Welcome! This is my 3rd year mentoring Pitch Wars. I’m mentoring MG, and I’d love to see your submission if you think we’d be a good fit.
A little about me: Books are my life! I have a B.A. in Creative Writing, I’ve spent the last ten years working with teens and children in a public library and I’m represented by Shannon Hassan of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
MY MENTOR WISHLIST
I read a variety of genres and categories, but my favorites are fantasy, horror and historical. (Bonus points for dark fantasy!) I also tend to enjoy mashups of genres, such as historical fantasy. Lately I’ve gotten more interested in mystery as well. A strong voice and polished writing are a must. A few of my wish list wants are: a character driven plot, fairy tale retellings, scary stories, spirited heroines, underdogs, diverse authors and characters, adventure, fantastical quests, stories based on folklore or myths, and unusual/unique settings. I’m a total sucker for stories with creepy, strange and atmospheric worlds. High stakes, stories revolving around friendship/family and a premise that's quirky or unconventional is bound to get my attention. I love, Love, LOVE first person POV, though I’d never rule out other POVs if the voice hooks me. The characters that stick in my mind are the ones who aren't afraid to be themselves and who fight for what they believe in no matter what.
To get a sense of my taste, here are some of my recent favorite MG/YA books:
WHAT I’M NOT SUITED FOR
Contemporary, humorous, or light hearted books are just not my cup of tea. I’m not looking for animal narrators or overly sassy or cocky main characters. Also, “issue” books and stories with unreliable narrators are not in my wheelhouse to best mentor. On the page violence involving children or animals is an immediate no from me in any genre.
Finally, why should you pick me as a mentor? I met and signed with my agent, Shannon Hassan, through a writing contest. So I’m a contest veteran. We’ll have your pages and pitch shinier than a Golden Snitch! I will tell you what works and what doesn’t work in your novel and help you brainstorm ways to fix your manuscript’s problem areas. Also important to me is providing a critique that doesn’t compromise your vision, but rather asks your book to be the best it can be. I give detailed notes, and am happy to provide line edits if that's something you want. I will be your cheerleader, but I will not go easy on you. After all, I’m very competitive and I want you to succeed! One thing about me is I value relationships, so I encourage open and honest communication. I am still in fairly regular contact with both of my previous mentees, and that is something I strive for as a mentor.
So, if you have an MG story that’s dark, creepy or strange, fantastical or brings history to life, I do hope you’ll sub to me! Don’t forget to take a look at the other fabulous mentors on Brenda Drake’s website: www.brenda-drake.com
Follow me @KRwriter, visit me on GoodReads, or like my Facebook page to learn more about me!
A little about me: Books are my life! I have a B.A. in Creative Writing, I’ve spent the last ten years working with teens and children in a public library and I’m represented by Shannon Hassan of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
MY MENTOR WISHLIST
I read a variety of genres and categories, but my favorites are fantasy, horror and historical. (Bonus points for dark fantasy!) I also tend to enjoy mashups of genres, such as historical fantasy. Lately I’ve gotten more interested in mystery as well. A strong voice and polished writing are a must. A few of my wish list wants are: a character driven plot, fairy tale retellings, scary stories, spirited heroines, underdogs, diverse authors and characters, adventure, fantastical quests, stories based on folklore or myths, and unusual/unique settings. I’m a total sucker for stories with creepy, strange and atmospheric worlds. High stakes, stories revolving around friendship/family and a premise that's quirky or unconventional is bound to get my attention. I love, Love, LOVE first person POV, though I’d never rule out other POVs if the voice hooks me. The characters that stick in my mind are the ones who aren't afraid to be themselves and who fight for what they believe in no matter what.
To get a sense of my taste, here are some of my recent favorite MG/YA books:
- THE INQUISITOR’S TALE: OR, THE THREE MAGICAL CHILDREN AND THEIR HOLY DOG by Adam Gidwitz
- THE RAT PRINCE by Bridget Hodder
- SECRETS OF SELKIE BAY by Shelley Thomas More
- THE JUMBIES by Tracey Baptiste
- HOODOO by Ronald L. Smith
- THE GAUNTLET by Karuna Riazi
- CARAVAL by Stephanie Garber
- LABYRINTH LOST by Zoraida Cordova
- THREE DARK CROWNS by Kendare Blake
WHAT I’M NOT SUITED FOR
Contemporary, humorous, or light hearted books are just not my cup of tea. I’m not looking for animal narrators or overly sassy or cocky main characters. Also, “issue” books and stories with unreliable narrators are not in my wheelhouse to best mentor. On the page violence involving children or animals is an immediate no from me in any genre.
Finally, why should you pick me as a mentor? I met and signed with my agent, Shannon Hassan, through a writing contest. So I’m a contest veteran. We’ll have your pages and pitch shinier than a Golden Snitch! I will tell you what works and what doesn’t work in your novel and help you brainstorm ways to fix your manuscript’s problem areas. Also important to me is providing a critique that doesn’t compromise your vision, but rather asks your book to be the best it can be. I give detailed notes, and am happy to provide line edits if that's something you want. I will be your cheerleader, but I will not go easy on you. After all, I’m very competitive and I want you to succeed! One thing about me is I value relationships, so I encourage open and honest communication. I am still in fairly regular contact with both of my previous mentees, and that is something I strive for as a mentor.
So, if you have an MG story that’s dark, creepy or strange, fantastical or brings history to life, I do hope you’ll sub to me! Don’t forget to take a look at the other fabulous mentors on Brenda Drake’s website: www.brenda-drake.com
Follow me @KRwriter, visit me on GoodReads, or like my Facebook page to learn more about me!