Whilst I am banging on the doors of Traditional Publishing, I have completed the first draft of the sequel to Beautiful. I haven’t found the perfect title yet, so until I do I’m calling it “Beautiful 2: Needs a Title.” Clever, huh?

My original plan was for the sequel to continue with Cara’s story. Now that it’s written, I see that we do learn more about Cara but the true main character — the one who grows the most — is Adam’s little genius sister Wendy. Be excited: you’ll get to see the parts of Lelia Fortune’s lair that Adam and Cara never visited in the first book. You’ll see a bit more of how Lelia’s unique business works. But mostly, the three teens will have to overcome greater challenges than they could have ever dreamed. Their lives have been thrown in disarray. Oh, for the good old days when the worst thing they had to deal with was a gang of criminals and a suspicious police detective!

With a new first draft comes the opportunity for beta readers to help me improve this novel till it’s good enough to give to an editor. Think of it: your name in the acknowledgements in a real published book that will be in libraries and bookstores all over the world! I know, that and $5 will buy you a cup of coffee in Starbucks. But still, there is something cool about seeing your name in print. Let me know if you would be willing to give me real, honest feedback (NOT “Oh, that was very nice.”).

I also need beta readers with specific expertise or backgrounds. I want at least a couple of Black ladies or teens who, in addition to being beta readers, would edit the language I’m using regarding a new character who I wish to treat with the respect she deserves. I would also like someone who has worked in the Merchant Marine and, ideally, has personal experience with Conley Container Terminal in Boston.