Part of a series introducing the Mentors for the 2019-2020 SCBWI-WWA Mentorship Program. This post introduces two picture book Mentors, Kelly Jones and Michele Bacon. To apply for the mentorship program visit here: https://wwa.scbwi.org/2019-mentorship-program/. Application Deadline: July 30, 2019.
Mentor: Michele Bacon
Michele Bacon writes contemporary realistic fiction for all ages. From a young age, Michele was drawn to people’s stories, and she remains eager to learn how you met your best friend or fell in love. Her work focuses on families, friends, and the complicated relationships therein. Michele is a nerd for Harry Potter, tabletop game enthusiast, passionate skier, grammarian, lover of prime numbers, and voracious traveler. She’s visited all 50 states and dozens of countries, always eager to hear people’s stories and immerse herself in other cultures. Wherever she goes, Michele enjoys helping other writers find their voices.
Q: Why do you like to mentor aspiring writers?
I truly enjoy helping others find their voices and tell their stories. Working one-on-one allows me to do a deep dive into another writer’s work and process. Mentoring locally ensures we can meet face-to-face at least once, and develop a rapport before tackling the hard work.
Q: What does being a successful published professional look like to you?
This answer is deeply personal to every one of us. Personally, I’d like to continue writing and publishing stories for children for years to come.
Q: What can a mentee expect from your mentorship?
After a close read of your manuscript—which is probably longer than 50,000 words if it’s complete—I’ll provide a thorough and frank editorial letter, after which we will together identify the areas we’ll work on for the duration of our mentorship.
Q: What are you reading?
I loved N. K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy, which I finished earlier this month. At turns heartbreaking and hopeful, it’s a series I will reread in a year or two. I read Crazy Rich Asians to satisfy the “book turned into a movie” requirement for Seattle Public Library’s Summer Book Bingo. Kwan’s descriptions are deliciously colorful. In work for younger readers, I started Starfish, by Akemi Dawn Bowman, this morning.
Q: What are you working on these days?
I’m on the verge of completing a contemporary realistic YA contemporary, after which I’ll delve into a contemporary realistic MG series. I can’t wait!
Mentor: Kelly Jones
Kelly Jones worked as a librarian and a bookseller before becoming an author. Her first book, the middle grade contemporary fantasy Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer, was an Indies Introduce Pick, an ALA Notable Book, an SLJ Best Book, and a Kirkus Reviews Best Book. Her second book, the YA Regency fantasy Murder, Magic, and What We Wore, made the 2018 Amelia Bloomer List of the best feminist books for young readers and received a starred review from School Library Journal. You can find her at her website: curiosityjones.net, or on Twitter and Instagram: @curiosityjones.
Why do you like to mentor aspiring writers?
Editing an entire novel was much more difficult for me to learn than line editing, so it feels good to pass on hard-earned knowledge. New tools and techniques can really help writers dig in and transform a book, and working one-on-one lets us just focus on what that story needs.
Q: What does being a successful published professional look like to you?
I think it’s important to define what your particular version of success is. Mine is writing books that push me to learn and grow and try new things. Publishing is my way of sharing those books with readers.
Q: What can a mentee expect from your mentorship?
A lot of questions, a lot of thinking, and a lot of work! I don’t have a prescriptive answer for every writing challenge. I’ve got a toolbox with a lot of tools to try, and I can help you decide how you want to tackle the challenges we identify. I also like sharing a look backstage at what’s going on in my writing career for mentees who are interested.
Q: What are you reading?
Lots of graphic novels lately. I loved the first Sanity & Tallulah by Molly Brooks and The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell and friends.
Q: What are you working on these days?
Getting ready for my new book Sauerkraut to come out September 10th!