/r/YAwriters
This sub is for authors of YA novels. Discussing your original WIP (work in progress) is our purpose. Feel free to discuss titles, characters, plots, themes, settings, critiques, and any information pertinent to authors and genre. Hopefully we can all learn from each other and write great books!
About Us
This sub is for authors and writers of YA novels. Discussing your original WIP (work in progress) is our purpose. Feel free to discuss titles, characters, plots, themes, settings, critiques, and any information pertinent to authors and genre. Hopefully we can all learn from each other and write great books! We also do have an official discord. Join here
Derogatory or inflammatory language may result in temporary or permanent ban, at mod discretion. Hate speech will not be tolerated. We also welcome questions about writing, the industry, YA, querying, etc. Want to know if your query responses are normal? Looking for good comps for your YA? Ask us!
The Basics
Policy
This is a place for discussion, not sales pitches. While it's fine to talk specific work you're developing, marketing, craft, or the business side of YA, any links or posts that are solicitations for sales, followers, ratings etc. will be deleted. Social media profiles, splash pages and purchasing links are not appropriate, unless hosting an AMA. You may link articles from your blog if they pertain to YA or writing and begin a discussion.
Rules
Rule 1: Posts Must Be Writing or Reading Related Posts that do not contain enough information to start a conversation about writing for young adults (or middle grade) or reading young adult will be removed.
Rule 2: Be Respectful/Professional We expect some disagreement on any sub. But even if you disagree, be courteous, be respectful. Don't be a jerk.
Rule 3: No Solicitation or Self-Promotion We rarely, if ever, allow self-promotion, calls for submissions, or advertisements. Reach out to the moderators if you have questions on this. The moderators will remove without warning any post that has not been previously cleared by them and appears to be self-promotion, a call for submissions, or an advertisement.
Rule 4: No posts Containing Chapters or Links to Works Post containing entire chapters or links to google docs will not be permitted. You are free to ask for beta readers or seek people to critique your work -- but do not post the work. Queries are fine to post in entirety otherwise ask for someone to critique and what you want critiqued but do not post the work itself.
AMAs & Topics
If you'd like to host an AMA, please contact the mods. Typically, AMAs are held on Mondays. If you'd like to request a person to host an AMA please contact them directly to invite them! Your sincere approach will mean more than our solicitation--but you're welcome to ask the mods for help as well. If you'd like to request a specific Discussion topic, please contact the mods. Featured topic discussions are held on Thurs. You're welcome to post a topic, question, link, or anything else whenever you like here! Please don't be shy!
Info & Resources
/r/YAwriters
I'm a white woman in my 30s and I am working on multiple novels in the fantasy YA/NA genre and I often have the concern that when I publish something I'll get criticized for not properly representing POC in my novels. I'm wondering what people's opinions are concerning how to "correctly" incorporate diverse characters.
As a reader, I have my own dislikes and pet peeves about certain books so I think im covered in not doing those things which I already find fault with. But at times I wonder if some of my novels would be criticized simply because Im a white woman writing about non white characters? Is there always harsh criticism no matter what you do in this scenario?
Two of my novels currently in a very rough creation phase revolve around mixed race fantasy characters. But I find myself hesitating at times because I'm not sure how these stories would be recieved. I know it really doesn't matter at this point considering they're not finished and may not ever be published and shared with the world but I'd like to complete them at some point.
I suppose I'm just looking for some insight to what readers of the genre like and dislike concerning this? What you'd like to see more of?
Edit:
I've taken the advise of many comments and reworked the intro to be brief and hint at more to come so I can get straight into the main protagonist's story.
Thanks!
Hi y'all! I'm new to this sub and I was wondering if I could get some thoughts or feedback.
Currently working on a Sci-fi fantasy young adult novel and I'm curious if how I'm doing it works or if I should change directions.
Without giving away my story, I decided to write it in parts. The first part is the history of the world before we get to the present day protagonist. I don't want to drag out the history of the world too long before getting to the main protagonists but a lot happens before then that needs to be included. I currently have 3 chapters written of the history and still have a lot to get through.
Would it better to break it up over a few separate parts or just get it all over in a few more chapters at the beginning?
I'm new to this so I appreciate any feedback.
Thanks!
Hey Everyone!
Not sure if this is the right place to post this. I am looking for some feedback on the blurb I have written for my novel which I am in the process of self-publishing. I would just like some feedback as to whether or not it is enticing enough to draw a reader in?
Any feedback would be appreciated. Look forward to hearing your opinions!
A royal heir. A forbidden love. A kingdom on the brink of collapse.
Khalon and Kristian always thought they were ordinary—until the day the world ended. Torn from everything they’ve ever known, the cousins are thrust into Valeria, a magical kingdom devastated by war and cloaked in secrets. Their return isn’t a homecoming—it’s a prophecy fulfilled. One that has already cost them their parents and threatens to destroy their future.
Beside them stand Flora, a fierce and enigmatic ally, Morganna, a powerful sorceress, and Lucien, their loyal guard whose unwavering devotion hides secrets of his own. As Khalon struggles with the desires he’s fought to deny, forbidden love and the weight of expectation threaten to tear him apart.
But in Valeria, nothing is as it seems. The heirs uncover dark truths that test their loyalty, shatter their trust, and force them to question everything they thought they knew. With war looming and magic surging out of control, Kristian and Khalon must decide what—and who—they are willing to sacrifice to save a kingdom that has already taken so much from them.
Hello! I'm a female writer in my early 20s attempting my third manuscript... This time it's a YA contemporary story. I recently posted a query letter draft to Pub Tips if you're interested in getting the gist of what it's about!
I'm on chapter five of this project and am really trying to get the first draft done. I much prefer editing to drafting actually.
I'm especially seeking someone who is working on a YA contemporary project. :) Sorry to be a little picky, but contemporary is what I'm most familiar with reading!
Hi everyone! I’m looking for beta readers for my completed YA sci-fi manuscript, Cross’d Out. If you enjoy the fast-paced, high-stakes action of Illuminae combined with the intelligence and moral complexity of Ender’s Game, this might be your next favorite read! Here’s the premise:
Synopsis:
When 16-year-old Damien Cross discovers a cosmic anomaly—a white hole threatening to rewrite reality—he becomes the target of ASTRA, a shadowy government agency. Armed with his sarcastic AI companion, Byte, and a sharp mind, Damien must stay one step ahead of his pursuers while uncovering the truth about his father’s mysterious disappearance and his own role in the universe’s survival.
What I’m Looking For:
Details:
If you’re interested, please comment or DM me, and I’ll send over the agreement and manuscript. Your feedback will be invaluable in helping me polish Cross’d Out to its fullest potential. Thank you so much for your time!
Hello all!
I recently returned to writing after I'd all but forgotten about my passion. I have finished one manuscript and I am working on another.
Of course the natural thing to do is to seek beta feedback but I have had a hard time finding people who are actually focused & who make the feedback a priority. I have engaged with about 7 or 8 individuals over the last few months who graciously accepted feedback from me, but never gave me any in return. Very dishesrtening, as I'd like to know what I need to fix or where my strengths lie, and right now I know nothing.
I started a discord server for writers seeking traditional publication to remedy ths issue, but every sub I post about the server in removes the post, so I'm unsure how to grow the group. (DM me if thats interesting to you I guess?)
I live in a small midwestern town, so there's not much of an in person writing community here. I'd go to Fiverr or something if I had the extra funds, but my goal is to hopefully trade beta reads and save us both money.
How do yall navigate finding beta readers in 2025???
I wrote a young adult sci fi novel last year and I'm looking for a publisher. Googling gives me a lot of hits, some of which I am not sure are legit.
I had a lot of difficulty finding a suitable agent for my other work and gave up, but I believe that this might be different.
Can anyone suggest publishers that might accept the work?
I’m about a third of the way through my book and having a great time — but I’m not sure where it fits.
I’d love to have someone who reads YA and science fiction to read the first 20-25K words (or less; however much you can handle) and give me some general feedback. Following is the current “blurb” and if it piques your interest, I’d be glad to send you a chunk of it.
Nash, Rico, and Jaxon live for playing music. They know their band Gothic Moon could make it big…
…except as vampires, they’re on the run from bounty hunters who get paid to bring in the vamps, alive or not. (Usually not.)
With bounty hunters closing in, the trio heads for the asteroid fields where nobody will find them — but in space, no one can hear you jam.
They can stay hidden and die in obscurity, or turn the amps to 11 and wail, but die young.
A third option might let them rock out and survive, but first they’ll need to kidnap the daughter of the President of Mars…
From Arizona to Alaska, and the Asteroid Fields to the moons of Jupiter, Gothic Moon is scrambling to stay ahead of the bounty hunters and fill the solar system with rock and roll.
And even if you don't care to read any of it, but have an opinion on #1 and #2 up there, I'd like to hear it.
A shot freestyle lyrics on my Jennifer
Hey! I'm new the sub and saw a similar post from earlier today, so I decided to give it a try. I'm searching for critique partners who are interested in exchanging works of similar genres (fantasy, romance, mystery, any combination of the above). I would describe my current work as a gothic fantasy murder mystery, with elements of romance and light horror. The first draft is completed at 98k words.
I feel that I especially need any assistance with plot development and pacing, as well as any other critiques. My strengths as a critique partner include line editing, assisting with character development, building tension, and exploring the emotions of the characters within scenes.
Let me know if anyone's interested! I'd appreciate anyone with a dedicated interest to publishing and a passion for their work.
Hi y'all!
Writing a YA fantasy fiction where one of my protagonists dies early at the beginning, then the book backtracks and the reader is taught more about what led up to it, etc. Bearing in mind that it's fantasy, but also YA, would it be considered too graphic to have him be shot through the face/eye? Would chest be more appropriate? I want an instant death (contrast to a different character that dies later slowly and painfully after being shot by an arrow), but I don't want it to overstep a boundary.
Cheers!
Hey! So I'm currently writing a sapphic romance set in the 1920s that deals with themes of mental health, disability, feminism and religious guilt.
I also write poetry and this sometimes shines in my description when it can go quite flowery with all the metaphors and alliteration, etc.
I wondered if anybody would think it a good idea to write full verse (maybe rhyming, maybe not) at key high points in the novel? For example, a suicide attempt, or a love confession, or an intense manifestation of internalised homophobia/religious guilt. And if I were to execute it, what would you say would be the best form, keep it free verse each time, or mix it up with odes, sonnets.
Thank you!
I'm searching for a critique partner/group who are serious about traditional-publishing, particularly those who enjoy stories which tend to be more fun in structural-scope. Personally, I love the magic of storytelling whether the genre be fantasy, horror, mystery, sci-fi - you name it as. Overall I just enjoy writers who don't take themselves too seriously and know how to have fun with the story-craft! I'm currently working on a campy, YA Horror/Mystery, have a revised draft of an Upper-Middle-grade Fantasy, and a few poems/short stories under my belt.
I love to developmental-edit during critique and really think strongly about the puzzle-pieces and emotional beats while providing feedback on another person's story, all in how to best aid any particular story. I'd similarly like a critique partner/s who have a passion for editing-storytelling as well!
I'd love to start by sharing a bit about each other, then critiquing some some short-works/queries prior to diving in for full-edits but I'd love to meet someone with similar story-ideals so we can better each others work! Please feel free to reach out!
Hi everyone!
I’m nearly finished with my plot outline as a reformed-pantser. It’s my first time writing a query pre-draft as I’ve begun to understand how Query-blurbs can mirror issues within the structure of the story. As I'm a new outliner, I would love some feedback on the Query Blurb itself but also as a possible means to helping assess any issues within the plot-structure before I begin drafting.
Thank you all in advance!
——
After a cross-country move to Black Hope Hollow, MA — an eerie town known for its historically-boring 16th-century witch-hunts — outcast Samuel Hallowgrave wants to return home like, totally ASAFP.
Facing constant shouting-matches with a drunken dad, snide teachers conspiring plots against him, and the bullying from cliquey popular teens he hopes would just drop dead, the last thing Sam needs is for one of them to actually do so. But when one of the most popular-girls in his new school is murdered, Sam is the only one with evidence of someone in the woods dressed as the school mascot: a scythe-wielding reaper in a blood-red cloak.
What’s totally bogus, Sam finds himself the prime suspect of the local sheriff. Now forced to unmask the school-slasher and prove his innocence, Sam unravels a sinister web of clues leading back to the town’s dark past: a 300-year old curse, one the slasher plans to use by sacrificing teenagers in order to resurrect the gnarly corpses of the Hallow-Witch and her violently-executed coven. A curse the Red-Reaper just might need Sam to summon.
As loner Sam hurries to stop the curse before his 16^(th) birthday on Halloween night, he soon discovers even darker secrets about his ancestor’s past, and far worse about himself . . . A secret he must hide in order to protect unlikely friends he meets in detention, a boy who he may seriously like-like, and the new town he just may have just come to love.
——
Thank you for taking the time to read!
Does anyone know some good communities to find an audience for a newly published book, or a group of readers who would be interested in building a wiki about my fictional universe with me? It's a bit of a conundrum, since most communities don't allow self promo, and if I were to go to those where they allow it, it's mostly all speakers (those looking to promote their books) and no listeners (readers looking to find books) I'm hardly sleeping these days trying to find an audience for my debut novel. Has anyone figured out a good way to organically find an audience? Can you share your experiences with me?
I'd love to connect! I'm struggling to get back into writing after receiving some really harsh but true feedback (on my blurb of all things lol). I have a half finished middle grade project I started as part of a school assignment and am debating whether I stick to the realistic fiction genre or try adding in some magical realism elements.
So, I'm introducing a new character, a captain of a ship. I envisioned him as having a thick scottish accent. Wanted to know what ya'll thought. I don't want him to be cliche but also need him to be unique. Also don't want his dialogue too hard to understand. Here's a bit of the scene. Lemme know what you think folks.
“Cadeyrn,” the captain said. “Thought I caught the stink o' trouble when ye stepped in.”
Cadeyrn folded his arms. “Good to see you, too.”
Arlen grunted, turning toward one of his crew members seated nearby, a thin man with a prosthetic wooden hand. “Wess, ye reckon the ship’s ready tae sail yet?”
Wess looked up with a wry grin. “Aye, if you count a few more hours of hammerin' and swearing, then we’ll be ready.” He leaned back, stretching his arms out. “I’m no miracle worker, you know.”
“It’s a miracle if you work at all, Wess,” said Piper Gale, a young woman with a tricorn hat who clearly had a bit too much too drink. “Ain’t seen you lift a finger s'ince we left port.”
Wess narrowed his eyes, leaning forward. “What’s that supposed to mean, Piper? I’m workin' here, unlike some folk who’re busy makin' a mess of things with their mugs.”
Piper slapped the table, making the mugs rattle. “A mess?! How 'bout I make a mess of that ugly face of yours? If that’s even p'ossible.”
“Aye, that’s enough,” Captain Arlen cut in. “Ye two fightin’ like bairns. Save it for when we’re oot at sea.”
“Aye, we'll be ready tae depart the morn,” he said, turning to Cadeyrn. “Where are the travellers, then?”
"They’re right here," Cadeyrn said, motioning them over. "Lumo, Meera."
Arlen gave them a slow nod, appraising them. “Lumo. Meera. Aye, I’ve heard tell o' ye. Harbridge, eh?”
“Yes,” Lumo replied.
“Aye, well then. I’m Captain Arlen Dunghart,” Arlen said, studying them both closely, as though trying to gauge their reaction to the name. “And this is ma crew, Piper Gale, she’s the ship’s lookout.”
“Pleasure meet t’ you.” Piper slurred, raising her glass with a lopsided grin.
Arlen rolled his eyes. “And that’s oor handyman, Wess Stonehand.”
“Carpenter,” Wess corrected, holding out his wooden hand.
“And this is Rye Harren, oor quartermaster,” Arlen finished, gesturing toward the brooding figure.
Rye merely grunted.
Lumo and Meera smiled awkwardly, both trying to mask their nervousness.
"Aye, I ken whit ye’re thinkin’," Arlen said, the corners of his mouth twitching up into something resembling a grin. “Nae the fanciest crew ye’ll come across, but dinnae let that fool ye. Ye’re in the best hands ye’ll find. Naebody sails these waters better than the Stormsinger’s crew, and I’ve seen far worse crews than mine survive through far worse storms."
it’s not for anything. i haven’t written anything in a very long time and i’ve wanted to pick it up again. i just want unbiased opinions. this is more of an inner monologue of mine. just pen and paper and whatever came to mind.
“ I don’t believe. I had so many ideas of what the future should look like. Maybe, a few times, I imagined the right one. I’ll never know for sure.
What if I fail to be something—anything? Could I be a mother, in this life or the next? A teacher? What if I don’t grow up at all? Just a child trapped in an adult’s body.
Is that why I second-guess everything? I’ve always felt second-guessed and second-best, like I was meant to be picked last. Like my existence alone was supposed to matter somehow.
I don’t like to complain, but it’s my favorite thing to do anyway. I’m self-aware and can’t seem to stop. Maybe that’s the problem: I’m thoughtless after all.”
I'm writing a story about a possessive older brother (A) and his younger bro (B). The brothers live in a tough neighborhood and A starts to teach B fighting skills, but with no regards if he hurts him since its "for his own good." People try to separate the brothers because they're worried about A's teaching methods so A runs away with B, not wanting to be taken away from B. But B tries to run back which causes A to lock all the doors so B can't leave him. Later A accidently starts a fire and the house B is locked in burns down. B is saved by their mean uncle but is injured, and grows to hate A, who thinks B's dead. Is there any ways I can add to this? Like how A deals with B's supposed death, or how B copes?
I want the story to be a tragedy, how A tries to protect B but ends up being the one who hurts him.
Eighteen year old goth biker chic, Crystal Hart was never a model student, but her life changed forever when she was falsely put on trial for murder by the biased, short sighted Detective Inspector Willow. Though found not guilty in court, the trial has left her traumatised and fearful that Inspector Willow might reopen the case.
In Crystal’s cooking class at school, a student has been poisoned to death by drinking a milkshake spiked with strychnine. Inspector Willow is the lead investigator again, and she’s making it clear who the primary suspect is. The only way for Crystal to save herself is to uncover the true murderer, before Inspector Willow builds enough of a case to prosecute her again.
Word count: 56K
Trigger warnings: discussions over characters’ previous suicide attempts.
Thanks for taking the time to read my request, I am happy to do beta swaps in exchange for a fair and honest look at my work.
300 years ago, during the Revolution, a lowly scribe was the Watson to a brilliant Sherlock. He wrote dozens of essays, philosophical conversations, and satirical plays with his partner, preaching the virtues of the revolution. But as what often happens after the Revolution is over and the new government is established, his radical views simply aggravated the new status quo and he was driven into destitution and died in poverty. (His partner Sherlock learned to keep his mouth shut and stay on the good side of the new order.)
Watson went from being named along side the founding fathers to becoming obscure trivia for only academia to remember. "Oh, Sherlock is the speaker, but did you know Watson wrote everything and is the narrator?"
But the Spirit of Death took pity on Watson and didn't let his soul suffer. She recruited him to be her servant and help her with her unending work sorting through the souls of the dead. He became her angel, a scribe, a soldier, and a reaper.
Present day, FML is a constitutional scholar, a political professor, and the only member of the John Watson Historical Society. Her bookcase is lined with all of Watson's plays and anthologies. The Angel of Death had a mission nearby (these two aren't even the main couple, LOL, but he's introduced through his romance arc and then by doing his actual job in the story) but he overheard this scholar quoting his works. The Angel of Death came back to the university under disguise and struck up a deal with the scholar to learn about her work.
In between his actual job in the main plot, I want my Angel of Death to be going on dates with this gorgeous liberal arts professor who has found herself in a similar position to where he was 300 years ago - fighting for all the right ideas but in a way that will get her killed by the powers that be.
And I want EVERY hijinx and shenanigan to happen during this super-serious political plot. I want the monk who is supposed to chaperone the Angel whenever he's in the human world to be gawking outside the Italian restaurant where they're having dinner. "What is he doing? What is he doing?"
Anyone know some really good recommendations? Stories? Plot bunnies? I think I could write a whole Bible of secret identity shenanigans happening before she ever finds out the truth. Even with that said, I wonder HOW so she will? I mean, it's not like she'd ever expect him to either be a paranormal being OR one of the authors of the revolution. Or, even funnier, she finds out one and says "Oh, good, I was beginning to think you were the other." - "Oh, I'm the other, too."
The next day when I walked into the living area, Dae and Kerin were the only ones there. They looked at me and tried to hide their smiles. I walked over to them demanding to know what was so funny. “Oh nothing, Adrik.” Dae was grinning. “But if you’re hungry, you can just give yourself a lick. Since you taste so damn good.” Kerin started wheezing. I turned red.
This might take a little bit of explaining. These two characters, like the post title says, are from a YA novel (hopefully the first in a series) I'm working on. It was originally inspired by a picture in Chris van Allsberg's book The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, specifically the picture labeled "Archie Smith, Boy Wonder".
Archie (the kid) is pretty typical as far as middle-schoolers go; he's quick-witted and has a snarky sense of humor, but isn't particularly tough. Everything changes for him when he forms a bond with Pippil, a creature known as a Fey or Faerie. In this universe, these are typically invisible creatures that occupy a "shadow universe" overlying the physical world, and are responsible for many of the myths and legends in our world. People who form bonds with Fey are known as Feykeepers. The story as a whole follows Archie as he uncovers a conspiracy that could threaten human and Fey alike. Probably the best way you could describe this story is "Pokemon, as an American urban fantasy".
I have a couple questions about both the premise and the characters I'd like feedback on.
What made you decide to be a YA writer?
I'm going to write the second draft of my YA mystery novel in 31 days, from December 17 to January 16.
I'm aiming for the word count to be 75,000 words.
I lost access to my first draft, which is kind of good because I didn't love it 100% anyway. I just have my outline I created in June, which I also don't love 100% either.
But anyway, I'm a freshman at Southern Methodist University and December 17 to January 16 will be my winter break for those that don't know.
But anyway, I'm asking if anyone wants to join me in tackling their writing projects during this 31 days.
Let me know in the comments if you plan to tackle a writing project during this time. Maybe we can keep each other posted on our writing projects!
Stay tuned for more updates!
I'm not sure if this is the best subreddit to ask this in, but thought I would try!
I'm also sorry if I should ask this in a more general way, rather than talking more directly and specifically about what I am pondering on for my own writing? If this is breaking any rule, my apologies feel free to delete :(
Finally, for the 1000th time, I'm working on writing "draft zero" for a story I've been mulling over and over again in my head for years. For the first time, I'm actually writing stuff down constantly and have gotten over 16k words down on (digital) paper to start forming a legit version of the terrible word barf that is a first draft (woo!), so that's a bonus. Very generally, it's a "girl starts in current world, ends up traveling into another world where there is magic" situation, and I'm going back and fourth on her background + parent situation. Female main character would be at age 16, maybe 17, fitting into a Fantasy YA Novel genre.
These are the two backgrounds I am debating on at the moment:
---PROS: I feel this gives her reason to be looking for belonging, family, friends, and would find the appeal of a new world to leave behind what she was in. This should work one of her goals, to find where she belongs. This can give background on distrust warming up to new people, some experience in having to get used to new living situations, and could make it easy for her to stay in the new world and immerse herself. It would give me the option to feel she is not leaving much behind, so the focus can turn to the magic world she is in/the destiny she has there, and it would make sense for her to stay. I feel like this can give a good lead up to her crossing over into a new world. There could be others she meets that had lost family/dealing with hard situations that she could sympathize with and relate to.
---CONS: I worry I may not portray this well. I know I would need to do a lot of research into the foster care system and would want the background to work out as believable and accurate for any references I make to it, but also don't want it to be overly focused on in my story. Not really a con, but something I am unsure if it would just be hard to find: I would want to be able to find beta readers that come from a foster care situation or have worked within foster care, so I get an idea of how things come across to those with some experience the matter. I also worry it is too overused of an idea to just nix her parents so they are not around to worry about and it a trope readers wouldn't like. I worry it makes any inner conflict of "staying vs worrying about home" weak, and that the alternative is it coming across as "ok she's here now, goodbye forever old home" and would be jarring. I worry it makes her coming from a different world feel like a useless part of the plot/not very strong, and readers may wonder what the point of her not just being born in that magical world is.
---PROS: This can still play into her sense of wanting to find family, friends, and goal of wanting to belong, since she would be missing that in her current situation. This helps give conflict/a reason to worry about getting back home, as she would still care for her mom/miss her but also have conflict of worrying if her mom even noticed her absence, causing her to weigh options of wanting to stay vs. finding a way back home. This gives an option to circle this back around at the end and bring some reunion/hashing out feelings deal, so the plot point feels like it can be closed better. She could have come from a place of wealth, so seeing others struggle/dealing with rough situations in this new world could be a new experience for her and could add to character building.
---CONS: I worry her mom being absent and leaving her home alone for months at a time or something like that seems unbelievable and may also be a trope readers hate. I feel like this would be less relatable scenario than a child dealing with being in foster care? To make this work, I feel I need to make her mom successful to provide reason she had to travel so much/is so busy with her job (Her mom grew up poor, found success, wants to do her best for her daughter and give her what she didn't have growing up, overshoots and realizes too late she missed out on giving her a mom sort of deal b/c she became too involved with her job and making money and viewed that incorrectly as "the right thing to do for her daughter"). This would put the girl in a position where she probably doesn't have to worry about money, and I don't know how readers would take that, although I noted above in pros there could also be character development here.
TL;DR: I know I'm very ramblely, but I think the basis of what I am trying to ask here is "are either or both of these ideas too cliché, or would either reasonably be more believable to work with for a main character's background where the plot throws them into a new world? Would YA Fantasy readers tend to favor or like either trope?", between having a main character with no parents vs. having a parent, but they are very absent.
Hello! I’m looking for a few FREE beta readers to read my script(s) it’s split into five parts so if part one interests you can read the others, I’m thinking about turning into an animated series here’s the blurbs!
🌟 Detained 🌟 📖 Dive into a world where gods and mortals collide! Myles, a runaway demigod with the power of astral projection, finds himself imprisoned in the sinister Thundercliff Facility—a place where freedom is stripped, and secrets run deep.
🔥 From fiery pyrokinesis to shadow manipulation, each prisoner wields powers as extraordinary as their stories. But when Poe, the most feared among them, is kidnapped, a daring rescue mission ignites. Can they defy their captors, or will their escape plunge them into an even greater peril?
💫 A thrilling tale of trust, survival, and unexpected wonder—culminating at Aphrodite’s mysterious ball. Are you ready to join the journey?
👀 Beta readers needed—be the first to uncover the secrets of Detained! Just dm if interested! ——- And here’s some more info: The screenplay begins with Myles Namari, (17), a troubled teenage boy who has just moved to an equally troubled city with his single dad, after the sudden death of his uncle. Following an argument with his dad Myles decides to take a walk in the dark and the next thing he knows he’s getting whisked away in a white van. When he wakes up he’s in a prison cell surrounded by a bunch of teenagers he doesn’t know, and worst of all everyone’s telling him he’s the son of some Greek god, and that they're all demigods. The series revolves around Myles and his friends fighting monsters and Zeus who’s using an alias to hide from the other gods. Can Hades, Myles and his friends stop him before it’s too late? Who know’s because I sure don’t!
Just comment if your interested<3 And just to flex it’s an almost all BIPOC cast, and all the mcs are queer :3
TODAY'S MY 9TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST TIME I PUBLISHED A BOOK!
I was 10 years old when I self-published my first mystery book, and I didn’t tell my parents that I was going to do it!
I have only published 1 other book in print, a 2nd edition of the first one, but I have made 5 Wattpad books and I have a website and a YouTube channel!
I might actually release a couple of videos today!
Anyway, thank you so much for reading this!
Stay tuned for more!
Hello! 25-year-old unpublished writer here. Been writing all my life, but nervous about my skill level, so I've been reluctant to share (but I'm trying to break out of that).
(also, I’m here cuz Alexa Donne mentioned this sub in a video, shout out to her)
I'm nearing the end of the first major arc in my WIP. I edit as I go, and I'm far enough along that I'm wondering how well I've done so far in setting up the story. Also wondering if readers actually enjoy it, or if I just like to read my own words. I'll leave a summary & a bit of what I'm looking for, if you're interested in reading and wanna give general feedback, feel free to DM me or comment!
"THE FATES STARS SING"
LENGTH: 8K Words
SUMMARY
Zimri, orphaned as a young boy, now serves as the assistant to the master skyseer Tyke, who can communicate with the heavens above and learn all that the gods have to share. Since his people were conquered by the ruthless Harkan Oron and generations were branded with the mark of the Beastfather, Zimri has had one burning question: who is his father?
When his master's web of lies is suddenly unraveled, Zimri must flee to another land with the sellsword Theo and embark on a quest to stop a savage warlord from obtaining the long-lost mask of an old, dead god. Their journey will take them through ancient ruins, across seas, desert sands, and vast steppes. Along the way, they will discover not only themselves, but also family—both blood and chosen—and a fate sung by stars.
What I'm looking for
This is my first foray into High Fantasy. Maybe you can call it Romantasy (I did just reread Laini Taylor's DoS&B and felt very inspired). I've always wanted to break into the genre, but have been nervous about my ability to do it well. I take a lot of inspiration from history; particularly the real life 16th-century astrological observatory called the Star Castle & the Mongolian conquests of the 13th century.
There is a gay romance, my first gay romance I've written as a gay person lol. It's not explicit or anything. Nothing major has even happened with that storyline yet, but the love interest is obvious, so I'm wondering how that's been handled.
I edit (and outline) as I go and may rewrite large swaths, so I'm not looking for line-level feedback cuz it may all be rewritten anyway. Unless it is intrusive to your reading experience, or you really wanna point out things that stand our and hook you in.
I simply ask you to read, (hopefully enjoy,) and leave some feedback for me. Not just the bad - I have been told before "stick to things the reader enjoys," about certain things with other WIPs, which is helpful feedback, but it would be even more helpful to know exactly what the reader is enjoying! Doesn't mean don't point out bad things - if dialogue is weird or there is way too much infodumping to get into it, pls tell me.
I'm mostly just worried if it’s good, even with its flaws. How's the pacing? Is it interesting? Did I write a beginning that pulls you in, encourages to read on, or did I bore you?
If you are a writer looking for feedback I am totally down to trade and return the favor.