Edana

I am a fourteen-year-old writer aspiring to become published one day soon. I currently reside in South-east London, and have just begun Year Ten - a frightful experience, I'll admit.

Though most people must say this a lot - writing is a way of life for me. Not a moment goes by when I'm not tapping away at my keyboard, dreaming up brand new plots and characters, or thinking about worlds that don't exist. My sole passion is composing novels that truly touch the heart and connect with the readers. I want them to feel every ounce of agony that my characters feel, every drop of happiness, anger and jealousy that form in my books. I want them to cry over the loss of someone deemed to be real, and to end the book desiring more. In my opinion - that is a much greater reward than becoming published.

I'll say this now so you all know - if I do post work up on here and I don't post in a while, please do be patient. Year Ten is when I'm forced to focus on homework, revision and upcoming exams. As it is, I am crammed nearly all the way up to Christmas and beyond, considering I have around five important GCSEs looming. I'll try my best to come on as regularly as possible, but if not just sit tight and bear with me.

Music is my inspiration for writing. There are so many moods to one song that I am almost the host - music channels through me and into my work, and I try hard to maintain that. I am usually found nodding my head to the next Two Steps from Hell song, or furiously tapping away to an Epic Score or Audiomachine song. These are my three main favourites, and I'm often scolded for having hugged my laptop for hours on end in order to cling to the music, or squealing in delight when I happen to watch a trailer containing their work.

My prime focus as a writer is completing a novel and editing it. Fortunately for me - I have a valued friend who knows just how to make my work stand out and add that extra umph to a novel that has people going, "Hang on a minute, this is really good!" or something along those lines.

However, there is also the querying stage - where one targets the agents and receives a pile of rejections. As it is, I know how much that sucks, and I'm ok with that. It stung for a while, but now I'm up and rearing to go. My advice for those who are considering doing this are...

1. Check over your work again and again - no matter how boring it gets. Your work is your life - almost - make sure to give a good impression.

2. Look at sites informing you on how to write the best queries and what agents are looking for. Study them like you have an upcoming exam, and follow them to the letter. Agents want something that stands out, so following essential rules is key, no matter how long or boring it is.

3. Look at the expectations and requirements of your desired agent. Check and re-check that your work is what they want, and add any finishing touches.

4. Finally - get friends and family to take a look at your work. My advice is not to tell them its yours. In fact...phone them up and tell them you've found a book you thought they would like, and read out your synopsis and query - without adding the extra details meant to be for the agent. Gain their opinion and attempt to alter it till it's perfect.

You probably didn't expect all this when you clicked on my profile, but this is what you got. It's meant to help those who need it, and to give sound advice. Yes, I am extremely young to know things involving the publishing industry, but it also means I learn a lot and remember important information. If you need help or advice on anything, don't be afraid to contact me. I might be young, but I know a heck of a lot more than you might think.

And last, but not least, my novels. As it is, I am currently working on a book titled, 'Usurping Winter's Throne', which is a YA Fantasy novel. I've given up agenting people concerning another of my works as I don't think it has the potential. For my sake, let's hope this one does better.

I wish you all a wonderful day, and the best of luck in your dreams.

Sincerely,

Edana.