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 #TeamKraken . . .
Taylor B. Gardner – Mentee
Kim Long – Mentor
Taylor: Why did you choose Kim?
She was my dream mentor. Before I read her wish list, I was excited by her sage writing advice, kindness to and encouragement of other writers, and thoughtful posts on social media. And, then, her wish list was a perfect fit. She listed stories with smart girls who like science and puzzles first. I couldn’t believe it. I am thrilled and incredibly lucky to be working with such a talented, generous, imaginative, and fun mentor.
Kim: Why did you choose Taylor’s THE SOCIETY OF FLYERS?
Let’s start with the concept–a Society of Flyers with a girl MC who is a fan of aviation? Heck, yeah! So original! But in addition to the cool concept, it comes down to the writing. “Junior high would crash faster than a plane with a broken piston if kids found out who she really was.” That’s on page 2, folks. And then, when I advised Taylor of my ideas for revisions, she was not only ecstatic but started brainstorming on the spot. As a mentor, all I can ask is to get to work on something I love for two months with someone who loves it as much as I do.
Taylor: Summarize your book in three words.
Secrets. Puzzles. Flying.
Kim: Summarize your mentee’s book in three words.
Smart. Fun. Flygirl.
Taylor: Tell us about yourself. What makes you and your MS unique?
As a child, I dreamt of learning the secret steps to be able to fly with the birds, but I never remembered them when I woke up. My book, THE SOCIETY OF FLYERS, is based on that dream. It is the story I’ve wanted to tell for as long as I can remember. When I am not inventing puzzles, stories, or challenges, I devour all types of books. I have a special place in my heart for middle grade books with smart girls, mysteries, magic, and different ways to look at the world. I live in beautiful San Francisco, and I love things that are silly, dancing when it rains, and eating chocolate for breakfast.
Kim: Tell us about yourself. Something we might not already know.
All of my MG experience is finally paying off! Mu oldest niece is graduating from chapter books. She loves that I am inundating her with things to read!
Thank you for supporting our Pitch Wars Teams! And remember, there’s a #PitMad Twitter pitch party on September 8th.
4 Comments
Dana Kramaroff · September 5, 2016 at 3:47 pm
This looks like an awesome MG book that I would want my 11 year old to read!!
Kimberly Gabriel · September 6, 2016 at 6:26 pm
Yep – love that quote and the concept!!
Faith E Hough · September 7, 2016 at 1:42 pm
This sounds spectacular! You have to get it published so my daughter (and, ahem, I) can read it! 🙂
Taylor B. Gardner · September 9, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Thanks everyone!
Comments are closed.