NEWS!

​Yes, yes, yes. I promised this blog would go out on Wednesday last week. I failed miserably, I know. I had other blogs scheduled plus work and edits and kids, so I have valid excuses! :) Anyway, here's part two as promised. 

I shared some insight on Monday as to why I've been celebrating lately and you can read about that right here, but there have been other goings on behind the scenes, and I made a big ol' decision earlier in the year that I wanted to talk about. 

It still pains me to think about this and to share my decision brings on triple tears, but a few weeks back, I decided to hang up my Pitch Wars mentoring hat.

*SOBS*

Ugh. I'm so sad. Pitch Wars has been one of my most positive, exciting, and satisfying experiences of the last few years. I HAVE LOVED IT. Loved my fellow mentors, my mentees, and I loved Brenda and Heather with all my heart. I still love them all. Being part of this opportunity for new writers gave me so much and became something I missed and anticipated in each off season. 

Having the opportunity to read so many upcoming writers' queries and first pages has been an honour. Honestly. I know people say that, but I really do mean it. It's a weird feeling, that you've been trusted with one person's words, that they've already put their faith in you as a mentor to guide them and help them polish their craft. And I got to work with a handful of INCREDIBLE people. I will be forever indebted to those I chose as mentees each year...

J.S. Roberts
Stacey Goldstein
Melanie Dixon
Kimberly Afe
Kirk Kraft 

...my co-mentors...

J.C. Davis
Ashley Martin
Amanda Rawson-Hill
Cindy Baldwin

... the other writers I connected with via the contest (you know who you are!), all the people I chatted with via Twitter, and all the new friends I've made. You have given me so much and actually kept me going through some hard times. When my dad passed a couple of months before the contest opened in 2016, the focus on Pitch Wars and the support of my friends held me up. 

So, yeah, it's safe to say that this annual contest is a blessing and I know it will continue going from strength to strength, offering opportunities for new writers to hone their skills, make new friends and build their communities, and maybe even launch some more sparkly careers. 

But, because I know I am going to miss the whole mentoring experience too much, added to the fact that I'm cutting back on my editing services this year (though Rebecca, copy editor extraordinaire, definitely won't be!), I have decided to offer something special. Later this year, of which the details of entry will be shared via one of my next newsletters, I would like to offer a one-year mentorship to one writer. The writer can have a manuscript already written or they can be at the idea brainstorming pre-writing bit. I don't mind at all. I just want to continue paying it forward. All I will ask is that the writer is committed and enthusiastic to learn - that's it. 

So, if you think this is something you'd like, please do sign up to my newsletter to find out the details of how to enter, as well as all the editing and writing advice that comes with it. It won't be right now, more likely something that will commence in the autumn. I really haven't settled on the details yet. 

But, in the meantime, goodbye Pitch Wars. A part of my heart will always belong to you. And thank you so much for everything you've given me. It's now my turn to be the writer - of course with some editing in between! 

*SOBS*