Anything But: The Musings of an Outcast, Me, Razberry Sweet

"He sort of looks like me (if I were a horse) but we differ in the way that he is even lazier than I am."

One of the great sentences in this story that will appeal to young readers.

"Scanning the carpet for something to wear" and failing art? real and humorous topics for the young at heart.

But there is depth to the story as well. An imaginative first chapter reveals hurts and vulnerabilities hidden beneath the main character's big dream. Also the respect and sensitivity he feels toward his aunt and uncle is countered by his reference to them as guardians. And then the bad choices... We are hooked.

My kids would like to read this. 6 stars

Dee Farrell
Warrior Heart

Anything But: The Musings of an Outcast, Me, Razberry Sweet is a book that will make you smile. I had honestly forgotten what it was like to be 17 again. Author Megan Linski has created a very believable character in Razberry Sweet, or Raz as he likes to be called. At first you might think he’s an outlandish tough guy misfit type, but over time we realize that he’s really a scared kid putting up a brave front. Descriptions are quite good and the dialog is age-appropriate for all the characters, especially Raz.

As a YA novel, Anything But is both inspiring and topical. Lots of literary agents seem to be looking for this modern-day, real-life type of material, and this book is really good at that. As a comparison, think of Anything But as a young adult version of Superfudge or Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Books like those inspire the younger and middle-grade readers the way that older, young adults will rally behind this one.

I found no mistakes in terms of grammar, pacing or style, which is quite a feat. The only suggestion I might make is to perhaps humanize Raz a little sooner than it happens. The opening flashback is brilliant, but Raz keeps his armor up a little too long before we really get to know him and what he is really like. Even if it’s just hinted at, letting us see that Raz is a good person right up front might make him a touch more likable early on, when you are going to be battling for readers in the first few pages.

I have little doubt that Anything But will find an audience of appreciative teens when published. It would also make for a nice series.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

Completely disagree with comment below. After being a teen for several years myself, and now raising one, I know they are a self-absorbed lot. It read very authentic to me.
I haven't finished the book yet but based on the four chapters I have read, I am enthusiastically backing it. I can't wait for the weekend when I can read more! Well done!
Layla Harding
The First Cut is the Deepest

This is a very creative story idea.
I like the name Razberry Sweet. That is so original!!
You have a very good writing technique. You get your point and pictures across to your readers.
I think your title is also original.
You have a good imagination from the way you write, which is a wonderful thing to have.
Grand work.
:-)
Shelby Z./Driving Winds

Taking notes as I read - Anything But by Megan Linski


Love the opening dream sequence – perfect grammar - engaging dialogue - surrealism at its best - humor but touching on deep issues that the main character faces – parental - greatest fears- biggest dreams- peer judgment- fantasies -

2
Good characterization – steady humor – enthusiasm – the time in the house gets a little long - love the interesting leeway to the next chapter

3
Turning to the next chapter – was wanted to hear what happened over break –
Was a little disappointed when the remembering was skipped –
But you have created a mystery and now I have yet another reason (besides finding out if Raz will accomplish his dreams) to read on –

Can really hear the teacher’s voice – like the heels clicking part – nice characterization and conflict -

“this day was just sucking” could be stated a little better

Change your comma to a period at the point uncle says Buddy could have been hurt and when Raz says The judge is going to want to know why

There are a few more commas at the end of paragraphs that need periods

Some graphs are indented – others not – work on the formatting – make it the same all round

Love the tension in the family – real – and I love the spirit of Raz and his big idea to make the movie – very nice -

4

Love the title! Big Shakespeare fan myself!

Again – watch the formatting – some graphs r indented and some r not –

Also – try not to end sentences with prepositions – a little sloppy

Ie graph 2 “to”

Some people might not know what PDA is - do all high schools use that code?
Maybe the audience you are writing to would know – older people probably would not – I know but I’m a Mr. Goose-ish person

Love the character Maymee and the fact that Raz got stuck in detention with her – nice slow down too of the pace of the book that is usually very face paced -


The sentence : “I had almost no choice in telling them…but I do Maymee” needs work.

Yea – we get to hear the story – and at what cost – What will Maymee do with it ---the tension builds ---

In the 1st graph in italics – do not need the comma after burned – burned or missing

Ahhh – so you are going to release parts of the story in small bits –VERY good idea –

Ok you have got a backing and many stars - This is the kind of book that should be available in stores for teens today -

good YA story! Will read on ~

~ a
The Women Who Fly Kites

"He sort of looks like me (if I were a horse) but we differ in the way that he is even lazier than I am."

One of the great sentences in this story that will appeal to young readers.

"Scanning the carpet for something to wear" and failing art? real and humorous topics for the young at heart.

But there is depth to the story as well. An imaginative first chapter reveals hurts and vulnerabilities hidden beneath the main character's big dream. Also the respect and sensitivity he feels toward his aunt and uncle is countered by his reference to them as guardians. And then the bad choices... We are hooked.

My kids would like to read this. 6 stars

Dee Farrell
Warrior Heart

Hi Megan,

In response to your comment I just had to read your book as well, and i've really enjoyed it so far. Definitely an interesting take on the becoming famous theme - I'd never have the guts to write from a boy's p.o.v. - so this was definitely an interesting treat. I think your description is really clear and funny - particularly liking the description of Mitzy as it also reflected some of Raz's character. As with most people's books, mine included, it's clear that the book needs some edits, but with those edits it will be a serious contender, as it's good, solid YA but it's also extremely unique.

Best of luck,

Alex
F.M.F.

id date ur character if i were puppy

ur book rox

Ooo, I have to say this isn't totally my style at all, but your charries are so realistic, and I like them so much that I can't stop reading. This is really good! Raz, Puppy, Soldier...Mitzy...I love the names and nicknames. You really do have this small town feel to the school. The more I get to know about Raz, the more I don't feel like I know about him, and I just want to know more! I hope that makes sense. Your descriptions are good too. I especially loved your description of Mitzy.

A couple of things. The Long Pitch scared me a little bit. I try to break up large amounts of text into little paragraphs because it's more attractive to eye and does make me want skim through it. Also I read the word odder...this might be a perfectly teen thing to say, but since it's outside of dialogue I think more odd or something of that nature would be more grammatically correct. I only noticed one typo and it was at the end of chapter 1 and it was where it started "Oof...oh, hey..." It's the phrase starting @ my short, I think you meant staring...

I did read to the end of chapter 2 and if I have already read enough to know that I would probably read this book in real life. Yay! So even though you didn't ask for it...I'm going to back it and give you a super secret star backing.

-Christian Rogue

I hate the first chapter in its entirety. It has not one redeeming feature beyond the hippo and the question it raised in my mind of whether a first person present tense voice can talk to me about a dream at all.

The second chapter is aces.

Guess I'd better come back and read more later.

PS - There's a rogue past tense in the opening chapter :)

Anything But? Has been watchlisted - and I will be reading it soon. - Thanks again Megan, for your comments on The Women Who Fly Kites ~ a

I agree with Layla - teens are self obsessed and completely on their own planet most of the time.
Of course Raz will appear shallow, it's called good characterisation :)
I read the first three chapters and found them to be fun and entertaining.
The YA readers will love it.

Good luck!

Berni x
Renegades

wowee ... written wonderfully. The type of writing I love to read. Its fresh ... its delightful.
highly starred and on my WL for more dipping.

I hope this book gets published. I like it.

I hope this book gets published. I like it.

Layla I was a teen just four years ago. I dn't thin k therye THAT self absorbed. Anyways, I really want ot find out more about his secret do you mind readingmybook "Crowded" , Megan? You might like it.

just got a peek at your pitch...sounds very interesting. Will put it on my WL...best of luck.

Nagwa Malik
THE MIST and Life Makes A Novel

Chapter 1

I found myself reading the first chapter twice through choice. It has great energy and really gives the feel of the mindset of the MC really well. I can imagine it having a very happy and rewarded readership.

The whole thing was cleverly done. The only thing was I wanted it all to be some insane OZ type world and not a dream at the end. That sort of took the punch out of the whole chapter for me. Maybe you could not make it so clearly a dream at the end of chapter one and start chapter 2 like this

" ... Raz! Raz!"

... and that would imply the dream without saying it and sort of waking up the reader at the same time as you woke up Raz in chapter 1 from that delighting telling of that wonderful and increasingly insane dream.

I wish I had time to make a very detailed comment now because there is lots I could say. The MC had shades of a very famous other literary character I'm sure you'll know. It's great to be well reminded like that for a reader. I felt the shades showed well.

For now, I'm entertained and impressed. WIll rate and shelve for a few days this month and hope to read more when I can.

Best of luck with this.

John
'The Lunatic Sings'

I agree with Layla - your protagonist feels authentic to me. I'm sure a YA audience will enjoy your book. My only advice is work on making your manuscript significantly different to anything else that is on the market (if your aim is publication).
But a job well done. Good luck with it.
Kim
St Viper's School for Super Villains

Anything But: The Musings of an Outcast, Me, Razberry Sweet is a book that will make you smile. I had honestly forgotten what it was like to be 17 again. Author Megan Linski has created a very believable character in Razberry Sweet, or Raz as he likes to be called. At first you might think he’s an outlandish tough guy misfit type, but over time we realize that he’s really a scared kid putting up a brave front. Descriptions are quite good and the dialog is age-appropriate for all the characters, especially Raz.

As a YA novel, Anything But is both inspiring and topical. Lots of literary agents seem to be looking for this modern-day, real-life type of material, and this book is really good at that. As a comparison, think of Anything But as a young adult version of Superfudge or Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Books like those inspire the younger and middle-grade readers the way that older, young adults will rally behind this one.

I found no mistakes in terms of grammar, pacing or style, which is quite a feat. The only suggestion I might make is to perhaps humanize Raz a little sooner than it happens. The opening flashback is brilliant, but Raz keeps his armor up a little too long before we really get to know him and what he is really like. Even if it’s just hinted at, letting us see that Raz is a good person right up front might make him a touch more likable early on, when you are going to be battling for readers in the first few pages.

I have little doubt that Anything But will find an audience of appreciative teens when published. It would also make for a nice series.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

Megan,
Your book was not the usual type of reading material for me but I found it to be a welcome change. The youthful giddiness of being seventeen and famous got to me and I began looking at your narrative from that perspective. Suddenly I understood why Raz was acting the way he did, thinking the way he did. He was in a world I'd left behind years ago and had forgotten existed. He was in the world of innocence full of reckless vigor and braggadocio unencumbered by commitments and fears of growing old. Thanks for remindiing me of a world I'd forgotten existed,

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

I love the first chapter. Like a girl's dream being Hanna Montana or something, only to wake up to reality - there's a scene at the beginning of the animated movie "Kung Fu Panda" that's very similar, (the panda dreams of being a mighty warrior, kicking butt against the meanest of bad-guys, then suddenly waking up to his father's voice to get to work downstairs at the family soup restaurant).
This is totally cool and I think a lot of young adults and teens will love it too.
Must back.
All the best
Kirk
"How to Steal a Lion"

Judging from the your book's full pitch, my eyes pitched at "Sadly, getting discovered in small town is difficult, ..." It is only natural for people to want to read, hear and listen to world icons, the like of Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, and so forth, rather than unknown person, but whose experiences fascinatingly typify those of the majority of us in the world. Bravo Megan for writing to uplift the "small".

Completely disagree with comment below. After being a teen for several years myself, and now raising one, I know they are a self-absorbed lot. It read very authentic to me.
I haven't finished the book yet but based on the four chapters I have read, I am enthusiastically backing it. I can't wait for the weekend when I can read more! Well done!
Layla Harding
The First Cut is the Deepest

This definitely put a smile on my face. Thanks!

Gotcha on my watchlist! Can't wait to read!

Have a great day!
Ellise

unfortunately your character seem shallow right from the start which makes the readr unsympathetic. i will keep reading be i would suggest revising the first few paragraphs. the idea is to make a character the reader is going to identify with and care about. you can't do that having them brag their way through the first several passages in the book.

bb