See, now, I don't think it's really appropriate for a climbing magazine, because it's very much on the novice level. It's not highly technical, not a trip report.

But then I dunno, the only climbing magazines I know are the big national ones, "Climbing" and "Rock and Ice", who have no interest in anyone who doesn't have less than 10% body fat and climb over 5.11.

edited to fix wonkiness.

That's why I suggested The Sun -- they publish *writing,* you know? Good writing that touches on emotions people can relate to, even if the reader has never been climbing in her life. I've read some of it in your blog, and I think it might be worth a shot to submit it.

I'm just going to be brave and throw this out there...

I posted earlier about my working on a novel for the first time (I've only ever written short stories, and I've only had one published) and I'm running into editing problems, because I pitched the whole story to my editing group (at university) and now a lot of them feel that they can't properly critique the first chapter because they know where the plot is going (which I think is bunk, personally). I'm feeling sort of anxious about it. I mean, I'm happy with what I've written, but I'm not sure about pacing, and my exposition (stuff that is wildly condensed in my short stories, but obviously now requires more room to spread out). Anyone interested in having a read?

Brynn, you bet. Send it to sf_deb@yahoo.com. Is this just the first chapter? I'm in final edits on two full novels at the moment, but if this is the first chapter, I'll give it priority.

now a lot of them feel that they can't properly critique the first chapter because they know where the plot is going

That is bunk. I can't edit (other than line-edits) unless I have the whole picture in my head.

But then, that's just me.

I can critique either way, but I'll confess that if I'm being specifically asked to critique or give any sort of input on a character question, it helps if I don't know said character's headspace/motivation ahead of time.

deborah grabien:

Wow, thank you so very much. It's not exactly sci-fi or fantasy though? It that alright?

edit: Yes, it's only the first chapter. About 17 pages, double-spaced, 14 font. What format would you like it in, .doc or rtf?

It's not exactly sci-fi or fantasy though? It that alright?

Yes, absolutely, since I read very little of either, and ditto for writing it. Mine are more in the classic ghost story vein. No scifi or fantasy required.

.doc is fine. Send at your leisure.

Okay, it's sent.

Brynn? There's nothing attached - just the email, no doc.