SPOOKTOBERFEST 2014!

UPDATE: Huge thanks to Jackie at Bouquet of Books for choosing me as one of this year's two winners! Check out the other winning entry by author DRC here.

 

 

 Hey all,

I'm so excited to participate in this year's Spooktoberfest '14, hosted by The Cover Girls!

Stories had to include the following five words: curse; cocoon; virus; chill; commotion

All stories also had to be 300 words or less, and could be accompanied by a photo or song to set the mood!

So, ready for something spooky? :)

Read on...

Under the Glass

 

Gravel crunched under Maree’s boots as she followed her neighbor, Colton, down a wooded trail. She hated walking home from school after the moon rose, but that was the curse of living in Rainey Hollow, the middle of freaking nowhere.

As they reached a gate half-choked by vines, Maree quickened her steps. A gust of wind parted her hair, leaving a chill kiss on her neck.

“Wait a sec.” Colton bent to tie his dirty shoelace.

Sighing, Maree studied a wispy cocoon clinging to an oak. She traced the arc of the early moon. Anything to avoid glimpsing the abandoned farm house beyond the gate. The house’s sides and caving roof, blackening over time as though stricken by some virus, made ghosts seem a real possibility. 

“What’s that?” Maree’s skin prickled as a blurry figure danced at the corner of her gaze. The woods had gone unnaturally still. No rustling bird wings. No grumbling insects.

A window creaked open, then banged shut. Again. And again.

Together, Colton and Maree turned toward the commotion.

Someone was standing in the topmost farmhouse window. The abandoned farmhouse window. A girl with midnight hair and a pale, sharp face. 

She was staring right at them.

At last, Maree found her voice. “Y-you see her, too?”

Colton nodded, fishing for something in his pocket. His iPhone. It shook slightly as he raised it to snap a picture. 

But the instant he clicked the button, the girl in the window vanished.

#

Tossing her jet black hair, Lillian shut the door to the attic room where Granny kept the model town. The miniature boy and girl figurines had looked so startled to see her on their walk home from school. It was almost like she’d really scared them.

Lillian smiled. 

She couldn’t wait to come back tomorrow.

The End

That's all for now! Thanks so much for reading. Wishing everyone a candy-filled, creepy Halloween!

NOW OFFERING CRITIQUE SERVICES!

Hey all,

I'm thrilled to announce that I'm now offering critique services through this blog! It's something I've wanted to do for quite a while, as I discovered the joy of helping fellow writers through mentoring in query contests like Query Kombat and Sun vs. Snow! For the time being, my critiques will focus on queries, pitches, and opening chapters (basically, preparing your novel for querying & partial requests).

Here's what authors have to say about my critiques:

“SG Marsh (or Sarah!) is my critique partner and my writing is always pushed to the next level with her. She knows the craft and it shows in her own writing, all the offers she’s received because of her writing, and in her critiques. As a matter of fact, I got my agent after becoming CPs. Probably not a coincidence! She’ll also school you on spelling, commas and grammar if that’s also something you need. Also, for the time and quality of effort SG puts into crits,  these prices are an absolute steal so take advantage while you can!” -Ami Allen-Vath, YA Author

"I met Sarah earlier this year when my picture book was chosen to be in the Sun vs Snow contest and Sarah was one of the mentors. Sarah’s critique was spot on and was super helpful. She picked on details that I hadn’t even thought of. And she pointed out areas for me to strengthen my manuscript. She is smart and kind and since Sun vs Snow we have become great friends! Sarah has since critiqued other manuscripts of mine and has truly been a HUGE help in getting them ready to go out on submission. I highly recommend Sarah’s critique service for anyone who is looking for an awesome critique at a great price!" ---Sharon Chriscoe, Picture Book Author

Oh, and if you're writing a fantasy novel, I'm your gal for world-building. Fantasy is my specialty!

Here's a look at what I'm offering. (This information can also be found under the 'Services' tab at the top of the page).

Query Only: $20

Let me polish your query so it'll catch an agent's attention. In addition to spotting grammar errors, I'll make sure your stakes are clear and that your MC's personality shines through. This is a one-time critique with detailed comments.

First Chapter Only (up to 20 pages): $30

If you need an extra set of eyes on those first pages, or want to make sure you're starting your story in the right place, this is for you. I'll go through your opening chapter once, with an eye for grammar errors as well as the big picture.

Query & Contest Package: $35

I'll go through your query up to 3 times, helping you fine-tune the conflict and stakes until we're both happy! Then I'll help you create and polish one 3-sentence pitch and two Twitter pitches (under 140 characters to accommodate contest hash tags). This is for anyone who wants to catch an agent's eye in that next exciting contest!

Submission Package (Includes Query and First Chapter, up to 20 double-spaced pages): $45

I'll go through your query and first chapter twice, leaving big-picture comments as well as checking for grammar errors. I'll help you figure out whether you're starting your story in the right place, make sure you've crafted a gripping first page, and find areas for improvement.

Deluxe Submission Package (Includes Query and First 3 Chapters, up to 40 double-spaced pages): $75

Same as the package above, but with three chapters instead of one! I'll go through your query and pages twice to make sure they're ready for agents.


*Note: If you want to add or combine options for a discount, or want more pages edited than what's offered above, drop me a line! AthenaDreaming@gmail.com

**For the entire month of OCTOBER 2014, all critiques are $5 off to celebrate this new venture!

***Also note: No non-fiction projects please, as they are outside my realm of expertise!


Thanks so much for thinking of me for your story. I hope to speak with you soon!