Pitch Wars Team Interview with Elliot Smith and his mentor, Gabrielle Byrne

Our mentors are editing, our mentees are revising, and we hope you’re making progress on your own manuscript! While we’re all working toward the Agent Showcase on November 3rd-9th, we hope you’ll take a moment during your writing breaks and get to know our 2016 Pitch Wars Teams.

And now, we have Team Fiery Stakes . . .

Elliot Smith – Mentee

Twitter | Website

Gabrielle Byrne – Mentor

Twitter | Website

Elliot: Why did you choose Gabrielle?

Like most mentees, I expect, I made my decision by casting lots and consulting a Ouija board. Gabrielle was a unanimous choice since she asked for MG historical fantasy, and I liked the gifs on her twitter account, which is widely regarded as the primary means of judging whether someone will like your writing.
Gabrielle: Why did you choose Elliot’s manuscript?

I chose Elliot’s book because the story wouldn’t let me move on. The MC’s voice is wonderfully snarky. The stakes couldn’t be higher. The premise is unique, and fun, and irresistible. Also, my Ouija board backed me up.
Elliot: Summarize your book in three words.

American (Witch) Revolution
Gabrielle: Summarize Elliot’s book in three words.

Revolution. Magic. Betrayal. (a.k.a. A Must Read)
Elliot: Tell us about yourself. What makes you and your MS unique?

I’m not sure I qualify as unique aside from a troubling addiction to tea, but my manuscript is the American Revolution turned up to 11, because everything is better with magic. After all, there is no proof Abigail Adams wasn’t a witch.
Gabrielle: Tell us about yourself. Something we might not already know.

Well, folks can learn quite a bit about me through Winged Pen, and through my bio, but something you won’t know is that I wore a back brace for several of my teenage years. For that reason (among others) I have a strong, abiding love for Frida Kahlo. Other things I adore, in no particular order, are rain, cat purrs, open windows, and sweatpants.

Thank you for supporting our Pitch Wars Teams! And remember, there’s a #PitMad Twitter pitch party on September 8th.