into Adeline's story. I'm okay with that for now, but in the next paragraph I'm hoping I'll see more detail on how and why she enlists his help, and how and why he decides to help her. </span><br />
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<strike><span style="color: #e69138;">Nothing is invisible to Stein; Demons, aliens, emotions. His addled mind may interpret things a bit differently but he can see it all. Everything but the last fifty years of his life. Some things he forgets how to remember.</span></strike><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Like I mentioned above, I'm feeling like we don't really need this much detail about Stein's backstory. He <u>does</u> sound like a really cool character, but there's only so much you can squeeze in a query and now the focus has shifted pretty far away from Adeline and her story. Instead of naming him in the query, I'd just summarize his role in the next paragraph. (See suggestion below)</span><br />
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But Adeline remembers every moment that hasn't been stolen from her and is determined to stand up against the Demons. With Roderick, the first person to ever offer her help, and <span style="color: #e69138; text-decoration: line-through;">Stein, the only one able to see the way</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> and a wise but forgetful demon-tracking guide</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">,</span> she sets out to confront the <span style="color: #e69138;"><strike>Demon’s</strike></span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Demons' </span>creator.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">In this final paragraph, I think we need more details about Adeline and Roderick's relationship. How did they go from being strangers to being quest-partners? How did Adeline convince Roderick to assist her? What does he have to offer her in terms of help finding the demon creator? Do his complicated moral stances on death/killing cause any problems between them? Delve into some of these details here!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Sidenote: are "Demons" different than "demons?" I'm not sure the word "demons" needs to be capitalized ... too many capitalized words in the query can be distracting to the eye.</span><br />
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<strike><span style="color: #e69138;">Even though</span></strike> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">But </span>something else seems to have found the creator first.<br />
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And it only <i>looks</i> like an Angel.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Oooh creepy! I like this ending!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">You've already set the stakes up nicely in that we know Adeline must "successfully" confront the demon-creator in order to exorcise her own demons, and for me these final two lines are great because they (1) show that even more devious threats are in her path, and (2) reveal that in really succinct and punchy way. </span><br />
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I would love to offer my novel, BOOK TITLE, for you to consider publishing.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Sidenote: MonTanna is currently querying publishers, not agents, which is why she has included this line. If this query letter were being sent to agents, then I'd recommend striking the above line. </span><br />
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<strike><span style="color: #e69138;">It weaves a dark layer of fantasy through our modern world, placing complex and diverse characters in a realm only seen by the creatures hidden within. BOOK TITLE laces together our instinctual fears of the unknown, our learned distrust of those around us, and our constant strain against the evil inside us all.</span></strike><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I'm not 100% sure the information conveyed in this paragraph is necessary in the query. Much of it we were already <i>shown</i> in the query pitch, so we don't need to be told again here. I've read agents say that too much time spent telling the reader about the themes of the book can detract from the query itself </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">(and I'd imagine the same is true for editors/publishers)</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">. But I'd go with your gut instinct here. If there are elements you think are particularly important to convey, perhaps just streamline and condense these sentences (skip down to the blue paragraph below for a suggested format re: this!)</span><br />
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Born in Kansas eighteen years ago, I graduated high school just before turning fourteen and have spent my time since then traveling, reading, and writing. BOOK TITLE is a YA Urban Fantasy approximately 108,000 words long and is the first in a series.<span style="color: #c27ba0;"> </span>It is told from the viewpoints of Adeline, Roderick, and their <span style="color: #3d85c6;">demon-land guide, Stein.</span><strike><span style="color: #e69138;"> allowing the reader to explore events in a multifaceted way.</span></strike> Thank you for your time and I hope to hear back from you.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Is the book the type of book that can <u>only</u> be part of a series, or would it also be able to stand alone? Agents and publishers are getting a bit leery of series-only books to be honest, as it's a big gamble to agree to a series from a debut author. I always recommend -- if you can do so truthfully of course, hehe -- that you say something like the following: "BOOK TITLE is a YA Urban Fantasy complete at 108,000 words. It is written as a standalone, but has strong series potential."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">There is another problem here that I feel I'd be a bad critter if I didn't point out. Your word count is pretty high for a YA manuscript. That in and of itself is going to unfortunately make an uphill battle for you in the query trenches. There are a lot of agents/editors who see anything over 100K as pretty much an auto-reject for YA. Again, it comes back to the risk-factor of a debut author, and the fact that the longer a book is the more expensive it is to publish. (Agent Jennifer Laughran's <u><a href="http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2011/05/wordcount-dracula.html">Wordcount Dracula</a></u> is still the sort of definitive word on this topic, so it's worth a read.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I feel your pain. I <u>always</u> write books that are on the long side and have to cut back. But I do really, really recommend that you try to get the manuscript under that 100K mark if at all possible. I actually have a blog series I did awhile back on cutting down your word count, because it's definitely what I struggle with as well! (You can find <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2012/04/novel-editing-part-i-first-cut-is.html">Part I</a></u> and <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2012/04/novel-editing-part-ii-line-by-line.html">Part II</a></u> here, if you're interested!). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Last, I recommend keeping the "housekeeping details" about the book separate from the Bio paragraph. In the Author Bio you want to keep things short and sweet and most importantly, as focused as possible on your credentials for</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"> writing this book. These two websites have some great tips for what to put in your bio if you (like me!) don't have an English degree or an MFA to flaunt: </span><u style="color: #c27ba0;"><a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/how-to-write-a-terrific-author-bio/">Rachelle Gardner - Author Bio</a></u><span style="color: #c27ba0;"> || </span><u style="color: #c27ba0;"><a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2013/05/27/may-2013/">Writer Unboxed - The Bio Section</a></u><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Here is a suggestion for reformatting these final two paragraphs so that they are more in the classic query format (Your book's "housekeeping details" first, followed by a bio paragraph): </span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">BOOK TITLE is a dark YA Urban Fantasy complete at 108,000 words. Though part of a planned series, it could also stand alone. It is told from the viewpoints of Adeline, Roderick, and their demon-land guide, Stein. Through a diverse cast, it explores themes of fear of the unknown, learned distrust, and the battle against the evil inside us all.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I am a writer, book lover, and traveller based out of Kansas, and an active member of several critique groups. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Your Name</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">CLOSING THOUGHTS:<br /><br />I know I've written a lot of comments here (I always do!), but I really think you've got a very interesting story here, and there are some <u>excellent</u> hooks (demons having spent more time in Adeline's body than she has, Roderick's "murder isn't bad" ethic). For me the query just needs to be pared back a bit in terms of extraneous details and hone in more on Adeline and her story and how Roderick fits into that. Also keep in mind that of course this is only one opinion, so take any and all of my feedback with that in mind. You know your story best!</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span>
<b>Readers: What do you think of the query? Please leave your comments or suggestions below!</b><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-73125934871166561182016-05-10T06:01:00.000-07:002016-05-10T06:01:35.781-07:00Query Theory 101: The Query Letter Pitch as Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Query Pitch as Story</b></span><br />{ image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/users/Pexels-2286921/">Pexels from Pixabay</a> }</td></tr>
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Last time I talked about the <a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-anatomy-of-query-letter.html" style="text-decoration: underline;">Anatomy of a Query Letter</a>, and we sorted out a query's basic components.<br />
<br />
But we all know that when it comes to queries, there's really only one thing we want to talk about:<br />
<br />
<b>The Pitch. </b><br />
<br />
Because it's such a stumbling block for us writers, I'll talk about it a lot in this series. If there's one thing I learned in my time in the query trenches, there's no <u>one</u> right way to approach a query pitch, so in this series I'm going to look at it from many different angles and approaches. That way you can experiment and find an approach that works for you!<br />
<br />
This first one though, is one of my favorites:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Query Pitch as Story</span></b><br />
<br />
We all know how to write a story. I mean if we're at the point where we're writing a query, we've already written a whole dang book, am I right?!?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{ although I should take time out to mention here that </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">there is </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">a</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">distinct benefit to </span><u style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2009/07/query-first.html">writing a query draft <i>before</i> you write your book</a></u><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">}</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>A query pitch is really just a very short story, with one key difference. </i></b><b><i>It ends before the resolution -- on a cliffhanger. </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So that's exactly how you can write it. For me personally, thinking of a query pitch as a story makes it <u>so</u> much less scary.<br /><br /><b>The Structure:</b><br /><br />Thinking of your pitch as a story, if you haven't already, can do wonders for its structure. Here is a basic query structure. A skeleton framework for your query mini-story:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">When [ UNIQUE MC ] has their world rocked by [ INCITING INCIDENT ], they must [ ACT OR MAKE A DECISION ] or else [ SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN ]</span><br /><br />Fill in the blanks, add specifics, and insert interesting plot points and complications as needed. As you build outward, your query structure may start looking more like this:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">When [ AGE/NAME of MC + UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES ] <br />has their world rocked by [ INCITING INCIDENT ]</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">The MC [RESPONDS BY DOING SOMETHING]</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">But there's a [COMPLICATION] and [ANOTHER COMPLICATION]</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Now they must [ACT OR MAKE A DECISION ] or else [ SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN ]</span><br /><br />And that is the skeleton framework of a basic query for your book! Fill in the blanks and give it a whirl. It's actually kind of fun! Don't like my query structure template? Try this <u><a href="http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2008/03/query-letter-mad-lib.html">query mad-lib</a></u> from former agent Nathan Bransford, or agent John Cusik's <u><a href="https://johnmcusick.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/a-pretty-much-foolproof-never-fail-silver-bullet-query-opening/">silver-bullet query-opening formula</a></u>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Scope -- Find your Cliffhanger Moment:</b><br />
<br />
Some people say write your query so that it reveals only the first third of your book. Others suggest writing it right up to the final climax. I say: <b><i>do whatever makes your query sound the most exciting.</i></b><br />
<br />
How do you figure out how much of your story to reveal in order to maximize your query's thrill-factor?<br /><br />
Step 1: Make a list of all the climax points and cliffhanger moments in your book.<br /> Every single time your MC has to make a big decision or overcome <br /> a massive obstacle, write it down.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="text-align: left;">{ Need help? Here are some </span><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2015/10/10-types-of-chapter-ending-cliffhangers.html" style="text-align: left;">types of cliffhangers </a><span style="text-align: left;"> to be on the lookout for</span><span style="text-align: left;">}</span></i></div>
<br />Step 2: Narrow the list to only those moments where your MC is showing agency.<br /> That is to say: only the moments where your MC has a clear choice to <br /> drive/change the direction of the story with their decision or action.<br /><br />Step 3: Rewrite each of these as a one-sentence *zinger* of a cliffhanger. <br /> (It totally helps if you use you *duh, duh, duuuhhh* voice when writing these, by the way) <br />Step 4: Which cliffhanger sentence sounds the most exciting?<br /> (Pick that one! ... if it doesn't work out, pick a different one!)<br /><br />Once you've got a great, tension-filled cliffhanger of a last line ...<br /> <div>
<br /><b>Work Backwards:</b><br /><br />No one ever said you had to write your query from beginning to end. In fact, I'd argue that when writing your query as a story, it's better to do the opposite. Nail that crucial last line and have every single sentence of the query building up to <i>that</i> final, climactic moment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Get Voicey -- Write your Query as your MC:</b><br />
<br />I know, I know. The one thing everyone knows they should NEVER do is send off a query written in 1st person POV in the voice of the book's Main Character. That's fast-track to rejection-land.<br />
<br />
But hear me out for a minute.<br />
<br />
It's also the best way to give your query <i>voice </i>... which is the one thing that agents say can really push a query over the edge from being "meh" to "gimmie!" ... especially if your protagonist has a very strong voice.<br />
<br />
So write the query in 1st Person. Off-the-cuff. As if your MC were chatting up their friends, detailing the drama that is their life right now. Just don't <i>send</i> that query. Instead:<br /><br />Convert the 1st person query to 3rd person. Are there any parts of it you like? Any phrasing your MC uses that could be worked into your "real" query? Do it! Weave those voicey bits in!<br />
<br />
<b><i>So. Those are my tips for writing your Query as Story. What do you think about this approach? Pros/cons? What are your favorite query letter writing approaches?</i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Also: Stay Tuned for more posts on how to write your query letter in the <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/search/label/Query%20Theory">Query Theory</a></u> series!</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></i></b>
<br /></div>
</div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-64726056718536121522016-05-04T11:45:00.000-07:002016-05-06T18:09:18.331-07:00Discussion: Even if we "get the rep right" ... should we write "the other"?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm here today on the blog to pose a question I've found naggingly absent from all the recent discussions on diversity in books.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even if we get the representation right, <br />
should we write the other?<br />
{ image : pixabay }</td></tr>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Even IF non-marginalized authors "get the representation right" .. should </span><u style="color: #cc0000;">they</u><span style="color: #cc0000;"> be the ones writing it? </span><br /><span style="color: #e69138;"><br /><span style="color: #b45f06;">To what extent is this helping diverse books at the expense of diverse authors?</span></span><br /><span style="color: #45818e;"><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Is there a difference between writing a diverse cast of characters and writing a diverse MC? Between writing realistic vs. sci-fi/fantasy?</span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
Okay. Bear with me a bit. I want to unpack that a little more. And <u>I want us to discuss</u>. I feel like it's a question that too often gets skirted around, and those who try to suggest that the answer might be something we don't want to hear? They're often run off the internet.<br />
<br />
But this is too important a topic to ignore.<br />
<br />
We need to discuss it. And I really hope that some of you'll do so in the Comments section of this blog post. I want to hear your stories and your opinions! It's also important to me that this be a space to share your perspectives without fear of having your own twitter/tumblr etc filled with people attacking you for your opinions. So <u>please feel free to comment anonymously. </u><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Before we discuss, let's unpack:</i></span></b><br />
<br />
There's an <u><a href="http://blog.leeandlow.com/2015/03/05/the-diversity-gap-in-childrens-publishing-2015/">enormous diversity gap</a></u> in literature. Very few books are published each year featuring Main Characters who are <a href="http://www.prindlepost.org/2015/09/diversity-in-childrens-books-a-white-authors-quandry-part-i/">natives or persons of color</a>, who are <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/22364883-disability-in-kidlit">disabled</a>, or are <a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/tag/statistics/">LGBTQIA+</a>, who live with mental illness, or are members of marginalized cultures/religions. This is a problem. <a href="http://diversebooks.org/">We need diverse books</a>. But what do we do about it?<br />
<br />
As readers, educators, and social media-lites, the answer is clear: we read and promote more stories featuring traditionally marginalized characters. We help expand the market.<br />
<br />
<i>But we're also writers, and the writer side of us wants to help too. </i><br />
<br />
So naturally, our first instinct (if we feel confident enough about our ability to do the work needed for this), is to write books featuring non-white, disabled, LGBTQIA+, mentally ill, and/or otherwise marginalized or diverse protagonists. Even when we, ourselves, are not these things.<br />
<br />
Because do we really need another story with a straight, white, abled protagonist? Not really, right?<br />
Because the end goal is to get more books on the shelves with diverse protagonists. Right?<br />
<a href="http://www.cbcdiversity.com/post/98888307955/windows-and-mirrors-for-a-better-world">More mirrors for those who haven't had them and more windows for the rest of us.</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/05/education/young-latino-students-dont-see-themselves-in-books.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0">More opportunities for a child to see themselves in a story</a>.<br />
<br />
Stop me if this sounds familiar.<br />
<br />
Often, the first thing we ask when deciding to write outside our lane is <b>How? </b>How do we do this well? How do we get the representation right? In fact, I wrote a very long blog post on one aspect of this topic:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{ <a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2015/09/how-should-white-person-write-poc-my.html"><b>(<u>How) </u></b>Should White People Write POC?</a> }</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">But there is still the one question I keep coming back to, something only skirted around in all this discussion. And that is this:</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Even if we "get it right" ...</span></b></i><br />
<br />
Even IF we <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/danieljoseolder/fundamentals-of-writing-the-other?utm_term=.ka14X2NxD#.qpR2DYrZR" style="text-decoration: underline;">do</a> <a href="http://www.iwgregorio.com/2014/03/31/my-writing-process-diversity-and-amrevising-edition/">our</a> <u><a href="http://blog.nanowrimo.org/post/100915836512/we-need-diverse-books-how-to-prepare-to-write-a">research</a></u><br />
Even IF we <a href="http://writeinthemargins.org/sensitivity-readers/">hire sensitivity readers</a><br />
Even IF we aren't being <a href="http://www.publishingcrawl.com/2012/07/25/on-writing-diversity/">tokenistic, don't <u>culturally appropriate</u>, or fall into <u>lazy stereotypes</u></a><br />
Even IF we work so hard and we "get the representation right"*<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> { *or at least "good enough" ... assuming, as someone pointed out,<br /> that this is even possible, which is probably a topic for another blog post!! }</span><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Are we really helping? </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
As we know, <u><a href="http://blog.leeandlow.com/2016/01/26/where-is-the-diversity-in-publishing-the-2015-diversity-baseline-survey-results/">Publishing is Overwhelmingly White, Female, Cishet, and Abled</a></u>.<br />
<br />
We also are becoming increasingly aware that it's likely <i>precisely because of this</i> that marginalized authors often hear "your work is not a good fit" because editors "<u><a href="http://www.cbcdiversity.com/post/141153360148/i-just-dont-identify-with-the-character">just don't identify with the character</a>.</u>"<br />
<br />
<i><b>Agents can only sign so many new authors a year. Editors only acquire so many books. </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>We know that they don't sign things that are "too similar to other projects on their list."</b></i><br />
<br />
Historically, publishing houses have been hesitant to acquire many works with diverse MCs <i>{ though I hope, hope this is shifting??! }</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Whites <u><a href="http://ccblogc.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-numbers-so-far.html">already write</a></u> most of the books featuring protagonists of color. If "we" -- non-marginalized authors -- write "outside our lane" and submit those works to agents and publishing houses, are we <u><a href="http://www.iwgregorio.com/2014/03/31/my-writing-process-diversity-and-amrevising-edition/">helping the cause of diverse books</a></u>, or:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Or are we simply taking up <a href="http://www.corinneduyvis.com/ownvoices/">#ownvoices</a>' seats at the table?</span></i></b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Are we effectively "elbowing in" on a slot an agent's client list or a publishing house's acquisitions plan that <i>could</i> have gone to a marginalized writer?</li>
<li>Are we getting a story into the hands of a reader who needs to see themselves represented NOW, or are we mostly just vying for a seat at a table that isn't really ours anyway?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>Whew. I typed it. </i><i> </i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>You can see why it's hard to talk about this.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Are there situations where it is more helpful? More hurtful?</span></i></b><br />
<i><br /></i>
Are there situations, stories, and genres where non-marginalized authors writing "outside their lanes" is more helpful? Less helpful?<br />
<br />
<i>For example: </i><br />
<br />
- A Contemporary "Issue Book" vs. A Contemporary "Fun Book"<br />
- Contemporary/Historical vs. Sci-Fi/Fantasy<br />
- <a href="http://justinelarbalestier.com/blog/2015/10/20/on-writing-poc-when-you-are-white/">Writing a diverse cast of characters, but not the MC</a><br />
- Marginalized perspectives that are very rare (book-wise and author-wise) vs.<br />
Marginalized perspectives that have a lot of #ownvoices ready to tell their story already<br />
<i><br /></i>In which situations are we helping by "writing outside our lane"? In which situations are we actually just hurting #ownvoices?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Okay. That's a lot to think about. Honestly guys ... I just don't know anymore. Am I overthinking this? Underthinking this? That's why I want us to discuss. If you want to read some more before jumping into the discussion, here are some links to other articles:</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Further Reading:</b><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Please keep in mind that many of these posts/threads are old articles.<br />The original posters likely don't have time to engage in new conversations about them<br />Be respectful of their time and read/listen only. </span><br />
<br />Apologies in advance. For many of these articles, the bits most directly relevant to the current discussion may be buried. That's part of the reason I want to have this discussion. I don't see it being discussed enough:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><a href="http://justinelarbalestier.com/blog/2015/10/20/on-writing-poc-when-you-are-white/">Why I'm Not Writing POC POV Anymore</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.cbcdiversity.com/post/141153360148/i-just-dont-identify-with-the-character">"I Just Don't Identify with the Character"</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.salon.com/2016/02/18/your_manuscript_is_not_a_good_fit_how_we_need_diverse_books_can_move_beyond_wishful_thinking/">Your Manuscript is "Not A Good Fit"</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.fictionuncovered.co.uk/2012/05/publishing-and-the-diversity-elephant-in-the-room/">"Well, we Already Have One Black Writer on our list ..."</a></u> || <u><a href="https://twitter.com/ElleOnWords/status/728662046078685184">Reasons NOT to</a></u> || <u><a href="http://elloellenoh.tumblr.com/post/139448275729/dear-white-writers">Dear White Writers: Just Because WNDB, Doesn't Mean YOU should write them</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.iwgregorio.com/2014/03/31/my-writing-process-diversity-and-amrevising-edition/">"The Burden Can't Just Fall to Writers of Color"</a></u> || <u><a href="https://janeeatonhamilton.wordpress.com/2016/02/27/diversity-in-publishing-not/">"We Published Lesbian Last Issue"</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.bkmag.com/2016/02/24/you-will-be-tokenized-speaking-out-about-the-state-of-diversity-in-publishing/">Speaking Out About the State of Diversity in Publishing</a> </u> || <u><a href="http://lithub.com/we-need-diverse-diverse-books/">Who is "We?" -- & "Already have a Korean-American Writer"</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/danieljoseolder/diversity-is-not-enough">Diversity is Not Enough -- "What if they don't get what I'm doing?" and "We didn't Connect with the Character"</a></u> || <u><a href="https://medium.com/nat-brut/what-s-in-a-number-cc4f12e1718d#.xfl0rtjv1">What's in a Number -- Or ... What Happens if we wait for change to happen "organically"</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brooke-warner/how-white-people-can-resp_b_9212452.html">Narrow-Minded Marketing & How White People Can Respond </a></u> || <u><a href="https://readtowritestories.com/2016/03/31/an-interview-with-daniel-jose-older-2/">"There are quotas in effect -- literally"</a></u> || <u><a href="https://libbabray.wordpress.com/2016/02/22/in-support-of-ellen-oh/">"It is infinitely harder for the work of POC to be heard/seen/recognized in the marketplace"</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.upstartcrowliterary.com/white-writers-dont-write-diverse-books-instead-read-them/">White Writers: Don't Write Diverse Books. Read Them.</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2014/04/anika-noni-rose-a-raisin-in-the-sun-segregated-literature">"We Don't Relate to the Character" -- It's not yours to relate to!</a></u> ||</span><br />
<b><br />Must-Read Twitter Threads on this Topic:</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Please keep in mind that these threads are dated. </span><br style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;" /><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">The original posters likely don't have time to engage in new conversations about them.</span><br style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;" /><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Be respectful of their time and <u>read/listen only</u>. </span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><a href="https://twitter.com/ElleOnWords/status/728662046078685184">When NOT to</a></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryMonahan/status/728696251185770496">Write-In-Your Lane: Differences between New vs. Established Authors & Marginalized vs. Non-Marg</a></u></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So. Let's Discuss:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Note: I would like to keep these comments open and unmoderated for people to express their full thoughts and feelings on this (the exception being that spam / off-topic material will be removed). </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Because of this, I'm not asking anyone to play nice. I <u>do</u> ask that if you're about to post something that could be construed as aggressive or rude, you think about the effectiveness of your argumentation techniques, but I don't want you to feel restricted. It's a tough and potentially heated topic. </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Feel welcome to post your comments anonymously, if that's more comfortable for you.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">tl;dr? Please let's not tone police or derail here.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Questions Again:</span></b><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><span style="font-size: small;">Even IF non-marginalized authors "get the rep right"</span></b><b><span style="font-size: small;">... How much a</span></b><b><span style="font-size: small;">re we/they really helping?</span></b></li>
<li><b>To what extent does writing the other help diverse books at the expense of diverse authors? </b><b>(By taking up <a href="http://www.corinneduyvis.com/ownvoices/">#ownvoices</a>' seats at the table)</b></li>
<li><b>Are there situations where "writing outside your lane" is more helpful? More hurtful?<br /><i><br />For example:</i></b></li>
</ol>
a. A Contemporary "Issue Book" vs. A Contemporary "Fun Book"<br />
b. Contemporary/Historical vs. Sci-Fi/Fantasy<br />
c. Writing a diverse cast of characters, but not the MC<br />
d. Marginalizations that are very rare (book-wise and author-wise) vs.<br />
Marginalized perspectives that have a lot of #ownvoices ready to tell their story already<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I'd love to hear your thoughts.<br />Please feel free to post your comments anonymously.</span></b></div>
<br /></div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-13081357655806882932016-05-02T02:00:00.000-07:002024-01-22T14:54:14.240-08:00Query Theory 101: The Anatomy of a Query Letter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Query Components: Some Assembly Required<br />
{ image: pixabay }</td></tr>
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This is Part I in my new <br />
Query Theory series! **<br />
<br />
<b>The Anatomy of a Query</b><br />
<br />
Ahh the dreaded query. Back when I first started querying my novels, it seemed so insurmountable. But it really doesn't have to be such a scary thing. First, it's best to break querying down into its parts, so today we're going to stick to the basics. The first question we have to ask is...<br />
<br />
<b><i>What's in a query letter? </i></b><br />
<br />
<i>** sidenote: props to <u><a href="http://www.laurarueckert.com/">Laura Rueckert</a></u>, who -- in addition to writing gorgeous books -- also came up with the name for this blog series and for the <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/search/label/Query%20Lab">Query Lab</a></u>!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Query Anatomy 101</span></b><br />
<br />
A query letter is really nothing more than a nice, single-spaced, one-page letter (about 250-350 words) with a single mission: pitch your book in a way that grabs the agent's attention.<br />
<br />
Here are the basic components of a query letter:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Email "To" Field: - </b>OnlyOneAgentPerEmail@Agency.com<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Email Subject: - </b>Query: SPACEBOOK - YA sci-fi<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Greeting </b> - "Dear Ms. AgentName:"<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Personalization </b> - "I read on your blog that you are looking for XYZ,<br /> so I think you'll like my YA sci-fi which is XYz"<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Hook <span style="color: #999999;">(Pitch)</span></b><span style="color: #999999;"> </span> - <span style="color: #cc0000;">THE PITCH FOR YOUR BOOK <br /> <i>(AKA THE MEAT OF THE QUERY)<br /> WRITTEN IN 3rd PERSON PRESENT TENSE<br /><br /><br /></i></span></li>
<li><b>Book <span style="color: #999999;">(Details)</span></b><span style="color: #999999;"> </span> - "SPACEBOOK is a YA sci-fi, complete at 75,000 words."<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Cook <span style="color: #999999;">(Bio)</span></b> - "I am an active member of SCBWI, <br /> and avid watcher of <i>The 100</i>..."<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Closing </b> - "Below, please find the first 10 pages of the manuscript as per <br /> your guidelines. Thank you for your time and consideration."<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Contact Info </b> - "Sincerely,<br /> [Name, email, phone number, blog address etc]"<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>... and in e-queries: <u>no</u> attachments unless requested! </b></li>
</ul>
<br />
Doesn't look <i>quite</i> so scary now, does it? If we think of each component on its own, it gets just a little bit less daunting. If you have all these components, even in rough draft form: relax.<br />
<br />
You're already halfway there.<br />
<br />
{ Note, for example, that one agent ran the numbers and found that 25% of query letters sent to him were <u><a href="http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2010/03/how-to-format-query-letter.html">improperly formatted</a></u>. While this isn't a dealbreaker for all agents, they do get tired of <u><a href="http://www.jmtohline.com/2010/12/biggest-mistakes-writers-make-when.html">seeing the same problems over and over</a></u>, and <u><a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/query-mistakes/">basic query mistakes can add up</a>.</u> That's why it's so important to <u><a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/give-them-what-they-want/">give them what they want</a></u>. If you've got the key parts of the query, you're well on your way! }<br />
<br />
If you're not, don't panic.<br />
<br />
... Okay, you're saying, that's all really nice, but what exactly do you put <u>in</u> each of these sections? ... and how do you arrange them? Is that <i>really</i> the best order? ... also: is there a difference between a hook and a logline and a pitch and a blurb and a synopsis? ... and dang it, why does my pitch suck? Can we please talk more about the pitch? ... and also maybe bios, comps, and personalization?<br />
<br />
Well, all those things will be the topics of soon-to-come blog posts in the <b>Query Theory</b> series, so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, here's some extracurricular reading ...<br />
<br />
<b>Resources -- Basic Parts of a Query Letter:</b><br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2008/03/query-letter-mad-lib.html">Query Letter Mad Lib - Former Agent Nathan Bransford</a></u> || <u><a href="http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2004/07/query-letter-checklist.html">Query Letter Checklist - Agent Janet Reid (aka The Query Shark)</a></u> || <u><a href="http://agentquery.com/writer_hq.aspx">Query Letter Basics - Agent Query</a></u> || <u><a href="https://carlywatters.com/2014/05/05/how-to-format-your-query/">How to Format Your Query - Agent Carly Watters</a></u> || <u><a href="http://helenginger.com/query_advice.htm">Querying Agents - Helen Ginger</a></u> || <u><a href="http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2010/03/how-to-format-query-letter.html">How to Format a Query Letter - Former Agent Nathan Bransford</a></u> || <u><a href="http://kidlit.com/2011/05/02/the-one-right-way-to-write-a-query/">No one right way, but basic parts - Former Agent Mary Kole</a></u> || <u><a href="http://nepheletempest.com/2013/02/11/down-and-dirty-query-letters/">Down and Dirty Query Letters - Agent Nephele Tempest</a></u> || <u><a href="http://www.rachellegardner.com/how-to-write-a-query-letter/">How to Write a Query Letter - Agent Rachelle Gardner</a></u> || <u><a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2010/09/23/how-to-write-a-query-letter-in-five-easy-steps/">How to Write a Query Letter in 5 Easy Steps - Writer Unboxed</a></u> || <a href="https://katemckean.substack.com/p/a-query-letter-format-part-1">Query Letters with Agent Kate McKean - Part 1</a>, <a href="https://katemckean.substack.com/p/a-query-letter-format-part-2">Part 2</a>, <a href="https://katemckean.substack.com/p/query-letters-part-3-everything-else">Part 3</a> ||<br />
<br /></div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-25100261273391443752016-04-29T05:40:00.000-07:002016-05-08T04:38:24.703-07:00Query Lab #1 - WCNV Edition: May Giveaway Closed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Query Lab #1 Submission Open Now</b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">image: </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/users/holdentrils-297699/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">holdentrils</a></td></tr>
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In case you missed it, <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></u> is a new monthly feature on my blog! Each month, I'll open up a submissions window for those interested in receiving a Query & 1st 10 page critique from me. When the sub window closes, I'll randomly select winners and a runner up!<br />
<i><br /></i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>3 Winners</i> will receive a private Query & 1st 10 page critique/consultation from me.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>1</i> <i>Runner-Up</i> will receive a Query-only Critique from me that will be publicly posted on this blog. </span></b><br />
<br />
I'm <i>most</i> experienced with YA and MG, as that's what I write. However, I can definitely help with other age categories as well. The only thing I wouldn't be a good fit for is erotica (sorry!!)<br />
<br />
{ For more info, please see the original information post <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">here</a>!</u> <br />
And check out my Calendar of <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/critique-calendar.html">other opportunities for query critiques</a></u>.}<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The Query Lab WCNV Edition</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><br />Query + 1st 10 Page Critique Giveaway</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">Winners: Sierra Elmore, Natasha Hanova, & Kelly Cain!!!</span></span><br /><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">The random number generator has also chosen a runner-up<br /><i>Please check back in a couple weeks when the runner-up's<br />public query critique will be posted!</i></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Also! Note that next month's theme will be #SFFPit manuscripts, <br />check back <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/search/label/Query%20Lab">here</a></u> in the last week of May for that <br />announcement and entry window!</span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Enter:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Meet the Monthly Focus Criteria: </b><br />Each month, I will focus on a particular type of submission. This will limit the types of authors and/or manuscripts that are eligible to enter each month. I decided to do this so that my query critiques will be of maximum help to writers preparing for upcoming contests that have a particular genre or focus!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>May Focus: </b></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://wcnvcontest.com/">#WCNV</a></b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /><a href="http://wcnvcontest.com/">(Writers of Color and Native Voices)</a></span></b><br /><br /><br />Not sure if this applies to you? <br />Please check the <u><a href="http://wcnvcontest.com/submission-guidelines/">WCNV Website for guidelines</a></u> <br />(and to read more about their <u><a href="http://wcnvcontest.com/submission-guidelines/">upcoming contest!</a></u>)</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><b>Comment on this Post</b><br /><br />Please leave a comment on this post with the following:</li>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Enter Me!"</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> A way for me to contact you if you win</span></b><br /><i> (If you aren't signed in with your Google ID, maybe leave a Twitter handle or blog address, or check back here when the contest closes to see if you've won)</i></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b> Note if you are willing to be a Runner-Up</b></span><br /><i> (Runners-Up will receive a PUBLIC query critique posted on this blog)</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Want to know more about <b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab</a></b>, or the upcoming submission theme/focus schedule? Check out the original post <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">here</a></u>.<br />
<br />
Got a question? Feel free to drop me a line on Twitter! ( <u><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor">@carissaataylor</a></u> )<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-85840585889513808322016-04-28T04:53:00.000-07:002018-04-04T05:07:07.037-07:00Introducing *The Query Lab* -- A Monthly Query Critique Giveaway!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Query Lab: Monthly Query Critiques</b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">image: </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/users/holdentrils-297699/" style="font-size: 12.8px;">holdentrils</a></td></tr>
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So I'm starting a new feature on this blog that I think some of you will like!<br />
Once a month I'm going to open up ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The Query Lab</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Query + 1st 10 Page Critique Giveaway!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{ note: this is not the giveaway entry post }<br /><br />{ <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/search/label/Query%20Lab">CHECK HERE</a></u> }</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">{ for latest giveaway opening }</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Maybe you feel like your query equation just isn't quite right. Maybe you need a little help injecting some more chemistry into your query. Either way, once a month, I'm here to help! At the beginning of each month, I'll open a one-week entry window, at the end of which I'll randomly select winners and critique their queries and the 1st 10 pages of their manuscripts!<br />
<br />
So fun, right?! Or at least somewhat painful, yet kinda helpful?! ... That's what I thought too!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Here's how it will work:</b><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Entry Window</b><br />I'll announce a theme (see below) and a one week entry window each month. Typically the one-week window <u>will end on the First Friday of each month.</u> For now (until I can figure out Rafflecopter) entries will be made via blog comment.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>I will pick 1-3 winners (as my time allows) and 1 runner-up<br /><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Winners</b> will receive a Query & 1st 10 Page critique from me.<br />(Feedback received privately via email, Google Docs, or the platform of their choice)<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Runners-Up</b> will receive a <u>publicly posted</u> Query-only Critique from me on the blog.<br />Runners-up will <i>only</i> be selected from those who previously agreed to a public critique. Though "public" the author may opt to have their entry posted anonymously, with their name and any other personal information removed.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>My Critique Style</b><br />Know that this <i>will</i> be a critique of your work. I give constructive feeeback, but I don't tend to overly sugar-coat things. Okay maybe a little more than the Query Shark ;o) I usually have a lot of comments, and for some, the amount of commentary might feel a bit overwhelming. But also hopefully helpful! I want to help you improve your query!<br /><br /><br />Check out my previous public critiques: <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-lab-1-ya-urban-fantasy-query.html">#1 - YA Urban Fantasy</a></u> || <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-lab-2-mg-fantasy-query-critique.html">#2 - MG Fantasy</a></u><br /></li>
<li><b>Genres Accepted</b><br />I'm most experienced with YA and MG Contemporary, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy (and a bit of Historical & Thriller). I also read some Adult in those genres as well. If you write outside those genres, I'd still be happy to give feedback on how well your query is working for me as a query. Just be aware that I may not be well read enough in your genre to point out any issues in the query related to genre conventions and tropes.<br /><br /><br />The only genre I would ask you <u>not</u> to send is erotica. I have no experience with reading or writing that and likewise would not be able to post the entry on my blog in the event that you were a runner-up, since I don't have an 18 and over restriction on my blog. Sorry about that!!<br /></li>
<li><b>Theme / Focus Schedule</b><br />Each month, I will open to submissions based on a genre theme or other focus that is sometimes (though not always), tied to an <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/01/contest-madness.html">upcoming contest</a></u> which writers are preparing for.<br /></li>
<li><b>That's it! Any questions, don't hesistate to ask!</b><br />(you can catch me on Twitter at: <a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor/" style="text-decoration: underline;">@carissaataylor</a>)<br /><br /><br /><br /><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">(Note: Please do not comment on this post to enter the monthly giveaway, as I won't be monitoring it. I will post a separate <u>entry post each month</u> when the window has opened!)</span></b></i></li>
</ul>
</div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-13612817510563751902016-04-26T01:55:00.000-07:002016-04-26T01:55:03.630-07:00Previously in April ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
"Previously..." is a Bloghop recapping the previous month's goals and accomplishments. It's hosted by the lovely <b><a href="http://colewritingblog.blogspot.com/">Miss Cole </a></b>on the last Wednesday of every month. For more details on how to participate visit the <u><a href="http://colewritingblog.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html">Previously</a></u> page!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Previously in Writing</span></b><br />
<br />
This month (and in March), spurned on by an amazing brainstorming Skype session with my agent, I ended up re-visiting my YA sci-fi WIP after a long hiatus and added two new threads to the story that I'm SUPER excited about. Squee! It's so nice to be excited about this project again after so long feeling a bit stuck with it. Now my agent's reading it and we shall see what he thinks. Eeep!<br />
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I sent out my my NaNoWriMo MG novel #IslandGirlWIP in March to a second wave of readers to get more of my target audience's thoughts on the manuscript and am still waiting on that feedback.<br />
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In April I also participated in #CampNaNoWriMo -- like National Novel Writing Month, but where you set your own goals. I set a goal of 40K for my new WIP -- a YA Contemporary about a Teen Journalist (#TeenJournalistWIP) and *fingers crossed* I will meet that goal!! Right now I'm sitting at 32K -- well, 54K total ... I had some written beforehand. Unfortunately, due to a new plot thread I just invented *whoops!* it looks like I won't technically "finish" the novel by the end of April. That's okay. I might actually just skip a few scenes and write the end ones I know and then go back and fill in the other ones in May. It is a SUPER research heavy MS. The most researchy I've ever attempted. May is going to be filled with non-fic books and journal articles to do some serious fact-checking and adding of technical details I glossed over!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Previously in Reading</span></b><br />
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This month, I did a LOT of critting for #DVPit entries so I haven't done quite as much novel reading as usual. Right now I am reading Sarah Jamila Stevenson's THE LATTE REBELLION ... which is super fun so far. It pairs well with #TeenJournalistWIP thematically, so that's good! I started I'LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson, which was flat out gorgeous (as I expected) but alas the library stole it back from me before I had a chance to finish :oO I also started THE BLOSSOMING UNIVERSE OF VIOLET DIAMOND, which I was loving, but set it aside because I think it will pair better for me reading at a time when I'm working on my MG book again.<br />
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(I'm so matchy-matchy like that!)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Next Time in Goals</span></b><br />
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Next month, I hope to be finished with a round of additions and first-round edits on #TeenJournalistWIP and hopefully done outlining my next book, which is going to be an MG Steampunky-Victorianesque Fantasy ... it also needs a hashtag. Hmm ... she helps solve arson cases so ... #FiregirlWIP ? Right now I have two chapters and a very loose idea, but I need the key plot points. It's actually a story that's been in my head way back from the very beginning of time { aka five years ago when I realized I wanted to be an author ;o) }<br />
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In May I hope to read A LOT for #TeenJounalistWIP research. Like A LOT A LOT. But maybe not fiction. Which makes me kind of sad. Except I guess I will actually be reading fiction too because I have a big beta backlog!!! Whee!!!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A Word of Advice<br /></span></b><br />
Moral of the story? There's no better motivator for getting work done than an impending 2nd child!!! o.O<br /><br />Is that advice? No, not really. Don't try this at home. Or do. But <u>not</u> because you want to get a lot of projects done. Although that aspect of it HAS worked in my favor.<br />
<br />
... I'm just sayin'</div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-21248726950768409882016-03-29T14:46:00.000-07:002016-03-29T19:45:18.674-07:00#Pitmad March 2016: What Agents Requested<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitmad Agent Requests 2016</td></tr>
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Twitter Pitch Contests like Brenda Drake's #Pitmad can be a ton of fun. They're a great way to meet others in the writing community, nail down a succinct and catchy pitch for your novel, and potentially to get agent requests to see your work!<br />
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<br />
We all know that crafting an attention-grabbing pitch in under 140 characters can be HARD. In past years I've done a round-up of the #Pitmad twitter pitches that got requests, and I thought it might be fun, and hopefully informative, to do it again! This may be my last roundup though, unless ya'll talk me into it again, 'cause ngl ... it's pretty time-consuming.<br />
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So what caught agents' attention this year? Read on to find out! And stay tuned for a second post with more analysis! :)<br />
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<i style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: xx-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><br />{ <span style="color: #666666;"> Previous Posts:</span><i style="color: #666666; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: xx-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></i> </span></span></i><u style="color: #666666; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/01/twitter-pitch-party-pitmad-requested.html" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Jan 2013 Pitches</a></u><span style="color: #666666; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> || </span><u style="color: #666666; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/03/march-pitmad-requested-pitches.html" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">March 2013 Pitches</a></u><span style="color: #666666; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> || </span><span style="color: #666666; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2014/09/sept-2014-pitmad-requested-pitches.html" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sept 2014 Pitches</a> </span><span style="line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">}</span></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">{ </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i>Twitter Pitching Resources: </i></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><u style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2015/03/busting-1-twitter-pitch-myth.html" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Pitch Myths</a></u><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> || </span><u style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/03/twitter-pitch-loglines-part-2-recipe.html" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Pitch Recipes</a></u><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> ||<br /> </span><span style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/02/pitch-factory-twitter-pitch-logline.html" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pitch Generator</a> || <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/01/contest-madness.html">Contest Calendar</a></u> || </span></span><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2015/06/using-tweetdeck-columns-to-keep-track.html" style="color: #3e3939; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Using Tweetdeck to Monitor Contests</a><span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20.16px;">}</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">March 2016 #PitMad </span></b><b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Requested Pitches</span></b><br />
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<ul style="font-family: 'times new roman'; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Young Adult (213 novels requested) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">New Adult (17 novels requested)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Adult (147 novels requested)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Middle Grade (61 novels requested)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Picture Books (15 books requested)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Non-Fiction<br />& Memoir (6 books requested)<br /><br /></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Total = 459 manuscripts got requests!!</b></li>
</ul>
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<br />**Note: Apologies in advance for sketchy formatting and any omissions. I tried my best to gather the majority of pitches that received agent favorites here, but I'm sure I missed some!<br />
I <u>didn't</u> attempt to compile faves from editors & small presses, so in reality, the number of requested pitches is even higher!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Other sidenote: I also didn't compile requests from a couple known *schmagents* I noticed on the thread. <u>Be very careful to research who you're subbing to</u> before you send out requested material! Check them on Preditors and Editors, and threads on the QueryTracker and Absolute Write forums. I won't name names here, but <u><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor">you can DM me on Twitter</a></u> if you really want to know.) </span><br />
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<b>Without further ado ... the list of "winning"pitches:</b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Congrats everyone!!!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i><br /></i><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Young Adult Agent Favorites</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AaronCanton1/status/710513802500919296"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Aaron Canton @AaronCanton1</span></a></b><br />
Jewish teen makes deal with demon for power to defend friends, gradually becomes obsessed with battle #ownvoices #pitmad #ya #f #uf<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/abbiei/status/710546727418392576"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Abigail Isaac Fine @abbiei</span></a></b><br />
First Daughter in disguise asked to impersonate herself to save country. Lindy risks her life & heart. LEGEND + AS YOU LIKE IT. #YA #PitMad<b></b><br />
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Lindy knows Henry helps her because she's the First Family's only survivor. It's his job. But now, a kiss?<br />
LEGEND+AS YOU LIKE IT #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AEKeener/status/710504188334247936"><span style="color: #cc0000;">A.E.Keener @AEKeener</span></a></b><br />
On the run with a charming thief, 2 robots, and a dog, Alice must navigate a world that is dangerous yet strangely familiar. #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/aftenbrook/status/710477309485027330"><span style="color: #cc0000;">AftenBrook Szymanski @aftenbrook</span></a></b><br />
#YA #SF<br />
GenE, a dead girl gaming for the chance to live forever, learns she was never alive and who to kill so no one else finds out<br />
#PitMad<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/cyberpreppy/status/710526788460355584"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AJFlowers86/status/710607947500490752"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Alyssa Flowers @AJFlowers86</span></a></b><br />
To hell with suitors! Azrael sets her sights on becoming Queen and redeeming fallen angels. If only they were worth saving. #ya #F #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/amandashalaby/status/710591592063758336"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amanda L. V. Shalaby @amandashalaby</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #YA #HR #M #Series Can Imogen catch a killer to prove her worth to London’s secret Vigilance Society - and Oliver Ashcroft?<br />
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#PitMad #YA #HR #M #Series Lord Ashcroft doubts Imogen can go from seamstress to lady in time to catch a killer. Can she prove him wrong?<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CiteSomething/status/710571685477535744"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amanda MacGregor @CiteSomething</span></a></b><br />
Punk shows in fields. Parties in barns. A youth group waging spiritual warfare. MN is nothing like what new girl Thora expected. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AmberNPing/status/710503519871049728"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amber Ping @AmberNPing</span></a></b><br />
Two worlds collide when a marine biologist discovers the girl he’s falling for lives below the oceanic trench he’s studying. #YA #F #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AmyWagnitz/status/710556322618597376"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amy Wagnitz @AmyWagnitz</span></a></b><br />
After meeting the Darlings, teenage friends Hook and Peter must choose between death or banishment to current day Hawaii. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AmberR_Duell/status/710482674067054592"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amber Riley Duell @AmberR_Duell</span></a></b><br />
Kidnapped & forced to sing in vaudeville, Dutch 17yo Lina must decide if she can trust her pianist before she’s trapped forever. #pitmad #ya<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AndreaEllickson/status/710534822477766656"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Andrea Ellickson @AndreaEllickson</span></a></b><br />
Roman's graffiti unleashes an exiled beast ready to devour every hipster in SF unless he unlocks his long-lost Filipino legends #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/aammyyss/status/710545778964602880"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amy Evans @aammyyss</span></a></b><br />
Lo tours w/ a band & becomes close w/ 2 of the boys. One the public thinks she's dating & the one she loves behind the scenes. #YA #PitMad<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AmyWagnitz/status/710446618475151361"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amy Wagnitz @AmyWagnitz</span></a></b><br />
After meeting the Darlings, teenage best friends Hook and Peter must choose between death or banishment to current day Hawaii. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Freepaperclips/status/710538765220126722"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Angela @Freepaperclips</span></a></b><br />
Esther's not afraid of the dark with the soul stars. When the Soul Eater drowns her in darkness, she's never been more afraid. #pitmad #ya<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyTardiff/status/710468914321358848"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Anthony Tardiff @AnthonyTardiff</span></a></b><br />
A hacker teen must decide whether to trust an A.I. or her brilliant creator. Both are manipulative. Which is more human? #PitMad #YA #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/FanNotions/status/710553785404301313"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ARCannon @FanNotions</span></a></b><br />
#YA Alt-hist of Marie Antoinette with a puff of #steampunk. Marie must navigate the hostile court of Versailles & stop an assassin. #PitMad<br />
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#YA Alt-hist Marie Antoinette-She doesn't know who to trust at Versailles w/ an assassin and a flirty princess after her new husband #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ash_lc2/status/710507229603098624"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ashley c @ash_lc2</span></a></b><br />
Surviving a disaster is the easy part for 17yo Mayra who uses it as a chance to escape her life as a drug transporter in Peru. #YA #Pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/naptime_writer/status/710531305474228225"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ashley Shannon @naptime_writer</span></a></b><br />
Erin wants to save her gf, Winter from her dark, twisted mind, but in order to do so she might have to sacrifice herself. #YA #LGBT #PitMad<br />
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#YA #CON #PitMad After his gf commits suicide, James is left with only Alice's letters to understand why she died and if he can love again.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ash_lc2/status/710507229603098624"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ashley c @ash_lc2</span></a></b><br />
Surviving a disaster is the easy part for 17yo Mayra who uses it as a chance to escape her life as a drug transporter in Peru. #YA #Pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Ashlynwriting/status/710565264736313344"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ashlyn @Ashlynwriting</span></a></b><br />
Sae must uncover a past life’s memory to have any chance of stopping the mad god hell-bent on killing her. #ya #fan #pitmad #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AtomicNicky/status/710613311801266176"><span style="color: #cc0000;">AtomicNicky @AtomicNicky</span></a></b><br />
What if Snow White wasn't so good after all and the Queen wasn't so evil? The tables are turned in this twisted retelling #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/audreyfdion/status/710441551818854400"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Audrey Fae Dion @audreyfdion</span></a></b><br />
Hey, I just met you. This school is crazy. So let's grab our pet goat and ruin a sorcerer's day-maybe. PRINCESS ACADEMY + DWJ #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Bethanyrambles/status/710590157150236672"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bethany Simonsen @Bethanyrambles</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #YA #F Wicked+Grimm in bittersweet retelling. Villainesses must sacrifice everything to save family, lose themselves in the process.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MeinhardtBrandy/status/710516065445482498"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brandy meinhardt @MeinhardtBrandy</span></a></b><br />
He's a burn victim. She chose an abortion at 17. Both carry scars, but together they may be able to heal each other. Dual POV #YA #PitMad<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/BriannaShrum/status/710523366138978305"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brianna Shrum @BriannaShrum</span></b></a><br />
To crumble a kingdom, Rhyven must earn Tove's trust, kill her,and steal her identity. Simple til he falls in love w/her #LGBT #YA F #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/mrbrianrowe/status/710600403419705344"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brian Rowe @mrbrianrowe</span></a></b><br />
A 16-yo faces a horror from her abusive past when her former teacher is found brutally murdered. Think Gillian Flynn for teens. #YA #PitMad<br />
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2 boys meet at beginning of 1st grade and go from best friends to boyfriends over the course of 12 years. Like an #LGBT Boyhood. #YA #PitMad<br />
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A gay 17-yo enlists the help of his magician father after he accidentally makes the love of his life disappear. #YA #LGBT #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Brooke123456/status/710587648532979712"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brooke @Brooke123456</span></a></b><br />
Two stories connected by the search for their deadbeat dad. One begins in suicide, one ends in hope, two unforgettable voices. #PitMad #ya<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MsAlderman/status/710521744449114113"><span style="color: #cc0000;">C. Alderman @MsAlderman</span></a></b><br />
Cast as Dorothy in the school play, a twister of a first love will drop her in a real-life nightmareish Oz, juvenile detention. #pitmad #ya<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/cam_eldridge/status/710616473668980736"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cameron Eldridge @cam_eldridge</span></b></a><br />
For every face, she hears a number from 1-10, good to evil. Now she must prove the mirror wrong. JESSICA JONES/SHATTER ME #SF #YA #Pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/casacullen/status/710582207241457664"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Carla Luna Cullen @casacullen</span></a></b><br />
Anna & The French Kiss meets The 100-Foot Journey: a 17yo wannabe chef from the US finds romance & culinary inspiration in India #YA #PitMad<br />
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India is a savory--and romantic--adventure for teen chef Ivy. But plummeting grades may get her sent home & end her shot at love #YA #PitMad<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/carlson_heath/status/710600218715287553"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/carlson_heath/status/710600218715287553"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Carlson Heath @carlson_heath</span></a></b><br />
Set in 1904, a young misfit learns the art of blacksmithing to help her disabled best friend and his boyfriend. #YA #PitMad #HF #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CarriePomeroy1/status/710438768914862080"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Carrie Pomeroy @CarriePomeroy1</span></a></b><br />
#YA #NF #PitMad A poor kid named Charlie Chaplin rises to stardom— then risks everything to make a movie that breaks all the comedy rules.<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CarlynGreenwald/status/710559096877920257"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CarlynGreenwald/status/710559096877920257"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Carlyn Greenwald @CarlynGreenwald</span></a></b><br />
In 1956 Vegas, 18yo twins Adam & Zelda must figure out who betrayed their late guardian to the mob or risk being the next hits. #pitmad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CassandraPage01/status/710557598211178496"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cassandra Page @CassandraPage01</span></a></b><br />
Rheia must choose: die to save her people or live and doom them. Who has time for love? Beauty & the Beast in Ancient Greece. #F #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/babblebee/status/710560983568154625"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cera @babblebee</span></a></b><br />
Ellie lost her memory after trying to illegally rewind time. Her doctors won't turn her in b/c of their own objectives. #ya #sf #mr #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CSLyons/status/710597109968453633"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chantal Lyons @CSLyons</span></a></b><br />
Girl w/ tumour undergoes suspended animation, expects 20 years, woken 108 years later instead #PitMad #YA #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/cbillings90/status/710530435260887040"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chelsea Billings @cbillings90</span></a></b><br />
14 y/o sets out to overcome eating disorder & social anxiety after a social bullying incident that led her to transfer schools #YA #PitMad<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/c_r_logan/status/710466053373997058"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chelsea Logan @c_r_logan</span></b></a><br />
Life w/ a bipolar sister is hard. Life w/ a bipolar sister in jail is harder.Especially if your testimony is what put her there. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/cstephens313/status/710597689474310145"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cheryl Stephens @cstephens313</span></a></b><br />
On the haunted grounds of Primley Manor Daphne faces the dark story of Alice, a mentally ill girl who died mysteriously in 1795.#YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CHSmithAuthor/status/710498688527773696"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Christian Smith @CHSmithAuthor</span></a></b><br />
He never believed in ghosts until the day he died.Now dark spirits seek Gavin's heart to free their master,<br />
Will he survive?<br />
#YA #F #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/christinaalex/status/710593332829761537"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Christina Alex @christinaalex</span></a></b><br />
Deenie meets Black Swan. Aspiring ballerina struggles with back brace & mom's depression to audition for professional school. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ChristyARay/status/710574733431955457"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Christina Ray @ChristyARay</span></a></b><br />
Skater boy is determined to win over the school’s journalist, but she rejects him due to her troubling past. #YA #Romance #PitMad<br />
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Skater boy is determined to win over the school’s newspaper editor whose troubling past makes her reject him on a daily basis. #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ChristyARay/status/710574733431955457"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Christina Ray @ChristyARay</span></a></b><br />
Skater boy is determined to win over the school’s journalist, but she rejects him due to her troubling past. #YA #Romance #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CMaccarald/status/710468703658311680"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Clara MacCarald @CMaccarald</span></a></b><br />
A gay princess must save her feudal kingdom from her handsome yet cruel fiance. #YA #F #LGBT #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CourtGilfill/status/710438565851738112"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Courtney Gilfillian @CourtGilfill</span></a></b><br />
17 y/o Melissa's revenge app goes awry and she must decide between protecting an innocent girl and keeping her bff. #PitMad #YA #CON<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ckingwalker/status/710491714176335872"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Courtney King Walker @ckingwalker</span></a></b><br />
FRANKENSTEIN + WE WERE LIARS The deeper she digs the more monsters she finds. #Pitmad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/DanielleArie"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Danielle Tannehill @DanielleArie</span></a></b><br />
Feminism & Nobility do not a union make. At least not for Joanna Balfour. Victorian heiress. Suffrage patron. Accidental Bride. #pitmad #HR<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/DeidreHuesmann/status/710600901149392896"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Deidre Huesmann @DeidreHuesmann</span></a></b><br />
Three teens, fleeing their oppressive village, instigate a foretold war between old races and Greek gods. #YA #F #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/DomGoodall/status/710496499428364288"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dominique Goodall @DomGoodall</span></a></b><br />
Gwyn's illegal magic shows on her skin, marking her for death. When her master goes missing, it's down to her to save him #SFF #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KalaEmpire/status/710543006747602944"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Donovan Pruitt @KalaEmpire</span></a></b><br />
Young Indiana Jones + a terrible alchemy weapon masked as a pocket watch + airship pirates, all in an alternate 19th century. #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/DrFsThoughts/status/710521413774479360"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dr. F @DrFsThoughts</span></a></b><br />
College, girlfriend, & tennis. The plan's been set for years. Does he want any of it? Esp after fun of a youtube adventure. #PitMad #YA #CON<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/away_for_now/status/710500902503903232"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Eduardo Gutekunst @away_for_now</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #YA #MR 14yo Liam and brother Oliver become brujos in southern Mexico in a mystery of mythology, numbers, and murder.<br />
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#PitMad #YA #MR Mystery, mythology, murder, and sorcery catch up to brujo brothers Liam and Oliver in the jungles of southern Mexico<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/elaineamsmith/status/710483742914170880"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Elaine AM Smith @elaineamsmith</span></a></b><br />
Like Continuum crossed the Old Ones from The Dark Is Rising: a 15yo lands in trouble first time she walks through walls. #SFF #YA #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/eliz_rose93/status/710548934389833728"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Elizabeth Rosenbaum @eliz_rose93</span></a></b><br />
Addie the hunter must put the pieces back together after waking up from 6 mos of demon possession. What's her body been up to? #PitMad #YA<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ellemarr_/status/710559337152794625"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/anamatics/status/710581984301621249"><span style="color: #cc0000;">三 l l e n Simpson @anamatics</span></a></b><br />
In a desert society, a girl comes of age and is charged with an impossible quest: bring back the rain, which was stolen long ago.#ya #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EmilyBethShore/status/710496951805067264"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Emily Beth Shore @EmilyBethShore</span></a></b><br />
#pitmad #YA DOLLHOUSE + GLASS ARROW - 16yo Serenity is sold to the Menagerie, a Red Light District-style Museum where girls become live art<br />
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16yo Serenity is sold to Red Light District-Style Museum where girls become living art. Parallels modern day sex-trafficking: #pitmad YA SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EpicEmP/status/710529613038944256"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Emily Pichardo @EpicEmP</span></a></b><br />
In a world of fairy tales turned evil, Quinn's hunt to find her family has her joining the Rebels in a magical civil war. #PitMad #YA #F<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EmilyTimbol/status/710503894799880192"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EmilyTimbol/status/710503894799880192"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Emily Timbol @EmilyTimbol</span></a></b><br />
A police shooting leaves two girls shattered. Bree is now fatherless. Maddy wonders if her police officer father is a murderer. #YA #PitMad<br />
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When Maddy’s father shoots & kills Bree’s father, both girls are confronted with privilege, racism & media obsessed w/ both. #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/sneaky_monkee/status/710532704706502658"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Erin Blake @sneaky_monkee</span></a></b><br />
A kitchen servant catching the unwanted eye of the King must choose between the love of a guard and escape from the castle. #PitMad #YA #R<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EvaPolites/status/710615414460420096"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EvaPolites/status/710615414460420096"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Eva Polites @EvaPolites</span></a></b><br />
Thespian Beatrice Good and athlete Ben Darcy agree--relationships have expiration dates. Juan concurs. #pitmad #YA #CON Shakespeare retell<br />
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#YA #CON #Pitmad Old rivalries surface as thespian Beatrice clashes with athlete Ben & Juan reconciles with his half-brother. Shakspr retell<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/BookwyrmFCP/status/710603867990327296"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Farrell Paules @BookwyrmFCP</span></b></a><br />
Guinevere would 100% not recommend exile. Unless it happens to be with a certain stubborn, kind, brave future Queen. #PitMad #YA #F #LGBTQIA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/PoetFida/status/710579792421134336"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Fida Islaih @PoetFida</span></a></b><br />
Nadine deals with anxiety and designs headscarves while on a soccer team as she and Liyana deal with unwanted attention. #YA #PitMad<br />
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Nadine deals with anxiety & designs headscarves while on a soccer team as she and Liyana deal w/ unwanted attention. #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/gabemcclure/status/710550389146275840"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gabe McClure @gabemcclure</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #YA #SF #R DEADPOOL+WHITE COLLAR+FIGHT CLUB. Infamous antihero&cult leader, Miranda, gets caught by the enemy...then falls for him.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/gargimehra/status/710465169374257152"><span style="color: #cc0000;">gargimehra @gargimehra</span></a></b><br />
Devil Wears Prada+Legally Blonde: Teen wannabe model must fight her way thru engg college to prove beauty with brains is no myth #YA #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/konallis/status/710472257664131072"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gemma Bristow @konallis</span></a></b><br />
Raised as a girl, intersexed Constantine flees home to live as a boy. But in C18th London that takes more than changing clothes. #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Gero_Delgadillo/status/710538494217560064"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gerardo Delgadillo @Gero_Delgadillo</span></a></b><br />
After a freak accident leaves her deaf, 16yo Alex must give up mixing music, or re-learn how to DJ without sounds. #pitmad #YA #CON<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/gilldaniels/status/710492721228734465"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gillian Daniels @gilldaniels</span></a></b><br />
Puck, jester to Oberon, has been exiled from Faerie. Now he's bound to the will of a young woman because she saved his life. #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/GinaLKammer/status/710592909788061696"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gina Kammer @GinaLKammer</span></a></b><br />
If fighting mechanical monsters and legendary Irish nightmares isn't enough, Kit must protect her new love from a mad magician #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/gloriacchao/status/710487133199278080"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gloria Chao @gloriacchao</span></a></b><br />
If Mei pursues her non-Taiwanese crush or leaves her pre-med track, her parents will disown her. FANGIRL meets a #YA JOY LUCK CLUB. #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/gwenPhua/status/710534066198581249"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gwen Phua @gwenPhua</span></a></b><br />
16yo reclaims memories of past lives & lands on a hit list for ex-royals. Can her 2nd past as a 1930's Chinese spy save her? #PitMad #YA #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/gwynnejackson/status/710517103820984320"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gwynne Jackson @gwynnejackson</span></a></b><br />
A teen on his way to Mars finds honor, redemption, & a bit of love at a deep-space dojo. THE KARATE KID meets COWBOY BEBOP. #PitMad #YA #SF<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TheRoadToHannah/status/710493673755176961"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TheRoadToHannah/status/710493673755176961"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hannah Siddiqui @TheRoadToHannah</span></a></b><br />
#pitmad #YA murder&magic go hand in hand as 16yo Perri must race against time-past,present,&future-to unravel the death of her best friend.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/heatherstartup/status/710436540560723968"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Heather @heatherstartup</span></a></b><br />
17yo with OCD moves to a haunted house and must decide which of her fears are unfounded—and which ones endanger her sister #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/HBakkela/status/710540453502799873"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Heather Bakkela @HBakkela</span></a></b><br />
What if Eponine got the ending she wanted? Modern-day love story inspired by beloved characters of Les Miserables with a twist #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/hdiangelis/status/710589044690780161"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Heather DiAngelis @hdiangelis</span></a></b><br />
Compulsive liar Kristi claims she's dying from malaria. If she can't maintain the ruse, she'll scare her GF off forever. #PitMad #YA #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/HeidiCatherine/status/710468325529137152"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Heidi Catherine @HeidiCatherine</span></a></b><br />
Girl dreams of faces she doesn’t recognise. Must unravel mystery of her past life and who killed her before she dies again #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/HeidiSchlottman/status/710531271844352000"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Heidi Schlottman @HeidiSchlottman</span></a></b><br />
When foster kid Alice trains under big sister to be a special agent, they may kill each other before the terrorists get a chance #pitmad #YA<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/betsystreeter/status/710552093380255744"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/betsystreeter/status/710552093380255744"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Imperator Betsyosa @betsystreeter</span></a></b><br />
Three young time-technicians & an odd French grandpa race to fix a break in time - by any means. Even a fake seance. #PitMad #SF #F #YA #M<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/IreneFTX/status/710490978478456832"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Irene @IreneFTX</span></a></b><br />
After destroying her relationship with her best friend, Eloise joins mock trial and reunites with an old crush #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/IsabelleHWrites/status/710600698354921472"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Isabelle Hardesty @IsabelleHWrites</span></a></b><br />
With witches stripped of magic, Latina Teen brings magic back to town’s witches & an evil witch is bent on taking her soul. #Pitmad #YA #UF<br />
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Teen Latina witch must protect her hometown and define herself beyond what she’s learned from high school & telenovelas. #Pitmad #YA #F #UF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JackieHook/status/710604779823742977"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jackie Hook @JackieHook</span></a></b><br />
Cuba. A story of color, music, dancing, intrigue. Brisa discovers who she is amidst a struggle b/w the mob & those she loves. #YAF #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Jackson_D_Chase/status/710492707177693184"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jackson Dean Chase @Jackson_D_Chase</span></a></b><br />
Amber finds a magic lamp and awakens the djinni inside. What will she wish for: love, money, or to cover up a murder? #YA #H #Pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jackiepeveto/status/710551843479261184"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jacqueline Peveto @jackiepeveto</span></a></b><br />
Alt 1851-Young American photographer uncovers dangerous world of tea, shadowed by subject of photo she wasn't supposed to take. #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jadeewrites/status/710507835063455744"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jade Nicholson @jadeewrites</span></a></b><br />
In 2119, schools only teach STEM. But when a weaponized virus strikes, bookworm Taya figures out how (& why) to stay alive. #PitMad #YA #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Jamie_Adams22/status/710604375731920896"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jamie Adams @Jamie_Adams22</span></a></b><br />
17yo Marguerite is seductress, society darling, spy. A revolution causes her three lives to collide in love and blood. #PitMad #YA alt hist<br />
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Before the revolution is over, Marguerite will kiss a boy and kill a boy. The problem is, she loves them both. #Pitmad #YA alt hist<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Jamie_Beth_S/status/710516811595276288"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jamie Beth @Jamie_Beth_S Mar 17</span></a></b><br />
Dirty Dancing’s forbidden attraction meets The Smiths' introspection as a 16yo comes to terms with her newly attractive body. #pitmad #ya<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/janflora/status/710596080774172672"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Flora Corso @janflora</span></a></b><br />
Football capt Bray Carson stops a rape at a party forcing him to face truth about his teammates and his own family secrets #PITMAD #YA #CON<br />
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17yo football captain Brayden stops a rape at a party & the backlash forces him to face his own family secrets. Diverse contemp #YA #PITMAD<br />
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#PitMad #YA Football capt Brayden Carson stops a rape at a party forcing him to face truth about his teammates and his own family secrets.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EltonaWrites/status/710569830022250496"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Halpin @EltonaWrites</span></a></b><br />
Race & class keep them apart at home. Enslaved on a far off planet, they're equals, desperate to escape. Not fall in love. #PitMad #YA #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/SeekerJBeliever/status/710549097489551361"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Janelle McCurdy @SeekerJBeliever</span></a></b><br />
A dead girl's diary can only reveal so much.Her friends create an online vigilante group attacking the bullies behind her death. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JaymeLStryker/status/710529661185339392"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jayme Stryker @JaymeLStryker</span></a></b><br />
Drew struggles to prioritize living friends when his dead best friend writes new entries in their shared journal. #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jenniferwelker/status/710461312791396354"><span style="color: #cc0000;">J.C. Welker @jenniferwelker</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #YA #LGBTQ Thief wishing to fix her heart steals a vase containing a jinni & becomes the target of every magical mobster in London<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JelsaMepsey/status/710537195916959745"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jelsa Mepsey @JelsaMepsey</span></a></b><br />
Adam stands up to his abusive father for his mom and brother, yet struggles to not be like the man he hates. #YA #PitMad novel in verse<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JenRedmile/status/710494709152673793"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jen Redmile @JenRedmile</span></a></b><br />
Can a ghost, a Guardian Angel, and their 'alive' friends defeat the school's poltergeist. And if they do, at what cost? #PitMad #YA #PNR<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/raddestgirlever/status/710605091749896192"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jenna Lehne @raddestgirlever</span></a></b><br />
CABIN IN THE WOODS meets TEN. Murphy and co. are stranded at a lake house. Their fears start to kill them off, one by one #PitMad #YA Horror<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jenniferdyer/status/710576520545357824"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jennifer Dyer @jenniferdyer</span></a></b><br />
Misfit princess is the only one with the power to save her people—unfortunately, they want her dead. Cinder x Star Wars. #Pitmad #YA #SF #R<br />
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Mulan x Star Wars. Serenity is the only one with the power to save her people—unfortunately, they want her dead. #PitMad #YA #SF #R<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jenpickrell/status/710589922063814656"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jennifer Pickrell @jenpickrell</span></a></b><br />
As Jules & Jesse deal with a potential pregnancy, they're blindsided by a medical emergency neither is prepared to handle #YA #CON #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/BohermoreSeries/status/710552090251239424"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jennifer R McMahon @BohermoreSeries</span></a></b><br />
#pitmad #ya #mr Maeve ditches college for Ireland to track a dream-haunting, lethal pirate queen & end the centuries-old curse on her clan.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Jenny_Russ/status/710524866320076804"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jenny @Jenny_Russ</span></a></b><br />
Hatchet meets Lost Horizon- Two boys fall in love amidst fiery protests in communist-controlled Tibet. #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JennyC2323/status/710559569034883073"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jenny Chou @JennyC2323</span></a></b><br />
Raj must find real jewel thief or only person he has left in world turns herself in for crime she didn’t commit. #PitMad #YA #LiarsandHeists<br />
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Jewel thief Raj risks prison to protect adopted sis after her father rescues him from pickpocket life on cruel Jakarta streets. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jessicaannhill_/status/710444316741738496"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jessica Ann Hill @jessicaannhill_</span></a></b><br />
Sandshifter Makani must harness her ability and fight for freedom from the commander who would use her as his spy and assassin. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/_AnchoredGypsy/status/710546453261844480"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jessica Grace Kelley @_AnchoredGypsy</span></a></b><br />
What's worse than dying from Plague? You might survive and be forced to become a Mercy Killer... and Greylin isn't getting sick #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Gruner23/status/710604290138759168"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jessica Gruner @Gruner23</span></a></b><br />
In the Holy Republic, a school for salvaged abortions turns out to be the perfect breeding ground for extraordinary talents. #pitmad #YA<br />
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What if abortion was legal—but only because every aborted child was kept alive?<br />
Enclave meets Unwind. #pitmad #YA<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/jessiejholmes/status/710599199319072768"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jessie J. Holmes @jessiejholmes</span></b></a><br />
#PitMad Two teens forced to run for president must convince America they’re in love or the country will be destroyed. MATCHED + SURVIVOR #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jessikafleck/status/710567334080020480"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jessika Fleck @jessikafleck</span></a></b><br />
#YA #F Naya escapes jail to prove her innocence. Not an easy task: she's mute, has 5 days, & is in love with the guard on her trail. #PitMad<br />
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#PitMad #YA #F Naya escapes jail to prove her innocence. Not an easy task: she's mute, has 5 days, & is in love with the guard on her trail.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/DisgruntledMom/status/710561593801576449"><span style="color: #cc0000;">JodiG @DisgruntledMom</span></a></b><br />
16 yo Ophelia is bootlegging in the 1930's LA bayou to save her Momma from the clutches of the man who ruined their family #YA #HF #PitMad<br />
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16yo Ophelia is going to join a 1930s LA bootlegging gang to save her Momma from the man who destroyed their family. #PitMad #YA #HF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JNCahill1"><span style="color: #cc0000;">J.N. Cahill @JNCahill1</span></a></b><br />
When Annie's grandmother dies, her family moves into her hotel. Little do they know there is evil within its walls. #pitmad #ya #h<br />
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Garrett and Maddie become friends after he finds her suicide note. Things get complicated when he writes a response. #PitMad #YA #CR<br />
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After being bullied, Callie decides to get even at her boyfriend's birthday bash. It will be to die for. Literally. #pitmad #ya #h<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JudyCRobinson/status/710571298376667136"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Judy Robinson @JudyCRobinson</span></a></b><br />
Emma doesn’t know she’s a heiress with a target on her back, or that the new guy at school is her undercover bodyguard. #PitMad #YA #CR<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/WriterJLyons/status/710551831869562880"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Juliet Lyons @WriterJLyons</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #YA Teen angst and a sexy ghost in the East Wing. Falling in love is never easy...<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/love8rockets/status/710438658608918528"><span style="color: #cc0000;">K. L. Hallam @love8rockets</span></a></b><br />
Summer 1935: Girls at music school are dying. Ruby sees it happen and helps the police--until it appears she's the killer. #YA<br />
#pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/kaitylynne13/status/710479942278991872"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kaitlyn Johnson @kaitylynne13</span></a></b><br />
HUNGER GAMES meets BOURNE IDENTITY. Jessa and last 10 survivors must escape assassin camp before they are activated to kill #PitMad #YA #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AJCypher/status/710493282971705344"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kalyn Josephson @AJCypher</span></a></b><br />
Little Red Riding Hood meets Throne of Glass – an 18 yo assassin steals her victims' blood to stay alive and stop the Wolf #Pitmad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Withachippedcup/status/710527141931188224"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kane McLoughlin @Withachippedcup</span></a></b><br />
A fairy tale written as a myth and structured like a play. A mysterious town with two vampires, one witch and a tragic secret #YA #F #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KarenMahara/status/710538829233520640"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Karen Mahara @KarenMahara</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #YA #F Male Cinderella. To stop an evil sorcerer, Owen must win his trust, even if it warps his mind to betray the princess he loves<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/kath_rothschild/status/710548666189086720"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Katherine Rothschild @kath_rothschild</span></a></b><br />
What's worse than your father dying? Finding out he had a secret life. What's even worse? Moving in with his secret boyfriend. #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KatieBernet/status/710465557280067585"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Katie Bernet @KatieBernet</span></a></b><br />
16yo nomad longs for a place to call home, but her mom’s afraid of putting down roots. Why? Gilmore Girls x Paper Towns #Pitmad #YA #Con<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/garner_kate/status/710557147222843392"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Katie Garner @garner_kate</span></a></b><br />
A peasant w/ enemy blood is the only one who can open an evil book that will either destroy her world or save it entirely. #YA #F #PitMad<br />
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Monsters & curses. Prophecies & revenge. And Cleo thought no harm could come from a book. Shadow&Bone+Throne of Glass #YA #F #PitMad<br />
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A poor fortune teller & a prince in disguise race to decipher a book before the evil inside its pages destroys their world. #YA #F #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KatrinaDeLallo/status/710553063862341632"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Katrina DeLallo @KatrinaDeLallo</span></a></b><br />
In a world where magic's guardian is a hated legend, a 16yo thief with elemental power is chosen to renew the land's magic. #YA #F #PitMAD<br />
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Magic is dying. To save it, a 16yo boy must face death to compete in a trial to become the new guardian and renewer of magic. #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KellyQAnderson/status/710470477135753216"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kelly Q. Anderson @KellyQAnderson</span></a></b><br />
Teen obsessed with Sixteen Candles seeks her very own Jake Ryan yet ends up nearly expelled and slingin' pies in GOTH PIZZA. #PitMad #YA <img alt="🍕" aria-label="Emoji: Slice of pizza" class="Emoji Emoji--forText" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f355.png" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 1.25em; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 0.05em 0px 0.1em; vertical-align: -0.2em; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 1.25em;" title="Slice of pizza" /><br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/enderawiggin/status/710484209123471361"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kris Noel @enderawiggin</span></a></b><br />
The Emperor takes his prophecies seriously. Especially ones about his daughter falling in love w/ his future killer. #YA #SF #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/itsKristen1019/status/710554800010563584"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kristen Flowers @itsKristen1019</span></a></b><br />
It fell from the sky & gave the wrong man the power to enslave the world, now only the girl with violet eyes can save us. #PitMad #YA #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/lana_pattinson/status/710467872536076289"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lana Pattinson @lana_pattinson</span></a></b><br />
Girl shipwrecked in Scotland fights Laird & Selkie to get home but her rescuer steals her heart GREAT&TERRIBLE BEAUTY #H #R #YA #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/muliebris/status/710477053728960512"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lana Wood Johnson @muliebris</span></a></b><br />
Aboard the Floating Circus, young shapeshifter Rhee can turn into whatever she wants, except who she really is ADSOM x RED QUEEN #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/elliefalcone/status/710615291722473472"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Laura @elliefalcone</span></a></b><br />
17 yr. old Christa plays mind games with her abusive father in a battle for control in which someone ends up dead. #YA #T #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/uisgebeatha/status/710540438684491776"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Laura @uisgebeatha</span></a></b><br />
Power of Five meets Breakfast Club with a Joy Division soundtrack as a telepath hunts for his brother in a world below Edinburgh #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TheWriteByrd/status/710597473614495745"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Laura Byrd @TheWriteByrd</span></a></b><br />
Stephen is no Beauty but his belligerent host is certainly a Beast. And female. Who will save whom? Gender swap hist. retell. #F #YA #PitMad<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/laurampohl/status/710456608111923200"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Laura Pohl @laurampohl</span></b></a><br />
GRISHA meets GRACELING in this #YA twisted retelling of classic Russian fairytale 'Ivan and the Firebird' #Pitmad #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Larysia/status/710512225916731396"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Larysia @Larysia</span></a></b><br />
When Dream becomes living Nightmare, 17yo Brea must conquer her fears and become a general in a reality-bending war. #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/leehotline/status/710552547828703232"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Léonie Kelsall @leehotline</span></a></b><br />
Searching for freedom, a deaf Aboriginal girl finds love & heartbreak with a Turkish boy. But his secrets could destroy her #CON #PitMad #YA<br />
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Deaf teen's plan 2 break cycle of welfare dependence derailed by love. If she can’t get back on track, she’ll end up like mother #NA #Pitmad<br />
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Haunted by dreams of love & loss in Australia 150yrs earlier, Taylor must separate fact from fantasy before her heart is broken #pitmad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/LibbiDuncan/status/710549815524888576"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Libbi Duncan @LibbiDuncan</span></a></b><br />
When her parents disappear, telekinetic teen Madi must leave her home on the moon and return to an abandoned Earth to find them. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ligayaflor/status/710604429196562432"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ligaya Flor @ligayaflor</span></a></b><br />
Traumatic events trigger Nic's ability to time travel. She fights to change the one event that may be immutable. #PitMad #YA #MR<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyDuga/status/710500838431588352"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lindsey Duga @LindseyDuga</span></a></b><br />
To Princess Ivy Green, Kisses are used as weapons and Love is a fairytale. But one prince is desperate to prove her wrong. #YA #F #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/lucyhallowell/status/710489568538132480"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lucy Hallowell @lucyhallowell</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad When Elspeth & Robin start an underground library to fight censorship they worry about expulsion not solving a murder. #LGBT #YA<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/LylaWrites/status/710435606522793985"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/LylaWrites/status/710435606522793985"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lyla N. Lee @LylaWrites</span></a></b><br />
Small town teens compete in battle of the bands and form an unlikely group of friends. The Breakfast Club + rock&roll #LGBT #YA #CON #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MadelineRue/status/710562420012388353"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Maddie Rue @MadelineRue</span></a></b><br />
Refusing fate tied to a pirate, a girl flees thru a ruined city, only to discover her life bound to the boy she left behind. #YA #F #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/mandycwillis/status/710625137075224577"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mandy Willis @mandycwillis</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad Ginny's search for what happened at an abandoned house reveals dark discoveries about her family & herself. #YA #Southerngothic<br />
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#pitmad #YA #Upmarket A young girl's search for what happened at an abandoned house reveals dark discoveries about her family and herself.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ManuelaSimone/status/710567157994754050"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Manuela Simone @ManuelaSimone</span></a></b><br />
Phoenixes are ruthless tyrants & Unicorns are mercenaries. Hunted by not-so-fairytale creatures, Aisling really needs a way out. #PitMad #YA<br />
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Being adopted, Aisling wondered about her origins. Finding out she's key to an ancient fairy tale wasn't what she had in mind. #PitMad #ya<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MarioAliberto3/status/710562572483895296"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mario Aliberto III @MarioAliberto3</span></a></b><br />
Being the evil twin means working harder at things to win your mother's love, like hiding the bodies. #YA #SFF #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Daizylublue/status/710567752293986306"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mary Forness Miller @Daizylublue</span></a></b><br />
A coming-of-age about a quirky teen from a broken home struggling to find her place & love @ catholic school in the late 80s. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MLNewhouse/status/710588538878726145"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mary Lou Newhouse @MLNewhouse</span></a></b><br />
CRAYON GIRL When local women disappear, a girl weighs suspicions and loyalty to dysfunctional parents on the family pig farm #PitMad #YA #T<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Touristathome/status/710579239674839040"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mary K. Tilghman @Touristathome</span></a></b><br />
With a pocketful of change and a gun, Maureen sets out to find her brother after a Civil War battle.Is she brave enough?<br />
#HF #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/yumyumyellow/status/710589426326437889"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Matt @yumyumyellow</span></a></b><br />
Jessenia has countless sisters, a new one magically produced every few weeks. If only her mother would let the girls meet. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Farley/status/710598864911241216"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Matt Farley @Matt_Farley</b></span></a><br />
Years ago, they called this beach town Murderville. 5th-yr senior Jackson, looking into a friend's death, is about to learn why. #YA #pitmad<br />
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Starting out as a young chef in Vegas is tough. Especially when the customers aren't human, and the ingredients fight back. #YA #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Maureenow/status/710509928457211904"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Maureen O'Leary @Maureenow</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #YA A student journalist exposes an embezzlement scandal at her school, drawing the ire of the mayor, the FBI, and the mob.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/meaganlblair/status/710464718431977478"><span style="color: #cc0000;">meagan blair @meaganlblair</span></a></b><br />
Former childhood best friends work together to investigate a disappearance and a suicide. SERIAL (season 1) the #YA novel #pitmad #M<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ripley_meg/status/710520277982187520"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Meg Ripley @ripley_meg</span></a></b><br />
NANCY DREW + JJ ABRAMS. 15yo's ex-bestie has died. In a world that doesn't sleep, she'll be haunted until she stops a murder. #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MEasleyWalsh/status/710519628192194560"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Megan Easley-Walsh @MEasleyWalsh</span></a></b><br />
People think her name is Maleficent. But that isn't true.<br />
As for crimes, all she is guilty of is loving her sister: Aurora.<br />
#pitmad #YA 58k<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/megmcdwrites/status/710602197608738816"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Megan McDonnell @megmcdwrites</span></a></b><br />
What do a headless doll & a creepy underwater town have in common? If Lauren wants to find her sister, she'll have to find out. #PitMad #YA<br />
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Lauren's options: hide in a tuba locker and grieve her sister's disappearance, or break into an underwater church & save her. #PitMad #YA<br />
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High school rebel Lauren craves distraction. Unlocking a century-old secret town buried under a lake? That might do. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MeganNCPeterson/status/710530441753657344"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Megan Peterson @MeganNCPeterson</span></a></b><br />
Facing ALS & giving up her art, adopted Liberty roadtrips to find the brother she lost. THELMA & LOUISE m MOSQUITOLAND. #PitMad #YA #LBGT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MelArmstrong84/status/710602127056306176"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Melissa Armstrong @MelArmstrong84</span></a></b><br />
ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD meets INFERNAL DEVICES. Adele wakes in 1882 with no memory & is hunted by the undead she was born to erase #YA #PitMad<br />
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Waking in 1882 with amnesia, Adelaide falls into a life of ghost hunters, magic, clandestine deals and hot, badass brothers #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/mellycaus/status/710471007442755584"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Melissa Causey Chai @mellycaus</span></a></b><br />
The 6th Sense+6 Feet Under when psychic/part-time mortuary assistant Jax uses her visions to help the FBI catch a serial killer.#PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MEskueOusley/status/710590512474890241"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Melissa Eskue Ousley @MEskueOusley</span></a></b><br />
Astoria burned twice. Elyse blames her family. So does the dead girl haunting the tunnels under the city. Sunset Empire #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/melissaveres/status/710616708675870720"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Melissa Veres @melissaveres</span></a></b><br />
Marley wakes up on a cold beach with blood-stained hands, her twin sister’s severed arm, and no memory of how she got there. #PitMad #T #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/merksquirrel/status/710544796729737216"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Meredith @merksquirrel</span></a></b><br />
Teen grave robber realizes that the corporation he works for is doing far worse than selling reanimated bodies into slavery #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Mic_Domenici/status/710590165698355200"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Michella @Mic_Domenici</span></a></b><br />
17yo must accept her anxiety or risk it ruining her genderswapped Hamlet production as she tries to win a scholarship #YA #PitMad #Con #lgbt<br />
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#YA #PitMad Anxious 17yo stages a genderswapped Hamlet & lies about having a theater. As the media love grows, her lies threaten everything.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/michellejbond/status/710506406684844032"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Michelle Joyce Bond @michellejbond</span></a></b><br />
The Time Traveler's Wife meets The Police's "Don't Stand So Close To Me." #YA #R #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleRKeil/status/710561422812426241"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Michelle Ruiz Keil @MichelleRKeil</span></a></b><br />
17 y/o Latinx nanny with a past meets rockstar family. Weetzie Bat + The Sound of Music in post punk San Francisco. #PitMad #YA #MR #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/missyfeller/status/710436538027409408"><span style="color: #cc0000;">missyfeller @missyfeller</span></a></b><br />
Olivia here: I'm not perfect. I have biases. I'm snarky & selfish. But I'll have to sacrifice MY pride to save my dad. #ya #sf #PitMad<br />
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Dads are their daughters' first heroes. This time, Olivia must do the rescuing or abandon the only father she's ever known. #ya #sf #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MollyLouise10/status/710507831129153536"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Molly Louise @MollyLouise10</span></a></b><br />
Robin, Jemma, and their band of Merry Women wreak havoc and thwart the Sheriff at every turn in a #YA Robin Hood retelling. #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jamsternazzy/status/710518321993519104"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Naseem Jamnia @jamsternazzy</span></a></b><br />
His sister dies when he's 11. Schizophrenic and mute, he wants to stay with her. He can't, but he'll find a way to come back. #YA #H #PitMad<br />
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He was 11 when he left the Centre. His foster siblings didn't follow, but the voices did. Now he wants to go back. #PitMad #H #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/natneagle/status/710556428365238274"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Natasha Neagle @natneagle</span></a></b><br />
VERONICA MARS meets GOSSIP GIRL when Ember’s a murder suspect & the only place she can turn is the gossip site who blames her. #pitmad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/nathaniel_humph/status/710600955788550144"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Nathaniel Humphrey @nathaniel_humph</span></a></b><br />
dé·jà vu (dāZHä ˈvo͞o) noun: the moment when you sync with another version of yourself from another universe #PitMad #YA #YASF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/NinanTanster/status/710563229328605184"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ninan Tan @NinanTanster</span></a></b><br />
Folklore & mythology converge in the 21st century as 16yo girl looks for a cure for her debilitating Huntington's Disease.<br />
#PitMad #YA #F<br />
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Fairytales & legends allow a sick 16yo girl to explore magic in Nepal, Morocco, Romania.<br />
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS + BIG FISH<br />
#PitMad #YA #CF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/noel_ashland/status/710587857476395008"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Noel Ashland @noel_ashland</span></a></b><br />
Cursed to change genders each month-Jae battles oppressive customs, confused attractions, and a father who wants only a son. #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/rykter07/status/710612394184146945"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Paul Sylvia @rykter07</span></a></b><br />
Night falls and Prince Arek trades his crown for a mask and blade. Except now he's been hired to kill himself. #PitMad #F #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/WordsofRABlack/status/710510021767864320"><span style="color: #cc0000;">RA Black @WordsofRABlack</span></a></b><br />
Asexual knight with PTSD struggles to keep a naïve king on the throne, while searching for her own Happily Ever After #pitmad #F #lgbt+ #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/rachelwrites007/status/710585393519992832"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rachel♡ @rachelwrites007</span></a></b><br />
THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE X I'LL MEET YOU THERE when Sadie's soldier sis comes home frm war w/PTSD..&Sadie's sleeping w/her bf #PitMad #YA<br />
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18yo Sadie has to stop sleeping w/the boyfriend her MIA sister left behind-especially now that she's coming home alive, & broken #pitmad #YA<br />
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The Sky is Everywhere + Something Like Normal when Sadie's MIA sis returns frm Iraq w/PTSD & Sadie's sleeping w/her bf #Pitmad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/RachelCardel/status/710498830349963265"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rachel Cardel @RachelCardel</span></a></b><br />
Only 9 out of thousands have survived OracleTech's Labyrinth. But Bronwyn must win for a secret cure before her family dies. #PitMad #YA #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/rceres/status/710591617724452864"><span style="color: #cc0000;">robert ceres @rceres</span></a></b><br />
Hispanic guitarist+bipolar gymnast help abused singer.When violence finally hits, all they have left is their music & each other #YA #PitMad<br />
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Hispanic guitarist &bipolar gymnast help abused singer. When violence finally strikes all they have left is music and each other #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/sarajadealan/status/710596495766982656"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sara Jade Alan @sarajadealan</span></a></b><br />
#YA Falling in love onstage in an improv scene = awesome. Enter sucker-punch from Life, stage left. Now she must win back life…& boy #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/SeeSaraScribe/status/710517842316173312"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sara-Marissa @SeeSaraScribe</span></a></b><br />
#pitmad #ya #LGBT #f Jas wasn't always known as Captain Hook. She was a girl who fell in love with Tiger Lily & it tore Neverland apart<br />
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Āmitis keeps her true loyalty secret to protect her ppl & hopes 4 religious freedom as war starts. Rise of AncientPersia #ya #pitmad #f #hf<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/punkjoanofarc/status/710594853709717504"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sarah Sawyers-Lovett @punkjoanofarc</span></a></b><br />
A queer femme boy deals with bullying, the death of a friend, and dating for the first time in Shampoo Mohawk. #pitmad #ya #LGBT #wndb<br />
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#ya #lgbt In Shampoo Mohawk a queer kid blogs about the death of a friend and finds a rainbow pocket in a red state.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/SarahViehmann/status/710496329307459585"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sarah Viehmann @SarahViehmann</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad Diverse fairy tales, kick-ass heroines, sacred trees, and evil dwarves combine in retelling of Snow White. #YA #SFF #POC #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/PendantTrilogy/status/710598975812808705"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sarena & Sasha Nanua @PendantTrilogy</span></a></b><br />
8 teens are picked to compete in a high-stakes international cooking competition. Willy Wonka's whimsy meets Chopped #PitMad #YA mystery<br />
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8 teens are picked to compete in a high-stakes international cooking competition. Willy Wonka's whimsy meets Top Chef #PitMad #YA mystery<br />
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8 teens are picked to compete in a high-stakes international cooking competition. Willy Wonka's whimsy meets MasterChef #PitMad #YA mystery<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/vannajodee/status/710490491880673280"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Savannah Jo @vannajodee</span></a></b><br />
For the love of pizza, first kisses and boy bands, 16yr old Lilou has to escape Botswana. She needs a scholarship. Now. #pitmad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/shanakkeller/status/710544943673184256"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Shana Keller @shanakkeller</span></a></b><br />
An exiled generation sends a deadly group of soldiers bk to Earth. Despite his elite training, nothing can prepare Kade for her. #PITMAD #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ShannonLeeWrite/status/710487217622405120"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Shannon @ShannonLeeWrite</span></a></b><br />
Ancient letters. Family secrets. British heart-throb. Perfect combination for the summer vacation Delilah never expected. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TheStoryGoes_/status/710555060506206209"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Shay @TheStoryGoes_</span></a></b><br />
Grace is dead and her twin, Lacey, is sure she wants to follow behind. Then she finds the dares Grace left her. #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/shellysrambles/status/710586760934215681"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Shelly @shellysrambles</span></a></b><br />
Through 30 poems, five teen investigate their friend’s creepy death in a peculiar town. For fans of Welcome to Night Vale #YA #PitMad #verse<br />
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Thirty poems. Six teens. A murder mystery. And one really weird town. #YA #versenovel #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/WriterSLBynum/status/710545126074888192"><span style="color: #cc0000;">S. L. Bynum @WriterSLBynum</span></a></b><br />
17-year-old Mikaela infiltrates her parents’ assassin agency in this DEXTER meets MR. AND MRS. SMITH thriller. #YA #PitMad<br />
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Proving their father is innocent of murder means Dhamell must deceive his half-brother to find a serial killer. #YA #AA #M #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/StrangeWrites/status/710580748084850688"><span style="color: #cc0000;">S.M. Strange @StrangeWrites</span></a></b><br />
Elaine must come to terms with her anxiety or risk succumbing to a deadly viral pandemic while searching for missing mom. #pitmad #LGBT #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/stacyastokes/status/710554009271074816"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Stacy @stacyastokes</span></a></b><br />
14 people died bc Whit saved the wrong man. But living w guilt is the least of her probs when someone sets out for revenge #T #YA #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/slsmithauthor/status/710550468158758914"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Stephanie Lynn Smith @slsmithauthor</span></a></b><br />
Eden's fight for Miss Universe could win her a crown - or destroy a galaxy on the brink of war. CINDER + RED QUEEN. #YA #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Stephanie_Maue/status/710477889939046400"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Stephanie Maue @Stephanie_Maue</span></a></b><br />
Runaway slave & nameless minstrel escape danger but spark war: alchemist vs. magician. They say luck’s a two-faced god. #YA #F #LGBT #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/outfortune/status/710560903100370945"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Stephen Kozeniewski @outfortune</span></a></b><br />
Until her island was attacked Z made monsters from body parts. Seeking justice she enters a creation in a combat tournament. #pitmad #YA #H<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/SujaSukumar/status/710596541581561861"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Suja Sukumar @SujaSukumar</span></a></b><br />
CARRIE meets Indian dark magic & homicidal doppelgänger in small town Michigan. Tanvi might not live to see 17th b’day #YA #pitmad #T<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/SuziGuina/status/710545513880289282"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Suzi Guina @SuziGuina</span></a></b><br />
Sleeping Beauty meets BRAVE when Rose tries to alter her dark curse, leaving clues so only one who truly loves her can find her #YA #PitMad<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/TamaraGirardi/status/710492736428834816"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tamara Girardi @TamaraGirardi</span></b></a><br />
DREAM SPY = REIGN + Versailles Palace + ROMEO & JULIET + Magical abilities to spice up war, rivalry and romance #pitmad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/tammy_oja/status/710521033564917760"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tammy Oja @tammy_oja</span></a></b><br />
Dumping bodies overboard isn't in the cheerleader handbook, but the show must go on. Scream Queens meets Mean Girls #PitMad #S #YA #con #hum<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/memoryletters/status/710543500920512512"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Memory Letters @memoryletters</span></a></b><br />
Yrs ago, an impenetrable fog sucked color from the world. Now 4 ragtag teens band together & dare to dream in color. #PitMad #YA #F LGBT Div<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/tomi_adeyemi/status/710614843456290817"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tomi @tomi_adeyemi</span></a></b><br />
A 16 year old girl discovers the magical forces controlling life and death. GRAVEMINDER meets THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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After the mysterious death of her mom, 16 yo Emery fights to find a supernatural serial killer and put a stop to his evil reign #PitMad #YA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/tlwrites/status/710549473685082112"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tosha Sumner @tlwrites</span></a></b><br />
Track star Callie won’t date cyclists. But when she’s sidelined by injury, pro-cyclist Trent’s the perfect distraction. #PitMad #YA #Sports<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/tracycgold/status/710464827949522944https://twitter.com/tracycgold/status/710464827949522944"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tracy C. Gold @tracycgold</span></a></b><br />
WILD meets Courtney Summers: two mean girls escape a corrupt reform school in the Appalachians. #PitMad #YA #CON<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MNIBibliophile/status/710527941998870528"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Vicky S @MNIBibliophile</span></a></b><br />
Her brother’s death + bonding with his ex-best friend and ex-girlfriend + falling in love = a chance for Ellie to forgive #pitmad #ya<br />
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Can a road trip, a video game tournament, and a chance at love help Ellie understand her brother after his death? #pitmad #ya<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/VirginiaGHust/status/710564140566368258"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Virginia Gamsky Hust @VirginiaGHust</span></a></b><br />
Prim would rather be a Captain than a Princess, when her stepmother stages a magical coup she gets her wish. Aladdin retold #pitMad #YA #F<br />
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Aladdin – A princess with a penchant for skyships & a street-rat planning to alter fate, meet in a court of magical schemes. #PitMad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/wendymmcdonald/status/710612964550664192"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Wendy McDonald @wendymmcdonald</span></a></b><br />
19 y/o flapper wanted freedom but got stuck haunting an antique shop w/her poltergeist daughter. Rats Saw God + The Diviners. #pitmad #ya<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/wschneider412/status/710476035071074306"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Whitney Schneider @wschneider412</span></a></b><br />
Biracial Lo, in secret interracial relationship, longs to stop hiding their love amidst racial turmoil of 1963. #pitmad #ya #hf #poc<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/klahom/status/710527750554066944"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Whitney Thompson @klahom</span></a></b><br />
Every painting in @metmuseum is a door to another world- and a thief is stealing magic artifacts from several of them #ya #lgbt #sff #pitmad<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">New Adult Agent Favorites</span></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/alaurenauthor/status/710453441819054080"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ashley Lauren @alaurenauthor</span></a></b><br />
Mina probably should have realized her Vegas elopement with an Elvis impersonator 5 years ago would rattle her new fiancé... #pitmad #WF #NA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AstridPoei/status/710483170878160897"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Astrid. @AstridPoei</span></a></b><br />
26yrold Toronto journalist dreams of becoming EIC. One day, she loses her job. So she creates one of her own. #PitMad #NewAdult<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://twitter.com/malcatthews/status/710581058991824896">Cal Matthews @malcatthews</a></span></b><br />
Young sailors f/ an oppressed isolated island are taken aboard a whaling ship - only to find they are hunting dragons. #PitMad #LGBT #NA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/DebbieVee/status/710589142137180161"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Captain Debsma @DebbieVee</span></a></b><br />
Once Upon a Time meets The Walking Dead: Cinderella's snarky stepsister may be the only one who can reverse a horrific spell. #NA #F #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/deCrillonsTrust/status/710613162358390784"><span style="color: #cc0000;">de Crillon's Trust @deCrillonsTrust</span></a></b><br />
What do u get when u mix super-HOT Wall St benefactors & interns? A whole ‘lota sex, a side of crazy &maybe a murder or 2! #Pitmad #NA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AskJoeyGarcia/status/710498650921697280"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Joey Garcia @AskJoeyGarcia</span></a></b><br />
A young Caribbean "Lois Lane" with PTSD meets Criminal Minds. #PitMad #NA #WeNeedDiverseBooks<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/jules_ohman/status/710586426484633600"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jules Ohman @jules_ohman </span></b></a><br />
#NA #A FREEDOM m GEEK LOVE: Queer siblings in Portland crushed and rebuilt by economy, parents' actions, love and their city. #pitmad #lgbt<br />
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TRANSPARENT m ON BEAUTY in Portland, OR. Model girl leaves city, parents' open marriage, and gf behind. Comes back. #pitmad #NA #A #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/katiemac3232/status/710451459758944256"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Katie McCreery @katiemac3232</span></a></b><br />
Dementia gives pianist hard deadline to finish magnum opus & reconcile w/almost-lover she holds liable for best friend’s suicide #NA #Pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/kdpwrites/status/710546562405900288"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kelley @kdpwrites </span></a></b><br />
When Nate's friend dies, he agrees to scatter her ashes in Scotland. Until he learns he has to go w/ the ex he still loves #NA #R #PitMad<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/KirtidaGautam/status/710524480808824832"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kirtida Gautam @KirtidaGautam</span></b></a><br />
Dark, Manipulative, Cullenish, A and Narcissistic, Bully Jacobish Z, ends up in bed! Problem- In India it's crime. IPC 377 #PitMad #LGBT #NA<br />
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If Prof. James Moriarty and Amy Dunne, The Gone Girl, were to have a son, he would resemble Aarush Kashyap.<br />
#PitMad #YA #iAm16iCan<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyMF/status/710522075711143936"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lindsey Frydman @LindseyMF</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad Audra gets her heart donor’s brother to help finish his sister’s bucket list, but he won't help unravel the mystery of her death #NA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleOgilvy/status/710508274152382464"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Michelle Ogilvy @MichelleOgilvy</span></a></b><br />
Jay doesn’t want anything to do with love. Until his best friend (and bedmate) falls for someone else, leaving him behind. #PitMad #LGBT #NA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/RoxGregory01/status/710531357538177026"><span style="color: #cc0000;">R.Gregory @RoxGregory01</span></a></b><br />
Penny Dreadful+Deadwood =1885 Vancouver. With a penchant for opium-laced prey, Maggie Knight seeks a companion #PitMad #A #NA #HF #WF #M #w<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/lenziwrites/status/710499789947871232"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rachel Lenzi @lenziwrites</span></a></b><br />
Elisabeth jumps into the ocean ... and survives. Now, she has to take inventory of the last four tumultuous years. #PitMad #NA #WF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/raciames/status/710516652367093761"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Raci Ames @raciames</span></a></b><br />
A straight ex-pro footballer's reinvented his career when a submissive vegan yogi becomes his work partner & challenges him. #NA #MM #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/suzmattaboni/status/710513892896612352"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Suzanne G. Mattaboni @suzmattaboni</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #NA 4 waitresses on school break brave mystics, drag shows & a bassist who climbs thru their window #HA romcom not all about the guy<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/wendysrusso/status/710551698109030400"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Wendy S. Russo @wendysrusso</span></a></b><br />
#pitmad A temple marriage is what every #Mormon girl dreams of. So why does Marie want to run away with her #trans co-worker? NA #LGBT 75k.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Adult Agent Favorites</span></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/cyberpreppy/status/710526788460355584"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Adrian Randall @cyberpreppy</span></a></b><br />
A government agent trained in counterpsychic techniques pursues a telepathic thief in near-future, post-privacy Hong Kong. #SF #LGBT #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/alexlikeswords/status/710486190802276352"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Alex Ivey @alexlikeswords</span></a></b><br />
Owning a beach hotel is paradise for Tristan and Karina until a lifeboat full of stolen girls washes on shore #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ambellefleur/status/710503116739731456"><span style="color: #cc0000;">AlexandriaBellefleur @ambellefleur</span></a></b><br />
Sweet Home Alabama + National Lampoon's Vacation = FINDERS KEEPERS. 1 tiny house, 1 accidental kidnapping, 100 problems #PitMad #cr #r #a<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AllisonBHanson/status/710526151261683713"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Allison B. Hanson @AllisonBHanson</span></a></b><br />
An American wedding planner goes to Ireland to plan a rock star wedding and falls for a tall, dark and handsome… leprechaun? #A #MR #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Athenae/status/710493989280026626"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Allison Hantschel @Athenae</span></a></b><br />
Notorious pirate Anne Bonny is said to have died in prison, or disappeared on the seas. The truth is much stranger: She went home. #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AlvaradoFrazier/status/710527385897033728"><span style="color: #cc0000;">AlvaradoFrazier @AlvaradoFrazier</span></a></b><br />
40’s alone, a DUI, & her family unraveling were not on her vision board.Honesty & forgiveness are hard truths to face. #PitMad #W #IRMC<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/anandrewswrites/status/710579907957379072"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amanda Andrews @anandrewswrites</span></a></b><br />
A woman desperately wants genuine friendship. She cautiously steps out of her comfort zone to find it, despite past failures #PitMad #WF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AnnamariaAlbo/status/710532463538343936"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Anna Albo @AnnamariaAlbo</span></a></b><br />
Allie's a rare breed in hockey: a woman. Proving herself is one thing, but keeping her fling with a star player is another. #PitMad #A #R<br />
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Allie can't keep her hands off the Falcon's top defenceman who happens to play on her uncle's team. Can she keep it on ice? #PitMad #A #R<br />
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He's the Devil from Dublin. A race car driver with attitude. She's a down-and-out lawyer looking for a job. Can sparks fly? #PitMad #A #R<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AnneLParrish/status/710436064918372352"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Anne Leigh Parrish @AnneLParrish</span></a></b><br />
3 overlapping lives bring women's rights and status into sharp focus in WOMEN WITHOUT, 2nd novel by award-winning author #PitMad #litfic #WF<br />
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Close in tone to Strout's Olive Kitteridge, WOMEN WITHOUT gives a unique perspective on what it means to be a women #PitMad, #WF #litfic<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/APhillips0926/status/710505683054104576"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Annie @APhillips0926</span></a></b><br />
Lexi Trainers near death<br />
experience abroad, sends her home to an abandoned love, a missing cousin, & buried secrets. #RS #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KinleyBaker/status/710435769937100801"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Author Kinley @KinleyBaker</span></a></b><br />
Comedian heroine meets headmaster of school for witches and discovers she has more than stage magic. Charmed~Funny People #A #PR #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Aviva_Gary/status/710599251118534657"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Aviva Gary @Aviva_Gary</span></a></b><br />
A desperate country built on war and circuses must steal one man’s insignificant home to keep their way of life #pitmad #A #LF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AvrilTremayne/status/710549590269755392"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Avril Tremayne @AvrilTremayne</span></a></b><br />
A simple trade: she’ll pose for his painting if he’ll teach her how to land the perfect guy. All very innocent - until it's not! #R #PitMad<br />
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A perennial dumpee turns to a perennial dumper to find out what she’s doing wrong. Turns out she’s doing it right. #R #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/BenFaulknerAH/status/710542631936196608"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ben Faulkner @BenFaulknerAH</span></a></b><br />
Gov hires actors to befriend sociopathic college student (a la TRUMAN SHOW) to keep him under control. #T #A #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/BistroDeMars/status/710608257815957504"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bistro de Mars @BistroDeMars</span></a></b><br />
Literary crime novel set in ‘90s Lower Haight District of San Francisco, about a boxer, drug deals gone wrong, and love gone bad. #PitMad #A<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/B_Elle4/status/710514011092230144"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/B_Elle4/status/710514011092230144"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brianna Lespinasse @B_Elle4</span></a></b><br />
Indecisive 25yo Jasmine moved to a new town, purchased an Inn, & is dating a murder suspect. What has she gotten herself into? #PitMad #WF<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ScribalReverie/status/710435714500943872"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ScribalReverie/status/710435714500943872"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brittany Pettegrow @ScribalReverie</span></a></b><br />
Lovers from opposite sides of a biological divide struggle to stay together as their society threatens to tear them apart. #PitMad #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/gaileyfrey/status/710554941736091649"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Burr Shot First @gaileyfrey</span></a></b><br />
Hippo-ridin', hippo-wranglin', up-to-no-goodsome rogues take on merciless riverboat magnate<br />
#PitMad <br />
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Alternate-history mercenary QUILTBAG hippo cowboys on the Mississippi assemble for One Last Big Job.<br />
#PitMad #A<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/HarrierMagnus/status/710525504210612225"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/HarrierMagnus/status/710525504210612225"><span style="color: #cc0000;">C.A. Shoultz @HarrierMagnus</span></a></b><br />
Pallas must master her divine strength and love of bloodshed, or her city-and her sanity-may be doomed. #PitMad #sff #fantasy #A #hist<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CameronLMitchel/status/710483462281699328"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cameron L. Mitchell @CameronLMitchel</span></a></b><br />
A single act of violence on a NY train sets into motion a terrible series of events - one man plots vengeance against an entire city #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/candaceosmond/status/710596423520296960"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Candace Osmond @candaceosmond</span></a></b><br />
Alice in Wonderland theme Thriller. Loner punk girl's estranged father is a serial killer & wants her to follow in his footsteps #PitMad #T<br />
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Grim Reaper comes for Rose's mom, but he falls in love w/Rose, takes mom's selfless offer to trade places, becoming mortal. #pitmad #PR<br />
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Eternal partygoer, Amy has one night stand w/hot guy. She falls and gets attached only to discover he's a single dad. #Romance #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/cfbdouglas/status/710531917720920064"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cat4 @cfbdouglas</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #WF 3 girlfriends, 2 shaky marriages, 1 Paris vacation. Via wine & gorgeous temptation, the women rewrite their relationships.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CeilRuby/status/710498003006701569"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ceilidhe Wynn @CeilRuby</span></a></b><br />
Dystopian gender bendered Robin Hood myth. Horse gangs. Girl power. Vengeance, redemption, maybe love for the sibs of dead heroes. #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/merrcherr/status/710499817449857025"><span style="color: #cc0000;">CH Lamb @merrcherr</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad bored to death 20so Milly finds new purpose after a sudden death in the family transforms her from cubicle zombie to newbie PI #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Elaqure/status/710438809326845952"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chase Gamwell @Elaqure</span></a></b><br />
Suicides in a mountain town prompt a local detective to investigate. He discovers a shocking secret and an unlikely suspect. #PitMad #A #M<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/barnham_chris/status/710596650264358912"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chris Barnham @barnham_chris</span></a></b><br />
She's dead in a govt minister’s bathroom, he's in the frame. He must solve a linked murder twenty years ago to clear himself #PitMad #A #M<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/celliswritist/status/710560399725297664"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Christine Ellis @celliswritist</span></a></b><br />
A villain forged in love, lies, politics, privilege: Audra will doom a planet to save Mars & give her people a voice. #Pitmad #A #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/cawilsonaz/status/710589780828884992"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Claudie Wilson @cawilsonaz</span></a></b><br />
Young woman uses identity of deceased friend to escape violent past. But the friend's own dangerous troubles catch up with her. #PitMad #WF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/8thCyn/status/710486451222396928"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cynthia Hill @8thCyn</span></a></b><br />
Josie should be thrilled: her BF's fatal tumor is gone after visiting a mysterious healer; but a miracle may tear them apart #pitmad #A #WF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/DanrocheDaniel/status/710483913131597824"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Daniel Craig Roche @DanrocheDaniel</span></a></b><br />
David kills his pets in a desperate effort to earn his mothers affection. When she starts pulling away he murders his teacher. #pitmad #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/animalfur/status/710585509932826624"><span style="color: #cc0000;">DANIEL PATRICK ROSEN @animalfur</span></a></b><br />
Impoverished student Rev is mistaken for a prince. At a lavish party, he inadvertently consummates a political marriage. #F #SFF #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Daphne_Dubois/status/710467073105858560"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Daphne Dubois @Daphne_Dubois</span></a></b><br />
A jilted bride sworn off love.A professional hockey player desperate for a good luck charm.And the one night that changes it all. #PitMad #R<br />
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<b><a href="http://Dion%20Cooper%20%E2%80%8F@dacreata%20a%20man%20is%20stunned%20when%20his%20father%2C%20a%20civil%20rights%20hero%2C%20refuses%20to%20meet%20his%20russian%20girlfriend.%20/#PitMad #A #AA"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dion Cooper @dacreata</span></a></b><br />
A man is stunned when his father, a civil rights hero, refuses to meet his Russian girlfriend. #PitMad #A #AA<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenSong012/status/710597165035474945"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dvorah @GoldenSong012</span></a></b><br />
Glade is in love with a man but engaged to a woman. When his sister is kidnapped by a cult, he must unite them to save her. #Pitmad #F #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ellemarr_/status/710559337152794625"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Elle Marr @ellemarr_</span></a></b><br />
Shayna's twin is dead. She goes to Paris to discover a note: ALIVE. TRUST NO ONE. Then learns she barely knew Angela at all. #PitMad #A #S<br />
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Note 1: Come to Paris, your sister is dead. Note 2: ALIVE TRUST NO ONE. Shayna learns her twin may be the one she can't trust #PitMad #A #S'<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EKeysian/status/710497596905799680"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EKeysian/status/710497596905799680"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Elizabeth Keysian @EKeysian</span></a></b><br />
A priceless figurine makes enemies of a Regency widow and the Duke who wants to marry her ward- but then she sees him naked. #PitMad #HR #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Stoeverit/status/710542962019598336"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Elizabeth Stoever @Stoeverit</span></a></b><br />
A heiress-turned-governess gets a 2nd chance when she discovers her fam’s pirate past, secret fortune & an enticing old foe #pitmad #HR #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EMaree/status/710601668954497024"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Emma Maree @EMaree</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #SF #F Disabled Scottish war-machine engineer teams up with monsters she's supposed to be fighting. PACIFIC RIM meets SUPERNATURAL.<br />
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#PitMad #SF #F PACIFIC RIM meets SUPERNATURAL as a disabled Scottish war-machine engineer gets help from the monsters she's fighting against<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/emilythetobin/status/710597808814952449"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Emily Tobin @emilythetobin</span></a></b><br />
After a pandemic evacuates England, 6 interconnected strangers stay behind & try to survive in the deserted countryside #PitMad #A #LF #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/erin_the_novel/status/710516113990356992"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Erin Parisien @erin_the_novel</span></a></b><br />
The Oracle has psychic powers and a hot telekinetic protector, but is it enough to survive the warlock stalking her dreams? #PitMad #A #PR<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Eve_Dangerfield/status/710439805998399488"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Eve_Dangerfield/status/710439805998399488"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Eve Dangerfield @Eve_Dangerfield</span></a></b><br />
Elle hates Jackson and weddings but she's going to one and wants to straddle the other. It's complicated #PitMad #CR #A<br />
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What do weddings, designer heels and Jackson all have in common? They're beautiful, fancy and Elle loathes them #PitMad #CR #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TheKatyok/status/710614755564765185"><span style="color: #cc0000;">E. V. Svetova @TheKatyok</span></a></b><br />
The Labyrinth meets Jacob’s Ladder when an delusional (or is he?) patient makes a NY psychologist question reality. #PitMad #WF #MR #PB<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/GParkerartworks/status/710579250512814080"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gaynell Parker @GParkerartworks</span></a></b><br />
#pitmad #WF Three best friends visit Hawaii and discover the past is not always forgotten and forgiveness is always possible.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/GianaDerwent/status/710556850249453570"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Georgiana Derwent @GianaDerwent</span></a></b><br />
A UK dictatorship. Rebel Melanie must choose to kill the despotic First Lord—the only man she’s ever loved—or rule at his side #pitmad #a<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JStryker21/status/710487628479508480"><span style="color: #cc0000;">James Stryker @JStryker21</span></a></b><br />
#A #LGBT When his dead father's past as a transgender man is revealed, young man seeks truth from stranger with secrets of his own. #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JamieMcLachlan8/status/710539088357527552"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jamie McLachlan @JamieMcLachlan8</span></a></b><br />
Twin sisters defy rulers of Naelmeira and learn how to use their divine powers to stop war, but their powers may lead to death #pitmad #f<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/janwriter2/status/710565347896782849"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jan Jackson @janwriter2</span></a></b><br />
Her rare genetic code made her a fugitive, but it could also save lives. Can she trust him with her secret? #PitMad #RS<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/FreakinJane/status/710475424728416257"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jane Haynie @FreakinJane</span></a></b><br />
Being naked daily is a given. But 4 this stripper, dancing blindfolded 4 sexy anonymous client opens doors she shut years ago. #PitMad #RS<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/mrjaycoles/status/710538643946004480"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jay Coles @mrjaycoles</span></a></b><br />
In the style of WILL GRAYSON, WG—1 tragic encounter leads 2 boys: a drummer w PTSD & a harassed poet to discover the world. #LGBT #Pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MeccaNormal/status/710564878537232384"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jean Smith @MeccaNormal</span></a></b><br />
Feminist art curator's ability to interpret abstract paintings leads her to believe she's discovered a cure for narcissism. #PitMad #LF #WF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jeffdoesthings/status/710569567383396352"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jeff Leyco @jeffdoesthings</span></a></b><br />
Asian-Am urban explorer with magic book must outwit undead wizard, vampires, find punk potion maker named Bea, and save NYC #pitmad #uf #sff<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jess_calla/status/710465803598991360"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jessica Calla @jess_calla</span></a></b><br />
22 yo Maple has 6 mo left to live,a dead body (& guilty housekeeper) in her penthouse,& a hot investigator on her trail. Ugh! #A #S #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jessicapitelka/status/710590256899342339"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jessica K. Pitelka @jessicapitelka</span></a></b><br />
Modern-day everyman and headstrong young queen rewrite history of a medieval Germanic kingdom. For Outlander fans! #PitMad #A #F #MR #HR<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/LiteraryLiving/status/710529370486661120"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/LiteraryLiving/status/710529370486661120"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Joan Dempsey @LiteraryLiving</span></a></b><br />
85-yr-old artist caught up in religious/political battle forced to reveal secret WWII past; relinquishes stolen painting. #PitMad #A #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JodiHerlick/status/710560562879422464"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jodi Herlick @JodiHerlick</span></a></b><br />
When magic threatens her jungle village, a jaguar-shifter must journey to save the people who'll kill her as abomination. #pitmad #YA #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/joepetz/status/710553579187269635"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Joe Petrizzo @joepetz</span></a></b><br />
#A #M #LGBT 2 gay detectives search for the killer of a hs journalist on two a devastating secret #PitMad<br />
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#A #M 2 gay detectives hunt for the killer of a hs journalist on to a big story #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JohnnyWorthen/status/710606753109512192"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Johnny Worthen @JohnnyWorthen</span></a></b><br />
A woman at her limit, a man on the run, gangsters on the rise. Gritty adult #crime—diamonds, drugs and money in SLC #PitMad #A #S #T<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/GraphicallyJon/status/710568648302333953"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jon Matos @GraphicallyJon</span></a></b><br />
A disabled chemistry student wants to cure to his own muscle disease but also humble a bully from his past. Can he do both? #Pitmad #CON #CF<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/WritingRen/status/710514159457214464"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Julianne Douglas @WritingRen</span></b></a><br />
Ambitious female painter must outwit powerful royal mistress to protect mentor and preserve peace of Renaissance France #PitMad #HF<br />
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Female poet's scandalous quest to publish ignites deadly frenzy of revenge in Renaissance France #HF #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jclarkab/status/710484895496142849"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Julie Clark @jclarkab</span></a></b><br />
When her young son spirals deep into crisis, a geneticist must risk her career to help him find his donor father. #PitMad #A #WF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JulieDoner/status/710443330199543808"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Julie Evelyn Joyce @JulieDoner</span></a></b><br />
Unexpected romance brews between woman looking for love in tea leaves, & struggling novelist who’s lost his be-leaf in love. #PitMad #A #CR<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Juveria_Banu/status/710504424192389120"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Juveria Banu @Juveria_Banu</span></a></b><br />
2 women. 1 man. 1 dies escaping & the other must learn from the former's mistake. It's HIM or DEATH. #PitMad #A #T #PsychologicalThriller<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KarenRock5/status/710515930628014080"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Karen Rock @KarenRock5</span></a></b><br />
Closet junk food eater/Mgr of family's health food chain challenged by ex-sports star food truck vendor who's stealing her biz & <3 #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/katemaney/status/710613056540119041"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kate Maney @katemaney</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad An antique key triggers dreams of Eliz England for Ella Rose as she and her 17thC counterpart search for the real Shakespeare. #HF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/katiemac3232/status/710451459758944256"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Katie McCreery @katiemac3232</span></a></b><br />
Dementia gives pianist hard deadline to finish magnum opus & reconcile w/almost-lover she holds liable for best friend’s suicide #NA #Pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KatieSpina/status/710514355171958785"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Katie Spina @KatieSpina</span></a></b><br />
A Cain and Abel story of 2 royal sisters in a kingdom on the clouds. Sex cult, public flagellation, friendship, sex and death. #PitMad #A #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/kdpwrites/status/710546562405900288"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kelley @kdpwrites</span></a></b><br />
When Nate's friend dies, he agrees to scatter her ashes in Scotland. Until he learns he has to go w/ the ex he still loves #NA #R #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KMTaylorWrites/status/710483828607946752"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kiarra M. Taylor @KMTaylorWrites</span></a></b><br />
A low level executive is pulled into the world of female billionaire Kerrigan Cambridge.Sparks fly.But can he keep up with her?#A #R #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KristyWestaway/status/710477203767562243"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kristy Westaway @KristyWestaway</span></a></b><br />
A mercenary is hunted by her former Master after she flees with his most prized possession, the Princes' fiancee.<br />
#A #PitMad #AD<br />
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Two Australian miners clash over selling their giant opal to buy food, or making a suicide run back to town with their prize<br />
#PitMad #AD<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/lauralanni/status/710562254115229699"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/lauralanni/status/710562254115229699"><span style="color: #cc0000;">laura lanni @lauralanni</span></a></b><br />
Antithesis of THE HANDMAID'S TALE: Female scientists confine all men & control how many may live. A GIRL IN THE BOYS' SCHOOL #PitMad #A #LF<br />
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Atwood meets Crichton: Female scientists remove men from society to prevent human self-extinction.<br />
A GIRL IN THE BOYS' SCHOOL<br />
#PitMad #A #LF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/leighhfleming1/status/710508602591731713"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Leigh Fleming @leighhfleming1</span></a></b><br />
When DC attorney, Kate, and Brody, a laid-back country songwriter fall in love their plans and pre-conceived notions are tested. #PitMad #CR<br />
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A fake identity. A bogus job offer. A love neither one can deny. Part political thriller, part romantic comedy. #PitMad #CR<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/leighmstanfield/status/710518607344603136"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/leighmstanfield/status/710518607344603136"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Leigh Stanfield @leighmstanfield</span></a></b><br />
Desperate to find a place in the hometown he left, PTSD-ridden veteran risks his life to solve a three-year-old murder.#PitMad #T #LGBT #A<br />
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Digital activist must choose between ending a philistine pastor's murderous regime and protecting the man he loves. #T #LGBT #A #PitMad<br />
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Struggling veteran makes a deal with small-town sheriff to help solve his family’s grisly murder. Assuming they survive.#T #LGBT #A #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/LilyMarsWrites/status/710467751115001856"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lily Mars @LilyMarsWrites</span></a></b><br />
Ex-grifter's blackmailer ends up dead on her back stairs. Now blackmail is the least of her worries. Fun whodunit '30s NYC #A #M #HF #PitMad<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Nemcae/status/710515913024528385"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Nemcae/status/710515913024528385"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Liz Eacmen @Nemcae</span></a></b><br />
5 female narratives throughout American history linked by a pearl, each woman has a moment to succumb or trudge on. #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/completewtypos/status/710564617144049664"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lizz Browne @completewtypos</span></a></b><br />
1923. WWI has ended in apocalyptic disaster. Tesla has a functioning death ray. One woman must choose alliances carefully. #A #Sf #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/LuPreston1983/status/710506602378436608"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lucinda Preston @LuPreston1983</span></a></b><br />
Kidnapped by an alien race and sold as a wife, she falls in love with the captor who is in a prison too #PitMad #SF #POC #diversity<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/LynneConstantin/status/710530662600732672"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lynne Constantine @LynneConstantin</span></a></b><br />
2 Best friends reconnect after a 17 yr estangement, but secrets and half-truths threaten their relationship a 2nd time. #pitmad #WF<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/NLyogiwriter/status/710609758064156677"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Margaret Smith @NLyogiwriter</span></b></a><br />
Stranded by ice, hunted by wolves, lost Norsemen & a forsaken English colony must forge an uneasy alliance to survive #PitMad #A #HF #HR<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Black_and_Redd/status/710510178605670400"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Marissa Priest @Black_and_Redd</span></a></b><br />
Scarlet forgoes Victorian society to solve her father's murder. Each clue tempts new and old scandals set to ruin her family #pitmad #hf #m<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/RealMarkCecil/status/710536258724962309"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mark Cecil @RealMarkCecil</span></a></b><br />
Oedipus retold in the ganglands of prohibition-era Boston: a mayor’s past comes to light in a single horrifying day. #pitmad #t #a #hf #lf<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/alicecirvin/status/710500211483803649"><span style="color: #cc0000;">matt the radar tech. @alicecirvin</span></a></b><br />
The Cape- a town of murderous shadows. Audrey escaped 8 months ago. To protect her friends, she’ll head back into the fog. #PitMad #A #P<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/me_hearn/status/710521597845590016"><span style="color: #cc0000;">M.E. Hearn @me_hearn</span></a></b><br />
When drafted into an army of immortal female warriors, Val is ready to fight. One problem: they might not be the good guys. #PitMad #A #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MeganClemons555/status/710498713505042433"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Megan Clemons @MeganClemons555</span></a></b><br />
UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN + WE BOUGHT A ZOO Italian widower hires American barista. Can they save caffè & uncover his child’s secret? #WF #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleCWalsh/status/710458440188035073"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Michelle Cara Walsh @MichelleCWalsh</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #A #IRMC After her autistic brother is institutionalized, girl seeks a way to bring him back home & unite their broken family.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/mindyyang/status/710537147862818816"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mindy Yang @mindyyang</span></a></b><br />
#pitmad From China to New York, a Chinese girl's journey. There are two guys. Lover dies, but death is not the end; then love dies. #LF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/flawlessczarina/status/710594125280776192"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mischa @flawlessczarina</span></a></b><br />
Anna Karenina meets The Godfather. #DaughterofThieves follows a couple as her Russian mafia family tries to tear them apart #pitmad #a<br />
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Ballerina with a dark family history begins an ill-fated relationship with the heroin addict that robbed her at knife point. #A #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/swingingstorm/status/710450058945241089"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Natasha Razi @swingingstorm</span></a></b><br />
Aldonza's sick of the North. The tea sucks, her heater's broken, and her latest crush just put a curse on her family. #LGBT #Pitmad #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/scuwiffy/status/710458927490596864"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Neill R Bell-Shaw @scuwiffy</span></a></b><br />
Shamed journalist takes the last job on offer: searching the Tokyo underworld for a teenage<br />
sociopath. #A #LF #T #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/NGrabner/status/710514140104634369"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Nicole Grabner @NGrabner</span></a></b><br />
Pulled back to her hometown to settle her friend's estate, Grace stumbles onto buried secrets and an old crush. #PitMad #CR<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/NicoleZoltack/status/710555810603134977"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Nicole Zoltack @NicoleZoltack</span></a></b><br />
Can a tortured monster hunter and a lady armed with a steam-powered pistol save Queen Victoria's London from monsters? #A #SFF #R #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Paul_Haston/status/710601102329122816"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Paul Haston @Paul_Haston</span></a></b><br />
The British Consul's wife falls in love with an Indian woman, but this is the Raj; 1940s India. Whatever is she thinking? #PitMad #HF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/peterhodges/status/710479433186942978"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Peter Hodges @peterhodges</span></a></b><br />
Sarcastic loan collector punishes delinquent dark wizards and warlords for not paying debts. Develops conscience. Chaos ensues. #PitMad #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/rmckennyisu/status/710554316608679936"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rachel Mans McKenny @rmckennyisu</span></a></b><br />
Prof competes with ex-bf for same job. Will she use his secret against him? Probably. Retelling of Shakespeare inside #WF novel. #PitMad #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/racheltoalson/status/710548786725134336"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rachel Toalson @racheltoalson</span></a></b><br />
Her only daughter dies in a tragic drowning. Now Erin must find herself, steady her family & welcome the unexpected. #A #LF #PitMad<br />
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A 15yo son attempts suicide, pulling a dad out of a 15-year depression. But family secrets may break them for good. #A #LF #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/railynwrites/status/710590048341614592"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Railyn Stone @railynwrites</span></a></b><br />
He's planning his future. She's trying to forget her past. Together their present is more than either bargained for. #PitMad #CR #A #WNDB<br />
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Channing Lucas could lose his family's fortune, unless he marries a thief. If he's lucky, she'll only steal his heart. #PitMad #CR #A #WNDB<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/RoxGregory01/status/710531357538177026"><span style="color: #cc0000;">R.Gregory @RoxGregory01</span></a></b><br />
Penny Dreadful+Deadwood =1885 Vancouver. With a penchant for opium-laced prey, Maggie Knight seeks a companion #PitMad #A #NA #HF #WF #M #w<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/BeckaPaula/status/710535257515270144"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rebecca Paula @BeckaPaula</span></a></b><br />
Royal places an ad for a wife in the newspaper as a prank on his older brother, but he's the one about to be fooled. #PitMad #HistoricalRom<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/reidaboutit/status/710522447779524608"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Reid Kerr @reidaboutit</span></a></b><br />
Can Beth's road trip uncover mom's secret life? It's a romantic comedy. Mom's life was romantic, and Beth's...is the other one. #pitmad #wf<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/RevMindi/status/710553563106119680"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rev-o-lution @RevMindi</span></b></a><br />
In the vein of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Tammy, 26 & a clergywoman, falls for her gay best friend's fiance's atheist brother #pitmad #NA #CR<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ragtaggiggagon/status/710607764490461185"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Richard Gibney @ragtaggiggagon</span></a></b><br />
In 2094 a man loses his wife.<br />
In 2095, on the lip of a black hole, he can communicate with those in the past, and change his own.#PitMad #SF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/rmcnearyauthor/status/710536965389570048"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert McNeary @rmcnearyauthor</span></a></b><br />
AVATAR + AVENGERS. An outsider, snarky thief, sly killer, cute mage and gay prince unite to fight evil. They may kill each other. #PitMad #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/rteichro/status/710509730230198273"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ruth @rteichro</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad Digging into death of college student/homelessness/corrupt cops? Check. A reporter with secrets of her own? Trouble. #A #M<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/pirategirljack/status/710584513458364416"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Samantha Holloway @pirategirljack</span></a></b><br />
When a doomsday cult tries to raise a dead God, only a magic-allergic PI with a demon bound to her soul can help. #PitMad #UF #urbanfantasy<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Chumplet/status/710509295947943937"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sandra Cormier @Chumplet</span></a></b><br />
A reclusive artist impulsively takes an photo of a murder scene during a polo match. Someone wants that picture to go away. #PitMad #M<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/SJJasper/status/710614955377045504"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sandy Jasper @SJJasper</span></a></b><br />
In a 1920s Bungalow a 23yr old barista rebels against her father & attempts to redifine herself by clearing out the family home.#pitmad #wf<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/punkjoanofarc/status/710594853709717504"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sarah Sawyers-Lovett @punkjoanofarc</span></a></b><br />
#pitmad #a #lgbt An asexual violinist & her twin take a roadtrip to find their bio dad after finding a box of letters in their mom's attic.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/SeanJLeith/status/710477187942629376"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sean Leith @SeanJLeith</span></a></b><br />
When Lira's brother goes missing from jail, she searches for him in a land wrought with rebellion—while a god chases her trail.#PitMad #F #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/shari_writes/status/710444259154010113"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Shari Cylinder @shari_writes</span></a></b><br />
Campaign staffers for opposing candidates. Love ties Melina & Bradley together. Election sabotage threatens to tear them apart. #pitmad #wf<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/sheldonhigdon/status/710551050453958662"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sheldon Higdon @sheldonhigdon</span></a></b><br />
After the unexpected suicide of his father, Prof. Benjamin Cole discovers dark family secrets on the farm he was bequeathed #PitMad #T #S #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/sknicholls1/status/710512187543044098"><span style="color: #cc0000;">S.K. Nicholls @sknicholls1</span></a></b><br />
PI & brassy, irresponsible exotic dancer solve cold case & protect girl, forced undercover in a nudist resort. #pitmad #T #LGBT #AD #Humor<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Saboviec/status/710477223376121857"><span style="color: #cc0000;">S. L. Saboviec @Saboviec</span></a></b><br />
TITUS ANDRONICUS retelling in space. Unreliable narrator & alien Aaron the Mo’or unfolds his revenge against war hero Titus. #A #SF #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/sophs_3/status/710489962433679361"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sophie Reid @sophs_3</span></a></b><br />
Tangled in secrets, Lavinia can’t forget the Cornish town where she spent one summer. Will she ever escape the memories? #PitMad #A #WF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/donttakeSamira/status/710498957189775360"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SquidWords @donttakeSamira</span></a></b><br />
A haughty shaman is ripped from her world to the world of spirits she oppressed. If Vegeta were Alice in Wonderland #pitmad #a #f #irmc #mr<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/EscpingElegance/status/710543390434320384"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Stephanie Reidy @EscpingElegance</span></a></b><br />
ER doc faces life/death and realizes she's falling for the pretty cop not the man everyone thinks is perfect for her #pitmad #A #R #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/outfortune/status/710559851550670848"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Stephen Kozeniewski @outfortune</span></a></b><br />
Earth misses the call when warring alien factions demand our best<br />
peace negotiator, so they settle for Henry Caber instead. #pitmad #SF #A<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sunni R. Blendette @srblendette</span></b><br />
Blackmailed into fake engagement an exhibitionist & a playboy r caught in sexy web of deceit to fool his father & save their jobs #Pitmad #R<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Sunny_Cole/status/710515094937993216"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sunny Cole @Sunny_Cole</span></a></b><br />
Redneck serial killer seeks women. Gay sheriff seeks serial killer. A match made in hell. #PitMad, #A,#M. #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/SusanJPOwens/status/710466406878466048"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SusanJPOwens @SusanJPOwens</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #CR #RS<br />
An undercover agent finds proof of treason & sacrifices his reputation 2 catch the thugs while saving a feisty journalist.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/susanjberger/status/710500244207837184"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Susan James Berger @susanjberger</span></a></b><br />
#R Kate doesn't believe in HEA. Michael's sworn off women. On a trip to Ireland they can't stop meeting. Is it Fate or Leprechauns? #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/suzannereisman/status/710509961978224640"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Suzanne Reisman @suzannereisman</span></a></b><br />
Young Jewish man turns 1930s Warsaw into Eden; can he leave it in time? (2015 @BathNovelAward & @caledoniaaward longlist) #pitmad #A #LF #HF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TanyaPresse/status/710511783505559552"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tanya Presse @TanyaPresse</span></a></b><br />
Facing amnesia + a self-inflicted gunshot wound, WWI soldier Icarus must rediscover his life at a NYC quarantine hospital. #PitMad #A #LF #S<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/taradactylus/status/710498670760894464"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tara Weinstein @taradactylus</span></a></b><br />
If your great-grandmother ran a bakery on LES during WW2 and you suddenly found her long-lost recipes, what would you do? #PitMad #LF #WF #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TeriCase_Author/status/710554690191118337"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Teri Case @TeriCase_Author</span></a></b><br />
Winter's Bone meets The Husband's Secret when the parents of 7 make individual choices to reclaim meaning in their lives #PITMAD #LF #LGBT<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/WrittenWard/status/710483569693618176"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Written Ward @WrittenWard</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #A #SF A murderer & his victim trapped on a refugee starship fleeing a dead world, pursued by killer machines. Will they survive?<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/laplus_heureuse/status/710515631272099840"><span style="color: #cc0000;">TheHonestAuthor @laplus_heureuse</span></a></b><br />
A rebel leader. A crooked priest. The boy who has it all. A modern world gripped by poverty and unrest. Can a savior rise? #PitMad #A #SF<br />
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She was the dark-eyed French girl. He was the king that would not be denied. Their love will bring a nation to its knees. #PitMad #A #HF<br />
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She was the woman that captured the heart of a king, but who was she in-between the infamous moments? #PitMad #A #HF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Theresa_Author/status/710500881167323137"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Theresa Alan @Theresa_Author</span></a></b></div>
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Entertainment reporter tries to cover real news; instead she becomes the news & is rescued by wildfire firefighter #pitmad #wf</div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/THofauthor/status/710507097138577408"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tiffany Hofmann @THofauthor</span></a></b></div>
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#PitMad #A #RS Lily would rather hunt down human traffickers then go on a date, but Blake isn't giving up on her anytime soon.</div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TomNavratilism/status/710539583281369088"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tom Navratil @TomNavratilism</span></a></b><br />
Vincent Lucius, disgraced diplomat, disappointing husband, disastrous father, stood naked & alone at the edge of Redemption Bay. #PitMad #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/theferalfarrell/status/710488546444902401"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Virginia Farrell @theferalfarrell</span></a></b><br />
LIFE OF PI in the Congo when a dying storyteller journeys to save son's clinic, & a mythical baby intrinsically tied to her life. #PitMad #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/VivWrites/status/710467529752317952"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Viv Writes @VivWrites</span></a></b><br />
Feisty horse trainer doesn't believe in fairytales until new mentee is a real-life prince. Will she swap cowboy hat for crown? #pitmad #A #R<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/wardparker/status/710448933441544192"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ward Parker @wardparker</span></a></b><br />
Gilded Age physician tries to understand the supernatural as he searches for kidnapped patient who channels his dead wife #PitMad #A #F #M<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/WendyGoldberry/status/710493031426859008"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Wendy Goldberry @WendyGoldberry</span></a></b><br />
BDSM submissive finally begins dating her crush of 5 years, until a mysterious Dom asks her to fly to Paris and meet him #PitMad #erotic<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/YoungInRome/status/710465382830759937"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Young In Rome @YoungInRome</span></a></b><br />
"Little" just wants to go home - if only she knew where that was.When her dad dies,she's Italy-bound after a life in California. #PitMad #LF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/zooshka/status/710591385326366720"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Zoje Stage @zooshka</span></a></b><br />
HER+NEVER LET ME GO= May questions her own humanity when her customizable, nonrefundable "companion" seems more PERSON than thing #A #Pitmad<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Middle Grade Agent Favorites</span></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/aesnowauthor/status/710586493098655745"><span style="color: #cc0000;">A.E. Snow @aesnowauthor</span></a></b><br />
When a witch turns the children of Belle Mountain to stone, Tasmin Tolliver might be the only one who can save them. #MG #PitMad #diversity<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AlexisTLarkin/status/710435608343097344"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Alexis Larkin @AlexisTLarkin</span></a></b><br />
In Jazz Age NYC's version of DOWNTON ABBEY, 11yo servant sleuth must find lizard painting's true owner to beat a robbery rap. #PitMad #MG.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AmandaProscia/status/710538695544324096"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amanda Proscia @AmandaProscia</span></a></b><br />
THE BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE in a Dickens village. 11 yo Millie & friends use hidden magic to change their futures. Mystery & humor #PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyTardiff/status/710582563312500736"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Anthony Tardiff @AnthonyTardiff</span></a></b><br />
A selfish prince is turned into a dragon and must team up with a peasant girl to save the kingdom from an enchantress. #PitMad #MG #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AshVanOtterloo/status/710511461412507648"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ash Van Otterloo @AshVanOtterloo</span></a></b><br />
Guided by her ability to taste sounds, Lucia must track a monster to stop it from stealing everything she holds dear. #PitMad #MG #T #H<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/BLacy1/status/710562844773896192"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ben Lacy @BLacy1</span></a></b><br />
Young Jewish girl bets all on game of chess to escape pre-Holocaust Poland. Based on my grandma's childhood during WW1 #pitmad #mg<br />
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7 yo Ruchel uses her chess playing skills to survive WW1 when the Russian army invades her hometown #pitmad #mg<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/BrandiWhite118/status/710543065673539584"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brandi White @BrandiWhite118</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #MG 13yo Dahlia teams up with teen secret agents to protect the world from misbehaving magical artifacts. Indiana Jones X Spy Kids<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/mrbrianrowe/status/710475905408192518"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brian Rowe @mrbrianrowe</span></a></b><br />
A 12-yo bookworm stumbles into trouble when she discovers a portal that takes her into the world of every book ever written. #MG #PitMad<b></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/elusi0n/status/710458509624651776"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cass Newbould @elusi0n</span></a></b><br />
Jem and her girls rule the seven seas and the internet in this Treasure Island retelling.A STEM, girl positive, tale with POC MC #PitMad #MG<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/ChadGALucas/status/710554121108131840"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chad Lucas @ChadGALucas</span></b></a><br />
TFW you just want to surf and eat curry but your grandpa's after your electric powers to help him crush his enemies. #PitMad #MG #diverse<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CGBeckmann/status/710484037836546048"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Charlotte Beckmann @CGBeckmann</span></a></b><br />
In 245 BC Callimachus quietly saved the Library of Alexandria. Now Lexie Hart must stop a secret betrayal to save it again. #PitMad #MG #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/davemahner/status/710550421752913920"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dave Mahner @davemahner</span></a></b><br />
SHERLOCK'S SHOES 1888, London's doomed. A criminal mastermind loose. Max must be detective, save the Queen and keep slippers on #PitMad #MG<br />
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In Frankenstein's castle Max accidentally creates the mouse of doom. Recapture the big footed fluffmeister or the town is toast #PitMad #MG<br />
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#PitMad SHERLOCK'S SHOES 1888, London's doomed. A criminal mastermind loose. Max must be detective, save the Queen and keep slippers on #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KidsAuthor/status/710484727560425474"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Debbie Smith @KidsAuthor</span></a></b><br />
#pitmad #mg girl asks to join 4th grade detectives. YIKEES! NO GIRLS ALLOWED. Will she now threaten to solve the mystery or outsmart them?<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/deserthorror/status/710531242928816128"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Desert Horror @deserthorror</span></a></b><br />
2 unlikely friends with too much time on their hands @theater camp discover a seaside castle's haunted past. #mg #horror #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ddebrovner/status/710591768006418432"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Diane Debrovner @ddebrovner</span></a></b><br />
Wordsmith allergic to nuts and obsessed with letter O must prove she's not bully when new girl tries to steal her best friend. #PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/writer_donna/status/710548697935810560"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Donna Munoz @writer_donna</span></a></b><br />
Life in America is impossible. As 12 yr old Graciela's traditions slip away, her sister does, too, and healing has a price. #PitMad #MG #LF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/SoDakDoogie/status/710451263113039873"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Doug White @SoDakDoogie</span></a></b><br />
Ten kids wake up and find all adults have disappeared. In trying to find out why, they are thrust into a battle on 2 worlds. #PitMad #MG #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Celata_E/status/710483590639824896"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Eli Celata @Celata_E</span></a></b><br />
Labyrinth meets Supernatural. William fights a genocidal king to save his younger brother. #Pitmad #MG #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Toujoursdeja2/status/710598096925892609"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Elizabeth Ezra @Toujoursdeja2</span></a></b><br />
Addams Family meets Mean Girls: adrift in Ordinary world, sarcastic young witch tries to regain lost magic. Witch out of Water #PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/gail_gauthier/status/710488437858574336"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gail Gauthier @gail_gauthier</span></a></b><br />
#pitmad #MG #M Boy obsessed w/1921 murder? Or is he an investigator? Solves mystery, but can’t tell anyone. The Fletcher Farm Body<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/gayesanders/status/710561089549828096"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/gayesanders/status/710561089549828096"><span style="color: #cc0000;">gayesanders @gayesanders</span></a></b><br />
A stolen Van Gogh from WWII, a family secret and Governor's Island spell adventure for Audrey. Can she make things right? #PitMad #MG<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JamesAMosteller/status/710535086358319104"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JamesAMosteller/status/710535086358319104"><span style="color: #cc0000;">James A Mosteller @JamesAMosteller</span></a></b><br />
#MG Tired of being bullied, 3 friends flip the school's social structure using an altered protection scheme in Middle School Mafia #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JasonDCFord1/status/710537416914776064"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jason Ford @JasonDCFord1</span></a></b><br />
#Pitmad #MG Stars no longer shine. Protag seeks to save her family and kingdom with the aid of eclectic friends. Wizard of Oz meets Tolkien.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/JillMjjillian/status/710565153247531008"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jill Andrews @JillMjjillian</span></a></b><br />
13yo time traveler Maddie didn't mean to start the end of the world. She just wanted to see her dead mom. Baywich & The Big Nothing #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Jocelyne001/status/710504278713049088"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jocelyne @Jocelyne001</span></a></b><br />
WANTED: 10yo Witch to run famous witches shop. Must be hardworking, great with magic, and not afraid of a little danger. #PitMad #C #F #AD<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/judynmclaughlin/status/710550195315089408"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/judynmclaughlin/status/710550195315089408"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Judith N. McLaughlin @judynmclaughlin</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad 11yo CJ teams up with school genius 2 get adults 2 stop labeling kids! When the 2 try a social experiment 4th grade sparks fly #mg<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jlrichar/status/710436798044966913"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Julia R @jlrichar</span></a></b><br />
Your DNA was tampered with. Your beloved father genetically modifies plants to taste like bacon. Can you trust him? #Pitmad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/julianalbrandt/status/710612256195813376"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Juliana L. Brandt @julianalbrandt</span></a></b><br />
Kavi's spine was replaced with metal, weighing him down to the earth. Then he meets a bone witch who can heal & his spirit soars #MG #pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/kevinonpaper/status/710590151622316032"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kevin McGill @kevinonpaper</span></a></b><br />
Nick (14) convinces friends a Moon w/pixies, gorgons, robot-legged mermaids, is safer than a dystopian Earth. Boy was he wrong. #mg #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/herrmania/status/710587151264526336"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kyle Herrman @herrmania</span></a></b><br />
Fourth graders attempt an elaborate heist to bring down a kleptomaniacal science teacher. Oceans11 for eleven year-olds. #MG #PitMad<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/leah_beth/status/710558979760459781"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/leah_beth/status/710558979760459781"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Leah Rhyne @leah_beth</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #mg #horror 1 writer, kidnapped. 3 kids, trying to save him. 1 fictional hero, maybe real. Monsteriffic battles in NYC subways FTW!<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/levityfox/status/710483090527760384"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Levity Fox @levityfox</span></a></b><br />
SINBAD meets ALEX RIDER in a tale of a one-armed boy & a firebird. Inspired by Middle Eastern & Nthn African folklore, #PitMad #MG #F #AD<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/torchwriter/status/710478444002299905"><span style="color: #cc0000;">M @torchwriter</span></a></b><br />
11yo Ambrose accidentally travels back in time to Tesla's lab and must help stop sabotage at 1893 Chicago World's Fair. #MG #PitMad<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/mohom/status/710568441506357250"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/mohom/status/710568441506357250"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Margaret H. Mason @mohom</span></a></b><br />
13yo con artist time travels to Chicago 1914 seeking gold: finds sweatshops, Settlement House, suffrage leader--& her heart #PitMad #MG #HF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MargaretLesh/status/710549994822963200"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Margaret Lesh @MargaretLesh</span></a></b><br />
#MG #PitMad Offbeat musician Ruby Daffodil thinks she's pen pals with Ringo Starr but realizes she's being catfished by a boy named Josh.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Wellspen/status/710506408765075456"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Margaret Wells @Wellspen</span></a></b><br />
Kate (11) runs away from home to follow a clue hunt that her mother left her before she died. #PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/mazblondie/status/710521720017444864"><span style="color: #cc0000;">MarieBishop (Author) @mazblondie</span></a></b><br />
#Pitmad When Edela loses her hearing on the eve of a deadly winter storm, she must rely on the only creature she can hear: a lone wolf. #mg<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MarkPaleo/status/710462409924874241"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MarkPaleo/status/710462409924874241"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mark Paleologopoulos @MarkPaleo</span></a></b><br />
13 yo runaway can't get back home unless she survives to the river's end. Alice In Wonderland if written by Lemony Snicket #PitMad #MG #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/marithzoli/status/710515586963533824"><span style="color: #cc0000;">M E Zoli @marithzoli</span></a></b><br />
3 yng magic girls runaway, become best friends. But one has a dangerous destiny. Pippi Lngstkng meets Fury Road. #pitmad #MG #F<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/robbinsnest01/status/710578731757215744"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Melissa Robbins @robbinsnest01</span></a></b><br />
Adventurous boy w/ heart defects defies odds to attend military fly academy & unravels spy plot set in WWII UK #PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleHulse/status/710438797498916864"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Michelle Hulse @MichelleHulse</span></a></b><br />
Howls in the cane fields don’t scare 11yo Linette. To beat her nemesis in a filmmaking contest, she stalks the Cajun loup garou. #PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MimiLRN/status/710449935573909504"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Michelle Nott @MimiLRN</span></a></b><br />
#Pitmad #MR Midnight in Paris for #MG Two 12yo from 2 eras search for one's lost mom and uncover the other's family secrets<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MostlyMurder/status/710456964778762240"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Naomi Reynolds @MostlyMurder</span></a></b><br />
Trapped in house of riddles, girl, boy & dog outwit shapeshifter to save keys that lead to other worlds. #PitMad #MG #C<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/natalierompella/status/710463117931749378"><span style="color: #cc0000;">natalierompella @natalierompella</span></a></b><br />
You're racing in the Iditarod. What's in your sled bag? Find out some behind-the-scenes facts about the 1000-mile race. #PitMad #NF #MG<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AnicaLewis/status/710536439700787200"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/AnicaLewis/status/710536439700787200"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Nic @AnicaLewis</span></a></b><br />
A ruthless mage plots to seize the mansion where 11yo Claire works - but he's not counting on this clever servant girl. #MG #F #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/NickNafster79/status/710550042222919680"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Nick Nafpliotis @NickNafster79</span></a></b><br />
It was supposed to be a prank. You can't hunt snipes--they're not even real. But what they did find in the woods is now hunting them.#PItMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/PiaVasio/status/710483308455583744"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pia Vasio @PiaVasio</span></a></b><br />
Ordinary schoolboy meets a girl, who is visible only to him and has info about the town's missing kids #PitMad #MG #UrbanFantasy #KidLit<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/racheltoalson/status/710454790770323456"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/racheltoalson/status/710454790770323456"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rachel Toalson @racheltoalson</span></a></b><br />
A dad dies. A mom disappears. An aunt steps in. A 10yo boy uncovers a secret that will change his definition of family forever #MG #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/RebeccaJ_Allen/status/710437044556668928"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rebecca @RebeccaJ_Allen</span></a></b><br />
#MG<br />
Star programmer is found unconscious, his game code stolen. Jared races to solve the crime because he tops the suspect list.<br />
#pitmad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/beckysmithhurst/status/710437268662697985"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rebecca Ann Smith @beckysmithhurst</span></a></b><br />
12yo Josh’s mum’s dying; a stay w/ weirdo cousins is the last thing he needs. Magic might save mum but who will Josh betray? #PitMad #MG #A<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/WriteNowCoach/status/710515829528535041"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rochelle Melander @WriteNowCoach</span></a></b><br />
Sam & Cat meets The Apprentice - two 9-yr-old girls launch a manners class to train friends and become wealthy kidpreneurs. #PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/SaadiaFaruqi/status/710576454610726913"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Saadia Faruqi @SaadiaFaruqi</span></a></b><br />
Pakistani American sixth-grader Sarah is challenged by a project about "home", bigots, bullies and first generation angst. #pitmad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/samcam110/status/710521050816184321"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sam Campbell @samcam110</span></a></b><br />
Emma knows her fellow orphans aren't being adopted. That<br />
would explain the dolls that look eerily similar to her old friends...#PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/samcap924/status/710586448441962496"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Samantha Caprio @samcap924</span></a></b><br />
A tragic loss. A wish on a star. 10 y/o Seraphina finds herself on a quest to restore a magical world. #PitMad #MG #F<br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/sarahelizwriter/status/710524178106023936"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/sarahelizwriter/status/710524178106023936"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sarah Eliz @sarahelizwriter</span></a></b><br />
Nancy Drew meets private school. MC is new girl trying to unlock the legendary detention curse bestowed upon her by classmates #MG #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ScottIsSterling/status/710532171279110146"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Scott Sterling @ScottIsSterling</span></a></b><br />
High school is hard enough without the ability to destroy the building when you're having a bad day. Marvel meets SE Hinton. #PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/stefwass/status/710496262047588352"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Stefanie Wass @stefwass</span></a></b><br />
Sienna dreams of playing violin in All-City Orchestra. When budget cuts threaten her teacher and instrument, she fights back. #PitMad #MG<br />
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Bella has to protect Abuelo’s beloved sea turtles. Before the species—and everything Abuelo believed in—become extinct. #PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/suzmattaboni/status/710548631049232384"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Suzanne G. Mattaboni @suzmattaboni</span></a></b><br />
Ariela from Queens tries to find her place @ swanky whitebread summer camp. Instead she’s TACO GIRL #PitMad #MG #IRMC #WhydIEnterThatContest<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/taraellisauthor/status/710525885481226240"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tara Ellis @taraellisauthor</span></a></b><br />
Yearn for a modern day Nancy Drew suitable for your kids? Follow Sam & Ally as they unravel clues, and save the day! #PitMad #MG #Mystery<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/THaHolt/status/710558546207887361"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tina Holt @THaHolt</span></a></b><br />
New girl on the island makes friends, follows clues and tracks modern day pirates in an adventure set in the Florida Keys. #PitMad #MG<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/tomleveen/status/710461433985634304"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tom Leveen @tomleveen</span></a></b><br />
A 13-year-old girl goes against her war-hero father to free giant arachnids, engineered for war, from human slavery. #MG #pitmad<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Picture Book Agent Favorites</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/avnelson92/status/710571738644484099"><br /></a></span></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/avnelson92/status/710571738644484099"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Allister Nelson @avnelson92</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad #PB LGBTQ retelling of Norwegian myth where a girl saves a princess-turned-dragon. Enchanted roses, wishing queens, and a witch.<b></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/MsAlderman/status/710516934987546624"><span style="color: #cc0000;">C. Alderman @MsAlderman</span></a></b><br />
A little girl leaves her mark on history as her community battles racism in 1900s Freedmen's Town, Texas. #lyrical #nf #pitmad #pb<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CassFederman/status/710603636481466368"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cassandra Federman @CassFederman</span></a></b><br />
#PB Jacob is an outcast with an inking problem. Can this young octopus learn to accept his nature? #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/davemahner/status/710462427276689408"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dave Mahner @davemahner</span></a></b><br />
#PitMad Lost your homework? The excuse was simple. A volcano, the moon, some aliens and of course an umbrella. #PB<br />
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Alice takes an 'Oomph' machine, adds one small cloth toy and creates Frankie a very special rabbit. #PitMad #PB </div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/KidsAuthor/status/710485863243755520"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Debbie Smith @KidsAuthor</span></a></b></div>
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#PitMad #PB Froggie's new bookstore rakes in the children. Finally customers! His story encourages creative writing in a most unusual way.</div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/DelSalimbene/status/710605656470855680"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Delfina Salimbene @DelSalimbene</span></a></b><br />
As the sun sets and quiet falls over the small house at the end of the row, everyone settles into bed. Well, almost everyone... #PitMad #PB<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jamesostafford/status/710501650440400897"><span style="color: #cc0000;">James Stafford @jamesostafford</span></a></b><br />
Claude the Mail Monster: Closet monster poses as mailman to get out of the house and make friends. #PitMad #picturebooks<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/jennawritesPB/status/710495810891485186"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jenna Grodzicki @jennawritesPB</span></a></b><br />
Finn's a misunderstood lemon shark,looking for friends. Turtle hiding in a cave= hide and seek & kids swimming away = tag,right? #PB #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/kendahenthorn/status/710473795333533696"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kenda Henthorn @kendahenthorn</span></a></b><br />
AMELIA AIRHOUND. True tales of a daring, caring flying dog! Air show, plane crash, hound dog heroics. #PitMad #PB Creative #NF<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/author_lisa/status/710606254012375040"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lisa Olson @author_lisa</span></a></b><br />
When Momma falls asleep in Ava's bed, where does Ava go? Fresh twist on a musical bed night many families are familiar with. #PitMad #PB<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ladyandlu/status/710560103666089984"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Michaela Schuett @ladyandlu </span></a></b><br />
#PITMAD #PB<br />
Bunnies, buses, spaceships & SHARKS-nothing stands a chance when DinoKitty appears. QUICK! STOP HER!<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/RGui8/status/710537371469500416"><span style="color: #cc0000;">R Gui @RGui8</span></a></b></div>
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#pitmad #pb #irmc when monsoons hit Mina's Indian village, the soccer fan tries to beat the rain and save the day herself. It's game on!</div>
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#pitmad #MG #IRMC #CON Brothers and Indian mom reveal their secret thoughts about each other by "video" journal entries. Heartwarming/Funny</div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/TaliaCele/status/710483960812453888"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Talia Liben Yarmush @TaliaCele</span></a></b><br />
Amira's Hijab, Asher's Kippah: In a new school far from home, Amira feels all alone until the boy w the funny hat befriends her #PitMad #PB<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Non-Fiction & Memoir Agent Favorites</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CarriePomeroy1/status/710438768914862080"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Carrie Pomeroy @CarriePomeroy1</span></a></b><br />
#YA #NF #PitMad A poor kid named Charlie Chaplin rises to stardom— then risks everything to make a movie that breaks all the comedy rules.<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/MiriamRiverP/status/710492423277957120"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Miriam Porter Ⓥ @MiriamRiverP</span></b></a><br />
#PitMad #A #NF Kids can save the world! Humane eduation, travel, critical thinking skills, living a vegan life. Here:<a href="https://t.co/ndG8UVezwQ">http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/miriam-porter-/raising-vegan-children_b_7646254.html …</a><br />
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/racheltoalson/status/710492156436353024"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/racheltoalson/status/710492156436353024"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rachel Toalson @racheltoalson</span></a></b><br />
Tidying a house w/ kids is impossible. This book’s for all the recovering tidying perfectionists. #NF #humor #PitMad<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/reidaboutit/status/710557674883182596"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Reid Kerr @reidaboutit</span></a></b><br />
A travel humor book, a small-town smart-ass vs. the world. “I Hate It Here, A Love Story” #PitMad #NF #Travel #Humor<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/ReneeAHughes/status/710546932922318848"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Renee Hughes @ReneeAHughes</span></a></b><br />
Mix in 11 kids, add an Iranian stepmom, stir in a redneck dad, & add a dash of murder for a spine-tingling but hilarious tale. #Pitmad #Mem<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/wendymfontaine/status/710594227504156673"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Wendy Fontaine @wendymfontaine</span></a></b><br />
Eat Pray Love but with food stamps and a toddler. #PitMad #nonfiction #memoir<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Again, congrats to all those who got requests! And please don't hesitate to let me know if you catch any errors on this page!</span></i></b></div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-91297139493541377552016-03-27T21:22:00.003-07:002019-09-16T16:11:52.466-07:00Querying Resource Roundup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Doing the Querying Dance?</div>
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Image: Pixabay</div>
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Having made it through the query trenches myself, I thought I'd share some of my favorite go-to resources on query writing, researching agents, and staying motivated and organized through the waiting and the inevitable series of rejections.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing a Query</b></span><br />
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<b><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-theory-101-successful-query.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Successful Queries</span></a></b><br />
One great way to see how to craft a great query is to read queries that have gotten offers of representation or publication.<br />
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I've compiled links to 600 successful query letters in my <u><a href="https://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-theory-101-successful-query.html">Successful Queries Database</a></u>.<br />
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There are pretty large collections of queries that worked at <a href="https://querytracker.net/success.php">Query Tracker</a>. The previous link takes you to a database of success stories that is browsable by genre, word count, and agent. Be sure to click the "show interviews" box to limit your browsing to only those success stories <i>with</i> interviews. At the bottom of each interview you'll often find the author has <u><a href="https://querytracker.net/success.php">shared their successful query</a></u>.<br />
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<u><a href="http://agentqueryconnect.com/index.php?/forum/25-aq-connect-examples-of-successful-queries/">Agent Query Connect</a></u>, <u><a href="http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?92925-Successful-Queries">Absolute Write</a> </u>(you may need to join first to read the thread), <u><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/successful-queries">Writer's Digest</a></u>, and <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/YAwriters/comments/32tmi0/discussion_query_letters_that_worked/" style="text-decoration: underline;">YA Writer's Reddit</a>, have many successful queries as well. Also check out Amy Trueblood's "<u><a href="https://chasingthecrazies.wordpress.com/tag/query-letter/">Quite the Query</a></u>" series, <u><a href="http://www.yahighway.com/search/label/query%20series?max-results=7">YA Highway's Query Series</a></u>, <u><a href="http://querylettersuccess.com/">QueryLetterSuccess.com</a></u>, the themed collection on <a href="http://www.adweek.com/galleycat/successful-query-letters-for-literary-agents/63594?red=as" style="text-decoration: underline;">GalleyCat</a>, some in the <u><a href="http://querytracker.net/forum/index.php?topic=19529.0">Query Tracker forums</a></u>, on the list of successful kid lit queries on <a href="http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2010/04/successful-kid-lit-query-letters.html" style="text-decoration: underline;">Adventures In YA Publishing</a>, and on <u><a href="http://www.dystel.com/?s=successful+query&x=0&y=0">Dystel & Goodrich's</a></u> blog.<br />
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And a few more <u><a href="https://chgriffin.com/2013/06/24/successful-query-letter-examples/">here</a></u>, <u><a href="http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/examples-of-query-letters-for-novels.html">here</a></u>, <u><a href="http://naughtybrent.com/tagged/query-letters">here</a></u>, and <u><a href="http://theqqqe.blogspot.com/p/successful-queries.html">here</a></u>.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Agent Advice</span></b><br />
How should you write your query? Sometimes it's best to get advice straight from the agents' mouths. Resources: <u><a href="http://www.jmtohline.com/2010/12/biggest-mistakes-writers-make-when.html">Agents Weigh in on Biggest Mistakes Writers Make When Querying</a></u>, <u><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/agent-advice-agent-interviews">Writer's Digest Interviews</a></u>, <u><a href="https://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/query-letter-pet-peeves-agents-speak/">Query Letter Pet Peeves - Writers in the Storm</a></u>, <u><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/20-tips-on-query-letters-as-told-by-agent-janet-reid">Janet Reid/Query Shark's Top 20 Tips</a></u>, <u><a href="http://queryshark.blogspot.com/2015/11/crimebake-2015-effective-queries.html">Query Shark's Effective Queries Workshop Notes</a></u>, <u><a href="http://literallycait.tumblr.com/post/117439619678/q-query-fails-top-ten-pet-peeves">Caitlin McDonald's Top 10 Pet Peeves</a></u>, <u><a href="https://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?58-Ask-the-Agent">Absolute Write's Agent AMAs</a></u> and <u><a href="http://ktliterary.com/tag/about-my-query/">Kate Testerman's "About My Query" Series</a></u><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Agent Advice: Twitter Edition</span></b><br />
There are several GREAT hashtags on twitter that you can follow (and in some cases, interact via) to find out more about agent preferences, likes/dislikes etc. regarding queries and more.<br />
Read agent thoughts as they live tweet their slush pile: <u><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/querylunch?f=tweets&vertical=default">#querylunch</a>,</u> <u><a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23tenqueries&src=typd">#tenqueries</a></u>, <u><a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23500queries&src=typd">#500queries</a></u><br />
Or ask an agent a specific question if they host: <u><a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23askagent&src=typd">#askagent</a></u>, <u><a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23askfuse&src=typd">#askfuse</a></u>,<br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/search/label/Query%20Theory">Query Theory</a></b><br />
I'm starting a new series on my blog dedicated to the illustrious query: anatomy, formulas, inspiration, the art vs. the science of query writing, and more!<br />
<u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-anatomy-of-query-letter.html">Part 1: Anatomy of a Query</a></u> || <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/05/query-theory-101-query-letter-pitch-as.html">Part 2: The Query Letter Pitch as Story</a></u><br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-theory-101-successful-query.html">Successful Query Database</a></b><br />
I have an ongoing Google Spreadsheet of "<u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/06/query-theory-101-successful-query.html">queries that worked</a></u>" Which currently has links to 600 queries that landed an author with their agent. It's browseable by genre, year, agent, and a few other things so if you're looking for a particular kind of query example, you might find it helpful!<br />
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{See Also: <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2012/02/query-letter-hell-vol-1.html">Query Letter Hell Dos and Don'ts</a></u> }</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Getting Feedback on Query Drafts</span><br /><br />Here are some places where you can get feedback on your query from peers and/or professionals. Also keep in mind that one of the best ways to get better at writing your own query is to dive in and critique others' queries! </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?174-Query-Letter-Hell-SYW">Absolute Write's Query Letter Hell</a></span><br /> </b><i> *Will require a (free) membership and password to join/view*</i><br />
This is one of the largest, most active communities of query critiquers out there, and where I <u>always</u> took my queries to get feedback. A word of warning: it is called "Query Letter HELL" for a reason, so keep that in mind. The 'squirrels' (as the critters are called) are very thorough, very opinionated, and also very very willing to rip your query apart until there's nothing left. Take what feedback resonates with you, be prepared to struggle a bit with some that might not. It's okay to set feedback aside for awhile [ and maybe pick it up later if your query doesn't get a very good request rate!! ;o) ] I <u>never</u> left QLH with all the squirrels agreeing on the effectiveness of my query. Some loved and some hated it. But in the end, it did the job!<br />
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<b><a href="http://agentqueryconnect.com/index.php?/forum/2-aq-connect-query-critiques/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Agent Query Connect</span></a></b><br />
Post your query for others to provide feedback, and jump in and crit others' as well! In my experience, the critters on AQ tend to be a little less critical than those on AW, so if you're looking for a gentler experience, maybe try here? Of course getting critted is always a little painful :o)<br />
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<b>Other Query Critique Forums</b><br />
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Also check out <u><a href="http://www.scbwi.org/boards/index.php?board=73.0">SCBWI/Verla Kay's Blueboards</a></u> (for kidlit authors) || <u><a href="https://querytracker.net/forum/index.php#2">QueryTracker Forums</a></u><br />
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<b><a href="http://queryshark.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Query Shark</span></a></b><br />
If selected (be *sure* to read the guidelines first), this agent-by-day, Query Shark by night will happily tear your query to shreds for you for all the interwebs to see. [ You can also take the wimpy route like I did and simply read through previously shredded queries ;o) ]<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QuerySwap?src=hash"><b>#QuerySwap</b></a><br />
Join this twitter pitch-party style query swap (check the rolling dates) to find the perfect peer to help refine your query.<br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/critique-calendar.html">Query Critique Calendar</a></b><br />
I keep a list of upcoming and/or recurring opportunities to receive free feedback on your query letter from literary agents, lit interns and agented writers. Check it out <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/p/critique-calendar.html">here</a></u>.<br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">The Query Lab - Query Feedback Giveaway</a></b><br />
I've started doing <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2016/04/introducing-query-lab-monthly-query.html">monthly query letter critique giveaways</a></u> right here on this blog!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Researching Agents</span></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2018/07/researching-literary-agents.html">Finding the Perfect Agent for You</a></b><br />
Here's a quick post I wrote with tips and links for finding an agent that represents books like yours, and is currently seeking books like yours, as well as some red flags to be aware of.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/2009/03/introducingagent-spotlight.html">Agent Spotlight on Lit Rambles</a></span></b><br />
This is a FABULOUS resource when researching agents. Click the links on the left-hand sidebar to select an agent profile. Each "Spotlight" / Profile compiles all sorts of info about the agent, the genres they rep, excerpts from interviews, links to more info around the web. It's Amazing.<br />
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<i>See Also:</i> <u><a href="https://kristavandolzer.blogspot.com/p/for-writers.html">Agent Interviews with Krista Van Dolzer</a></u>, Dahlia Adler's list of <u><a href="https://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/writing-resources/querying/">Links to Agent Interviews</a>, , </u> <a href="https://chasingthecrazies.wordpress.com/the-f3/" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Amy Trueblood's "First Five Five Frenzy"</a>, and Dee Romito's <u><a href="http://www.writeforapples.com/p/query-sign-submit.html">Query. Sign. Submit</a></u>.<br />
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<b><a href="http://manuscriptwishlist.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Manuscript Wish List</span></a></b><br />
Search agent profiles by name, genre, and more to find an agent who's looking for just what your manuscript has to offer. Agent wishlists are updated periodically, and there are also annual <u><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mswl?f=tweets&vertical=default">#MSWL</a></u> days on twitter where agents will tweet their wishlists there, so check out the hashtag! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(There is also a website <u><a href="http://mswishlist.com/">MSWishlist</a></u> that compiles these tweets and makes them sortable by things like genre, but I'm not sure how complete it is).</span> Be sure to thank agent Jessica Sinsheimer for MSWL -- it's her brainchild!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.michelle4laughs.com/search/label/Query%20Questions"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Query Questions with Michelle4Laughs</span></a></b><br />
When researching agents, especially if you're trying to personalize your queries, there is really no better resource than Michelle Hauck's blog series in which she interviews agents, asking them key questions about their thoughts on queries and query preferences. Prologue or no prologue? Love or hate comp titles? Themes they're tired of seeing? Pet peeves? It's all here! Check out the right-hand sidebar for an alphabetized list of all the agents in this series.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.marketyourfiction.com/2010/09/secret-ingredient-in-query-letters.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Personalizing Queries</span></a></b><br />
To be completely honest, I'm a bit on the fence as to how much personalizing a query 100% of the time is worth the effort it takes to personalize. In some/many instances, <i>personalizing is a no-brainer</i>, and in those cases, <i>definitely</i> go for it. If you find personalization for a particular agent is feeling like a bit of a stretch, it's probably not worth your time. Of course if it's *really* a stretch, maybe that agent isn't as good of a fit as you'd thought! As this agent says, <u><a href="http://kidlit.com/2011/11/09/query-personalization/">Do It Well, or Don't Do It At All</a></u>.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/new-agency-alerts"><span style="color: #cc0000;">New Agent Alerts</span></a></b><br />
Writer's Digest has an ongoing series of posts when a new lit agent hits the streets. Keep on top of that <u><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/new-agency-alerts">here</a></u>! (Query Tracker has an ongoing list of new additions to their database <u><a href="https://querytracker.net/updates.php">here</a></u> as well)<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor/lists/literary-agents"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Twitter List of Literary Agents</span></a></b><br />
Twitter can be a great place to find out about agent's personalities, wishlists, pet peeves, etc.<br />
I curate <u><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor/lists/literary-agents">this list</a></u> of (at the moment 600+) lit agents with twitter accounts, so if you know of any I should add, let me know!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
{ See also: <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2012/05/agency-list-who-reps-ya-fantasy-sci-fi.html">Lit Agencies that Represent YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy</a></u> and <br />
<u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2012/05/getting-to-know-you-aka-agent-stalking.html">Getting to Know You (aka Agent Stalking)</a></u> }</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">While You're Querying: Motivation & Organization</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<b><a href="https://querytracker.net/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Query Tracker</span></a></b><br />
Query Tracker is just hands down one of the best resources out there for those in the query trenches. You'll have to sign up for full access to the resources, but a ton are opened up to you even at the free membership level. Know an author and want to figure out who reps them? Search <u><a href="https://querytracker.net/clients.php">QT's Client List</a></u>. Find a comprehensive list of <u><a href="https://querytracker.net/literary_agents.php">Agents by Genre</a></u>. Find <u><a href="https://querytracker.net/updates.php">New Agents</a></u>. Follow other queriers' <u><a href="https://querytracker.net/agent.php?agent=2765">Experiences and Response Times</a></u> (link takes you to an example of this) in each Agent's <i>Comment Tab</i>. And with a Premium Membership get even more detailed reports about each agent's query response times, request/rejection rates, and partial and full reading times (only $25 a year and TOTALLY WORTH IT).<br />
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<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/01/contest-madness.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pitch Contests</span></a></b><br />
Even though I found my agent via the traditional querying route, pitch contests can be (for some people) a great way to infuse a little fun into the querying process. With lots of contests going on, particularly in the Spring and Fall, there's always another one just around the corner. Contests are a great place to meet other awesome writer folk. I met many of my CPs and dearest writer friends through contests! <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/01/contest-madness.html">Contest Calendar here</a></u>.<br />
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<b>Support in the Query Trenches</b><br />
Needing a little support and encouragement? Try Agent Query Connect's <u><a href="http://agentqueryconnect.com/index.php?/topic/13840-in-the-query-trenches-support-thread/">Support In the Trenches</a></u> thread, or the <u><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/">Insecure Writer's Support Group Bloghop</a></u>!<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/04/feeling-rejected-join-prestigious-crowd.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Feeling Rejected? Join the Prestigious Crowd</span></a></b><br />
Rejection is just part of the business. We've all been through it. Even the bestsellers. Read some of their stories <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/04/feeling-rejected-join-prestigious-crowd.html">here</a></u>. And their <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2015/09/coping-with-rejection-tips-from-pros.html">Protips for Coping With Rejection</a></u>.<br />
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<b><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor/status/724692000100880384">Request Rates that Worked</a></b><br />
So you're sitting there, diligently working on your next WIP, catching up on your TBR pile, taking a much needed vacation, and definitely not thinking <u>at all</u> about that spreadsheet of agents whose "response" column is slowly getting filled in with "rejection on query," "rejection on query," "rejection on query" ... and you wonder ....<br />
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<i>What does it take? What's a 'good' request rate?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Personally, I think that if you're subbing in a genre and age category that's not known to be a super-hard sell in the current market, you want to re-evaluate your query and opening pages if you're getting under a 10% request rate for more material on queries. HOWEVER. A poll of 102 authors who got their agents in the past 5 years shows that really, an ultimately "successful" request rate (i.e. resulting in an agent offer) can be just about anything. Check out the <u><a href="https://twitter.com/CarissaATaylor/status/724692000100880384">Twitter Poll here</a></u>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
{ See also: <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/03/contests-querying-are-we-spamming-agents.html">Contests & Querying - Are We Spamming Agents?</a></u> }</div>
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<b><i>What about you? What are your favorite querying resources?</i></b><br />
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-20702031224190964822016-03-03T03:10:00.001-08:002016-03-03T03:15:11.612-08:00#WeeklyWriter Author Instagram Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had a ton of fun during <b><a href="https://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/2016/01/27/authorlifemonth-an-instagram-photo-challenge-for-authors/">Dahlia Adler's</a></b> (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/missdahlelama/?hl=en">@MissDahlELama</a>) <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/authorlifemonth/">#AuthorLifeMonth</a></u> photo challenge for authors on Instagram. A million thanks to Dahlia for putting it on! If you haven't checked it out, do!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VznTQY4MWu4/VtfIp3q_k_I/AAAAAAAADDM/PewUmJx1BYE/s1600/WeeklyWriter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VznTQY4MWu4/VtfIp3q_k_I/AAAAAAAADDM/PewUmJx1BYE/s320/WeeklyWriter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also realized two things:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">It's </span><u style="color: #cc0000;">super</u><span style="color: #cc0000;"> fun to post bookish stuff and interact with other writers on Instagram.<br /><br /></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">I'm terrible at keeping up with daily Insta challenges!</span></li>
</ul>
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<br />
But I really love participating author/bookish Instagram world, and I love the idea of prompts that help jumpstart ideas, interaction, and community-building. <br />So ... I came up with a solution!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#WeeklyWriter</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It's basically the same idea as any other instagram challenge, with two twists:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Prompts are geared towards writers, and<br /><br /> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">O</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">nly one prompt per week</span></li>
</ul>
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That means you have an entire week to post a pic for each prompt! For me at least, that means a low-stress way to maximize author-Instagram fun.<br />
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There are prompts for book recommendations, swapping work for feedback, WIP fun, resource recommendations, inspiration sources, writing tip exchanges, and more. Check out the full list below:<br /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VznTQY4MWu4/VtfIp3q_k_I/AAAAAAAADDM/PewUmJx1BYE/s1600/WeeklyWriter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VznTQY4MWu4/VtfIp3q_k_I/AAAAAAAADDM/PewUmJx1BYE/s400/WeeklyWriter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sound fun? I hope you'll join me! Just post your photo/screenshot etc for the week on instagram with the hashtag <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/weeklywriter/">#WeeklyWriter</a></b> and that's it! Feel free to share/repost & join in the fun!<br />
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If you have any questions, feel free to comment below, or you can contact me on my author Insta:<br />
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IG: <u><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/carissawrites/">@carissawrites</a></b></u><br />
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-11362533949584489732016-02-24T03:48:00.000-08:002016-02-24T11:04:19.993-08:00Previously ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Previously... is a Bloghop recapping the previous month's goals and accomplishments. It's hosted by the lovely <b><a href="http://colewritingblog.blogspot.com/">Miss Cole </a></b>on the last Wednesday of every month. For more details on how to participate visit the <u><a href="http://colewritingblog.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html">Previously</a></u> page!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Previously in Writing</span></b><br />
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This month, I've continued editing my NaNoWriMo novel #IslandGirlWIP -- an MG Contemporary reimagining of one of my favorite childhood books. I finished a round of edits at the end of January, and am now editing based on feedback from my first round of betas. My babysitter is still on summer break so I don't have much time for writing, writing, but hopefully next month!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Previously in Reading</span></b><br />
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This month, I did a lot of beta-reading so I haven't done quite as much novel reading as usual. However. I did get a chance to read <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25785674-bounders">BOUNDERS</a></b> -- an MG Sci-Fi by <u><a href="http://www.monicatesler.com/">Monica Tesler</a></u>, and absolutely loved it! Seriously, I can't remember the last time I had so much fun reading a book. It's like Enders Game but somehow more lighthearted without sacrificing suspense, and way funnier. Plus? It's got a neurodiverse cast! Full of win.<br />
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I'm now halfway through Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, which is something that the MC in the novel I'm editing would probably be reading! I really like trying to pair my reading with my writing/editing in that way, because it totally helps me stay in the groove even during those hours I'm not writing.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Next Time in Goals</span></b><br />
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Next month, I hope to be finished with the next round of edits on #IslandGirlWIP and hopefully 50% done with my new book #TeenJournalistWIP! Right now it's at about 30%, but it's a super research-heavy book, so we shall see! I also hope to read at least two or three new books. It will definitely help to have my babysitter back!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A Word of Advice</span></b><br />
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When in doubt, have a dance party!</div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-59903828507953938882016-02-22T00:06:00.003-08:002016-09-29T20:30:18.571-07:0021 Ways to Inject Tension into Quiet Scenes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will they, or wont they?<br />
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Tension. It's what keeps readers turning pages. You may have a brilliant premise, stellar plot, and interesting characters, but if there's not enough tension in your scenes, readers may eventually decide to ... *yawn* ... put the book down.<br />
<br />
Nooooooo!<br />
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High-stakes conflict is easy peasy to add to high-action thrillers, where the plot just begs for suspense, and there's danger lurking around every corner. Tension is a breeze in stories where every moment is life and death.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>... But what if your book isn't about life and death? <br />... What if your book is more about life and chocolate?</b></span><br />
<br />
In addition to it being a delicious book that I, personally, would love to read, you may find you have problem adding <b>Tension</b>. I've just written a book that in many ways is much quieter than my first two, and now that I'm in the editing phase, I'm diving back in to make sure that it's not TOO Quiet.<br />
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If you're in the same boat, this post is for you!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What Is Tension and How Do We Craft It?</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>Tension. Stress. Anxiety. Nervousness. Feeling stretched or strained. We know it when we feel it, but how do we write it?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What makes tension tense? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">It's all about Uncertainty.</span></b><br />
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To explain what I mean, here's a basic formula for creating tension:<br />
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MC has a<span style="color: #cc0000;"> Goal</span> + Encounters <span style="color: #cc0000;">Obstacle</span> (External, Interpersonal, or Internal) <span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">→</span><br />
MC has to make <span style="color: #cc0000;">Decision(s)</span> + <span style="color: #cc0000;">Act </span> <span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">→</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Uncertainty</span></b><br />
(Did they make the right decision?? <br />
Are they going to?? We don't know yet!!)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">↑</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">↑</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">↑ </span><u>This</u> is where the tension lies.</span><br />
<br />
If readers <u>know</u> that the MC made the right decision, did the right thing, and is going to succeed, then suddenly, the tension is gone. What keeps readers turning the pages is the uncertainty. The <i>what if</i>?<br />
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When you think about it that way "Is the MC going to defeat the monster that just attacked?" isn't so very different from "Did they just estrange the very person they need on their side?" In both these instances, the reader is <i>uncertain</i> whether or not the MC will succeed, and this creates tension. That's why cliffhangers work so well as chapter endings (see also <u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2015/10/10-types-of-chapter-ending-cliffhangers.html">10 Types of Chapter-Ending Cliffhangers</a></u>). When the reader doesn't know what will happen, they'll keep turning pages.<br />
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But to feel the tension, the reader has to <u>feel</u> the uncertainty. Barring a <b><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/10-types-of-chapter-ending-cliffhangers.html">cliffhanger</a></b> chapter or scene interruption, there are two general approaches to this:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Make the MC Painfully Uncertain</b><br /><u>Show</u> the apprehension, the misgivings, the self-doubt, the guilt, the indecision, that the MC goes through before, during, and/or after each decision.</li>
<li><b>Have the MC be Blissfully Unaware</b><br />An overconfident protagonist signals to readers that something's about to go wrong. This is a story after all, things can't be <i>that</i> easy! </li>
</ul>
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<br />
<b>... But Also Consider Stakes: </b><br />
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Okay, so we have quiet stories. Our stakes might not be life and death. But they have to be something that <u>matters</u>. To the MC. To the reader. Conflict alone isn't always a tension-builder. High conflict, but low stakes situations may be thought-provoking or comic, but *might* not add tension to your scene. Is there a way to increase the stakes? Can you up the cost of failure? Increase the reward for success?<br />
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<b>Types of Tension: </b><br />
<br />
Sources of anxiety and tension can come in many forms. It's often helpful to think of them in layers or levels from the more global to the more personal. Within each broader category are a number of tricks or techniques you can use to inject tension back into even the quietest of scenes. I'll list them here, then expand on each point after the break:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>External Pressures</b></li>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Setting on Edge</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Roadblocks to the Goal</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Ticking Clock</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Unbeknownst to our Hero ...</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Reminder of a Mystery</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Small Breaking Points</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Oops!</span></b></li>
</ul>
<li><b>Interpersonal Conflict</b></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Encounter with the Enemy</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Personality Clashes</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Conflicting Values/Goals/Opinions</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>It's Personal ... We've Got History</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Subtext</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Bad Moods</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>"... What Do They Think of Me?"</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>That Dude(tte) in the Way</b></span></li>
</ul>
<li><b>Inner Struggle</b></li>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Dilemmas</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pursuing Wants not Needs</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Facing Fears</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Keeping Secrets</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Character Flaws</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Uncertainty in Decision Making</span></b></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
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<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">External/Circumstantial Pressures</span></b><br />
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<b>1. Setting On Edge</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Sometimes, all that's needed is a change of scenery. Donald Maass often talks about several settings that lend themselves to dull chapters: kitchens/dining rooms, car rides, and living rooms. They're everyday places, so it's easy to slip into writing boring, commonplace scenes.<br />
<br />
Instead, try someplace: foreboding, dazzling, hazardous, or anxiety-inducing. Think not only about more environmental/physical danger, an ominous thunderstorm on the horizon, a door slamming shut behind them, or a watchful stranger who's just a little off ... but also more personal things: Force the MC to visit or pass by a place where they had a tramautic experience in the past, the place where they know the antagonist lives/works/frequents, or the spot they used to go on dates with their ex.<br />
<br />
Alternatively, use your MC's mood or sense of unease to make the comfortable places they usually love seem all wrong.<br />
<br />
Links: <u><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/04/setting-up-tension.html">Setting up Tension - Fiction University</a></u> // <u><a href="http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/keep-slow-scenes-moving-with-tension/">Keep Slow Scens Moving With Foreboding - K.M. Weiland</a></u> //<br />
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<br />
<b>2. Roadblocks to the Goal</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Setting up stumbling blocks or hedging the MC in may up the ante in particular scenes. Does the apprentice who really needs to get to the final exam on time get cornered by the talkative innkeeper (to whom he owes a big tab)? Does the kid who slipped out without his parents knowing forget to bring his keys to get back in? Did the store just run out of eggs right before the bake-off? Is the protagonist on the verge of flunking all their classes? Is the romantic dinner to re-kindle the marriage cut short when the babysitter calls it quits? Does the MC have money problems on top of everything else? If the sailing's too smooth, you may need to add a storm!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3. The Ticking Clock</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Even in a quiet book, it's still possible to add a "countdown clock." But rather than marking off the seconds till the bomb goes off, it'll be something more subtle. For example: Twenty minutes until the guy is going to pick up the girl for the second date. Still twelve more days to wait before we get to go to Mars-World-Waterpark -- Ugh! Twenty-four hours to turn around that report to the boss. Four months until summer arrives, and with it, the sand demons.<br />
<br />
The clock can work for both positive and negative events:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>A Countdown to "Doom"</li>
<li>Delayed Gratification </li>
</ul>
<br />
Links: <u><a href="http://readtowritestories.com/2014/11/18/how-to-create-a-narrative-clock/">How to Create a Narrative Clock -- Read To Write Stories</a></u> // <u><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2015/12/tick-tick-tension-setting-clock.html">Tick, Tick, Tension: Setting the Clock -- Fiction University</a></u> // <u><a href="https://letthewordsflow.wordpress.com/2011/05/12/narrative-tension-and-the-ticking-clock/">Narrative Tension and the Ticking Clock - Let the Words Flow</a></u> // <u><a href="http://memorywritersnetwork.com/blog/ticking-clock-for-memoir-writers/">Ticking Clock for Memoir Writers</a></u> //<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>4. Unbeknownst to Our Hero ...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This is tricky to do in first person (for obvious reasons), but still possible if your character is a little bit clueless. Maybe they weren't reading between the lines on that memo from their colleague, or misinterpreted the body language of their current crush. Either way, the reader knows the MC's headed for disaster, even if they don't.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>5. Reminder of a Mystery</b><br />
<br />
<div>
You've probably strewn quite a few "mysteries" throughout your book. Until you're ready to reveal the answer, don't let readers forget! Keep these nagging questions at the forefront of readers' minds. Who was that guy who brought her flowers years ago? Who is Alice? Where <i>is </i>that missing binder with all the personel records? Why didn't Xander come to class? Obviously the overarching story question is the focal point of the novel, but these smaller, mini-mysteries can boost tension too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>6. Small Breaking Points</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The straw that broke the camel's back, the thrice-failed flight-sim that finally wore down the intrepid pilot-to-be, the burned cake, the missed bus connection, the kids kicking over the mailbox *again.* Sometimes it's the little things that bring your MC to their knees.<br />
<br />
<b>7. Oops!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Your MC doesn't have to be particularly clumsy for him/her (or someone around him/her) to mess up now and then. Accidents happen! ...Sometimes right in the middle of an otherwise slow scene! ;o)<br />
<br />
... And don't forget to <u>loudspeaker/viralize</u> it. Minor foibles become SO much worse when everyone notices you screwed up.<br />
<br />
Links: <u><a href="http://larawillard.com/2015/11/09/act-one/">Threatened Characters Make Mistakes -- Lara Willard</a></u> //<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interpersonal Conflict</span></b><br />
<br />
Hopefully our characters are realistic, flawed, beautifully complex people with their own set of goals, fears, and facades (don't risk <u><a href="https://janefriedman.com/the-problem-with-overly-nice-characters/">the problem with overly nice characters</a></u>!). When our characters get together, clashes can happen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>8. Encounter with the Enemy</b><br />
<br />
This is the most obvious type of interpersonal conflict ... but an important one. If your story is getting too slow, it might be time to remind the reader of your MC's least favorite person on the planet. This doesn't necessarily mean that the antagonist needs to arrive on the scene (although amazing things might happen in the scene if they did?). Maybe the antagonist comes up in conversation. Maybe an object triggers a memory of the bully, or an event reminds the MC of the confrontation looming ahead. Keep the antagonist in the MC's mind, whether or not they actually are physically present on the page.<br />
<br />
<u>Consider:</u><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Direct Confrontation</li>
<li>Overhearing Antagonist</li>
<li>Vivid Memory of Past Altercation</li>
<li>Nagging Reminder of Upcoming Showdown or Unresolved Conflict</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>9. Personality Clashes</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Even if two characters like each other (or at least are not sworn enemies) they are likely to have wildly different personalities. They'll respond to the same situation in disparate, and possibly divisive ways. Use these personality differences to make your MC anxious, and/or the scene uncomfortable for the reader.<br />
<br />
<u>Consider these potentially clashing pairings</u>:<br />
<br />
Introvert vs. Extrovert // Loud vs. Boistrous // Easygoing vs. Rule-Follower // Confident vs. Hesitant // Impulsive vs. Planner // Skeptical vs. Accepting // Sensitive vs. Analytical //<br />
<br />
As a result of the personality clash, characters may begin to assign negative labels to one another, viewing the other as: "Intolerant," "Insecure," "Selfish," "Reckless," "Uneducated," "Indecisive," "Impatient," "Emotional," "Uncaring," etc. ... and this only adds to the tension.<br />
<br />
Links: <a href="http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2014/01/04/clashing-personalities/" style="text-decoration: underline;">Clashing Personalities - </a><a href="http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2014/01/04/clashing-personalities/">Creative Penn</a> // <u><a href="http://avajae.blogspot.com/2013/09/tension-shortcut-bumpy-character.html">Bumpy Character Relationships - Writability</a></u> //<br />
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<b>10. Conflicting Values/Goals/Opinions</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
There are great opportunities for conflict if not only are characters' personalities at odds, but also their long-term and short-term goals. Maybe the MC wants to ace the exam, but her BFF just wants to go hiking; a parent wants the house cleaned before company comes, while the MC is *almost* done building the treehouse; the girl wants to read her book, but the other kids are having a noisy/messy water balloon fight, maybe the MC thinks the way to the magic phoenix is via the swamp path, but the sidekick thinks it's the mountain path ... etc.<br />
<br />
<u>Consider</u>:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Clash of values/goals</li>
<li>Clash of <i>means</i> to acheiving shared goals</li>
</ul>
<br />
Links:<b> </b><u><a href="http://thewritepractice.com/creating-conflict/">Good Conflict is about Clashing Values - The Write Practice</a></u> <b>// </b><u><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2014/05/a-quick-tip-for-adding-conflict-and.html">What Do The Other Characters Want? - Fiction University</a></u><b> //</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b>11. It's Personal ... We've Got "History"</b><br />
One great way to keep tension high in scenes that are dialogue heavy is to (a) make sure all your characters have an interesting backstory coming into the scene, and (b) keep that at the forefront of your mind when writing their interactions. Give some of your minor characters a not-so-sunny history with one another. Bickering sisters, the cadet that turned everyone else in for the contraband booze on the ship all those years ago, the former-best-friend, the lady who bought that stellar property out from under the MC's nose ... etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>12. Subtext</b><br />
Injecting subtext into your characters' dialogue is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but if your dialogue-heavy scenes are feeling a little dry, maybe you need a little more of it. Identify passages of dialogue that are too "on the nose" and add subtext!<br />
<br />
Information-heavy dialogue, or dialogue that's too obvious (the speakers are just saying exactly how they feel) can get boring quickly. But if the real conversation is happening not in the overt words, but below the surface, <i>that's</i> when things get interesting.<br />
<br />
Use the dialogue tags, or subtleties in the phrasing to show the <i>other </i>side of the story. Is your MC saying he's okay, when obviously he just got his feelings hurt? Is she going in for a kiss? Is he screwing up the courage to break-up? Is the BFF saying 'sure' but meaning 'no'? Are they seemingly debating over spaghetti vs. pasta alfredo, but really arguing about their decade-old argument to have/not have kids?<br />
<br />
In short: They're talking about the weather, but they're not <i>really</i> talking about the weather (and on second thought, maybe don't have them <i>actually</i> talk about the weather, either ... unless they are weather elementals or something).<br />
<br />
<u>Consider</u>:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Subtleties in Phrasing</li>
<li>Body Language</li>
<li>Inner Monologue</li>
<li>What's NOT being said (and how obvious the omission is)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
Subtext can provide the <i>first sign</i> that something's not quite right (or, conversely that characters are actually starting to fall for one another). But it also can be influenced by what the reader knows coming into the scene. For example, if the reader knows the characters' past history coming in, subtext that might be too subtle to pick up on otherwise will become obvious, and hopefully powerful.</div>
<br />
<br />
Links: <u><a href="http://www.charles-harris.co.uk/2013/05/dialogue-with-subtext/">9 Steps to Writing Dialogue with Rich Subtext - Calvin Harris </a></u>// <u><a href="http://theeditorsblog.net/2011/05/17/subtext-revelation-of-the-hidden/">Subtext: Revelation of the Hidden - The Editors' Blog</a></u> // <u><a href="http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/on-the-nose-dialogue/">3 Ways to Create Subtext Rich Dialogue - K.M. Weiland</a></u> // <u><a href="http://www.livewritethrive.com/2014/10/22/creating-engaging-dialog-by-using-subtext/">Creating Engaging Dialog Using Subtext - Live Write Thrive</a></u> // <u><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2015/07/dont-speak-power-of-whats-left-unsaid.html">Don't Speak: ThePower of What's Left Unsaid - Fiction University</a></u> // <u><a href="http://writershelpingwriters.net/2012/06/5-techniques-for-adding-subtext-to-your-story/">5 Techniques for Adding Subtext to your story</a></u> //<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>13. Bad Moods</b><br />
<br />
Everyone seem a little too happy in here? Give a secondary character a reason to be grumpy/disagreeable just when your MC is flying high. Maybe the grocery clerk just broke up with her girlfriend. Maybe the BFF failed his sandstorm-conjuring class again. Maybe the hunter couldn't find any game. Alternatively, put an extra-peppy person in the way when your MC just wants to wallow.<br />
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<br />
<b>14. "...What Do They Think Of Me?"</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
A potentially huge source of conflict can come when the main character is trying <u>so hard</u> to be: likeable, a good student, a team player, creative, nice, friendly, etc. For these kinds of characters, what their peers think of them is a constant source of anxiety. Every slip up seems so much worse because someone noticed. Every cold shoulder feels like a huge rejection. If your character is a people-pleaser, make sure you're using this aspect of their personality to it's maxium stress-inducing potential.<br />
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<br />
<b>15. That Dude(tte) In the Way</b><br />
<br />
Maybe your MC isn't in a scene with any of the other key characters of the book, or maybe you're tired of having them butt heads. In these cases, the MC may need someone else to foil their movement toward the goal. That's okay, you just know that right around the corner there's going to be 'that dude' (or dudette) that's always cutting in front of you, taking the last donut, talking your ear off when you need to get going, playing their music too loud, mansplaining things, etc etc, etc ...<br />
It's a small thing, but it might be just what you need to take that transition scene from dull to anxiety-inducing. <br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Internal Conflict / Inner Struggle</span></b><br />
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One of the most painful and poignant ways to bring conflict to your quiet pages is by cutting at the core of your character's being: at her/his deepest <u><a href="http://www.livewritethrive.com/2012/08/08/820/">desires, secrets, and fears</a></u>. If you don't know what those are for your MC, <a href="http://www.livewritethrive.com/">C.S. Lakin at Live, Write, Thrive</a> has a <u><a href="http://www.livewritethrive.com/2012/08/08/820/">great post</a></u> to start you thinking along those lines. Also be sure to check out Ian Irvine's <u><a href="http://www.ian-irvine.com/on-writing/33-ways-to-create-inner-conflict/">33 Ways to Create Inner Conflict</a></u>.<br />
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Consider your MC's: Goals / Needs / Dreams / Secrets / Fears / Flaws<br />
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Links: <u><a href="http://savvyauthors.com/blog/index.php/the-internal-conflict-formula-that-generates-plot-points-and-strengthens-theme-by-lynn-johnston/">The Internal Conflict Formula - Savvy Writers</a></u> // <u><a href="http://www.livewritethrive.com/2014/04/16/a-look-at-inner-and-outer-conflict-in-your-novel/">A Look a Inner and Outer Conflict - Live, Write, Thrive</a></u> // <u><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/11/find-your-plot-fridays-building-your.html">Internal and External Core Conflicts - Fiction University</a></u> // <u><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2012/08/the-inner-struggle-guides-for-using.html">Components of an Inner Conflict Arc - Fiction University</a></u> // <u><a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2010/06/02/invisible-tension/">Invisible Tension - Writer Unboxed</a></u><br />
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<b>16. Moral Dilemmas, Mutually Exclusive Goals, & Impossible Choices:</b><br />
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Create a situation in which to achieve a major or minor (story or scene) goal, the character must do something which they feel terrible about. Maybe the dilemma is directly tied to the core inner conflict of the story, but maybe the dilemma is something not as closely tied to the core story conflict. It's more of a step along the way.<br />
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Consider:<br />
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<li><u>Moral/Ethical Dilemmas</u><br />For example: maybe the MC needs to lie, cheat, or steal in order to make friends/money/fame/recognition, hurt someone now to help them later, sacrifice the one for the many, maybe they've been bribed to back down on a public ethical/moral stance.<br />Think: Pacifism vs. justice, honesty vs. kindness/loyalty, etc.</li>
<li><u>Mutually Exclusive Personal Goals</u><br />Make the choice a personal one, and make it a tough one. Think of two equally important goals that are mutually exclusive (or at least give all appearances of being so). Your character can't have one if they have the other. For example: "I want to win the baking competition, but I don't want to irreparably bruise my best friend's self-esteem in the process."<br />Not sure what these opposing goals might be for your MC? Use the "but" formula: <br /><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />MC wants _____, but also wants _____ ... and MC can't have both because ______.</span></li>
<li><u>Only Bad Options Left</u><br />Back your MC up into a corner. The original goal? Out of reach. Now they must choose between Terrible Option A, and Horrible Option B. Can't go to summer space camp? Now you can choose: stay with boring great-uncle Harold or dull-as-dishwater neighbor Edith.</li>
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One of the best kinds of tension in otherwise very quiet, very reflective scenes, can be when the MC is conflicted about something, and is trying to grapple with these mixed emotions. Did they make the right choice?</div>
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Links: <u><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/5-moral-dilemmas-that-make-characters-stories-better">5 Moral Dilemmas That Make Stories Better - Writer's Digest</a></u> // <u><a href="http://krisnoel.com/post/84424244837/character-moral-dilemmas">Character Moral Dilemmas - Kris Noel</a></u> // </div>
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<b>17. Pursuing What They <u>Want</u> NOT What They <u>Need</u></b><br />
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This *might* be a little bit of a biggie; something hard to add into your story after the fact without a major revsion. But I thought it was worth mentioning anyhow.<br />
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Most of our protagonists enter into their stories and are soon launched on a journey to achieve what they needto live/thrive/survive. But what if they didn't pursue this -- not really? What if instead, they are pursuing what they *think* they want, rather than what they truly need? They're clawing their way up the ranks of the space-fighting fleet, when really what they need is to go into politics to save their planet. They're so focused on getting/keeping Ms. Right that they don't see they've lost who they are in the process. They're spending so much time getting straight A's that they don't see their little sister is going through depression.<br />
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With a little extra planning, these kinds of layers can be added into the quietest of stories.<br />
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Links: <u><a href="http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/character-arcs-3/">Character Wants vs. Character Needs - K.M. Weiland </a></u>//<br />
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<b>18. Force the MC to Face Their Fears</b><br />
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A great way to amp up the tension in a scene is to make the MC face what they're afraid of. Obviously this is pretty easy to do in a battle scene set on the edge of a windy precipice. o.O ... But that's not the only way these kinds of scenes can work. Go for subtle, rather than big and flashy. To get that final ingredient for the potion, the MC will have to go out at night; a friend is in a bad mood and the MC takes it personally; the defendant runs across a news article about all the other times this kind of case has failed; etc.<br />
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Your MC has a past, and that may mean they've been hurt by someone, developed a fear of something.<br />
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Consider:<br />
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<li><u>Core Story Fears</u>: Your MC probably has a main fear that's in part driving the story: fear of rejection, fear of being alone, losing a loved one, going bankrupt, getting fired, losing a court case, etc ...</li>
<li><u>General Phobias</u>: fear of heights, fear of small spaces, fear of the dark, elevators, dogs, germs, knives, tornadoes, raw meat, looking silly while dancing, dorwning, broken glass, driving, new places, change, public humiliation, etc ...</li>
<li><u>Scene-Specific Fears</u>: fear of burning dinner, overwatering the garden, losing track of time, dropping great-grandma's prized vase, scratching the mayor's car at the car-wash, offending the wrong person, etc ...</li>
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... so put the MC in a scary setting, or have them run across someone or something that brings their fears to the forefront, forcing the MC to confront them.<br />
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<b>19. Keeping Secrets</b><br />
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Perhaps one of your MC's deepest fears is revealing a secret about their true self, about their past, or even about something they've just done. If this is the case, set up the MC in situations where this secret *almost* comes to the surface. Maybe a comparable situation occurs again, and the MC *almost* says something ... but then doesn't. Maybe the reader doesn't even know what the secret is. All the better!<br />
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Consider these two types of secrets:<br />
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<li><u>The Lifelong Secret </u><br />Hiding their past (dreams or demons), putting up a false facade, a former shame, covering for a loved one, re-writing past history, hiding their weakness, hiding the truth for a cause?</li>
<li><u>Small Secret</u><br />White lie, cover-up for a mistake, don't want to hurt someone with the truth?</li>
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Alternatively, maybe it's the <i>other characters</i> who aren't telling. And the MC (or at least the reader!) knows they're evading questions and hiding something ... if only we knew what!</div>
<b><br /></b>Links:<b> </b><u><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2012/10/shh-its-secret-raising-tension-and.html">Shh It's Secret - Fiction University</a></u><b> //</b><br />
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<b>20. Character Flaws</b><br />
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Our characters aren't perfect, so make sure you're using those flaws to their maximum, conflict-starting, tension-inducing potential. Your character likely has a core 'fatal flaw' that is a central part of their internal character arc. But you don't have to restrict yourself to that.<br />
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Consider:<br />
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<li><u>Temptations</u><br />Addictions, too much of a good thing, etc. Put a few temptations between the MC and their goal. Distraction just might mean the difference between achieving their goal and failing miserably.</li>
<li><u>Weak skill sets</u><br />People skills, school smarts, street smarts, physical strength, endurance, steadfastness, loyalty. Your character probably isn't an ace at everything in life. Put them in situations where they're forced to use their weakest skills.</li>
<li><u>Personality extremes</u><br />Overprotective, overbearing, overly anxious, perfectionist, workaholic, lazy, unconfident, low self-esteem, proud, insecure, etc. All these personality traits lend themselves well to conflict. What happens when the perfectionist doesn't have time to finish? When the overprotective big sister ends up effectively pushing her little brother away?</li>
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Links: <u><a href="https://darlenequinn.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/internal-conflict-your-main-character%E2%80%99s-fatal-flaw/">Your Main Character's Fatal Flaw - Darlene Quinn</a></u> //</div>
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<b>21. Uncertainty in Decision-Making</b></div>
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Your character is constantly making choices: about where to go, what to do, what to say (and what not to say). If these actions and choices are resulting in conflict, but the tension is falling flat, maybe it's not the action, but the MC's <u>reaction</u> that needs examination. I mentioned these before, but it's worth re-iterating here:<br />
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<li><u>Amp Up your MC's the Hesitance/Guilt/MC</u><br />Maybe it's time for your MC to show more signs of uncertainty. Did they make the right decision? Say the right thing? ... or didn't they? Show just how conflicted they are.</li>
<li><u>Overly Confident Hero </u><br />Alternatively, if you make your protagonist seem <i>completely self-assured </i>that they've done the right thing, this will signal to readers that ... well, it's probably not true, and your MC is about to have things blow up in their face!<br /><br /><br />Both methods can be quite effective!</li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">More Resources</span></b><br />
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<u><a href="http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/necessity-of-conflict/">6 Ways to Create Riveting Conflict - </a></u><a href="http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/necessity-of-conflict/">Helping Writers Become Authors</a> // <u><a href="http://larawillard.com/2015/11/02/how-to-write-scenes-nanowrimo-week-1/">How to Write Scenes - Lara Willard</a></u> // <u><a href="http://avajae.blogspot.com/2015/07/types-of-tension.html">Types of Tension - Writability</a></u> // <u><a href="http://www.shesnovel.com/blog/rock-storys-tension">How to Rock Your Story's Tension - She's Novel </a></u>// <u><a href="http://romanceuniversity.org/2013/12/12/tips-on-creating-conflict-in-your-novel-by-janice-hardy/">7 Ways to Create Conflict in Your Novel - Janice Hardy</a></u> // <u><a href="http://www.darcypattison.com/revision/transform-quiet/">5 Simple Ways to Transform Quiet Scenes -- Darcy Pattinson</a></u> // <u><a href="http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/structuring-your-storys-scenes-pt-4/">Options for Scene Conflit - K.M. Weiland</a></u> // <u><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2008/02/goals-conflict-tension-stakes.html">Goals, Conflict, Tension, Stakes - Fiction University</a></u> // <u><a href="http://www.cherylreif.com/2011/09/27/tuesday-ten-ways-to-increase-story-tension/">10 Ways to Increase Your Story's Tension - Cheryl Reif</a></u> // <u><a href="http://writershelpingwriters.net/2011/08/conflict-vs-tension/">Tension vs. Conflict - Writers Helping Writers</a></u> // <u><a href="http://avajae.blogspot.com/2011/12/tension-valuable-tool.html">Tension Examples - Writability</a></u> // <u><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/02/three-ways-to-add-tension-during.html"> 3 Ways to Add Tension During a Revision - Fiction University</a></u> // <u><a href="http://livewritebreathe.com/types-of-conflict/">Types of Conflict - Live, Write, Breathe</a></u> // <u><a href="http://writershelpingwriters.net/2011/08/more-tension-building-tips/">Tension-Buiilding Techniques from Harry Potter - Writers Helping Writers</a></u> // <u><a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2015/05/07/when-your-scene-is-dragging-5-ways-to-add-tension/">5 Ways to Add Tension When Your Scene is Dragging - Writer Unboxed</a></u> // <u><a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2014/10/20/deconstructing-micro-tension/">Deconstructing Micro-Tension - Writer Unboxed</a></u> // <u><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2011/05/whoa-thats-tense-raising-tension-in.html">Whoa, That's Tense! - Fiction University</a></u> //<a href="http://www.ian-irvine.com/on-writing/33-ways-to-create-inner-conflict/" style="text-decoration: underline;">33 Ways to Create Inner Conflict</a> // <u><a href="http://www.nownovel.com/blog/therefore-keep-conflict-plot/">But, Therefore, And So: Keeping Conflict - NowNovel </a></u>// <u><a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2013/07/25/levels-of-conflict/">Levels of Conflict -- Writer Unboxed</a></u> // <a href="http://livewritebreathe.com/conflict-in-fiction/" style="text-decoration: underline;">External vs. Internal Conflict - Live, Write, Breathe</a> // <u><a href="https://janefriedman.com/suspense-slow-reveal/">Setting Up the Slow Reveal</a> </u>// <u><a href="http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2010/03/plotting-made-easy-complications.html">Plotting Made Easy: Add Complications</a></u><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>So. It's Brainstorming Time. How will/do you inject tension into your quiet scenes?</i></span></b><br />
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124587072441332479.post-1750224327646715982016-01-18T14:08:00.001-08:002016-01-18T14:13:47.513-08:00Why I was AWOL ... Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjUPoOMa6jE/Vp1hViI05LI/AAAAAAAAC9k/BfsCOFa_Tmo/s1600/ElmoBaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjUPoOMa6jE/Vp1hViI05LI/AAAAAAAAC9k/BfsCOFa_Tmo/s320/ElmoBaby.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeph's Unusual First Math Lesson: 2+1=4</td></tr>
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As you may have noticed, this blog's been a little quiet lately. I don't usually post personal things here (<u><a href="http://carissa-taylor.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-reason-ive-been-awol-part-ii.html">except when I do)</a></u>, but I wanted to give you a little update as to my bloggy/social media absence.<br />
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November, as of course you know, was NaNoWriMo, and I was participating for the first time! I was on a strict deadline though because I was flying home for the holidays on the 18th, and I knew I *had* to be done by then or I'd never finish <i>(true story -- whenever I go back home, I invariably get so distracted by friends and family and holidays that I get approximately 0 hours of work done)</i>. But with some great tips and great help from my fellow #writesprint #500in30 buddies, I totally won in 18 days!!!! W00t W00t! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(no blog posts in that time though, sorry :o} )</span><br />
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I'm now about to start revising my NaNo novel (an MG contemorary retelling), and continuing to research and draft my YA Journalist Novel.<br />
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But, it's been a little trickier than usual because ... we are expecting Taylor Baby #2!<br />
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{ <a href="https://youtu.be/PfA-k29uzYg">Announcement Video Courtesy of Zeph</a> }</div>
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We're so very excited about Z getting a brother or sister (though not thrilled by the insomnia, queasiness, and exhaustion that has come with the first trimester, but that's almost over, so: onward towards more writing and more blogging!!)<br />
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Zeph is both slightly confused ("Go get baby NOW") and very excited. He's dubbed it "Elmo-Baby" XD. He's also getting pretty helpful around the house, and I hope that lasts till Baby-Time *fingers crossed*<br />
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Like last time, I won't post much more about our new Bub here, but if you want to follow along, I will be doing regular updates over on my personal blog: <u><a href="http://taylorsinsydney.blogspot.com/">Taylors in Sydney</a></u>.</div>
Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594436685900756259noreply@blogger.com0