I don't think I make a very good beta reader, because I have to fight back my need to change things. I am, however, a good proofreader, fact checker and sentence fixer, and good at shortening other people's copy. My own, not so much. I'd be glad to look at essay(s) at the point they need that, Allyson.

Speaking of my own writing, I use "wide variety" way too often. I've written a wide variety of articles on a wide variety of subjects for a wide variety of readers. Any suggestions?

Diverse, eclectic, broad spectrum of, heterogeneous

Amy, I really love idea #2. I think it would appeal to a teenager's overdramatic sense of isolation and rejection. Then out of that, finding that one special person to be friends with, only to find out the friend is even more isolated and subject to probable rejection, even danger because of their differences from "the norm". I think there's a huge opportunity for exploring a first real relationship--from either side, if you wanted selkie POV.

#3 is so very, very intriguing though. I really want to read that trilogy.

broad array, wide array, an array, different, many different, billions and billions (Oh, hi, Carl!), a number of different, a whole lotta (no?), wide ranging, wide range of, multiple, many types of, different types of, myriad (what? I like that word), and, finally, many different and wide ranging multiple arrays of types.

It only feels like billions and billions.

Scampering in late, but Amy, PLEASE write #3. I want to read it right now. makes grabby hands

I need to figure out where to do some research, though, other than rewatching Carnivale. Not that I'm not planning to do just that.

Something Wicked This Way Comes?

I need to figure out where to do some research, though, other than rewatching Carnivale.

I wonder if looking up information on the show itself would point you to some of the sources used.

Also a good source! This is why I need you guys! I should probably reread Geek Love, too, although I'm one of the few who didn't like it much.