"For YA fantasy, I would love a propulsive retelling that is distinct and fiery with something important to say. Think FOR SHE IS WRATH by Emily Varga."
Marina Green #MSWL

#mswl

I am looking for fun concepts above all - something with a genuine elevator pitch. X meets Y, X but with Y, ‘Imagine a world…’ , ‘What if…’, fresh retellings etc.

"For YA fantasy, I would love a propulsive retelling that is distinct and fiery with something important to say. Think FOR SHE IS WRATH by Emily Varga."
Marina Green #MSWL

Specific wishes in Middle Grade Fiction:
Fantasy, especially fairytale and myth retellings
Plot- and character-driven stories with literary writing and commercial appeal
Stories featuring boys as main characters
Action/adventure stories, especially those heavy on humour
Disability/neurodiverse/chronic illness representation
Stories that celebrate diverse cultures

Besides manuscripts, my #FridayReads is Katie Bernet's BETH IS DEAD, a contemporary reimagining of LITTLE WOMEN as a murder mystery. I think retellings are making a comeback, but only if they do more inventive things with the source material, like this one. #mswl

"I would love to see mythological retellings that are inspired by Arabian folklore, Korean mythology, or Baltic goddess traditions."
Elizabeth Guthrie #MSWL

"Send me dark retellings of fairy tales and classic stories, with similar sensibilities to THE BLOODY CHAMBER by Angela Carter or WICKED by Gregory Maguire."
mariavicente.com #MSWL

"For YA fantasy, I would love a propulsive retelling that is distinct and fiery with something important to say. Think FOR SHE IS WRATH by Emily Varga."
Marina Green #MSWL

"Send me dark retellings of fairy tales and classic stories, with similar sensibilities to THE BLOODY CHAMBER by Angela Carter or WICKED by Gregory Maguire."
mariavicente.com #MSWL

"For YA fantasy, I would love a propulsive retelling that is distinct and fiery with something important to say. Think FOR SHE IS WRATH by Emily Varga."
Marina Green #MSWL

Some hyper-specific #MSWL items:

I love a retelling, and would especially love one of Peter Pan or Jane Eyre. But I also love something unexpected, like an overlooked side character, genre blending, or a new lens on a familiar story

Stories that feature a strong romantic element

Morally gray MCs are my speed in the thriller space

Stories that are feminist and intersectional

Strong romantic arcs, sharp banter, and a joyful tone even when exploring grief or growth

Any retelling “but make it gay” #mswl 6/6

I love a retelling that transforms the original into something that can fully stand on its own (favorite example of this is Clueless, but there have been some good literary retellings lately too) #MSWL

I just finished Beth is Dead and I would love to find a clever, modern-day retelling of a classic that spins it on its head. If you have something like this, DM me! 🥰 #MSWL

#mswl

"Send me dark retellings of fairy tales and classic stories, with similar sensibilities to THE BLOODY CHAMBER by Angela Carter or WICKED by Gregory Maguire."
mariavicente.com #MSWL

"For YA fantasy, I would love a propulsive retelling that is distinct and fiery with something important to say. Think FOR SHE IS WRATH by Emily Varga."
Marina Green #MSWL

"For YA fantasy, I would love a propulsive retelling that is distinct and fiery with something important to say. Think FOR SHE IS WRATH by Emily Varga."
Marina Green #MSWL

#mswl