The holidays are upon us once again.
Tis the season of giving, and as Christmas creeps ever closer, and I am bombarded by holiday specials that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I realize how blessed I have been and how I want to give something back to my readers and fans.
So, I got to thinking, when I was a young writer, I didn't really have anyone to share my stories with, give me advice, or point me in the right direction. And now that Nano Wrimo is over, I know there are many writers out there with half-finished or completed manuscripts, who might not know what to do next.
Let us help.
And by us, I mean your favorite characters from The Iron Fey. This Christmas, Meghan, Ash, and Puck have graciously agreed to critique one lucky writer's manuscript, up to the first 25 pages. Just enter your name and email in the comments below, and list who you would like to critique your story. Yes, YOU get to choose who critiques your manuscript, based on what kind of advice you want.
Then, on Christmas Eve, I will choose one lucky winner for a free critique of their choice. And here are your choices.
Meghan critique:
Meghan will be nice. She will not say anything negative about your story, and she will not criticize at all. She will list what she likes, maybe correct a few grammar mistakes, and give you gentle advice about where she thinks the story can go. Choose her if you cannot handle harsh criticism, or if you are not ready to have your story picked apart.
Puck critique
Puck will be snarky, funny, and will comment liberally on what he liked and did not like. He will focus more on the positive than the negative. However, he will point out obvious holes, grammar errors, and other mistakes, but it will all be in good fun. He might poke at your story a bit, but he will be funny about it. Choose him if you want a fair, funny review, but can also handle good-natured snark and criticism.
Ash critique
Ash is not one for overly squooshy comments, and he will not go out of his way to find things that he likes. He is the harshest of the three, and you might not like what he has to say, but he will also be fair. However, he is rather ruthless, so choose him only if you are prepared for the cold, hard truth about your manuscript.
And, just because I know some people will be wondering...
Grim critique
(NOT RECOMMENDED. This cat has made even seasoned authors cry.)
So, all you aspiring writers out there, what are you waiting for? All you need to do is put your name, email, and your choice of critique in the comments below. (Yes, it is international, but I need to be able to read your manuscript. So English only, please.) On Christmas Eve, I will randomly select a winner, so good luck to everyone, and Happy Holidays!
-Julie
