I know the writing updates have been scarce, but I have a new exciting opportunity and I thought this would be the perfect excuse to update you.
Some of you may have seen that Sara Ella is offering a Summer Mentorship program from June through August. Sara is the bestselling author of the Unblemished trilogy, Coral, and The Wonderland Trials. The sequel to her Curious Realities duology comes out in September, and I am sooo excited!
Sara has one of the most beautiful hearts I’ve ever seen. Her writing touches deep places in delicate ways. I’ve worked with her a little in the past through the Author Conservatory, and her encouragement gave me strength at a difficult time in my writing.
As you may recall from my 2023 New Goals post, I mentioned a novella project that I may be expanding into a novel. Last year, Sara gave me craft critique on that novella (SGH for short), and she agreed to do a developmental edit of the project in August this year. She’s been one of the biggest supporters of the story so far and a large part of why I’m working to expand it and pitch it traditionally.
When I saw the opportunity to work with Sara for a Summer Mentorship program, I thought what better timing! It would be the perfect way to prepare for pitching SGH at Realm Makers this year and I’ve already learned so much from her. It would simply be such a delight to work with her in an even closer context.
My best friend, Cassie, and I both applied and we were accepted into her buddy program, so we’ll both be sharing the Summer Mentorship opportunity.
As you may know, Cassie and I are accountability partners for more than just our writing, but we both love to support one another especially in writing. Cassie has some beautiful heart stories that I can’t wait for the world to see! This opportunity is a blessing for both of us and I’m thrilled I get to do it with my best friend. <3
We have our first meeting with Sara today, so send prayers as we embark on this new season with one of the most gracious mentors in the industry. And as always, thank you for your encouragement as I walk this road.
Wow, I didn’t know you were getting ready to pitch your novella at Realm Makers! Or that you’re working with Sara Ella. That is so, so cool!! So excited for you and Cassie. Praying it all goes well! ~Valari
Thank you, Valari! Yes, we were both so excited to be accepted into the summer program she’s doing! Last year I had 3 or 4 people at conferences who saw my concept and asked if Steve had seen it yet, so I’m going to show him this year and get his feedback, if nothing else. Expanding it into a novel has been a challenge, but if he doesn’t like it, I can just go back to the self-publishing idea!
So, so cool! Excited for you. 😀
Thank you!