Valerie Frankel

Valerie Frankel 851 S. 3rd Street San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 294-6356 [email protected] June 6, 2000 Ecomae Baunach 444 South State Street #207 Bellingham, WA 98225

Dear Ms.:

Oz. Middle Earth. Narnia. Shannara. All these lands have an intrinsic magic that we never grow tired of, even when we first journey to these worlds as children. In the tradition of these captivating places, I hope to share my own world in my young adult fantasy novel, THE WHITE CRYSTAL OF CALITHWAIN. This 60,000 word completed story, the first in a series, is intended especially for girls.

My many short stories appeared in the anthologies Legends of the Pendragon and Portals, forthcoming in Once Upon a World, and In the Outposts of Beyond. My fantasy has also been published in Strange Horizons, Marsdust, SF Crowsnest, and forty other magazines. I also participate regularly in my literary community, storytelling and giving readings. I will attend five writing conferences this year, and presented a paper at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs conference. I will soon be listed in Poets & Writers Directory. I’m an active member of AWP and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. At the November ’03 conference, most of the magazine publishers recognized my name from submissions, showing that my name is entering writers’ circles. My popular website, www.calithwain.com, offers sample chapters, nonfiction clips, and an interactive map for children.

I’ve spent fifteen years in children’s and high school theater, earning membership in the International Thespian Society, and have been involved with every aspect of production. I present a theater story replete with hints and techniques for budding actors, embedded in a fantasy that any teen can enjoy. ENDORSEMENTS

This book is another The Neverending Story, only with theater instead of a book. Andrea Brightman, age twelve, finds a mysterious play about a fantasy quest, and urges her school to produce it. After opening night, Andrea’s vanished mother’s amulet whisks her away to Calithwain, the play’s magical world. The White Crystal that powers all forest magic loses energy, threatening to kill the woodfolk. Andrea journeys with Kreliss, an elf-raised human whose accidental dark magic could destroy them all, and Geome, an overeager mage exiled from his Academy and determined to win back his place. Interwoven with this tale of enchantment appear constant flashes of Andrea’s school play. These flashes guide Andrea through the quest, offering both useful advice and humorous misunderstandings. Fighting to win theater's greatest teen award, Andrea must find a mysterious vandal, and hold the quarreling cast together through teamwork. Yet, overshadowing the play are Andrea’s failures at school and the anger of her parents, until she must do the unthinkable to escape them. The combined plots of theater and fantasy create an adventure markedly different from any other yet written.

I hope that this novel is the type of work that you’re looking for. I’d be happy to send the completed manuscript, or a few chapters with a synopsis. Enclosed please find a SASE for your convenience. Thank you so much for your time. I eagerly await your response. Sincerely,

Valerie Frankel