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 5, 2020, we hope you’ll take a moment during your writing breaks and get to know our 2019 Pitch Wars Mentor and Mentee Teams.
Next up, we have . . .
Maiga Doocy – Mentee
Hayley Stone – Mentor
Erin A. Tidwell – Mentor
Hayley & Erin, why did you choose Maiga?
The initial prologue Maiga submitted with her entry was a standout with its beautiful voice, and great setup featuring a delightfully taciturn girl capable of magic paired with a soft-hearted boy who dreams of flying—but we were conflicted. The sample chapter felt like MG, and after we requested the full and read more, we were on the fence about whether the novel might not be better as YA. We loved it anyway, though, and after some soul-searching, figured out how to elevate its more adult themes and keep it firmly entrenched as an adult novel.
Maiga, why did you choose to submit to Hayley & Erin?
I was immediately drawn to Hayley and Erin’s request for morally complex, character-driven fantasy. As I went through their wishlist it checked off more and more boxes for me. Strong platonic friendships? Yes! They enjoyed Circe and Spinning Silver? Awesome! I also really liked the tone their wishlist struck. It came off as very friendly, while still providing a lot of specific information. That seemed like just what I was looking for in a mentor!
Hayley & Erin, summarize Maiga’s book in 3 words.
Ambition. Dreams. Control.
Maiga, summarize your book in 3 words.
Power. Yearning. Growth.
Hayley & Erin, tell us about yourself. Something we may not already know.
Erin: I was the official fish drawing champion of my 4th grade class!
Hayley: I once lost a spelling competition in the 8th grade over the word “homogenized”. I have never forgotten this, and one day I will have my revenge.
Maiga, what do you hope to get out of the Pitch Wars experience?
I’d love to learn how to better structure my writing, and also get a feel for interpreting constructive criticism. I haven’t had the chance to get much feedback from other writers, so I’m really looking forward to seeing my book through someone else’s eyes. I’m also hoping to connect with other mentees and maybe make some new friends!
Maiga, tell us about yourself! What makes you and your manuscript unique?
I’m a bit of a fantasy nerd (I tried to teach myself elvish after reading LotR), I have a deep love of sad songs, and I’ve kept track of every book I’ve read since the age of thirteen. My manuscript was born during a time when I was really struggling to complete any of my novel ideas. I started so many projects, but always got stuck and walked away. To get a feel for finishing things I decided to write a short story every month. One of these short stories was inspired by a beautiful painting my brother did, and I ended up loving the characters so much I wrote my first novel length draft about them. Many revisions later, that draft is what I submitted to Pitch Wars!
Thank you for supporting our Pitch Wars Teams! The Agent Showcase is February 5 – 10, 2020, and our next Twitter Pitch Party on #PitMad is March 5, 2020! Want to know more about #PitMad? Go here.
