As I am new to Red Room, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those who will stop by my member page.

My name is Brian M. Gelinas. I am a newspaper reporter and published creative writer. I published my first novel, American Odyssey, in October 2006 through POD publisher Outskirts Press Inc. I am currently working to promote and market the novel, while at the same time querying agents to determine if there is interest on the part of any in representing the manuscript to a traditional publisher. (The contract with Outskirts is non-exclusive and can be canceled at anytime. I retain all rights.)

Based on today's countless headlines of kids either in emotional trouble, on the run or committing any number of crimes, the book centers on three less-than-fortunate teenage boys who run away from their troubled lives in a depressed New England factory town to find the justice in life they feel they deserve. A tumultuous cross-country journey ensues that affects each one in unexpected ways, forever changing their lives and resulting in an unplanned murder.

This gritty, true-to-life coming-of-age story is written to appeal to both adults and mature young adults, with the latter being the target audience. Revealing the characers and their motives through flashbacks and their present day actions, the novel offers a relevant, first-person account of innocence lost and the consequences of choices made. Interwoven into the intricate plot are several universal themes that are relevant to all teenagers: The need to believe in oneself and others; the significance of strong ties to family and friends, and the need for parents to be there for, and to accept their kids.

Through my efforts over the last year and nine months, I have interested at least one agent with a major agency in NYC, who had good words to say about the manuscript, but ultimately did not feel it would be a fit for her. In addition, four movie industry professionals downloaded a PDF file of the book from InkTip.com for consideration, the novel received high praise as an entry in the 2007 Writer's Digest International Self-published Book Awards competition, and a teacher at a local high school has read the book and is going to approach the district school committee for approval to use it in his English class this coming fall.

Aside from using Red Room to aid the promotion of this novel and future works, I look forward to interacting and networking with other members as I continue to learn my way around the site.