What's your character gonna DO about it?

Ask the Editor #29

Welcome to Ask the Editor! Lots of great writing to look at today, including…

• A revision from a creepy MG story

• Pages from a MG historical

• Pages from a memoir

But first, a little personal news…

I can’t remember how much of this I’ve shared here on Substack, but I’ve been traveling and living in a camper van since November 2023. It’s been an incredible year and almost-half of exploring the U.S., from one coast to the other and all the deserts, small towns, and mountain ranges in between.

Now it’s time for the next adventure! I’m moving back to New York City—specifically, to Brooklyn. As I type this, tomorrow is move-in day (Wednesday). By the time you read this, Rosa and I will be in our new apartment! I lived in NYC from 2012-2019 and it’s never stopped feeling like home. My best friends in the world all live here, not to mention the heart of the publishing industry. While I don’t need to live here to do my job, it definitely does make me feel more connected.

I’m sharing this because I do fully intend to get back to posting non-Ask the Editor pieces on Substack! But I didn’t last week because I was apartment hunting…virtually. Yup, in the span of five days I virtually toured several apartments, filled out applications for two, was accepted by both, and chose my new home all without having stepped foot in it. Like I said, it’s an adventure!

Now, on with the critiques…