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Post by Jeanne on Jul 16, 2022 18:34:36 GMT -5
Walker-a 13yo with autism-braves a rite-of-passage to conquer Nature and prove she’s tough as the boys. But her autistic empathy tells her the imperiled wilderness needs a champion, not a conqueror, and all signs point to her.
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Post by scottrho on Jul 16, 2022 20:24:00 GMT -5
I really like eco-themed stories, so this captures my interest. My family has several members on the spectrum to varying degrees, so I wonder how the autism will affect the story. I think it's interesting (in a good way) that you mention "autistic empathy." One of the common (and often wrong) stereotypes is that people with autism can't feel empathy. It's not true, so I like that you turn that on its head.
I also really love that Walker is a champion for Nature, not a conqueror. So often, even the champions are a kind of conqueror, even in real life. I want to know more about the signs.
I think if this pitch were reviewed in an agent pitch feedback session, they'd be likely to ask about the author's own connection to autism. They might also comment on the 13yo character, which is sometimes a tough sell in MG--although we need more of those tween stories.
There's so much here that I like. I think it has some good potential!
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Post by Jeanne on Jul 16, 2022 20:55:07 GMT -5
Thanks for your comments scottrho! I'm definitely on the spectrum as the author, and the wilderness has always been a place of connection for me, so I'm hoping to share that with other autistic girls. I tried writing about a 12yo girl on a solo wilderness trip and critiquers erupted with objections, so I went with 13-yo. ;-))) But I agree it's a stretch for MG. Alex Rider is 14, so maybe...? |
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Post by scottrho on Jul 16, 2022 23:14:41 GMT -5
Thanks for your comments scottrho ! I'm definitely on the spectrum as the author, and the wilderness has always been a place of connection for me, so I'm hoping to share that with other autistic girls. I tried writing about a 12yo girl on a solo wilderness trip and critiquers erupted with objections, so I went with 13-yo. ;-))) But I agree it's a stretch for MG. Alex Rider is 14, so maybe...? Good to know! I only mentioned it because you'll be asked. Sounds like it's definitely your story to tell. 13 is OK. There are a lot of people who want to see more 13-14yo characters. I did some checking, and only about 9% of MG books have a 13yo protagonist, so it's a little harder sell, but there's a need for that age so go for it! Best of luck. Like I said, I really like your premise. |
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