Middle Grade Contemporary Fantasy: WORLD WEAVER

Author's Name: Sarah Pripas

Category: MG

Genre: Contemporary fantasy

Stage of completion: work in progress

Preferred critique style: A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down

Cat Person or Dog Person: Love them both, but cats.

Tea or Coffee: Coffee, definitely.

Short Pitch

Mira Goldman is 13 years old, but she still hasn’t developed her Gift. And in a society of Artist-Magicians, Gifts are very important indeed. When a creative writing assignment leads to her mother falling down the stairs, Mira’s Gift is revealed. She’s a Writer who can change reality through her words. After Mira accidentally-on-purpose creates a universe in which her divorced parents are together again, she discovers that there are people within the society seeking to use her Gift for their own ends.

Writing Sample

            If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: School talent shows are the worst. Unfortunately, they also happen to be mandatory here at Muses Fine Arts Academy. Unless you’re lucky enough to be a visual arts type. But I can’t draw anything besides lopsided stick figures.

            So that’s why I’m standing here at the side of the stage with my cello, awaiting my punishment—I mean, performance.

            Did I mention that I hate performing in public?

            The boy on stage finishes his trombone piece with one last wah-wah. He’s off-key. At least I don’t have to go after a Musician this time. My average-ish playing always sounds way worse when I have to follow someone who can literally play with people’s emotions using a few clever chords.

            Last talent show, I was stuck playing after my BFF, Callie. She’s the best, but I definitely did NOT love having to follow a Fine Flautist. Like other woodwinds with the Gift, Callie can make people feel joy just by playing her instrument. And I’m supposed to follow that with a slightly screechy rendition of Bach’s first suite?

            This time will be better. I hope.

            “Mira, it’s your turn!” says Mrs. Crickens.

            Deep breaths. I can do this. Maybe I won’t exactly be sending the audience into tears like a real Capable Cellist, but I can at least avoid embarrassing myself.

            “Next, on the cello…Mira Goldman!"

            I march to the center of the stage.