Welcome to the Pitch Wars Team Interviews by Marnise Nicole
Bringing you a closer look at each Pitch War Team and their project.
Be sure to comment with support, comments, and questions.
Meet Becky Dean and Marty Mayberry
Team WhoMustNotBeNamed
Marty Mayberry (Mentor), tell us a little about yourself.
Ever since I read C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series in third grade, I’ve loved books. I discovered Stephen King as a teen, then branched out to John Steinbeck (I know, weird combination). After reading Judy Blume, my love of young adult fiction was born. Some of my favorite young adult authors include Rainbow Rowell, Stephanie Perkins, and Suzanne Collins. I’m also partial to Harry Potter. In fact, I’ve been sorted into Hufflepuff (hard work, patience, justice, & loyalty). I’m ready to leave for Platform 9-3/4. *taps fingers* Where’s that letter?
Travel is my favorite thing in the world (except for—maybe—my family and kitties). Too long ago, I participated in a six month college exchange program, where I lived with a family in Germany. While the family seemed to enjoy my company (or maybe it was my baking?), they found fun things to keep me busy during school breaks, including trips to Austria and Munich. And, since the Easter holiday lasts a month (truly), I got to travel through southern France and Italy with the canoe club (I never did ride in a canoe, but I tried to eat my weight in baguette). It’s only natural that I combine my love of travel with writing.
My stories take place in foreign locations, and include romance and (whenever possible) ancient civilizations.
Becky Dean (Mentee), tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Becky, and I love books! I write YA contemporary, although my first several manuscripts were YA sci-fi or fantasy, and I still love those genres too. As for reading, if it has words, I’ll read it. I prefer YA, but enjoy adult sci-fi, fantasy, and mysteries. In YA, I love a little of everything: sci- fi, especially with space travel (a result of too many science fiction TV shows as a kid); fantasy of all sorts; an occasional mystery or thriller; light-hearted contemporary. Since I love to travel in real life, I never say no to road trip books or stories set overseas. Whether in real life or fictional worlds, I want to be swept away somewhere new. My writing reflects this—I usually include journeys, adventures, or new places. I like to keep things light with happy, fun stories that leave a smile on your face.
Marty, why did you decide to participate in Pitch Wars?
So many experienced authors have helped me during my writing journey. Pitch Wars is one tiny way to pay it forward.
Becky, why did you decide to participate in Pitch Wars?
I heard about Pitch Wars last year right before it opened but didn’t have anything ready. This year I saw a tweet and remembered how awesome it sounded. I was in the middle of querying and decided this would be a great way to take my manuscript to the next level. There are so many great writers serving as mentors, and I’m very happy I ended up with Marty—she’s talented, helpful, and her books are exactly the types of stories I love to read!
Marty, what are you most excited for?
Becky has worked so hard to get it ready for the agent round. Her manuscript has incredible voice and a unique plot. I absolutely can’t wait for the world to read her manuscript.
Becky, what are you most excited for?
It’s been so much fun meeting people, and it was amazing to find someone (other than my CPs) who loves my manuscript and wants to help. I’m excited to improve the story, learn some new tricks, and make my manuscript as good as it can be.
Marty, describe your novel in 3 words.
Brit lit road-trip
Becky, describe your mentee’s novel in 3 words.
Literary Amazing Race
Check Us Out …
Becky Dean, Mentee
Becky Dean writes fiction for young adults. She grew up in Southern California, land of nice beaches, the Dodgers, and In-N-Out burgers. Now she lives in Central Texas, where she misses the ocean but enjoys the BBQ. When she’s not reading or writing, she loves to travel, be outdoors (but not in Texas in the summer), drink iced chai lattes, and watch football and science fiction shows on TV. Until recently, she worked in state politics in one of the prettiest buildings in Texas. Now she spends her days daydreaming about new stories and planning trips she may or may not take—but at least her characters can!
Marty Mayberry, Mentor
Marty Mayberry writes anything from young adult sci-fi and contemporary, to adult historical fantasy. When she’s not dreaming up ways to mess with her character’s lives, she works as an RN/Clinical Documentation Specialist. She has a BA in International Affairs in German and an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She lives in New England with her husband and children, as well as three neurotic cats and a geriatric chocolate lab. She’s a member of SCBWI, YARWA, and a PRO member of RWA. Her young adult sci-fi thriller recently won the YARWA’s Rosemary Award. She’s represented by Jessica Watterson of the Sandra Dijkstra Agency.
2 Comments
Eve Messenger · October 16, 2015 at 12:18 pm
Sounds like a great partnership. Best of luck to you both.
Brian Palmer · October 16, 2015 at 12:55 pm
I agree, it does! Best of luck to you two!
Comments are closed.