One of the most *frequently asked questions* I get from readers of my published novels: "Was Dear Martin the first book you ever wrote?" The answer is no. Dear Martin was the third. The second (at long last!) will be published in Spring 2022, but the first will never see the light of day... Or so I used to say. *Used to* because we are currently in the thick of a literal global pandemic. And we're bored. And trying to stay motivated/encouraged/hopeful, etc. etc. So here it is. Nic Stone's first EVER novel that wasn't supposed to see the light of day. Starting today, April 1st, 2020, I'll post a chapter a day for the next 50 days (you read that right; this joint is LONG) and will leave it up indefinitely. You will laugh--AT me, but also occasionally with me. You will roll your eyes. You will have moments when you wonder if *The Nic Stone* actually wrote this long and intensely tropey and cliche book. About a 16-year-old biracial girl who sometimes glows in the dark, and after the death of her mother, discovers not only some latent supernatural abilities, but a prophesied mission she'll need them for. It is not professionally edited and is likely full of typos (though this was like the twelfth draft). It hasn't been beta-read and probably has some problematic rep in it. But my hope is that by posting it as-is, someone out there who doesn't feel *good enough* will see THIS starting point of a #1 New York Times bestseller and will be encouraged to get the story nagging at them down on paper. Even if it's never "published," there's no telling where it could lead. I hope you enjoy (or at least get a good laugh). Thanks for reading! Nic Stone

Meet Billy Bones. He's dead. Literally. Finding himself in the Afterlife, ten year old Billy must wait to be recycled back into the Livingworld. Meanwhile, he's stuck trying to figure out how he's supposed to survive in this backwards existence where sunlight burns, the dead are living, and the memories of his past lives are stored in a secret book. The problem is that Billy's has been stolen, and now he has to find it and discover why the dreaded Reaper is after him.

Orphaned Eddie is gifted a wish from the oldest star in the galaxy. Chased across space by wish-hunters and an evil djinn, Eddie must make her wish or risk everything her heart desires for something wishes cannot grant. ______________________________________ Eddie Eversby is an orphan after her astronaut parents are killed during a failed launch to space. Now living with her cruel aunts who enjoy making her do pointless chores and serve them like a maid, Eddie finds her greatest joy to be with her friend making claymation videos. She thinks her life will be forever miserable until a small meteor crashes into her room. The glowing rock is the heart of a star and the essence of a wish. Coveted by the creatures of the universe, wishes are good money on the black market. A Wish-Hunter appears attempting to bargain for Eddie's wish in exchange for an intergalactic adventure. As the two discover the beauty of the cosmos, an evil djinn sets his sights on Eddie. She learns that when the greatest star chooses a young girl from Earth to have the most powerful wish, the whole universe is bound to take notice. Young Reader - Sci Fi - Fantasy - Adventure Featured: 🌟 Editors' Choice [January - May 2020] 🌟 Wattpad HQ's Hidden Gems Beautiful cover design by @italychick

Seventeen year old Elias is less than happy when his family decides to up and move to a small, dreary town. Of course, his opinion doesn't matter. Not when all his dad cares about is his dutiful stepmom and do-no-wrong little sister. Compared to them, Elias' feelings are worth about as much as dust in the wind. But he quickly discovers that his new home is much more than it seems...when he stumbles upon a dead body-the morbid work of the local serial killer, La Mort Noire. Suddenly, Elias finds himself locked out of his comfort zone; tutoring a creepy rich kid that draws skeletons, hanging with a bubbly boy who sticks to him like glue, staking out criminal houses, and taking the biggest risks he'll ever take in his life, all in an effort to solve the towns mysterious deaths. Because to gain his fathers favor, Elias will do anything. Even hunt down and unveil a twisted murderer.