Something's Wrong With the Different Realms

Nine: Check-Ins and Advice

Isla Venus

It had been exactly a month since Ms. Valance assigned the book project to me and Jasper. I know it's just a check-in but I was still nervous and hyperventilating.

As I entered the classroom, I noticed that Jasper was freaking out as well. I smiled a bit knowing that I wasn't alone.

I approached him, giving him what I hoped to be a comforting smile. "Hey, it's fine, it's just a check-in. I'm scared as well but it's just a tiny check-in so Mrs. Valance can see how well we're doing and critique our work."

Jasper nodded.

"Now good, Ms. Valance has written on the board that 'when you're not checking in with me you may work on your book or finish any other overdue assignments.' Do you want to work on the book?"

Jasper shrugged, "sure, I guess."

I pulled up a chair to sit next to him. "Let's just go through some of the final edits. I don't think I've edited your latest chapter yet."

Jasper shakily opened his slick laptop. "Okay," he mumbled.

I hopped right into doing my own work and started editing Jasper's section. I decided that I'd add some parts based on the check-in later.

Ms. Valance called us over just as I was done looking over Jasper's mistakes. I quickly closed my laptop, tucked my chair in and headed over.

"So Isla and Jasper you guys are writing a realistic fiction type novel, right? Based on your own lives?"

"Yes," I muttered, staring at my sweaty palms instead of looking at Ms. Valance's stern brown eyes

Ms. Valance smiled comfortingly and reached out a hand. "I know how nerve-wracking this can be. Don't fret, it's just feedback and you guys will have a lot of time to apply this feedback. And I know you guys told me this is based on your lives. If there's anything you don't think you're ready to write yet, you don't have to. I can help you edit those parts out, okay?"

Jasper and I nodded.

"It's fine," Jasper said. "Although I'm scared, admitting it on paper is the first step right?"

"Whatever you think is best for you."

"I'm okay as well. Writing has allowed me to um, get my feelings out," I said.

"Alright," Ms. Valance cleared her throat, "let's start.

"So," she said, "how many words are you planning to make this novel? Who's your intended audience?"

"Um..." I took a deep breath to calm down my racing heart, "we're planning to make this novel around 50,000 words or so since there's just the two of us."

"Cool," Mrs. Valance nodded. "May I ask how many words your novel has right now?"

I thought for a second, then grabbed Jasper's laptop which was on his lap and opened the word counter. I squinted, "a little less than 10,000 I think. 7,376 to be exact."

"Your word count is a little low considering you plan on reaching 50,000 words for your novel but that's fine. I wouldn't worry about word count as much since it's just the two of you. I'll be more lenient since everyone else is in a group of three or four." Mrs. Valance flipped her laptop open and glanced at it. "Now, who's your intended audience?"

This time Jasper answered: "we are targeting older tweens and younger teenagers who enjoy reading realistic fiction and would like a book that relates to their daily lifestyle."

Mrs. Valance nodded her head. "Okay, let's take a look at this. I've already made a few notes on your book and highlighted any previous grammar mistakes."