Genre: YA/soft Sci-fi
Word Count: 94,000
Pitch:
17-year-old Ibbie collects numbers. They’re logical, safe; everything her life isn’t. The most important number; thirteen—how many days till she’s forced to mate with Logan, whether she likes him or not.
Except:
Speciation: An evolutionary process by which new biological species arise.
LE4XI8––A label, more importantly, what is tattooed on the inside of the wrist of my right arm. It is my identification; it is my name.
Numbers stay with me, filed away in my mind, ready to use at a moments notice. I understand numbers; they are logical, rational, safe. Perfect for collecting. I collect them, because my life is none of these things.
Facing the door, I hesitate, but that only makes it worse.
Six––minutes I am late.
I quickly place my hand on the pad that scans my fingerprints, unlocking the door, but also starting the timer, telling them what he and I already know: this is my fault. A smothering feeling of unease, invisible molecules of discomfort fill every corner, every crack, every wide-open space. And if I wanted to, I could stretch out my tongue and taste apprehension.
Thirty––extra minutes we have to stay now because I was late.
Taking a deep breath, I walk quickly in the room careful not to make eye contact or look in his direction, but I feel his eyes on me. I know what he wants. I will have to look at him eventually. The door slides shut, trapping me.
Five––how old I was when I came here.
Seven o’clock – the time I am required to be in the room with LE4XI7
Two––the amount of friends I have.
0.0000001––the percent of people who are like me.
9 Comments
Lana Popovic · September 6, 2013 at 12:37 pm
I would like to stake a claim kitty-corner to this property. By which I mean I’d like buy property here.
Jordy · September 6, 2013 at 3:42 pm
$10 🙂
Carlie Webber · September 9, 2013 at 10:07 pm
I bid a house.
Anonymous · September 10, 2013 at 6:15 am
I want to buy property! Query and 75 pgs, thanks.
______________
Louise Fury
The Bent Agency
Rachel Schieffelbein · September 10, 2013 at 2:37 pm
Congratulations, B5! Loved this one!
C. Issy · September 11, 2013 at 4:22 am
B5, this was my favorite pitch of the contest. You probably didn’t see the discussion on twitter, but a bunch of us were dying to find and follow you (and beg to read more… btw, If you ever want another beta for this *waves*) Great job and congrats!
Andrea N. Jackson · September 11, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Wow! thanks so much for all the fantastic comments. I’m @anjackson71 on twitter if you want to find me ;). I would like to see this conversation…maybe…I probably do.
Kimberly VanderHorst · September 11, 2013 at 1:48 pm
You DEFINITELY want to scroll back and see it if you can. People were clamoring for the author of this entry to step forward so they could beg to read more. You were the belle of the ball, truly! And small wonder, your writing is GRIPPING, and the concept . . . wowza! Totally want to read this RIGHT NOW.
Sonia Hartl · September 11, 2013 at 7:56 pm
The concept itself is amazing, but the writing seals the deal. So much love for this entry, I want to read this today!
Comments are closed.