(UPDATE: Calebbreakey.com has now been closed. Thank you and I wish you the best on your creative journey).
First of all, I’d like to warmly welcome you to the CalebBreakey.com community—coined “Breakia” by Teen Writer Alli B. Rockstar. We’re excited to have you!
We believe that Teen Writers have a voice, that their voice is largely ignored, and that by honing their tools and techniques now—they WILL be heard.
Here’s what we do at Calebbreakey.com:
1) We unite Teen Writers in the strengthening of their craft.
2) We meet Teen Writers where they are and promote an atmosphere of authentic encouragement and loving critique.
3) And we equip Teen Writers with the key traits of humbleness and fearlessness.
Q: So what’s with all this Rockstar business?
Well, it’s an attitude.
We define a Rockstar as someone who never despises their youth. Someone who’s humble enough to learn, yet fearless enough to embrace their role as a Difference-Maker.
Q: What makes ‘Breakia’ different from other sites?
Poke around the site for a few minutes. Read some of the testimonials. The encouragement, critique, and authenticity of the Teen Writers here tend to blow people away—most of all, Caleb. But he’s no Superman. Caleb has lots of help from the Teen Writers on this site, including:
- Forums Administrator/Tech Wizard Hannah M. Rockstar
- Tech Wizard Jay L. Rockstar
- Secretary/Contest Coordinator Lindsay M. Rockstar
- Chief Hospitality Coordinator Alli B. Rockstar
- Chief Site Evaluator Yvonne J. Rockstar
- Blog Article Writer Lee J. Rockstar
- Social Media Manager Elizabeth V. Rockstar
- Author Interviewer Tiffany C. Rockstar
- Writing Prompts Manager, Lindsey S. Rockstar
Q: How exactly does your site help Teen Writers get published?
Aside from the in-depth critique you’ll receive from Caleb and the Community, Teen Writers featured on CalebBreakey.com receives access to Caleb’s growing list of publishing connections. While most of Caleb’s connections exist within the Christian community, he also works to develop connections to non-religious magazines and publishers.
Q: Okay, I’m sold. How do I submit?
Paste 250-300 words of your writing—chapter, essay, devotional, etc.—into an email along with your answers to these interview questions (send to calebbreakey@gmail.com):
- 1—What three adjectives best describe you?
- 2—What do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors?
- 3—Tell us about your writing. If you write fiction, which genre are you writing?
- 4—Concerning writing, what do you hope to achieve in the next year?
- 5—How would your best friend describe you to someone who’s never met you?
- 6—What is the strangest thing you’ve ever done?
- 7—What/Who inspires you?
- 8—What are your special interests, hobbies, activities, volunteer work?
- 9—What are you passionate about? What would you like to teach others about?
Please keep each question in front of each answer. Example: “What/Who Inspires you? (Your answer goes here, such as “Every author on the planet.”)
Summary Paragraph: You may add a 100-word summary / description / synopsis / quote to your submission. This will be posted directly above your 300 words, with the purpose of giving your readers a hint of what’s to come.
Q: What’s the process from there?
There are two featured writers per week (Monday, Tuesday). On Thursdays and Fridays, Caleb posts his video blog/edit that highlights the writer’s strengths and focuses on one or two tools/techniques that will help the writer reach another level in craftsmanship. Saturdays and Sundays are considered ‘backup’ days to post the vlogs, if Caleb is swamped that week).
Q: Is there a fast track to getting my page critiqued?
Yes. So you’ll definitely want to know the term LADDER JUMPS.
Ladder jumps move you closer to the top of the Page Critique Ladder (first-timers) or the Breakian Ladder (long-timers). Jumps are based first on attitude/spirit, second on informative/thought-provoking insight, and third on length. (Length doesn’t get you anything more than one jump if there’s little substance).
You earn ladder jumps by:
1) Posting Full Sandwich Comments (encouragement, critique, encouragement) on the work of other Teen Writers. When writing Full Sandwich Comments, refrain from using phrases such as “I don’t like this” or “This didn’t work for me.” Instead, go deeper. Give a reason, a possible solution. Help the writer by stating how the writing made you feel (good or bad), then offer suggestions as to how the writer might be able to make the writing better.
2) Commenting on ANY article, vlog, or post on the site. We’re not looking for poetry, just a thought or idea that hit you. Share it with us, and your submission will move up the ladder.
NOTE: When participating in the comments, please keep these guidelines in mind:
1) Absolutely no derogatory, antagonistic or offensive comments or posts. Disagreement is understood, but make it your ambition to disagree in a loving and kind-hearted manner.
2) Please refrain from texting or juvenile language, as it impedes readability. Strive to use proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar in all posts.
Q: What if my work has already been critiqued? May I submit again?
Of course! Caleb keeps track of Teen Writers new to the site on the Page Critique Ladder, and Teen Writers experienced with the site on the Breakian Ladder.
The Teen Writer at the top of the Breakian Ladder may send 500 words to caleb@calebbreakey.com or calebbreakey@gmail.com at any time, and Caleb will post it on the site.
Q: Can I send more than 300 words?
No, but you can submit more work even after you’ve had a page critiqued.
Don’t despair over the 300 words number. Caleb can usually get a grasp of a writer’s style in that amount. The key to the vlogs/critiques is for you to apply what nuggets you learn to the rest of your work. Keep in mind that you’ll glean from other writers’ critiques too.
Q: Are you SURE I can’t send more than 300 words?
Again, yes. To submit only 300 words makes you concentrate on your hook and beginning. Do you, as Dean Koontz writes in How to Write Best-Selling Fiction, “plunge your character into terrible trouble” right away? You’d be surprised how much better your first 300 words can get if you’re willing to work with them.
Q: Know of some good resources to help my submission stand out?
Below are some—but certainly not all—of the resources Caleb has found extremely helpful.
Books
- Plot and Character, Jeff Gerke (Christian)
- The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction, Jeff Gerke
- Writing the Breakout Novel, Donald Maass
- The Fire in Fiction, Donald Maass
- Stein on Writing, Sol Stein
- How to Grow a Novel, Sol Stein
- The First Five Pages, Noah Lukeman
- The Plot Thickens, Noah Lukeman
- The Art of War for Writers, James Scott Bell (Christian)
- Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Browne & King
- On Writing, Stephen King
- How to Write Best-Selling Fiction, Dean Koontz
Websites
- Literary Agent Rachelle Gardner (Christian)
- Literary Agent Nathan Bransford (no longer an agent)
- Literary Agent Chip MacGregor (no longer blogging)
- Writer, Producer, Brand Strategist Kevin Kaiser
- Publisher of Marcher Lord Press Jeff Gerke
- CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers Michael Hyatt
