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cailinwrites.bsky.social
Cailin Barrett-Bressack
@cailinwrites.bsky.social
280 followers 150 following 110 posts
NYC-based Author (upmarket spec fic)
https://www.cailinwrites.com/
Rep: @alexbrownwrites, Mad Woman Lit Agency
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cailinwrites.bsky.social
Cailin Barrett-Bressack @cailinwrites.bsky.social · 10d
Guide to THE MAGIC OF NOW
The story of a 62-year-old farmer, the goat her sister is reincarnated into, and the new age cult that could be behind it

Feat:
🐐women-led cult
🐐explorations of grief
🐐sister relationship
🐐neuroscience
🐐offbeat humor
🐐surrealism x light sci fi
#Questpit #AG #A #S
The Magic of Now The story of a 62-year-old farmer, the goat her sister may be reincarnated into, and the new age cult that could be behind it. Guide to By: Cailin Barrett-Bressack Rep: Alex Land, Mad Woman Literary Agency Gyla, 62-year old in mourning, encounters a mysterious goat on her farm that she suspects contains the consciousness of her recently deceased sister, Tina. Her quest for answers eventually leads to ReNewAll, a reclusive new-age community fixated on death and grieving– and with a goat on their brochures. In addition to nonsensical classes like Stargazing with Your Eyes Closed and Untangling the Truth through Macrame, ReNewAll and its neuroscientist leader teach The Magic of Now, a practice that allows members to vividly revisit memories of their deceased loved ones. As Gyla grows from skeptic and unlikely cult infiltrator to a willing member of ReNewAll’s inner circle, she must ultimately choose between immersing herself in an illusion of the past where Tina is still alive (and human), or dedicating herself to the imperfect (but tangible) version of her sister that is trapped inside the body of a goat. The Pitch The Comps cult comps Teal Swan Mother God Elizabeth Holmes quirky humor and warmly acerbic wit surrealism that highlights life’s bittersweet beauty speculative exploration of insular communities themes of memory and identity Eternal Sunshine Catherine House Aimee Bender How to Age Disgracefully A Snippet The Milky Way painted across the bowl of sky is technicolor and dizzying. The stars seem close enough that if she were to reach out and run her hands across the pricks of them, they’d snag splinters in her fingertips. The wind grows louder. Gyla walks towards her pond, the forest pressing into the shore on three sides. Later in the spring, the pond's surface will be laced with pale green algae, but this early in the season the water is smooth glass, reflecting the night sky and also—the goat. Gyla sees its reflection first, then draws her eyes up to where it stands motionless across the water. It’s hard to make out every detail in the muted blues of night, but she can tell who it is the moment she sees it. “Tina?” Gyla whispers. The goat cocks its head to one side in response. Gyla is not sure why she says her sister’s name aloud. It’s a physical knowing, the same way she senses weather changes in the marrow of her right knee. When she sees the goat, she feels her sister with her for the first time in months. The goat approaches her cautiously. Its ear is pierced where an identification tag had been, but the tag is gone, and Gyla can see the stars reflecting on the surface of the pond through the small empty window in the cartilage. Gyla knows she should be wondering if her mind is playing tricks on her. But she doesn’t waver in her conviction. Somehow, she can tell–this is her sister. It’s Tina.
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
cailinwrites.bsky.social
When Gyla discovers her deceased sister’s soul is trapped in a goat's body, she will do anything to figure out why–including joining a cult.

AIMEE BENDER X ETERNAL SUNSHINE X CATHERINE HOUSE

#Questpit #AG #S
The Magic of Now The story of a 62 year old farmer, the goat her sister may be reincarnated into, and the new age cult that could be behind it. Unique manifestations of grief woman led cult offbeat humor central sister relationship neuroscience meets "woo" psyeudoscience Older female protagonist by cailin barrett bressack rep: alex land, MWLA Images of goat, field, meditation, brain scan, farms.
November 5, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
cailinwrites.bsky.social
Guide to THE MAGIC OF NOW
The story of a 62-year-old farmer, the goat her sister is reincarnated into, and the new age cult that could be behind it

Feat:
🐐women-led cult
🐐explorations of grief
🐐sister relationship
🐐neuroscience
🐐offbeat humor
🐐surrealism x light sci fi
#Questpit #AG #A #S
The Magic of Now The story of a 62-year-old farmer, the goat her sister may be reincarnated into, and the new age cult that could be behind it. Guide to By: Cailin Barrett-Bressack Rep: Alex Land, Mad Woman Literary Agency Gyla, 62-year old in mourning, encounters a mysterious goat on her farm that she suspects contains the consciousness of her recently deceased sister, Tina. Her quest for answers eventually leads to ReNewAll, a reclusive new-age community fixated on death and grieving– and with a goat on their brochures. In addition to nonsensical classes like Stargazing with Your Eyes Closed and Untangling the Truth through Macrame, ReNewAll and its neuroscientist leader teach The Magic of Now, a practice that allows members to vividly revisit memories of their deceased loved ones. As Gyla grows from skeptic and unlikely cult infiltrator to a willing member of ReNewAll’s inner circle, she must ultimately choose between immersing herself in an illusion of the past where Tina is still alive (and human), or dedicating herself to the imperfect (but tangible) version of her sister that is trapped inside the body of a goat. The Pitch The Comps cult comps Teal Swan Mother God Elizabeth Holmes quirky humor and warmly acerbic wit surrealism that highlights life’s bittersweet beauty speculative exploration of insular communities themes of memory and identity Eternal Sunshine Catherine House Aimee Bender How to Age Disgracefully A Snippet The Milky Way painted across the bowl of sky is technicolor and dizzying. The stars seem close enough that if she were to reach out and run her hands across the pricks of them, they’d snag splinters in her fingertips. The wind grows louder. Gyla walks towards her pond, the forest pressing into the shore on three sides. Later in the spring, the pond's surface will be laced with pale green algae, but this early in the season the water is smooth glass, reflecting the night sky and also—the goat. Gyla sees its reflection first, then draws her eyes up to where it stands motionless across the water. It’s hard to make out every detail in the muted blues of night, but she can tell who it is the moment she sees it. “Tina?” Gyla whispers. The goat cocks its head to one side in response. Gyla is not sure why she says her sister’s name aloud. It’s a physical knowing, the same way she senses weather changes in the marrow of her right knee. When she sees the goat, she feels her sister with her for the first time in months. The goat approaches her cautiously. Its ear is pierced where an identification tag had been, but the tag is gone, and Gyla can see the stars reflecting on the surface of the pond through the small empty window in the cartilage. Gyla knows she should be wondering if her mind is playing tricks on her. But she doesn’t waver in her conviction. Somehow, she can tell–this is her sister. It’s Tina.
November 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
bookbabewriting.bsky.social
🌲Spooky mountainside town
📷 missing hikers
🌲 aloof and mysterious bartender with plenty of secrets to hide
📷 suspicious locals
🌲#ownvoice Indigenous, Queer, and Autistic rep

#Questpit #A #AG #PR #H #W
Water dripping off leaf, old motel sign, mountainside river, girl in leather jacket, wild howling, girl on computer, hand and wild print, foggy forest, missing posters, full moon
November 5, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
bookbabewriting.bsky.social
Jennifer's Body x Together We Rot
Boys start to disappear in Lyric’s backwards backwoods town and her best friend/crush Eleanor was the last person they were seen with, leaving Lyric to investigate if something is monstrously wrong with her friend.
#Questpit #YA #AG #H #R #Ownvoice
old church, girl running in cowboy boots, old bible, girl with lighter under tongue, old cassette, girl licking red off hands, fair at night, old field, old church and pews
November 5, 2025 at 6:45 AM
cailinwrites.bsky.social
Guide to THE MAGIC OF NOW
The story of a 62-year-old farmer, the goat her sister is reincarnated into, and the new age cult that could be behind it

Feat:
🐐women-led cult
🐐explorations of grief
🐐sister relationship
🐐neuroscience
🐐offbeat humor
🐐surrealism x light sci fi
#Questpit #AG #A #S
The Magic of Now The story of a 62-year-old farmer, the goat her sister may be reincarnated into, and the new age cult that could be behind it. Guide to By: Cailin Barrett-Bressack Rep: Alex Land, Mad Woman Literary Agency Gyla, 62-year old in mourning, encounters a mysterious goat on her farm that she suspects contains the consciousness of her recently deceased sister, Tina. Her quest for answers eventually leads to ReNewAll, a reclusive new-age community fixated on death and grieving– and with a goat on their brochures. In addition to nonsensical classes like Stargazing with Your Eyes Closed and Untangling the Truth through Macrame, ReNewAll and its neuroscientist leader teach The Magic of Now, a practice that allows members to vividly revisit memories of their deceased loved ones. As Gyla grows from skeptic and unlikely cult infiltrator to a willing member of ReNewAll’s inner circle, she must ultimately choose between immersing herself in an illusion of the past where Tina is still alive (and human), or dedicating herself to the imperfect (but tangible) version of her sister that is trapped inside the body of a goat. The Pitch The Comps cult comps Teal Swan Mother God Elizabeth Holmes quirky humor and warmly acerbic wit surrealism that highlights life’s bittersweet beauty speculative exploration of insular communities themes of memory and identity Eternal Sunshine Catherine House Aimee Bender How to Age Disgracefully A Snippet The Milky Way painted across the bowl of sky is technicolor and dizzying. The stars seem close enough that if she were to reach out and run her hands across the pricks of them, they’d snag splinters in her fingertips. The wind grows louder. Gyla walks towards her pond, the forest pressing into the shore on three sides. Later in the spring, the pond's surface will be laced with pale green algae, but this early in the season the water is smooth glass, reflecting the night sky and also—the goat. Gyla sees its reflection first, then draws her eyes up to where it stands motionless across the water. It’s hard to make out every detail in the muted blues of night, but she can tell who it is the moment she sees it. “Tina?” Gyla whispers. The goat cocks its head to one side in response. Gyla is not sure why she says her sister’s name aloud. It’s a physical knowing, the same way she senses weather changes in the marrow of her right knee. When she sees the goat, she feels her sister with her for the first time in months. The goat approaches her cautiously. Its ear is pierced where an identification tag had been, but the tag is gone, and Gyla can see the stars reflecting on the surface of the pond through the small empty window in the cartilage. Gyla knows she should be wondering if her mind is playing tricks on her. But she doesn’t waver in her conviction. Somehow, she can tell–this is her sister. It’s Tina.
November 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
chezza.bsky.social
IMMORTAL x A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS
A reincarnated immortal and an emotionally damaged cowherd must escape the heavenly forces intent on tearing them apart.

✨A love destined to fail
✨A jealous Celestial Empress
✨An underworld filled with both torture and hope

#questpit #AG #RF
Photo of a man and woman in hanfu holding a red string. A FATE WOVEN IN STARLIGHT. Quote: “I meant it when I said I feel a connection between us, Shizhi. Like we’re meant to be together, but the feeling has an edge of uncertainty. I can’t explain it.”
November 5, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
chezza.bsky.social
THE JASMINE THRONE x THE HURRICANE WARS
Captured in the palace of her nemesis, a demon queen plots her revenge. If only the woman who killed her mother wasn’t so irresistibly alluring…

🪻Blood poison magic
🪻Detestable immortals
🪻Food as seduction

#questpit #AG #RF
Photo of two women, one in red robes and one in blue. There is a graphic of monkshood on the side. BLOOMS IN POISON. Quote: “I suppose that debt can only be repaid with my life,” said Jing. “I’m afraid I cannot pay it just yet, little queen.” “I shall ensure that you will.”
November 5, 2025 at 5:24 AM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
katylapierre.bsky.social
DON'T LET THE FOREST IN x BRING HER BACK

When Parker's family ink magic predicts her best friend's death, there's only one option—cast a forbidden spell to resurrect her. But an ink demon lurks and one wrong spell will damn both their souls to an inky hell for all eternity 💀.

#questpit #ya #h #ag
Photo collage showing: bonfire on a beach, a person inking a tattoo on a forearm, dark trees in front of the moon, a couple holding hands, ink blossoming out of a book, two friends covering each other's eyes, and ink hand holding a burned bundle of sticks, a charred dandelion, Wiccan symbols in the sand, a person's hand reaching out from a dark ocean, a person with a cloud of ink coming from their mouth.
November 5, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
yaldacollection.bsky.social
THE MAID X FINLAY DONOVAN

10 coworkers.
1 dead manager.

A trio of coworkers must find their office manager's killer, before their scathing resignation emails are discovered, making them the prime suspects. #questpit #editorsguide #AG

🏃‍♀️Escape room whodunit
💘 Office romance
November 5, 2025 at 5:11 AM
cailinwrites.bsky.social
When Gyla discovers her deceased sister’s soul is trapped in a goat's body, she will do anything to figure out why–including joining a cult.

AIMEE BENDER X ETERNAL SUNSHINE X CATHERINE HOUSE

#Questpit #AG #S
The Magic of Now The story of a 62 year old farmer, the goat her sister may be reincarnated into, and the new age cult that could be behind it. Unique manifestations of grief woman led cult offbeat humor central sister relationship neuroscience meets "woo" psyeudoscience Older female protagonist by cailin barrett bressack rep: alex land, MWLA Images of goat, field, meditation, brain scan, farms.
November 5, 2025 at 12:36 PM
cailinwrites.bsky.social
A New York City snippet from my WIP to remind everyone to please get out and vote for @zohrankmamdani today❤️

We deserve a little hope, don’t you think?
November 4, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
ascrowder.bsky.social
My style involves questions! The most important thing for me is making my mentee’s book the most *that book* it can be, so I will be asking about intentions. I don’t want to take apart what works, but I want to hone what’s there (which isn’t to say no rewrites, just intentional ones) #HiveMentor
writehive.bsky.social WriteHive 🐝 @writehive.bsky.social · 12d
#HiveMentor Ask Me Anything Q1: What is your mentorship style? What can mentees expect from working with you?
November 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
frogandtoadbot.bsky.social
“I hope that if I bang my head against the wall, it will help me to think of a story,” said Toad.
Toad spins around, dizzy, head hurting. From "The Story" In *Frog and Toad Are Friends*
November 3, 2025 at 11:37 AM
cailinwrites.bsky.social
Teasing my WIP using my last 8 internet searches 🐦

#SpecLit #Authors #AmDrafting #Writesky
google searches of the following: Do pigeons sneeze? history of rorschack test weirdest constellations food served at manhattan central booking do pigeons have taste buds how high can a house sparrow fly social media tracking through ip address plant roots electricity microbiology
October 2, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
cailinwrites.bsky.social
AIMEE BENDER X ETERNAL SUNSHINE

Based on beta reader reviews, you'll come to
THE MAGIC OF NOW for cults & Goat Tension™️ but stay for the existentialism & sobbing!

#A #Spec about a 62-year-old farmer, the 🐐 her sister is reincarnated into & the new age cult that could be behind it
#UnhingedPit #AG
The Magic of Now Beta Reader Comments for By: Cailin Barrett-Bressack Rep: Alex Land, MWLA I sat down after work today intending to read another fifty pages and ended up reading the whole ding-dang book. Holy shit this is such a good twist was not ready for this what i love most about this book is how it challenges your perceptions about existentialism and what it means to be human. Who knew hearing a goat's perception could make you think so deeply? i would die for these nuns this feels like her azula moment ok yas girlboss except goat tension
September 23, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
bookbabewriting.bsky.social
Red flags for my Sapphic bubblegum horror
Lyric's red flags:
Obsessed with her best friend
In the midst of a coming of rage
Eleanor's red flags:
Will ditch you for boys
Possibly a cult member
Is the last person said boys were seen with before they disappeared
#unhingedpit #YA #H #AG
Lyric: In love with her best friend,thinks her friend and the dead boys showing up are connected, smart and loyal a concoction for trouble. Quote "Every day I choose to have her in my life like a toxic habit I can't quite quit." images of girl running in cowgirl boots and image of girl with lighter under tongue Eleanor: may or may not be a part of a cult, has a taste for boys and an unhealthy obsession with her best friend, is a ride or die quite literally. Quote-"do I need to kick someone's add because you know I will do it. " images of girl with red on her hands, and another with a girl licking a lollipop.
September 23, 2025 at 2:40 PM
cailinwrites.bsky.social
AIMEE BENDER X ETERNAL SUNSHINE

Based on beta reader reviews, you'll come to
THE MAGIC OF NOW for cults & Goat Tension™️ but stay for the existentialism & sobbing!

#A #Spec about a 62-year-old farmer, the 🐐 her sister is reincarnated into & the new age cult that could be behind it
#UnhingedPit #AG
The Magic of Now Beta Reader Comments for By: Cailin Barrett-Bressack Rep: Alex Land, MWLA I sat down after work today intending to read another fifty pages and ended up reading the whole ding-dang book. Holy shit this is such a good twist was not ready for this what i love most about this book is how it challenges your perceptions about existentialism and what it means to be human. Who knew hearing a goat's perception could make you think so deeply? i would die for these nuns this feels like her azula moment ok yas girlboss except goat tension
September 23, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
cjvickwrites.bsky.social
I made a thing to celebrate a thing.😈🛼💕💄

HORROR MOTH is a whole-heart homage to all the campy, blood drenched 80s horror I grew up on.

The ragtag group of pi$$ed off middle-aged final girls are just the cherry on top. 🍒💋

#WritingCommunity #horror #writers
September 3, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
alexbrownwrites.bsky.social
I am re-opening to queries for underrepresented/marginalized writers ONLY!

If you think we’d be a good fit, feel free to use this link to query me: QueryTracker.net/query/AlexBr...

I’ll try to stay open for at least a month! Can’t wait to read your work!!! 🥳
Query Alex Land at Mad Woman Literary Agency
QueryTracker.net
August 26, 2025 at 12:47 AM
cailinwrites.bsky.social
This book has EVERYTHING: trash raccoon MC, demon parties, slow burn romance, and its all wrapped up into the fabulous critique of capitalism we all need

I could not be more EXCITED for @stephwrites.bsky.social and for the rest of YOU to read this friggin' book
stephwrites.bsky.social Stephanie Binx @stephwrites.bsky.social · Aug 22
It’s official!

@alcovepress.bsky.social is bringing HELLBOUND to a bookstore near you in Fall 2026!
A publisher’s marketplace deal announces HELLBOUND has been acquired by Alcove Press for publication in Fall 2026. The background depicts a man and a woman facing away from each other.
August 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
sandraproudman.bsky.social
✨Please share and bookmark!✨

In one week the We The People Summer fundraiser will begin to benefit #KidLit4Ceasefire families in Gaza and immigrant and trans rights!

www.32auctions.com/WeThePeopleS...

+ A small thread of other ways to help that are now live and will be live long-term:
August 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
deenahelm.bsky.social
This has started today - you can bid on over 380+ items now! I’ve donated three 30 page critiques but there are lots of other great items out there: www.32auctions.com/WeThePeopleS...
August 18, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
darellecowley.bsky.social
Something wicked is waiting in the woods...

...and she's hungry.

#PosterPit #A #AG #F #WIP
A poster mock up with a forest background, howling wolf in shadows with text. Text reads: Political Intrigue One Horse Fairytale Retelling Found Family Stolen Magic Something wicked is waiting in the woods Best Howl, Riveting Spell Casting, Worst Timing Project Fairytale 90% Outlined
August 16, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
holdencreates.bsky.social
WARCROSS x ONE OF US IS LYING

DEADLY ARCHETYPES is a fast paced, grounded YA sci-fi that features:
- a high-tech, high stakes VR competition game
- an unlikely group of allies
- the ticking clock of a mind control glitch
- hero x villain archetypes
#PosterPit #AG #SF #YA
August 16, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Reposted by Cailin Barrett-Bressack
chezza.bsky.social
DAUGHTER OF MOON GODDESS x SONG TO DROWN RIVERS

Falling in love shouldn't be this difficult. When family and fate are trying to keep them apart, how far will Shizhi and Mingniu go to defend their love? To the stars above...or hell itself?

Art by hisurii❤️
#PosterPit #AG #F
Movie poster for A Fate Woven in Starlight by Chezza Lee. A feminist take on an epic Chinese love story about fate, sacrifice, and women reclaiming their place in their own stories.
August 16, 2025 at 6:58 AM