Hello! I’m Denny. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you enjoy the minutes you’ll spend here, reading about me and my wishlist for the 2019 Pitch Wars. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and let’s do this!

First, a few truths about me — I’ve been writing for ages. However, my debut novel (historical fiction), WILD WOMEN AND THE BLUES, will be coming from Kensington Publishing in January 2021. It features a dual timeline about a grieving film student in present-day Chicago and an ambitious chorus girl in 1925 Chicago. So, it’s a Jazz Age tale (at least most of it:).

So, as you might guess, I love historical fiction, especially books featuring complex protagonists and tons of emotion. But my passion for fiction is not limited to historicals. I also write urban fantasy and adore mysteries and thrillers. I also love romance and love stories (and there is a difference:). One guarantees a HAPPY EVER AFTER (HEA). The other makes no promises until you turn that last page. And by the way, a story that includes either (or both) works for me.

And oh, another thing I love is writing book reviews and entertainment pieces for Internet magazines and newspapers such as NPR Books, Washington Independent Review of Books, and Frolic Media. Previously, I wrote for the USA Today Happy Ever After blog. So, writing books and writing about books is my jam (Yeah, I went there).

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been writing for quite some time. My first stories appeared on LIVE JOURNAL where I wrote Buffy/Spike fan fiction. From there I started writing original fiction as we fanfic writers called it back in the day, and now, I’m obsessed! I write, read, breathe stories. And so, it is a huge thrill to give back by participating in the 2019 Pitch Wars as an ADULT MENTOR!

So why choose me?

I believe in success–and you do, too. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here, seeking an adult mentor to help you create your best novel to date. Now, I am a true believer in revisions. Like any artist, a writer must enjoy shaping and reshaping their art, and that means looking to fine-tune, enhance, delete, erase, start again (although, I’d rather never have to do that:), a story until it sparkles.

First off, my mentee will receive a detailed letter commenting on their story’s big picture. It will summarize what is working and why, and what’s not working. I’ll focus initially on character consistency and relationships. Are they believable? Can the author dig deeper? Then I’ll talk about turning points and story pacing. You know–the fun stuff. I’m also a huge fan of creativity in worldbuilding and inspired hooks.

And since I spent years as a marketing and public relations professional, which means I edited tons of brochure and ad copy, you may find the occasional line edit. Also, I love revising. So, hopefully, you’re not participating in Pitch Wars for ‘praise flags’ (that’s a phrase one of my editors shared, and I must admit, I loved it). So, my comments will focus on areas that I believe need the most work.

I look forward to challenging my mentee to lay their characters bare on the page, so the reader has THAT experience. You know the one. When a novel takes over, and you are immersed in that tale, anticipating the MC’s next decision, next blunder, next success, and that glorious Black Moment, when it all falls apart (add evil laugh, here:).

Anyway, I may be a wee bit dramatic, but storytelling is art, and I want to help my mentee tell a compelling story.

And oh, I’m a craft junkie, too. Taken every class known to humankind, I swear. So, I will gladly share (as appropriate) some of the insights I’ve gathered. Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: What am I looking for?! Oh, I’ll also consider NEW ADULT, too!

What I would love (in no particular order)!

• Historical Fiction
• American Historical Fiction
• Complex Female Protagonist
• A diverse cast of characters
• Beta Female/Male Protagonist
• Alpha Female/Male Protagonist
• Rom-Com
• Historical Mysteries/Fantasy/Thrillers
• Urban Fantasy (with a Central Romance)
• Historical or Contemporary Magic/Magical Realism
• Science Fiction
• Time Travel
• Protagonist over 35, 40, or 50
• #OwnVoices
• The first book in a series
• Worldbuilding that knocks my socks off (but avoid cliches:)…
• New Adult
• I love stories with a central romance (an update and clarification!)

What I don’t want (period:)!

• Alpha A-Holes (Male or Female)
• Regency, Victorian, Ancient Historical Romance
• Angsty Contemporary Romance
• Horror
• Angsty Contemporary Women’s Fiction
• Stereotypes
• Marginalized characters in stereotypical roles
• Lazy research
• Amnesia tropes
• Erotic romance
• Inspirational Romance
• Amish Romance

And with all that, I could still fall madly in love with a science fiction tale set in the regency period with a huge romance smack in the middle of it:). Never know what you’ll love sometimes until you start to read it:)!

Thank you again for stopping by and reading, and I hope you are as excited as I am about the 2019 Pitch Wars!

Please don’t hesitate to ask questions. I’ll check regularly and look forward to answering any and all!

For your convenience, see list below:

Pitch Wars 2019 Adult Mentors’ Wish Lists