2021 Mentee Interviews

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

Hi! My name is Kristen Willey. I write YA suspense books set in rural locations. I’m currently working with my WTMP mentor, Nicole Bea, to revise my book WHEN LAKE CLOVER TAKES HOLD, a YA suspense with a speculative element, set in the mountains of Kentucky, where I spent my childhood. There’s lots of cozy/spooky vibes with a small tourist-trap town, a bargain with a lake witch, a string of missing people, and pie!

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

My favorite books to read and write are set in rural locations. I grew up in the middle of nowhere, just like those characters, so a lot of those books remind me of friends and family. I love picking up a book and feeling like I’m coming home. I recently read a YA anthology called Rural Voices, which I highly recommend, compiled of short stories all set in small towns and told from a variety of perspectives. Each of those stories gave me a small taste of nostalgia with elements I also like to include in my own writing. I also greatly enjoy books with a slightly spooky element, though not quite horror, and definitely see myself incorporating supernatural or paranormal elements in my future writing.

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

Flexibility and listening. I’m a plotter. I heavily outline books before I dig in and start drafting. However, oftentimes the plot has a mind of its own that requires me to stray from the outline to do what is best for the story. I like being flexible and following the story where it needs to go even if that means undoing some of my hard work. I think (and hope) I’m a good listener when it comes to CP feedback. Sometimes it can be hard to sort through a critique, knowing what pieces are really going to make the story shine, but I think I do a good job of visualizing where the story needs to go and applying the advice that will help me get there, again, even if that means undoing some hard work.

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 have gained confidence as a writer! Nicole has been an absolutely wonderful mentor. I believe the way she has approached working with me has greatly influenced the way I see myself as a writer. At the very beginning of the mentorship we discussed elements of the story I wanted to change, she gave me feedback on those ideas, and then I implemented the changes. Nicole answered my questions along the way and kept giving me feedback. Now that we’ve worked through most of the book and I’m able to look back on that approach, I can say I’m really proud of myself! I’m so glad Nicole became my mentor. She not only has helped me to gain confidence in my plotting abilities, but has also helped me tighten up my writing so the story is better on the page.

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?

The support of my husband has had the biggest impact on my writing journey. Knowing that a person so close to me believes in me and encourages me everyday has helped me to push through some of my writing doubts and allowed me to keep writing, even when I wasn’t sure if I could do it.

My mentor, Nicole Bea, has truly helped me gain confidence as a writer. She has helped me to really “see” my book and encouraged me to follow through with my ideas. With her help my writing skills have improved which has allowed my story to flow onto the page. She has given me solid industry related advice, which I think is invaluable in publishing.

Nicole Green (@NicoleDGree) has been a fantastic CP friend. We met through #CpMatch and ever since she has encouraged, inspired, and pushed me to follow through on my story goals. I’m ever so thankful for her stellar feedback and positive attitude.

My Write Cohort pals: Elizabeth Glaze (@yeslikethedonut), Marianne Bryan (@mariannewrites_), and Taylor-Dawn Francis (@astral__goddess). This is a group of wonderful writers who I am so lucky to have been matched up with. Along with amazing CP feedback, they have been my writing emotional support system. :)

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

The biggest necessities for a group of writing friends is openness and support. Reading and writing is all about sharing stories and ideas, and an open/accepting environment is the best place for that. To grow as a writer, I feel it is important to be open to a wide range of genres, audiences, thoughts, and perspectives. This pertains to reading, writing, and receiving feedback. Support is also a big one. Writing is hard. You need cheerleaders! Being able to talk to someone going through the same sort of things you’re going through is hugely helpful.

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

The best thing I ever did for my writing was to reach out and start a friendship. I did this through WriteonCon, #CpMatch, and The Write Cohort. It’s nice to have a family member or close friend in your corner, but it’s even better to also find someone who you can discuss writing craft with and maybe even vent frustrations. I love making new writer friends!! Please feel free to reach out to me on Twitter! @KristenMWilley

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

I absolutely loved the premise and creepy vibes of Kristen's story. There was something totally special about the way it was written and the fashion in which it spoke to me. I knew from the first chapter that it was a story I wanted to work with, and Kristen's responses to the questions and the way she approached the WTMP program felt like a great match. Additionally, I felt as if I had the ability to help clarify the story structure and build depth into the plot and characters, and was so excited to do so. I've always had a soft spot for these types of stories, and was so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to work on the book with Kristen.

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

Kristen is such a hard worker and so dedicated to telling her story in the best way possible. Her characters, plot, and even the word choice she uses to describe events and people are carefully thought out and considered to ensure they are appropriate and effective. She has been such a joy to work with, and I can't wait to see where the story goes in the future, and what path Kristen decides to take with her writing!