WRITEHIVE ANNOUNCEMENT 📢 Surprise! I chose two mentees for @writehive.bsky.social #HiveMentor this year because I was obsessed with both their books. They are equal parts atmospheric & emotional and I couldn’t be more excited to work with them! Congratulations 🎉 🐝

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Stalking #WriteHive #HiveMentor mentee potentials this weekend. 👀

After announcements, I'll hit those follow back buttons. I want to keep connecting with writers and their beautiful stories.

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We're exactly two weeks away from #WriteHive #HiveMentor announcements.

Next week mentors will submit their final picks.

Total submissions: 127
My longlist: 15
Shortlist: 4
Second look: 8
Third look: 21

There's a story behind this pattern that I'm hoping to share in the new year.

I'm still working through submissions and found some beautiful, breathtaking work. I've curated a shortlist, revisited my longlist, and I'm still figuring out exactly how to help. This year's selections have been exceptionally tough because I love them all. #WriteHive #HiveMentor

All of these things are easily fixed with the right tools and guidance.

As a mentor, when I'm reading through each story, these are the things I think about. What does the story need? Is this something I can help with? Will I help or harm the story? Is the author ready? #WriteHive #HiveMentor

And finally, some stories move too fast, put too many 'world words' up front, and don't allow readers to breathe and absorb information before twelve more things are served up. Slow down, pace the information, breathe, allow readers to osmosis'ify (word of the day) and enjoy. #WriteHive #HiveMentor

Some stories get stuck on 'a day in the life of' characters to help clarify origin and setting, but forget to start the plot. In many cases like this, cut everything up to where the plot starts. Pull readers in fast, and let character decisions and motivations set the stage. #WriteHive #HiveMentor

Some stories have really strong, unique concepts that are so clear and magnificent, but as they weave in other elements, the story wanders off, or gets buried under the clutter. Cases like this require focus and an eye on structure. #WriteHive #HiveMentor

Some stories have strong, engaging prose and use powerful words, but then don't clarify certain story elements for readers. This can cause confusion, and might cause a reader to slip away. Often times this can be cleared up by clarifying those puzzle pieces. #WriteHive #HiveMentor

Some of the stories I'm reading are so strong, so engaging, that I think: does this person really need me? Do I have a vision for this? Would I make it better, or are they already better than me.

Sometimes authors get stuck, and it has nothing to do with their beautiful work. #WriteHive #HiveMentor

I love peeking at what other mentors are considering. We have a diverse range of interests - in story concepts, in what we find interesting, and how we think about the best way to help.

This is especially notable when you consider all modern readers and how they pick books. #WriteHive #HiveMentor

Good morning #WriteHive #HiveMentor folks. Just some early morning random thoughts as I dive deeper into your beautiful stories. 🥰

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Still reading all the things... #WriteHive #HiveMentor

If you're antsy and trying to keep busy until the #HiveMentor January 1st announcements, you can:
✨Read one of my books
✨Read another mentor's books
✨Read a #WriteHive anthology
✨Buy books for gifts this holiday season
✨...or just write your next book 😁

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With Thanksgiving on the horizon, I'm really looking forward to taking some time to read more dark and wonderful things as I work toward my shortlist. 😍

#WriteHive #HiveMentor

I read lots of queries. All gave me a great preview of the story's concept and shape.

I have not yet read any synopses. This will be part of the next phase of narrowing down - along with reading all the authors' wonderful notes on their query journey.

#WriteHive #HiveMentor 3/

I curated my longlist and read so many openers. They were all magic and created really strong impressions.

My longlist consisted of stories with two elements:
✨Fit my MSWL
✨Had a killer voice that engaged me right away

#WriteHive #HiveMentor 2/

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Years ago, when I was a mentee hopeful, the silence during the submission window was always the worst.

So for my hopefuls out there that need at least the occasional note, here we go... 🥰 #WriteHive #HiveMentor 1/

In case anyone is following for #HiveMentor updates, here's what I've been up to this week:

I've read through all submissions in my genres, starting with the query, then moving onto the first few pages if the story feels like a good fit for me.

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Reading through #WriteHive #HiveMentor submissions, and man... y'all really brought your A-Game this year. 😍

I've got my long list, and already everything I'm reading deeper into is ending right back on the list. 🤣

An upside-down grey tabby on a grey sheet with a blue blanket over his head.

Going through #HiveMentor subs again today. And #WritingCommunity, the quality is astounding! I'm so proud of y'all! Writing a book is hard. Making it this difficult to narrow down my VERY long list is even harder!

Writing companion tax included.

A grey tabby cat sleeping on a tan blanket.

A black and white cat laying on clothes in a drawer.

A black and white cat peeking out from under a tan and red blanket.

I'm in the subs for #hivementor today. I wanna say how amazing what I've read is! If you subbed, be proud of what you've accomplished. You're all super talented!

I'll probably post a process-type explanation thing at the end of December, but for now just know:

You all did great!

Pet tax included.

Good morning! For anyone who loves data, here are some snapshots of this year's #WriteHive #HiveMentor submissions.

Science Fiction and Mystery/Suspense were the most surprising (in a good way) trends this year. 🥰

Submissions are closed and I am absolutely NOT checking #hivementor for mentor hints or charts. Nope. Not me. 😉😇

#amwriting #writerslife #writingcommunity #romancebooks #amwritingromance

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Just reading things...

#WriteHive #HiveMentor #AllTheStories #Teaser

#WriteHive #HiveMentor submissions are officially CLOSED. ❤️

A huge thank you to everyone who submitted! This is definitely going to be the year of very hard choices.

I'm only about 2/3 of my way to creating a long list, but I'll have some data soon. In the meantime, keep writing... or reading.🥰

Submissions will be closing soon, so be sure to get your stories in! 🥰 #amwriting #amediting #WriteHive #WIP #HiveMentor

#amquerying writers, just a few more hours to get your #HiveMentor submissions in! The window closes at 11:59 PM EST.
#WritingCommunity

Time is running out! Have you submitted to the #HiveMentor program yet? It closes today by EOD...

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Everyone bringing the Sci-Fi Horror this year and I am in love. 😍

#WriteHive #HiveMentor