Hello. I wrote this story in september of last year for the Science Fiction Writers of Earth short story contest. the third draft (which is what i entered) made the top 40 out of 132 stories from 11 different countries. Now, recently, i have been looking back to this story and wanting to edit it for the 2008 Abaculus Anthology published by Leucrota Press. This is my first edit of the story since i entered it in the contest in late October, i guess that makes this the 4th draft. Here's the story information:
Title: Lazaretto
Length: 9000 words
Draft: 4th
Summary: The year is 2009. Novalife, a genetics company, genetically alters a virus to help cure the disease Encephalitis. But something goes wrong, and the virus escapes the lab. Spreading unchecked in the wild, and because it was an artifical creation, the virus begins to evolve at incredibly rapid rates. Fast forward another year, and things look bleak for planet earth. The virus, by means described in the story, has become like a parasite, and alters the human DNA to get what it is after. The story follows military journalist Jack England as he travels with the Excursion Department of the Washington Garrison through the heart of the wasteland that was once central Missouri. Together with his friend Jonathan Abbot, he races to find the true cause of the virus's escape, leading him to an all-too-terrifying conclusion...
Sub-genre/keywords: techno-thriller, action, sci-fi, genetic engineering, scientific
Known Issues: some awkward/cheesy wording during exposition; possibly confusing when explaining scientific portion
Critique Requested: anything! anything that will make the story better and more reader-friendly
Critique Tolerance: tell it as it is. i can handle criticism
Goals: As i mentioned before, this is going to be submitted to be included in a book of short stories. I am still in high school, and i'll be going up against PROFESSIONAL writers for a spot in this book, so i need all the help i can get.
Method of Communication: Email or Nanomail is preferred. my email is sgenise@zoominternet.net
Deadlines: The deadline for this story is June 30th, and it must be RECIEVED by then, not postmarked, so i am thinking of sending it in a few weeks early, just to be sure. the story is not very long at all, so it shouldnt take that long to read, and i would prefer feedback asap so i can jump right into editing.
If you are interested, just leave a comment with your email address and i will email you the story. Hopefully, with all your help, i will get this story into that anthology. THANKS IN ADVANCE!
--steve
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