Our mentors are mentoring, our mentees are revising, and we hope you’re making progress on your own manuscript! While we’re all working toward the Agent Showcase starting on February 10, 2021, we hope you’ll take a moment during your writing breaks and get to know our 2020 Pitch Wars Mentor and Mentee Teams.
Next up, we have . . .
Jenny Marie – Mentee
Rachel Griffin – Mentor
Rachel, why did you choose Jenny?
Jenny’s submission stood out to me right away! It was full of things I absolutely love: atmosphere, romance, curses, and nature. When I started reading her manuscript, I was instantly pulled in by her gorgeous writing, and the story kept me hooked the entire way through. The main character is gentle and loves fiercely, and she ultimately finds her strength in those things, which is a theme that deeply resonates with me.
That is a theme that resonates deeply with me also. OK, Jenny, why did you choose to submit to Rachel?
When I first read Rachel’s mentor post and wishlist, I just *knew* she would be a perfect fit for my manuscript. She loved romance and literary books and atmosphere and my MS was all of those things. I also loved that she had so much experience, both with Pitch Wars and in the writing world. I am always eager to learn whatever I can from someone willing to teach and Rachel is fantastic at that! I love her vibe and am very grateful she chose me and that I have the opportunity to work with her.
I’m glad you found the perfect fit! So, Rachel, summarize Jenny’s book in 3 words.
Atmospheric, autumn, slow-burn
Ohh sounds lovely! And, Jenny, summarize your book in 3 words.
atmosphere, kissing, (and) secrets
Rachel, tell us about yourself. Something we may not already know.
I did a ton of research on the weather for my debut novel, and I heard about a class the National Weather Service was holding to become a certified weather spotter. So I signed up and spent an evening learning about weather patterns and what to watch out for, and I walked away with a ton of knowledge for my book—as well as a certificate from the NWS!
OK, Jenny, what do you hope to get out of the Pitch Wars experience?
I love growing in my writing craft and building relationships. Pitch Wars is fantastic for both of those things. I’ve already learned so much during my first round of revisions and met so many new, fantastic people. And, of course, it’s always the dream to have a great showcase and meet the right agent, too!
Yay for learning new things and meeting fantastic people! And, Jenny, tell us about yourself. What makes you and your manuscript unique?
I’m very introverted *laughs awkwardly*. I hope my manuscript is unique because of its quiet, passionate heart. My MC thinks she’s unimportant and weak, but she’s stronger than she knows, even if her only weapon is her love for others. I hope she can be an inspiration in that way.
Love it! Welcome to the PW family! Thank you both for taking the time to answer our questions and let us all get to know you!
Check out Rachel’s debut novel, THE NATURE OF WITCHES, releasing on June 1, 2021. You can preorder now!
Practical Magic meets Twister in this debut contemporary fantasy standalone about heartbreaking power, the terror of our collapsing atmosphere, and the ways we unknowingly change our fate.
For centuries, witches have maintained the climate, their power from the sun peaking in the season of their birth. But now their control is faltering as the atmosphere becomes more erratic. All hope lies with Clara, an Everwitch whose rare magic is tied to every season.
In Autumn, Clara wants nothing to do with her power. It’s wild and volatile, and the price of her magic―losing the ones she loves―is too high, despite the need to control the increasingly dangerous weather.
In Winter, the world is on the precipice of disaster. Fires burn, storms rage, and Clara accepts that she’s the only one who can make a difference.
In Spring, she falls for Sang, the witch training her. As her magic grows, so do her feelings, until she’s terrified Sang will be the next one she loses.
In Summer, Clara must choose between her power and her happiness, her duty and the people she loves…before she loses Sang, her magic, and thrusts the world into chaos.
Thank you for supporting our Pitch Wars Teams! The Agent Showcase is February 10-15, 2021. Make sure to stop by then and check out all our mentees’ entries when it opens.