The Common Villain

Yesterday I got to see John & Hank Green on tour for John’s new book Turtles All the Way Down (its next in my tbr pile!), and the event was MAGICAL. Not only did John talk about his new book, give a reading, and discuss what went into the writing process, but Hank also dressed up as a turtle and did a science lecture about the taxonomic chart (followed by dorky & amazing science songs, and a live episode of the John & Hank podcast).

If you EVER get the chance to see these two wonderful dudes in person, please do so! The show was sold out (1,100 people crammed into the preforming arts center), and every single one of them felt like family. Being surrounded by that many people who all share the same love of John Green’s books and the messages they hold is an experience unlike any other.

Make sure your protagonist’s conflict is at the center stage of your pitch. I’ve read so many pitches that described the world and the characters (including the protagonist), but failed to leave out the driving force of the novel - what your protagonist is fighting against/for!

All those monsters and space ships and dragons are super cool (for reals, give me ALL the monsters), but why are they important to your MC? How do they play into your MC’s struggle?