Thanks a Freaking Lot (Really)!



You can find more cool images like this one here.

 Despite the insincerity of this image I really do want to a say a great big THANK YOU to some pretty great people.

As most of you are well aware (and if you're not then dude seriously read the blog header) I am an aspiring YA novelist.  I have actually nearly completed my first novel.  I have maybe 2 chapters left to write and the rest is currently in the editing stages.  I had no idea editing, especially editing for format, was so time consuming...but that's a post for another day.

So I am working on this work of fiction whenever I get the chance.  I am madly researching how to get published, how to write query letters, how to "be" a "real" writer.  I'm reading all of this stuff, anything I can get my hands on really, and one piece of advice keeps popping up.  It goes something like this:  DON'T send your manuscript out to publishers and agents until at least five people have read it and commented on it! 

Holy freaking cow.  I don't trust five people!  I mean how do I know they won't plagiarize all my hard work?  How can I find five people who can actually articulate their opinions?  What five people?  What kind of demographic should I be looking for here?  *screams in horror* I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING! I DON'T HAVE FIVE PEOPLE!

Ok so after my mini meltdown I decided a few things.  First, I am writing a YA book.  Therefore, my readers need to be teens. I need comments from teens.  Second, the readers need to be teens who actually read--you know--like for fun.  Third, I have a cousin in high school.  He likes to read.  His friends like to read.  They're all the right age.  They all like to read.  Time to make contact.

So I did.  I emailed my cousin who put me in touch with some of his friends and together this group of quirky, interesting, and fantastically funny teens have become my teen reading panel.  These teens never cease to surprise me.  They are remarkably thoughtful and eager to help.  Plus, they seem to be enjoying what I've written which just makes me grin like a moron.

Thank you so much to my teen reader panel!  You know who you are and you are fabulous!  Your comments and feedback have offered me unique insight and understanding.  When this book gets published all of you will merit a special mention in the acknowledgement section. 

But until then I thought I'd let you know:

Wow...a 3 year old has better Paint skills than I do.