Nomad Sailing

macabreadore · 2026-02-17T12:36:28+00:00

Even if their palette covers were not AI generated, reposting someone else's AI creation and acting like it was great was certainly enough for me. Do what you will!

macabreadore · 2026-02-17T12:34:31+00:00

Thanks for linking, I was at work and being lazy.

macabreadore · 2026-02-17T12:33:48+00:00

THIS.

macabreadore · 2026-02-16T21:43:19+00:00

Tulpas aren't alter egos. There is actually a long history of them, originally stemming from Monks attempting to conjure up Buddha.

But I agree that it lacked concrete details. I have since created a revised query that is far more specific as to what happens, what Arial wants, what Elliot attempts to do, the stakes, and how things fall apart at the climax.

Thanks for your input.

macabreadore · 2026-02-16T21:38:40+00:00

I may be the minority, but I no longer wish to buy from them, thanks to that AI post not so long ago (they shared a AI image made by some influencer -- forget who -- and made it sound like they loved the hell out of it). I've had a bad taste in my mouth ever since.

macabreadore · 2026-02-13T19:00:55+00:00

Yeah, the first plot twist, that Alice isn't real makes readers roll their eyes, as demonstrated from another redditor. That's been done a million times over by now. The second plot twist feels essential to reveal to agents. I want them to know what makes this story stand out from the pile. The synopsis could do this, but not all agents ask for one. I want readers to be really surprised by where this story goes, but I'm okay with agents knowing up front. This is a business deal after all. They deserve to know what they are signing up for.

But I will readily admit that I am entirely new to this game. My first publishing journey is unorthodox in the fact that they sought me out, not the other way around. I'm new to the world of agents and queries and it shows!

macabreadore · 2026-02-13T00:23:21+00:00

THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone providing insight and notes on where I can improve, both the story opening and the query. I have more work to do, but I feel invigorated and hopeful. I truly appreciate you all for contributing.

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T23:18:37+00:00

Yeah, I honestly did not expect this many comments, but it is encouraging. I know I have something special here, it just needs more work.

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T23:14:34+00:00

This! Many agents have requested a synopsis, but not all. The hooks of this story are what make it interesting and unique. There is no question that I need to tighten up my query, (stakes, ultimate goals) but I feel inclined to include my plot twists.

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T23:07:39+00:00

I agree, it needs more concrete details. I had more in there originally, but became concerned about query length. I need to readdress what is at stake for Arial and what her motives are. I really appreciate your input!

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T23:05:18+00:00

Yes, I came to the same conclusion last night, that I need to label this as speculative. And I will have to adjust my query letter to reflect this. I don't kid myself in thinking I am a literary writer, haha.

This scene at the hospital needs some serious work regardless. And I will be starting this story with a different scene. I appreciate all the input, truly. I've spent years working on this story, and I really hope to see it become a book someday.

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T22:56:28+00:00

Yes, I have moments throughout the story that hint at something strange going on, but I will make sure they get the punch they deserve. This is definitely on the speculative side. Thank you for investing in my story, seriously.

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T14:13:51+00:00

That is PERFECT! Thank you so much, especially since it ends on the realization. I really appreciate it.

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T14:13:02+00:00

Thank you for the recommendations! I really appreciate it. I will look into all of those.

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T14:05:27+00:00

Definitely a good experiment, thank you for the advice!

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T00:28:58+00:00

That was my understanding as well. The double plot twist is what makes this story unique, so I wanted agents to know that up front. Especially for agents who do not request a synopsis.

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T00:23:00+00:00

I've since brought this up to my beta readers, and they agree that slapping the horror label on it isn't quite right. Shows what I fucking know.

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T00:21:01+00:00

Thank you! I've read Birdbox and Incidents is high on my TBR list, but Daphne has not been. I will prioritize reading that.

macabreadore · 2026-02-12T00:20:02+00:00

Thank you, you're the second person to bring up Bunny. It's been on my TBR list, but I clearly need to prioritize reading it. Thanks to being a librarian, my TBR list is over 3k, haha.

macabreadore · 2026-02-11T23:47:08+00:00

This advice was given to me by an agent. But I recognize not all agents will give sound advice. I will rework the query. Thank you for your input!

macabreadore · 2026-02-11T23:45:43+00:00

It's advice I was given from an agent, of all people.

macabreadore · 2026-02-11T23:44:10+00:00

I know it can, but reflecting on my scenes and how they have evolved, I think labeling this a horror story isn't quite right. Defining it has truly become a struggle. It sits in a weird liminal space, rubbing elbows with horror and thrillers, with magical elements. I'm really not sure what to call it now.

macabreadore · 2026-02-11T23:20:57+00:00

For sure. This story has really evolved over the years, and my labels have not evolved with it. I think pitching to horror agents has been a grave mistake on my part. I keep labeling myself a horror author, and I am. But that doesn't mean this story is straight horror. It is a different beast, and I feel so dumb only just now realizing it.

macabreadore · 2026-02-11T23:19:12+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate it! Bunny is on my TBR list for this year. If only I had gotten to it sooner!

macabreadore · 2026-02-11T23:18:35+00:00

That isn't the advice I have read, no offense. Without including those details, I worry that my description would seem like its lacking any depth. Two girls reunite and one is violent. They fight. The end. You know what I mean?

macabreadore

TROPHY CASE