Need to share a 'squee' ABNA moment

[Jan]

Thrilled that I've made it to the quarter finals with my latest novel With the Headmaster's Approval This is what the judge had to say:
ABNA Expert Reviewer

What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?

The story grabbed me from the beginning because things were happening right away, there was action and there was dialogue, and there wasn't too much time spent filling me in on background before it was necessary. I loved the early phrase, “it would be like the bird house in a zoo.” I could imagine exactly how all the twittering young ladies would sound. Some of the other phrases, like “a permanent look of boredom – the default face of teenage girls” are unique and wonderfully descriptive.

I like that Mr. Wild comes across as somewhat a hardass in the beginning. I'm pretty sure I'm going to like this guy.

The meeting of faculty and their introductions is a clever and very good way to let me know about some of the key players without boring me. Their ways of introducing themselves told me all I initially need to know about them in just a few sentences. It also seems that Lisa is going to be the proverbial fly on the wall, and I expect great insights from someone in a position to be easily overlooked.

The writing is strong and clear, and it's obvious that time has been spent in cleaning up any initial mistakes or editing errors, always much appreciated.

What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?

It moved at a fast pace, it gave just the amount of background I need to buy into the story, the characters are interesting, and it promises good things to come.

(now the anxious wait for the announcement of the semi-finalists.)
see entry here.http://www.amazon.com/Headmasters-App...

[Cynthia]

Congratulations. I hope your work continues to climb!