Calling All Young Adult Fantasy Writers!

Although a previous blog mentioned briefly Mirrorstone, the children's/young adult imprint of Wizards of the Coast (distributed by Random House, Inc), I'd like to expand on that in today's thoughts.

Mirrorstone, once a place where you could propose series or standalone books of your own in the YA fantasy category, "will now focus solely on books inspired by the lore of Dungeons and Dragons, such as the Dragon Codex books and The New York Times best-selling Practical Guide series." Stacy Whitman, an editor at Mirrorstone, posted on her August 8th blog some of the changes facing Mirrorstone, though you can also check them out directly on the Mirrorstone website.

So the question is: good or bad news? Ultimately, it's a smart move on the part of Wizards of the Coast. By focusing on their brand name (Dungeons and Dragons) and clearing the table of anything that could blur that venture, they're committing all their resources and energy to what puts them on the book, so to speak. It's also good news for D&D (and Forgotten Realms, etc) fans because a tauter focus leads to an overall better product, better writers, better adventures.

Finally, I think it's a golden opportunity for the aspiring writer. To mangle the old proverb, "Blood will out," good writing will out. In other words, if you've got the ability to write, the stamina to see it through, and the desire to get your feet wet, send in a writing sample. They're looking for "talented writers" to continue the series lines, and this is your golden opportunity to prove you've got what it takes.

An Aside: Practice makes perfect. It occurs to me that all too often we writers baby our egos. We're not always willing to admit (as so many famous authors before us have) that we may need to write a couple of novels before we're where we want -- or need -- to be as writers. Writing someone else's story takes not only discipline but a steely resolve to keep your characters in line and your setting in keeping with the established world. Think on it.

Shared Worlds, Wizards of the Coast, and Fleetwood Robbins

I had always wondered what it would be like to write a shared world novel, but I had never considered doing so until I met Fleetwood Robbins, an editor at Wizards of the Coast. Slightly rumpled, an air of distraction, and ever-so-boyish mannerisms assure you at once that he is the real deal. I have no doubt that his mind works in overdrive while everything about him runs interference, lulling the unsuspecting into a false sense of security. Still waters run deep.

As I made my pitch for Ceilyn's Calling, I barely noticed what words poured out of my mouth. I was more interested in watching Mr. Robbins in action; sometimes you learn more from observing how others behave. When he asked if I had any questions, I blurted out (in front of five other aspiring authors) that my questions were more about him and his experiences in publishing. I almost expired from the embarrassment. My only salvation is that he no doubt forgot me the moment our ten minutes were up.

I did learn some items of importance, however:

1. Wizards of the Coast will accept non-agented work. This is good news for anyone who hasn't found or doesn't want an agent.

2. Writing for shared-world fantasy is not about building your story or your characters into an established D&D or Forgotten Realms storyline or setting. In fact, they won't accept unsolicited manuscripts for their shared-world fiction line.

3. Instead, write a character-driven, fast-paced, high fantasy or sword & sorcery novel. Send it in. Impress them. And they will then solicit your manuscript.

4. If you want to write Young Adult fantasy, simply submit to the Mirrorstone imprint. Although they're no longer looking for series proposals or standalones, they welcome writing samples from writers who wish to work with them on a work-for-hire basis.

5. And, finally: Nulla dies sine linea. Never a day without a line. Go forth and conquer, fellow writers. Life's too short to put off your goals for even one moment.