Pitch Madness: Queries and Further Information (September 2013)

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In this Pitch Madness (#PitMad) event, 12 September 2013, I am pitching two of my completed young adult novels: Untamed and Spirit Of Fire.

Firstly, I’ll tell you about Untamed.

‘Untamed’ is a completed 75,000 word manuscript aimed at the science fiction market, for a young adult readership.

The plot focusses on what happens when a form of chemical modification takes over the world, and the conflict it causes between the Enhanced people and the Untamed, those who refuse to adapt to the new survival methods, in their day-to-day struggle for survival. Aimed at the young adult market, the story is told from the perspective of a seventeen year-old female Untamed human, who is on the run with her family from the Enhanced population.

As one of the last original Untamed humans left in the world, Seven’s life has always been controlled by tight rules; stay away from the Enhanced, don’t question your leader, and, most importantly, never switch sides, because once you’re Enhanced, there’s no going back. Even if you are now the perfect human being.

But after a disastrous raid on the Enhanced Ones’ resources, Seven soon finds herself questioning the very beliefs that she was raised on. And, as one of the most powerful Seers that the Untamed have ever known, she quickly discovers that she alone holds the key to the survival for one race.

Yet, Seven must choose wisely whose side she joins, for the War of Humanity is on its way, and Death never takes kindly to traitors.

Incorporating elements of fantasy into a dystopian-society, this science fiction novel centres around the themes of inequality, justice, and the notion of doing ‘the right thing’.

‘Untamed’ is the first book in a series of four novels, the other three of which (Fragmented, Broken and Enhanced) I have completed outlines and rough drafts for.

Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopia (with elements of fantasy)

Readership: Young Adult

Word Count: 75,000 words

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And, now onto my second book, Spirit Of Fire.

‘Spirit Of Fire’ is a completed young adult fantasy novel of approximately 135,000 words, that explores identity, relationships and internal conflicts, with a supernatural twist.

What do you do if you’re caught up in the middle of a supernatural battle where humans are simply objects claimed in order to show power?

Seventeen year old Jade Tayali and her twin brother Jack are used to getting into a spot of trouble; they’ve both been arrested several times for shop-lifting and vandalism. But almost impossible things have been happening lately and everyone knows that misbehaving teens are no way near the worst problems that the police have to deal with. After all, what about the fields of crops that spontaneously combust for no reason? And what do you do with the hundreds of people that are being contained because they can command fire to erupt from their finger-tips?

With the police quickly whisking away evidence of these occurrences from the public eye, many people are oblivious to the danger that is all around them. But Jade’s natural curiosity, and desire to be a journalist, quickly leads her to carry out a spot of detective work. Yet her brother’s biggest concern is making Elliot—the guy who preyed on their vulnerable younger sister—pay for his actions; something which Jade is unwillingly roped into.

But one night changes everything, and Jade soon finds herself in a situation that humans were never supposed to be in. With no one to talk to about the impending danger that the darkness now has (her friends would think she was insane if they knew), and no way to explain the bizarre changes that are happening, Jade begins to feel isolated and way out of her depth. That is until she meets Ariel. Because he knows the secret too, and he’ll do anything to stop the rest of humanity simply becoming the pawns in a supernatural battle.

‘Spirit Of Fire’ is the first book in the Spirit Of Fire series, out of a proposed six. I am currently working on its sequal, tentatively entitled ‘Blood Of The Phoenix’.

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

Readership: Young Adult

Word Count: 135,000 words.

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About Me:

I have currently had seventeen short stories accepted for publication in online magazines (Mirror Dance Fantasy, Mad Swirl, Linguistic Erosion and more), and themed ebook and paperback anthologies (Out Of Darkness, and the upcoming Past, Present & Future collection) raising money for charity.

I can be contacted at maddia[at]msn[dot]com

Thank you for your time and consideration.