Query:
Sixteen-year-old Sara is convinced that her life is completely under control. Her grades aren’t perfect (she’s failing three classes), and her friends aren’t the best influence (she’s caught up in the gritty world of Speedway). But her grandmother always said that it’s important to keep up appearances and Sara’s façade is well in place. It’s almost as good as her mother who hides her crippling OCD.
But while her exterior is immaculate, Sara is falling apart. She spends the majority of her time cleaning the house to ensure her mother doesn’t spiral out of control. Between that, a part-time job, and her chaotic relationship with Speedway racer, Logan, Sara is beginning to believe that anxiety runs in the family.
Sara wasn’t raised to ask for help, but she needs to decide who she can trust before it all falls apart. It’s no longer just her grades on the line, but her first love, her health and most importantly, her mother.
Chemicals Collide is a 75,000 word, young adult novel that delves into the world of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It tells the tale of a girl learning to stand on her own two feet with the help of those who want to build her up, not tear her down.
250:
Getting ready was exhausting.
An acidic stench filled the air and I struggled not to gag as I scoured the bottom of the shower. My wet hair dangled in the suds and I leaned forward as far as possible without actually entering the stall. The bathroom was already immaculate but if I left without removing the watermarks, my mother would panic and spend the rest of the afternoon doing a job I could do in five minutes.
My phone buzzed to life on the counter and I reached out to grab it. “Hello?”
“You’re late, Sara.”
I closed my eyes and cursed under my breath. “The ice-cream store… I’m sorry Tahina, I completely forgot.”
“I can see that. So lay it on me, what’s your excuse?”
“Um…” I glanced around the bathroom. How could I explain that I was wrapped in a towel, up to my elbows in suds, and not even close to being ready?
“Actually,” Tahina interrupted. “I don’t even want to know. You can make it up to me by coming to the Speedway tonight.”
My mouth dropped. “What? No. Tahina, I hate the Speedway.”
“You’ve never even been,” she reminded me.
“I know, but…” All that dirt, all that dust, my mother would have a fit.
“But nothing,” Tahina interrupted. “I’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes, and you better be ready. You’ve blown me off twice this week.”
“But–”
I didn’t get the chance to complain because a dial tone was already sounding in my ear.
Sixteen-year-old Sara is convinced that her life is completely under control. Her grades aren’t perfect (she’s failing three classes), and her friends aren’t the best influence (she’s caught up in the gritty world of Speedway). But her grandmother always said that it’s important to keep up appearances and Sara’s façade is well in place. It’s almost as good as her mother who hides her crippling OCD.
But while her exterior is immaculate, Sara is falling apart. She spends the majority of her time cleaning the house to ensure her mother doesn’t spiral out of control. Between that, a part-time job, and her chaotic relationship with Speedway racer, Logan, Sara is beginning to believe that anxiety runs in the family.
Sara wasn’t raised to ask for help, but she needs to decide who she can trust before it all falls apart. It’s no longer just her grades on the line, but her first love, her health and most importantly, her mother.
Chemicals Collide is a 75,000 word, young adult novel that delves into the world of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It tells the tale of a girl learning to stand on her own two feet with the help of those who want to build her up, not tear her down.
250:
Getting ready was exhausting.
An acidic stench filled the air and I struggled not to gag as I scoured the bottom of the shower. My wet hair dangled in the suds and I leaned forward as far as possible without actually entering the stall. The bathroom was already immaculate but if I left without removing the watermarks, my mother would panic and spend the rest of the afternoon doing a job I could do in five minutes.
My phone buzzed to life on the counter and I reached out to grab it. “Hello?”
“You’re late, Sara.”
I closed my eyes and cursed under my breath. “The ice-cream store… I’m sorry Tahina, I completely forgot.”
“I can see that. So lay it on me, what’s your excuse?”
“Um…” I glanced around the bathroom. How could I explain that I was wrapped in a towel, up to my elbows in suds, and not even close to being ready?
“Actually,” Tahina interrupted. “I don’t even want to know. You can make it up to me by coming to the Speedway tonight.”
My mouth dropped. “What? No. Tahina, I hate the Speedway.”
“You’ve never even been,” she reminded me.
“I know, but…” All that dirt, all that dust, my mother would have a fit.
“But nothing,” Tahina interrupted. “I’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes, and you better be ready. You’ve blown me off twice this week.”
“But–”
I didn’t get the chance to complain because a dial tone was already sounding in my ear.
Congrats!! Ms. Claire Anderson-Wheeler would love to see your full manuscript! Please send to Claire (at) regal-literary (dot) com with "requested MS" in the subject line.
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