Frances Denny

I am an associate member of the Society of Authors in both the UK and New Zealand. Since leaving Auckland University with a BA in English and Drama, I was selected for the YA & Children’s Fiction course at Curtis Brown and have also been shortlisted for the mentorship programme at NZSA.

My background in Classical studies has sparked my interest in exploring underrepresented mythology and folklore through my writing, and my conditions including autism and hearing loss have inspired me to write heroines with disabilities and/mental health issues, as I believe it’s important to spread awareness and acceptance of diversity.

https://francesdenny.com
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Award Category
Young Writer Award 2023
This submission is private and only visible to judges.

Comments

Jenni Harrison Mon, 03/07/2023 - 15:34

Really evokes the anxiety and claustrophobia of being a teen girl trapped in a situation where they feel out of place and outnumbered by the others.

Kenny MacKay Sun, 30/07/2023 - 01:29

The opening is really interesting, with a vivid description of the protagonist's encounter with Beelzebub. The imagery captures the reader's attention.

Jordan Kantey Tue, 01/08/2023 - 15:29

I loved the clarity from the logline, and the scene-setting in the first paragraph was evocative. Using mirrors for visual exposition can read a little tropey, but here the casual tone offset that familiar device with good, succinct style: 'a round-faced, fat-nosed girl with a wide mouth that said things it shouldn’t.' It made me want to know more about this girl and the things her mouth says. Also love the idea of flies turning into regular dudes (as opposed to frogs into princes).

I loved the Gothic element as well as the general density of ideas, references, allusions. For me, this showed a high degree of creativity. The notes of conflict/opposition and battles of wills were great too, e.g. Clio's mom bugging her to go to the party her 'friend' throws.

Good dialogue too, e.g. 'If you met him, your first thought would be where’s the swat?’ This was generally highly entertaining and involving.

Remember commas for adjectival lists (red, bulging, etc.).