Sci-fi! Fantasy! Book series! LGBT+! Fighting imperialism and capitalism!
Hopefully I have gripped you enough for you to read the following plea…
Ever since watching Avatar: the Last Airbender, I’ve wondered why there isn’t more media for children which discusses difficult, dystopian themes in an accessible and enjoyable context.
That’s why I’m writing a sci-fi series for children, set in 23rd century London, dealing with the dangers of imperialism, colonialism, and fascism.
What’s the book about?????
Neon Lights is the first book in a planned sci-fi and fantasy series for kids. It’s colourful, exciting, full of friendship. It takes the narratives that many of us know – about the struggle against frightening systems – and puts it into a context which teaches about finding love and the strength of your own voice.
Imagine a pretty pastel, London version of Blade Runner.
Now, imagine a fifteen year old girl, breaking into her uncle’s government office to find out state secrets.
Now, imagine her getting caught, running into a princess, fleeing the authorities with said princess, their relationship turning from enemies to friends, a family of drag queens saving them from killer robots, waffles, 23rd century fashion, horses, riots, hoverboarding up walls, and skipping school to rescue a city of prisoners.
Calling all my fanfiction readers: I need your help!
I’ve worked very hard on this book, but I need some help beta’ing it before I try sending it to literary agents again.
BetaBooks is a platform in which readers like you get to quickly make an account, accept an invitation from an author like me, and read their manuscript for free. You can leave comments, talk to each other about bits you liked, bits you think need work, and take party in little surveys.
I’ve had some really nice feedback from agents, but so far, none of them have decided to take on Neon Lights. This is a series I have great plans for; LGBT+ romance; canon trans characters; Celtic folklore; Star Trek style, hopeful sci-fi.
If you’re interested in helping me out…
Sign up to read it on BetaBooks here!! https://betabooks.co/signup/book/351e66
As an English teacher based in the UK during Brexit and Covid, during the BLM movement, and as a queer person, I’ve learned how important it is to teach dystopian literature to young adults. Children’s fiction is a gateway into understanding the social issues in our own world. I think that Neon Lights could be really enjoyed and loved by a wide audience.
So, please, reblog and boost this! Read my book, literally for f r e e. It would mean the world. <3