2021 Mentee Interviews

Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, what do you write, and what are you working on right now?

My name is Imani. I’m a Harlem, NY-based aspiring writer. I write Romance/Women’s fic. Right now, I’m between two MSes: a second-chance romance (my WTMP entry) and another related book exploring different themes (it’s still a little too new to talk about).

What kind of stories are you interested in exploring in your career as an author?

Primarily, I want to tell stories that center black women, POC and marginalized communities, in love but also generally speaking in life too. I want to see them living their best lives and getting the happily-ever-afters (in whichever forms they take) that they deserve. That we deserve.

What's the best thing about you as an author?

I write in an accessible style. Apparently, I do character chemistry well (which is necessary for romance, LOL!) and I have been told I have an ear for dialogue.

How have you developed as an author during this mentorship period? Is there anything that you didn't think before about the craft that you think now?

I think I got a greater understanding of the mechanics of writing in my genre. What works, what doesn’t work, how and in which way to appeal to my target audience. My mentor Sami, gave me notes about how scenes are supposed to work, what was redundant, what needed further work. I don’t know if it’s all craft, per se, but I gained confidence in my writing. She shared tips and her own methods with me for crafting scenes.

 I think that imposter syndrome is probably par for the course as writers, but it can get crippling and undermine your work. You get mired in the doubt, thinking you’re kidding yourself that you can craft a quality story that people (other than you) want to read. Sami was terrific about cheerleading at every step and encouraging me on what worked well, what needed to change and what needed to be dropped entirely. It helped me to be more self-assured. She helped me understand that I had something of value to say and people would want to read it, even if I didn’t necessarily always think so. 

If every book is a book baby, then it takes a village to raise a book. Are there any people who stand out to you as people who helped you in your writing journey?

Number one, Sami, of course, she was so enthusiastic and I trust her judgement so much that I was kind of forced to believe in myself, in a weird way. She shared her practical, institutional knowledge of the industry with me at a time when I needed that guidance. My CPs, my beta reader, my writing partner, our WTMP slack group that was always a source of levity, advice, helpful commiseration and also a boss-level cheering section for our entire cohort when needed. On in the ghostly realm, there’s also my fam that’s departed but totally 100% knew I had a story (or stories) in my heart well before I realized it. I still feel their encouragement and belief in me when I doubt. But all these people believed, and frequently when I didn’t believe myself, they held me up.

What do you think is the biggest necessity for a group of writing friends?

A willingness to work hard, revise often, give encouragement and kudos frequently –when needed. Also, a group that have the bravery to tell the truth when necessary…but delicately. Oh, and very, very good communication skills.

Any parting words for young writers looking for guidance, or a community?

Definitely apply for writing fellowships (my MS improved by leaps and bounds through the WTMP process). Find not only critique partners or a writing group (writing in various genres) for motivation and support, but also a writing partner (or two) with whom you can just go back and forth privately on all the minutiae of your MS – in this case, someone preferably in your genre, (and who’s work you also enjoy and admire).  Befriend someone further along in the process than you so that you can get advice and also know where the pitfalls are to help you avoid them,  Also, it’s probably not horrible to have a #boy/girl/nonbinarywritercrush, LOL!

What about your own craft, interests, and abilities drew you to your mentee and their work?

I am a huge, huge fan of romance - particularly Black led romances. But more than that, I love that DRAMA. That ANGST. When I read Imani's book, I knew it was for me when I read maybe two chapters and immediately said "oh this is JUICY." At that point, I simply thought I'd like the book. It wasn't until maybe the midpoint where I had these fully formed ideas about what edits to make, based on the (troublingly vast) leagues of romance books I've read. It was a book that I loved, that was true to genre, written beautifully, and funny. And it could still get even BETTER. That was when I decided I wanted to be a part of this book moving forward. That’s also when I sent this photo to the WTMP mentor chat:

Do you have a message for anyone interested in your mentee's work?

Be ready for excellence. I say that intentionally. Imani's book was excellent when I received it. It was of publishable quality. And in revision, she even had deleted scenes that - when I read them - made me FEEL. The OUTTAKES were excellent. I'm so very glad that she chose me as her mentor, and I am absolutely geeked to see her career take off.