Our mentors are editing, 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 6, 2019, we hope you’ll take a moment during your writing breaks and get to know our 2018 Pitch Wars Teams.
Next up, we have . . .
Rowyn Ramsky – Mentee
Aty S. Behsam – Mentor
Aty, why did you choose Rowyn?
The amazing voice of her novel WHAT HAPPENED TO 143 grabbed my attention immediately. Rowyn is not only a skillful storyteller, but is also always eager to become even better. Her will and her story impressed me to the point that she became a finalist on my list from the moment I read her submission, and I was almost sure I wanted to work with her after asking her questions about revision process. She’s amazing!
WHAT HAPPENED TO 143 is a touching story of a boy who’s had to suffer alone for years, enduring endless fear and anxiety caused by his ability to see ghosts. It’s a nightmare for Max, but he’s kind enough to try and help some of the ghosts. His story is about bravery, love, friendship, and sacrifice wrapped in mystery and dark humor. Also, Max has a “possessed” cat! How could I ever say no to that?
Rowyn, why did you choose to submit to Aty?
When choosing my mentors, I put my focus into finding those who specifically requested LGBT+ books. LGBT representation is something that’s hugely important to me, and I wanted a mentor who appreciates it as much as I do. Aty stood out as someone who truly could help me improve my novel, and also shared my passion for diversity. She was also one of the few mentors who not only sought LGBT characters, but also Paranormal stories!
Aty, summarize Rowyn’s book in 3 words.
Ghost Boy Mystery
Rowyn, summarize your book in 3 words.
Medium solves mystery
Aty, tell us about yourself. Something we may not already know.
I’m an Iranian writer, artist, translator, and environmentalist. I graduated in English Translation BA, and have been teaching writing and art for the past ten years, mentoring writers, story coaching, and judging in writing competitions. I introduced the first English Novel Writing classes in Iran. I have also worked as an editorial assistant, cover artist, and art director, and have published short stories in the UK. Last year I became a Pitch Wars mentee with my novel Coup De Grâce, which I’m truly proud of. I’m currently working on initiating Iran’s first writing mentorship program.
Rowyn, what do you hope to get out of the Pitch Wars experience?
More than anything, I just want my story to be the best it can be. Though I love the current draft, I know there are improvements that could be made. I’m also hoping to make long-term connections with other Pitch Wars mentees. I’ve already learned so much, I know that the PW experience is going to stick with me throughout my entire writing career.
Rowyn, tell us about yourself! What makes you and your manuscript unique?
Hi! I go by the pen name Rowyn Ramsky. My writing can be found on Wattpad, where I’ve received various contest awards and have a growing audience of nearly 4k followers and a combined read-count of over 1 million. Diversity is my oxygen when it comes to writing and reading, so of course my characters are often LGBT+ and/or PoC. I think what makes my manuscript unique is the fact that it’s a paranormal mystery featuring ghosts and ghouls, but also a gay lead. Gays and ghosts aren’t something I’ve come across a lot in media—which is a darn shame because those are two of my favorite things. It’s also not often I find YA stories about paranormal ghost-hunting accounts, which was one of my favorite scenes to write in What Happened to 143. But above all else, this book features possessed house pets, a missing school bus, and ghost-y romances with the restless dead. I think all of that makes for a pretty unique read.
Thank you for supporting our Pitch Wars Teams! The Agent Showcase is February 6 – 11, 2019. We hope you’ll join us to support our teams on the Twitter hashtag #PitchWars.
