CP for grounded fantasy

[Andy Stanton]

Hi, 

I am looking for a beta reader for my 79,000wc grounded fantasy, a story about an abused wife who runs away to a new town to escape her husband, and finds an ancient stone with runes (magic letters) that tell of an event that happened in the 12th century, Scotland, of a man who killed a woman because he thought she was a devil-worshipping witch. Maggie feels that somehow the stone's message is related to her although she doesn't know why. 

I hope to find someone who will offer suggestions and thoughtful feedback specifically regarding how the story hangs together. I'm not interested in a line-by-line analysis.

First paragraphs:

When I enter my greenhouse, the tender leaves of a young honeysuckle vine unfurl and its bright green stem rises from the soil to observe me. It swivels to watch me retrieve a hose and turn on a gentle stream of water, lifting itself higher still to receive it.

“You’re doing so well,” I tell it, and it shows me a modest bow. 

I love coming to the backyard. My greenhouse and garden always give me the peace I need. They’re my private sanctuaries. What delights me the most is that I can hear my plants growing—their roots probing the soil for water and nutrients, their whisperings about shade and sunlight. It’s a bit like eavesdropping, I suppose. 

I’m not exactly sure if my plants can hear me when I talk to them, but I do. I tell them everything.

Triggers:

Implied violence in the first few chapters and violence toward the end.

I'm a traditionally published nonfiction writer of five books, mostly about art. I can spot good writing and also writing that needs a lot of work. I try very hard not to interfere with the author's voice when I critique. 

I'd love to critique literary stories, grounded science fiction, and also stories with magical realism or any kind of magic. I'm not good at critiquing thrillers, anything with extensive world-building, or cute romances. 

Please let me know if you're interested in exchanging pages to see if we're a good fit. I look forward to working with you!

Thanks!

Andra