Hello my wonderful and very loyal readers! This weekend I had the great opportunity to talk all about Nevada's SCBWI's Mentor Program, at one of our local conferences. It went really well. But it really went well because my fellow mentee and critique partner, Tracy Clark lovingly helped me through the process. And not to mention that our group of writers attending were made of awesomeness as well.
So becuase I am in LOVE with the mentor program and think you all should sign up, I thought I'd share some of this weekends highlights on the program.
Here are posters about my emotional process through the program...
The Nevada SCBWI’s Mentor Program is such a rare opportunity. There aren’t many programs out there that offer something so unique and extraordinary. If you’re thinking of applying I would strongly encourage you to. You will walk away from the program with that extra jump you need to help bring your writing up to a higher, more professional level.
Our 2012 Mentor Program has something new this year! We’ve added a Published/Agented level, where before we just had a pre-published writer’s category. But even if you don’t fit into that group it’s still a very exciting and fantastic time to apply.
So what’s all the excitement about? Well, this year we have A-list authors like Holly Black, Kathleen Duey, and our very own Ellen Hopkins. But if you’re not published or agented we also have more A-list authors/agents for you to work with like Terri Farley, Verla Kay, Deborah Nourse Lattimore, Susan Hart Lindquist, Abigail Samoun, and Suzanne Morgan Williams.
And here's another fun visual (because I am a visual junkie)...
The Mentor Program is probably for you if…
- You’ve been attending a critique group regularly and are beginning to get very positive feedback on your work.
- You’ve submitted to publishers and received “good rejections.”
- You’ve been invited to send more work to an editor.
- You’ve published in other fields or other genres of children’s books and want to break into something new.
- You aren’t sure if you fit any of the above categories, but the program seems made for you, and you are willing to work hard and respond to constructive criticism and comment.
The Mentor program may not be right for you if…
- You expect publication and to get an agent immediately after completing the program.
- You don’t like to read or write.
- You think your work is perfect and needs little to no work.
Program Kick-off…
- May 18-20, 2012 – Tahoe Writer’s Retreat, Stateline Nevada
- Jennifer Rofé, from the Andrea Brown Literary Agency
- Abigail Samoun, from the Red Fox Literary Agency
Helpful hints if you get into the mentor program…
- Remember that your mentor is busy too. They’re not only busy with other fellow mentees but with family, writing, and whatever else life throws at them.
- Your mentor will help find your weaknesses and help give you new strengths.
- Embrace your fellow mentees. They are a great companion through the process.
- Be patient and keep working hard on your manuscript.
- Enjoy the process!
During the program…
- May 18, 2012 to October 12, 2012
- You will receive critique/revision/illustration input exchanges between mentors and mentees.
- Each mentee will get at least 3 critical feedbacks, by mail or e-mail, provided he/she meets the deadlines.
Program Wrap-up…
- October 12-14, 2012 (Fall Mentor Retreat, Virginia City, Nevada)
- Guest editor to be announced.
The application deadline is December 1, 2011. So if you're interested check out The Nevada SCBWI's website here and GOOD LUCK!! Hope to see all your wonderful faces in the program this year!
