And because I'm so sure, you won't need to go to Jenn Johansson's blog to get a query critique. Even though she's been dubbed the queen of queries, I'm positive you don't need her help.
And because I'm so sure, you shouldn't check out writeoncon.com, because you don't need eight fabulous agents to tell you that your query is already awesome.
But I do.
On another note:
Calling all authors who write MG or tween – I need some advice
What do you think about writing in first person present for these categories?
10 comments:
I think it can be done, but I also think that writing first person present is extremely hard to get right. I think you have to look at the reason for doing it - if it's just to do it then I'd write in the past tense. Honestly, I don't read many mg that is written that way though I'm sure they are out there.
Hmmm, seems like first person is big in YA but I'm not so sure about MG.
What about first person past? You could change the tenses if you had to.
Thanks for the links.
I like both first person and third person narration. It depends on how you want to present the character. With first you really have to get into their head.
For the tense, I prefer past tense, but present, if done really well, can be gripping.
I LOVE first person present, it is my favorite voice to read. But I think I may be the exception rather than the rule.
I need all the help with my query letter that I can get!
I'll have to check out the query blog! I'm back to trying to figure mine out again as I revise.
BTW - you're idea that a query has to explain the consequences of the character's choices made me really think hard about how that's actually lacking a bit in the story itself. SOooooo.... now I'm revising that, and it is SOOOOO much stronger a book!! So thanks! :)
When it's in first person, I tend to prefer present tense, as that feels more real.
I like to read in first person present. I've read too many, though, that seemed to be self-indulgent (if that makes any sense) and focused too much on the inner angst rather than the relational stuffs going on. But, that might just be a personal thing with me. I like to read it in first person, but I want to feel like I am in the WHOLE story, not just the narrator's head. (I'm probably making myself as clear as mud.)
I love reading and writing in first person present, but I only read and write YA (and romantic suspenses, but they're in third person past tense).
Have you tried to write a chapter to see if you enjoy doing it that way?
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