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 . . .
Chris Vonderhaar – Mentee
Paris Wynters – Mentor
Paris, why did you choose Chris?
I just absolutely loved this story and connected to it on a personal level. Plus, Chris has a killer voice and I was laughing out loud as I was reading this manuscript. Also, we both seemed to be on the same page about what this story needed to really make it sparkle based on the questions I had asked. I felt Chris and this manuscript were a perfect match for me.
Chris, why did you choose to submit to Paris?
I knew Paris was going to be one of my mentor submissions because she’s a romance writer and her wish list talked about wanting romance, family stories, strong friendships and seasoned main characters – my MC just turned 40! I also loved what she listed in her skills/ mentoring style – I knew I needed developmental help with my story structure and character development. I’d submitted to her in 2020 as well and didn’t get a request from her, but she was such a good fit I submitted again this year (after major revisions on the same manuscript). I’m so glad I did!
Paris, summarize Chris’s book in 3 words.
Divorced Mom Makeover
Chris, summarize your book in 3 words.
Soccer mom rom-com
Paris, tell us about yourself. Something we may not already know.
One of the things I enjoy doing is scaring the crap out of myself. Case in point, I have a huge fear of flying. Like sweats and shaking and get nauseas and freak out during any amount of turbulence. Well, I also am taking flying lessons (and no it doesn’t help with the fear, but hey if there is ever a zombie apocalypse I am a little better prepared if I never need to fly a small plane to escape).
Chris, what do you hope to get out of the Pitch Wars experience?
I sent a numbered list to Paris on just this topic, because I like bulleted lists and organization. First, I want to up my writing game. This is my third novel but I think I always stopped short of the revision and editing I needed to do before querying – I think I finally understand what revision actually is! I was definitely not doing it like this before. Second, I want to build out my writing community, which has definitely already begun to happen with other mentees, especially the romance mentees. Third, unsurprisingly, I’d love to be able to successfully query and secure a literary agent. Time will tell how that goes.
Chris, tell us about yourself. What makes you and your manuscript unique?
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.