Pitch Wars Team Interview with Charli Kent and Mentor, Swati Hegde

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 9, 2021, we hope you’ll take a moment during your writing breaks and get to know our 2021 Pitch Wars Mentor and Mentee Teams.

Next up, we have . . .

Charli Kent – Mentee

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Swati Hegde – Mentor

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Swati, why did you choose Charli?

I was hooked on Charli’s romance novel, WHEN YOU KISS A STRANGER, from page 1, and as I kept reading, I was blown away by the beautiful depictions of grief, love, and hope in her words. I knew I wanted to mentor her because I had a really good editorial vision for the book as soon as I finished it and I was so eager to share my thoughts with her!

Charli, why did you choose to submit to Swati?

I chose to submit to Swati because it was obvious from her blog that she loves romance. Not only is she a romance writer herself, she mentioned she’s a fan of tropes and slow burn stories, both of which fit my manuscript. But it wasn’t just her knowledge of writing that caught my eye. She’s a life and mindset coach, and I felt that her guidance and cheerleading would extend beyond writing. Writing is an emotional journey, and I’m glad to have Swati in my corner. She’s been a dream to work with, and I’m looking forward to learning from her over the next few months.

Swati, summarize Charli’s book in 3 words.

Heartbreaking. Heartwarming. Hopeful.

Charli, summarize your book in 3 words.

Grief. Sweet. Love.

Swati, tell us about yourself. Something we may not already know.

I’m a romance author from Bangalore, India, currently working on a desi Jane Austen-inspired romcom series. Something about me that might surprise you: although I’ve lived in more than 6 Indian cities throughout my life, I’ve… never seen snow. Which is good, because I can’t stand the cold!

Charli, what do you hope to get out of the Pitch Wars experience?

Initially, I went into Pitch Wars wanting much needed help on the pacing of my book. But, I’ve quickly learned that Pitch Wars is so much more. There is nothing like having someone mentor you who is as excited about your story as you are. I know Swati’s advice is out of a genuine concern to make my manuscript stronger. That is a truly wonderful feeling.

Charli, tell us about yourself. What makes you and your manuscript unique?

I’m an English teacher by profession (twenty-two years) and a romance writer by heart. Although I don’t condone workplace romances, I met my husband while teaching at the same high school. I’ve been blessed with experiencing many embarrassing moments—like the time I accidentally glued myself to a metal folding chair backstage during a pageant—while naked. I figured I could cry about these moments or use them as fodder for my writing. I chose the latter.

I’m excited to revise my manuscript WHEN YOU KISS A STRANGER with Swati. I fell in love with my book’s hero, Trevor, when he was a side character in another story I wrote. I needed to make sure he had his happily ever after with a wonderful woman. It all unfolds in a workplace romance, because I know firsthand how well those can turn out.

Thank you for supporting our Pitch Wars Teams! The Agent Showcase is February 9-14, 2022. Make sure to stop by then and check out all our mentees’ entries when it opens.