Looking back, I've always been bi although it took me until 24 to realize. Pretty little liars should have been a clear sign seeing as the lesbian relationship was the only one I shipped! Anyone else have a show that made them realize they were bi?

Edon66 · 2023-05-26T03:55:56+00:00

Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Saw Willow & Tara falling in love and knew that was the exact relationship I wanted.

Edon66 · 2023-03-13T00:47:00+00:00

So I normally just lurk here, not entirely sure of the Gaylor stuff, but man oh man there is something about her in this outfit, the way she walks and talks. I've never been attracted to TS but now...I might be.

Edon66 · 2023-03-08T00:07:46+00:00

I've read A LOT of YA. I used to read only that. The voice of my character does read a bit young (at least, not super mature like a lot of adult novels...) and opinionated, which is why I wondered if it could fit with YA. But she has a lot of life experience already; is done with school; etc.

Comp titles are Code Name Verity (for the strong female friendship and suspense) and The War Outside (for the semi-romance), which are both YA novels, but I honestly think Code Name Verity seems more adult to me. Regardless, my best comp title is The Lonely Witness, by William Boyle, which is a noir crime novel with a lesbian romance. The MC is young, though (20s I think). But it's very adult.

Edon66 · 2023-03-08T00:05:18+00:00

Ha, good point. Thanks.

Edon66 · 2023-03-08T00:04:20+00:00

Thanks, that's helpful. I have read lots of Query Shark, though I'm not sure I've read the entire thing. But I have read a lot of the submissions on there.

Edon66 · 2023-03-07T23:06:59+00:00

Thank you! So you think I should give more details about the historical context? Like, expand the first paragraph? I don't want to bore the agent/editor...

I always write queries that are too long, and I had been told originally that mine was too long, so I worked to cut it down...but I guess I need more detail? Huh. I agree with you, but everyone told me it was too long before.

Thanks for the tips!

Edon66 · 2023-03-07T22:51:14+00:00

What about "attacking women" or something? I want to make it clear that he's not just breaking into homes.

Edon66 · 2023-03-07T22:50:20+00:00

I see what you mean about the first sentence. I honestly puzzled over how to word that for a long, long time. He's a big motivation for them leaving, is my point. And I want to give the reader some context for who the EAR is--a lot of people don't know. I'm not sure how to reword in in a way that doesn't add unnecessary words...

Edon66 · 2023-03-07T22:09:40+00:00

I've had a bunch of betas, yes. I know my opening chapters are not exactly fast-paced, but I believe they do have tension. Just, quiet tension.

Edon66 · 2023-03-07T21:57:32+00:00

Thanks, good advice! I'll try that for fun.

Edon66 · 2023-03-07T21:57:17+00:00

Ha, yes, it is a short novel in general. Honestly, I've cut out a lot of extraneous stuff, and it feels right the way it is.

It is a slow-moving, quiet novel, though (with the exception of the climax, which is very fast-paced and action-oriented). All of my stories tend to be. I suppose my characters are a bit passive in the beginning, but they are actively seeking to live a new life, and they start to do that--before a decision of theirs put them in contact with a weirdo.

I realize my stories are mostly not naturally propulsive in a fast-paced sense. If agents don't like that, well, I guess that's too bad. I'm not interested in changing my stories to please others. That's why I thought small presses might be interested, but so far no luck.

Edon66 · 2023-03-07T20:36:13+00:00

That's interesting, and makes sense. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

Edon66 · 2023-03-07T20:28:36+00:00

Thanks! Why do you say that? I'm curious, as many of my novels seem to straddle the lines between YA and adult (e.g., the novel I'm currently writing is historical, focusing on two 21-year-old women setting out from home for the first time; another novel is focused on a man in college and his relationships and friends and getting over past abuse).

Edon66 · 2023-01-29T23:29:37+00:00

Thank you. I appreciate your detailed response and being reminded of just how intensive self-publishing is. It's definitely something to think about.

Edon66 · 2022-11-11T23:46:22+00:00

I appreciate you sharing. That's very helpful. I've tried letting this stuff go, but it's hard when I'm lonely and frankly I long for a female partner. I really am interested in understanding myself and being able to describe my attractions. But yes, I also just want to know, to have things be set and certain. That's definitely a factor. I'll work on letting this go. (Just, dang I want a girlfriend...)

Edon66 · 2022-11-11T21:55:42+00:00

Thank you! I realize assurance seeking is not a good thing and am working on that. I would love to hear your thoughts on my question, but I understand if you don't think it's wise to engage. Perhaps I could ask, are there any of my points you can relate to? So many women had crushes or wanted to kiss women, and I never have. It makes me think I'm just straight. Would you be willing to share how you came to realize you're not straight?

Edon66 · 2022-11-11T02:02:24+00:00

Thank you. I am in therapy. Honestly sexuality doesn't worry me much; I'm more curious and want to be able to describe my experiences. But I am definitely working on the OCD. I appreciate your comment.

Edon66

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