I recently read an article with you on Alice Pope's blog, and wanted to present a Middle Grade Novel for your consideration.
Thirteen year-olds Jeff Williams and Ben Styler are in a world of trouble, ever since finding that stupid watch in Jeff's attic. The watch doesn't tell time. It doesn't even have a minute hand or hours on it's face. It is an ancient pocket watch that when set to the day, month and year, sends all who hold it back to that time. And Jeff and Ben are in a world of trouble because Professor Ferguson has stolen it.
With the help of the "watchmaker to the King", Christopher Pinchbeck Jr., the boys find themselves in alternate realities in 2009 - the British rule the world, and the world hates them for it. Nuclear threats abound, and Jeff's hated older sister Jenny is STILL a pain. They must find out what Ferguson changed, find the watch, and go back in time to stop him.
THE TIMEPIECE CHRONICLES is a cross between fiction and narrative non-fiction. The historical events and people are real, the alternative history is mine. At just over 40,000 words, it is the first in a potential series that is geared to educate and entertain the middle grade reader, targeting specifically the tween boy demographic. It is told in dual first person narrative, with both Ben and Jeff recounting the story as if they are in the same room.
I am a member of the SCWBI, have attended several conferences and writer's groups, and have written many picture books as well as this novel. I won't be able to attend the winter conference, unfortunately, but I wish you great success there.
If you would like to see some sample pages or the first few chapters, please let me know and I would be honored to share them with you. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and regardless of the outcome I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
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I thought this might work because I was awfully polite. But alas, manners does not a good story make. I think this, at the risk of being fairy-tale-ish, was too long. I don't need to say how it was written, the paragraphs are too long, and the description of the watch isn't necessary. Here's the response I got...
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Thank you for your query, but I don't think I would be the best match in this instance.
I wish you luck finding the right home for your work.
(Turnaround Time 9 hours!)
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Thank you so much for writing me about your project. I read and consider each query carefully and while yours is not exactly what I am looking for, I would certainly encourage you keep trying. I know your work is important to you and I am grateful that you wrote to me.
(42 days turnaround)
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