Hello from Missouri

Hello! Checking in for the first time (after many months of creepily creeping...) Not sure where to begin, but eager to meet new people! I've spent most of my writerly socializing time on the NaNoWrimo forums for the last few years, but recently been getting itchy feet. I am English-born (Devonshire) went to uni in Aberystwyth (Wales) and then moved to Missouri after meeting my now-wife on Tumblr (through fanfiction) It's been a chaotic journey, but during it I have kept sane by writing a series of YA fantasy novels, the first of which is finished-finished and out to agents, and the second is in 2nd draft stage. I have dabbled in freelance editing and ghostwriting, but have found my happy place working in a Menchie's store which gives me enough time and headspace to keep up with writing in my free time. It's a good sort of life

Anyway, very excited to be here and get stuck in with critiques!

Thanks for having me,

Esme

Thank you! Yes, I've already learnt an amazing amount just by browsing (it's pretty ovewhelming!)

Nightender said:

I'm in Missouri too! While I don't write much on YA, I want you to keep at it. Be sure your first book in the series can stand on its own. Right now that seems to be the best way to start things.

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It definitely does, don't worry! Agent-Lady said she especially liked the ending (which I was worried about because eek endings) But yeah, it's both self-contained and a push off into the series. Thank you for the welcome! What're you working on?

Nightender said:

So glad things are working well for you, especially since you have Agent-Lady in your employ!

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Haha I wish! Still waiting to hear if I'm going to get taken on (keep your fingers crossed for me!) but apart from waiting-hell, things are pretty okay. Wow sounds like you've got a lot of projects on the go! I'm hopeless at working on multiple stories. I have one fic that I dabble in when my mind is too fuzzy for The Real Novel, but apart from that I'm a hopeless case. How do you manage it?

David Smiley Writes said:

Endings are hard for me for me. I often know the story has to conclude, but I just never want them to.

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I find that to be the most satisfying part -- when you can foresee the final scene and you're working towards it. I finished the first draft of the last book in my series, and the ending just had me bawling. It felt very final and finished. Now beginnings... They're the real problem!