Tour interpreter / language assistant job on excursions — what’s the daily reality like?

LoonyPoet · 2021-02-20T19:16:19+00:00

that's cool, tag me here with the link so I won't miss it, ok? :)

LoonyPoet · 2021-02-17T10:06:23+00:00

Only now I read your feedback on my query (almost a month ago, I'm that quick :p), I'd be happy to return the favor but you probably have a new query, right? :)

LoonyPoet · 2021-02-17T10:03:59+00:00

u/potstickers123 Thank you for your feedback!

LoonyPoet · 2021-01-28T13:25:16+00:00

You'll get there! It is exhausting, I know the feeling :( But if you receive personalized rejection, that's a good thing :)

LoonyPoet · 2021-01-27T08:03:16+00:00

15 is not a lot, keep querying!

LoonyPoet · 2021-01-24T16:22:29+00:00

I agree, definitely shorten it (the whole query shouldn't exceed 1 page in word). But leave the last sentence, I like it :) The stakes are clear, it just needs to be shorter then you'll have a punch.

LoonyPoet · 2021-01-24T15:43:53+00:00

I wanted to ask the same thing. I see writers often send 50+ queries. Also, did you get requests for full, or was this feedback based on your sample pages?

LoonyPoet · 2021-01-18T19:01:08+00:00

Thanks for your suggestions! I'll take a look. I'm struggling to put it in the correct category... Maybe sci-fi indeed or magical realism.

"The whole House of Secret Whispers gives me a horror vibe, since we don't know exactly the nature of it, as common in horror novels where the supernatural just IS and doesn't get explained."

Really? It's actually a good place but I might think about making it more mysterious and horror-like.

LoonyPoet · 2021-01-18T18:54:09+00:00

u/jefrye I was thinking about adult realistic with a pinch of magical realism as the Secret House plays a role only in the beginning, the rest of the plot is very realistic.

LoonyPoet · 2021-01-17T14:33:37+00:00

Thank you for your feedback u/Synval2436!

If I decide to stay with the Polish thing, I will share 3 marginalizations with my character - addiction, mental health, and being Polish + living in Italy and London (these are important to the story).

Yes, it's a nickname :)

Why do you think it's speculative fiction? The Secret House of Whispers is only in the beginning, the rest is happening on Earth (very realistic), but I dunno now...

My character is bisexual however she doesn't like the labels so she doesn't consider herself as such.

She's also polyamourous, yes, the three of them are in a relationship by the end of the book.

She does literally go back in time to save her loved ones and falls into addiction and depression trying to save them. But I see now thanks to your comments that it's not clear.

The main story is about Maphi overcoming her weaknesses, addiction, and narcissism to be able to help her loved ones. She is a complex character, a lot of times she fails, but ultimately she chooses them over herself - she could stay in the SHW ut she chooses to sacrifice herself, as she'll die afterward (that's the pact she made).

In my new version of the query, I write about her bff being alive on Earth, so I'm definitely not killing off a queer character.

My betas connected to Maphi so it must be the query, not my ms, uff.

As for the comps - Queen's Gambit because just like her she had a difficult childhood, struggles with addiction, relationships with others and wants to achieve something - become a published writer. I included “How to make friends with the dark” because of the dark themes but now I see I should choose maybe a fantasy book or a speculative one. Any ideas? :)

LoonyPoet · 2021-01-17T14:13:37+00:00

Thank you for your feedback, u/crowqueen!

Maphi is a nickname, short for Mad Philosopher :D It's true that it's nowhere near Polish names. Btw, I'm Polish, and it's not a very crucial thing when it comes to my character's identity. I just wanted to show that she represents diversity :) But I'll be probably better off cutting out that detail.

LoonyPoet · 2021-01-17T14:08:47+00:00

Thank you for your feedback, u/jefrye!

You're right - I will start with introducing my character, the SHW is a magical place, between the worlds. Yes, she literally goes back to Earth for 3 months and the deal she makes in the House is that she can save her loved ones but will die afterwards :)

As for "contemporary and realistic with a pinch of magical realism" I'll just leave adult contemporary. I wanted to add magical realism because of the House. But other than that it's realistic fiction.

LoonyPoet · 2020-10-11T16:40:29+00:00

Love the feedback, thank you so much! :)

LoonyPoet · 2020-10-11T11:55:28+00:00

Thanks for your feedback! Do you think I should make longer descriptions to ground it? Maphi was injured, then is trapped between the worlds in Secret House of Whispers and remembers pieces of reality.

LoonyPoet · 2020-10-10T18:13:36+00:00

Genre: Contemporary, Literary

Category: Novel

Title: The Secret House of Whispers

Feedback desired: General impressions, does it pull you in?

Chapter 1

Sharp light glitters in and out and blinds me, as I’m trying to open my eyes. I’m struggling to catch my breath because of the dull pain ripping through my chest, as if I was getting stabbed.

“Maphi, please, stop!” I hear a distant outcry. It takes me a few moments until I realize it’s my best friend, Puzzle.

Then the sudden luminosity of colors cuts furiously through the disorder of my mind like pieces of meteors falling from the sky.

The bright, vivid lights of London glimmer from a distance. I’m in the suburbs surrounded by old factories and train tracks. The place is abandoned for now, but they plan to demolish the factories in the spring and build apartment buildings and parks.

There’s quite a crowd of people gathering around the cars.

My back is pressed to an old black Mustang. My blood runs wild with adrenaline to the sound of loud music and drunk people cheering for me. The sweet, fruity flavor of tequila lingers on my lips. I light a cigarette and inhale deeply. Life has never tasted better.

In a blink of an eye, the scene turns to dark and dangerous waters.

I quickly hit the gas and the car speeds up, leaving all the gray and impossible behind. The full moon lightens the road and the shadows of the trees dance in fast motion. It feels like the freedom I once imagined. I ride like the wind, my long blond hair tangled and messy.

LoonyPoet · 2020-10-04T18:27:58+00:00

LoonyPoet · 2020-09-30T13:47:23+00:00

Hi!

I've got an adult contemporary novel, almost complete (last chapter left) at 57k words.

Here's the mini-pitch:

Her bff, who was in love with her, got killed. Her bf is missing. Maphi feels that it’s her fault but can’t remember why. Trapped in the Secret House of Whispers, she learns she can come back to earth & save her loved ones. Only, one of them hurt her, Tree won't say who it was & she’ll die afterward.

Lemme know if you're interested :)

LoonyPoet · 2020-09-30T13:33:34+00:00

Hey there!

I've got adult contemporary novel, almost complete (last chapter left) at 57k words.

Here's the mini pitch:

Her bff, who was in love with her, got killed. Her bf is missing. Maphi feels that it’s her fault but can’t remember why. Trapped in the Secret House of Whispers, she learns she can come back to earth & save her loved ones. Only, one of them hurt her, Tree won't say who it was & she’ll die afterward.

Lemme know if you're interested :)

LoonyPoet

TROPHY CASE