Querying my MG manuscript Spring ‘26!

I write contemporary realistic fiction suited for upper middle grade readers.

What I Saw, Then What I Wrote

A bright orange scratch-off lottery ticket on the ground surrounded by dirt and small rocks. The ticket has the words 'KA POW!' in large, bold, block letters that appear to be exploding. The spaces have been scratched off.

What I saw: A piece of trash on the ground

What I wrote:

Whoever had scratched off the spaces had left the silver scratchings scattered across the glass. The lottery ticket was bright orange. It said “KA-POW!” in big block letters, like it was exploding. Clara thought of her mom’s white “SERENITY” sign and its block letters. She pictured a bright orange, four-foot sign that said “KA-POW!” hanging on Dani and Royal’s wall.

A tote bag with an Illustration from the movie Kung Fu Panda 4 with the panda and fox characters in front of a traditional Asian landscape.

What I wrote:

She tossed Clara a towel. The material felt thin in Clara’s hands when she caught it. Threads dangled from one corner. It smelled like laundry detergent and cigarettes.

Clara unfurled the towel and held it up in front of her with outstretched arms. She looked at the faded design. “Kung Fu Panda Three. Awesome.”

“Hey, do you want a towel, or not?” said Dani. She dropped down onto the couch, next to Clara. “I have no idea where that came from. It’s just a towel. I’m not in love with Kung Fu Panda. I’ve never even seen it.”

What I saw: A tote bag in a thrift store

Sign advertising piano tuning services, claiming to be the best piano tuner on the planet, with a phone number partially visible.

What I saw: A sign while waiting for my tacos

What I wrote:

It was a white pickup truck with plywood sides on the bed. The plywood had black spray-painted words that got smaller near the end so that all the words would fit: FOR SEASONS GARDNING- BEST GARDNER ON THIS PLANET.

Bold, thought Clara. I like his confidence. Too bad spray paint doesn’t come with spellcheck though.

Packaging box for a small animal cage called 'Merry Manor Rat Home' by You & Me. The box features an image of a metal multi-level rat cage with ramps, and a picture of a black rat with pink paws and nose. The box indicates it's chew-proof, safe for small animals like rats, gerbils, mice, and hamsters, and provides specifications and features.

What I wrote:

Marcus handed Royal a box of small, hard pellets. “This has all the essential vitamins and nutrients that rats, hamsters, and gerbils need for healthy fur and teeth.”

“Right,” said Royal. He turned the box over in his hand. “And what, I just hand it to him? It? The rat?”

“Well, sir, one usually provides a habitat for their rat, which would have a food bowl and access to fresh water.” Marcus paused. “You would put it in the food bowl.”

“Right. A habitat and water.” Royal held the box of food to his chest. “Can I see one of these rat habitats? Habirats?” Royal laughed. “You can use that, Marcus.”