Two Long-Term CPs for NA Queer Post-Apocalyptic

[Giron Rose]

Hi everyone,

My name is Giron and I'm looking for 1 to 2 long term critique partners for my queer post-apocalyptic novel, “The Gifted.” It follows a stunted rebel, a principled drug dealer, and a spoiled heir that discover a militia's plans to destroy the last bastion of civilization and end up stranded in a desert in the process. They must overcome their bigotry to survive and return home in time to warn everyone of the coming peril. Reluctant at first, they realize how quickly hate turns to love when one is forced to understand their enemy. 

To give you a sense of the kind of story it is, in terms of theme it sits on the same shelf as "Oryx and Crake", The Hunger Games Series, and "The Road". In terms of character dynamics, it resembles "Iron Widow" and "Six of Crows".

I'd like to swap the first 25k words and if we’re a good match, we can go on from there. I'm looking for someone who's in for the long haul and can commit to a 3 to 5k weekly to bi-weekly exchange, depending on goals and time constrictions for the both of us. I also like to have a weekly follow-up session with my CPs where we can discuss any further questions we might have for our critiques. 

I'm not an agented author. Looking to publish this the indie way. The full manuscript is currently 98k, and ideally, I'd like to work with someone that is also doing PA/dystopia, sci-fi, queer, or literary fiction—or a combination of all that. On the flip side, I do not do romantasy, historical, or dark romance. 

I’d love to hear from you if anyone is keen. 

Best,

Giron Rose

[Savannah Bard]

Your project sounds really cool! I'm currently in my second draft of a contemporary horror novel set in Appalachia. First draft finished at 155k, current draft is projected to finish at 120k (I'm five chapters from the end rn), and I want to get it all under 100k next draft (which I am determined to make the last dev draft). My other projects which are currently on the backburner are an urban fantasy series and a scifi space opera. These days, I'm really looking to build up a supportive group of writers for the long term, and I currently have one crit partner I work with consistently who has reviewed both drafts of my WIP as well as an alpha reader. 

Current Project Details [working title: Summer Omens]

- Single 3rd person POV (past tense)

- Good fit for readers of Lee Mandelo, M.L. Rio, Nora Sakavic, and Andrew Joseph White

- New Adult queer standalone supernatural horror with southern gothic elements

- Unagented but hoping to query this year; has been through a round of critique with my current wonderful critique partner

- Summary

Hez never intended to leave his small town, but when his tight-knit friend group reconvenes in Boothe for one last summer before moving on to new horizons, the efforts of a supernatural force they barely understand, the business dealings of their local ambitious drug dealer, and the consequences of a killer in their midst nobody knew existed conspire to ensure none of them leave again, like it or not. Everything seems to lead back to Hez's best friend Paulsie who disappeared in the winter and returned with the spring, changed. With Paulsie either unwilling or unable to explain his absence, Hez must resume his role of facilitator among the group to understand what is happening if they are to have any chance of survival.

If this sounds interesting to you, let me know and we can set up a trial chapter exchange :)

[Sheik Nao]

Hai! I'm Percy and I also write Queer fiction. More urban fantasy, though. I'm currently in the rewrites and editing of the second draft. I don't plan on traditional publishing or querying. I'm writing two POVs in first person past tense.

Marcos goes off to Ecrin train as a soldier, following in his family's footsteps, as expected since he was born. He always knew that magic was dangerous, and sacrilege to the Goddess. One there, he gets to see what it's capable of first hand as he tries to prove his worth by solving a string of disappearances. Despite having no memories, the runaway he meets knows exactly how to make his life more difficult at every turn.

Best of luck with your story!

[The Proof Queen]

Hello, if you're still on the lookout, I'd love to chat.