Tag Archives: Writing the Breakout Novel

AUDACIOUS: My YA Autism Novel Is Ready for Traditional Publishing

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Why I Wrote AUDACIOUS: A Personal Connection to Autism

Good news, I’ve finished my third novel, AUDACIOUS. It took a few years to complete, but I’m incredibly proud of the result. Writers are often told to “write what you know,” and for this novel, I took that advice to heart. AUDACIOUS holds deep personal significance because it draws from my experience raising a son with ASD.

Autism can be an isolating condition. I wanted to explore that loneliness, the hunger to feel “normal,” and the unique strengths that come with neurodivergence. The story of Xavier, the protagonist, reflects this inner battle in a world that often misunderstands him.

Getting Feedback: How Critique Groups Shaped My Story

Each chapter of AUDACIOUS was workshopped with my writing critique group, the Lesser North Texas Writers. Their honest feedback during the first round of beta reads helped me refine Xavier’s voice and the emotional arc of the story. (See my post on critique groups for writers here.)

Querying Agents: My Steps Toward Traditional Publishing

Believing the manuscript was ready, I began querying YA literary agents. Here are some milestones from that journey:

  • Attended DFWCon 2024 in North Texas, which re-energized my publishing mission.
  • Pitched to agents at the conference, but no full manuscript requests.
  • Hired former literary agent Mark Malatesta to review my query package. His feedback was incredibly valuable and led me to revise my materials and deepen my story’s appeal.

Craft Books That Shaped AUDACIOUS

Mark recommended three books that influenced my final revisions:

1. Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass

Maass teaches how to elevate fiction with high stakes, emotional resonance, and layered conflict. His insights helped me push past clichés and dig deeper into Xavier’s motivations and inner world.

2. Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

Brody’s storytelling “beats” helped me realize I had intuitively followed most of them. I made two key adjustments:

  • Xavier’s “lesson” is now spoken aloud by his nemesis, Todd, a choice that adds tension and irony.
  • I strengthened the moment where Xavier decides to act, triggered by bullying and a troubling police encounter.

3. Story by Robert McKee

I’m still reading this one, but even the first 25% has helped me analyze structure and emotional truth. I plan to finish it during the next revision cycle.

The Current Query: AUDACIOUS – A YA Contemporary Novel with a Sci-Fi Twist

Here is the core of my query:

AUDACIOUS is a 74,000-word YA contemporary novel with light sci-fi elements. Xavier is an autistic teen obsessed with being normal. When his social skills leader dismisses his therapy, he rebels, stealing his neurotraining equipment and modifying it to work with his gaming console.

His stutter fades. His confidence soars. He even wins over Julie, his crush. But when his synesthesia evolves into auditory hallucinations and he loses his only friend, Xavier must face a harsh truth: he can’t gamify his way out of being himself.

What Sets AUDACIOUS Apart

If you liked Marcelo in the Real World or Every Last Word, you’ll recognize the emotional honesty and character depth in AUDACIOUS. But Xavier’s sci-fi-enhanced neurotherapy and his rebellion against being “special” give this story its own fresh identity.

What’s Next: Indie Publishers or Self-Publishing?

So far, no full requests from agents. My next step is to query smaller, independent publishers who champion unique YA voices.

Self-publishing remains an option, but it will require a solid marketing plan, something I didn’t fully have for my last novel. I’m exploring better strategies this time.

Other Works in Progress: Second Coming of Bruce

I’ve also completed and begun querying The Second Coming of Bruce, a 21,500-word middle-grade novel based on true events from my father’s childhood and his unforgettable dog, Bruce.

It blends historical fiction, humor, and a lightly omniscient voice (including Bruce’s inner thoughts). If you enjoyed Because of Winn-Dixie or Shiloh, this story may hit the same emotional notes.

Final Thoughts: Writing the Right Story at the Right Time

Publishing is never predictable. But the obvious next step is to keep writing. I’m also working on:

  • A New Age novel centered around past lives
  • A middle-grade fantasy with light horror and magical realism

Every story brings me closer to the right fit, the right time, the right agent, and the right readers.

Want to Read More?

Check out my other posts on writing, publishing, and inspiration at dukedroste.com.