Hello Mentors and Fellow Potential Mentees!
I’m Rena, a self-proclaimed science fiction & fantasy geek. If
a story has unique magic systems, epic battles, new and clever worlds, reimagined
gods and mythologies, non-western settings, devastating personal and far-reaching
stakes, and anything to do with space and technology without being too flimsy
or dry, I’m the girl for it. (I promise I don’t have any ridiculously long
sentences like that in my book!)
Speaking of my book...
THE LAST WITCHDOCTOR is a West
African-inspired YA fantasy about Arrah, a seemingly powerless girl who must
use her ingenuity and wit to stop her family of witchdoctors from reuniting two
fractured realms and unleashing the Demon King—who has an insatiable thirst for
consuming souls. I originally wrote this book in 2013 and dusted it off at the
beginning of the year (and by dust it off I mean I started over from scratch!).
I’d love to work with a mentor who can help me make this book epic.
My dream mentor would:
Collaborate – I’m super
open to new ideas and love brainstorming with other writers.
Communicate – Skype,
Hangouts, direct messages, and by phone if a mentor is okay with that. I’d prefer
that not all communication be through email where meanings and intent sometimes
fall into a black hole.
Honesty – Tell me
what’s not working with my manuscript. I value thoughtful feedback that gives
insight into the reason that something may not be working. I’m good with a few
compliments sprinkled in there too.
Focus on Big Picture and Line
Edits – If time permits I’d like to do three rounds of revisions
during Pitch Wars: big picture revisions, line edits, and a final sweep through
the manuscript. I understand that some mentors won’t have the time to do three,
but if a mentor is game for that I’ll work my hardest to make it happen.
A few SFF authors I adore:
- N. K. Jemisin
- Laini Taylor
- Octavia Butler
- Leigh Bardugo
- Heidi Heilig
- Renee Ahdieh
- Traci Chee
- Laura Ruby
- Sarah J. Maas
- Erin Morgenstern
- JK Rowling
Random things about me.
I love Star Trek: TNG. I love it so much that when times are tough nothing makes me feel better like firing up my DVR and watching my favorite episodes.
I love popcorn. Really who doesn’t love popcorn? But none of
that caramel stuff!
I love nature and the outdoors, but I’ve never been camping.
Feel free to judge me J