Matched, Motivated, and Moving Forward

This spring brought a mentor and a surprise opportunity

I’m beyond excited that I was matched with a mentor through the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) Mentorship Program this year. Since I was not selected when I applied last year, I assumed this year would probably turn out the same way. That is part of why this feels so exciting. It also comes at the perfect time, since I plan to query my manuscript in September.

What is it?

Side note: In case you were wondering how this works. SFWA Mentorship Program is a three-month mentorship that matches aspiring writers with a fantasy or science fiction author. The purpose is to support professional development and foster community. My mentor and I meet at least once every two weeks during the mentorship period. We can work on whatever I want to work on.

Meeting with My Mentor

My mentor has an agent, and her book is on submission, meaning she’s trying to sell it to publishers. It is super cool to get access to someone who is a few steps ahead of where I want to be.

During our first session, we talked about what it means for a book to be “done.” (In case you’re interested in other perspectives on this topic, the Writing Chat Group recently wrote an article about this.)

When Is a Book Done?

My mentor said she considered her book done after doing everything to the best of her current writing ability and not having any other visions for the book. She never got the feeling that her book was done. She just decided to bet on herself and take a chance.

What really struck me during our conversation is that the more time I linger on Book 1, the more time I’m taking away from working on my next book. No matter what happens with Book 1, the only way that I lose is if I stop writing. Needless to say, this conversation reinforced my desire to finish my manuscript by August 31st if not earlier!

Overall, I really enjoyed talking to someone about my book who also really knows the genre. I’m excited to have someone in my corner, and I think it will really keep me on track and push me to finish my book.

My Overall Goals for the Mentorship Program

The three main things that I want to work on are prepping my query package, which means preparing my query letter and synopsis for my mentor to review. I also want to build my writing community. If you want to be friends, let me know. 👋 Third, I want to become more consistent with social media.

Betting on Myself

I randomly came across a post on social media about the WriteMentor 2026 Novel and Picture Book Awards, a competition in which judges read the first 3000 words and a synopsis for one of three categories: Picture Book, Children’s, or Adult books. It was 4:00pm on March 31st, and the deadline to apply was 11:59 pm that day.

I wanted to apply.

Although it felt a little crazy given the short notice, I realized I technically had all the requirements. Since my first two chapters are under 3000 words, I quickly edited them, updated my synopsis, and submitted everything before the deadline.

Taking this step felt like betting on myself and showing the universe that I’m ready to share my manuscript. Now, I’ll have to wait until sometime in May to find out the results. Regardless of whether I get short-listed or long-listed, I’ll receive feedback (yes, more feedback) on the 3000 words, which is the most crucial part of the manuscript. That’s why I saw it as a win-win no matter what. Even though this wasn’t planned, I’m glad I stumbled upon the opportunity and went for it. I’ll keep you updated on what happens.

Conclusion

Many years ago, I was hired at WESLI, Wisconsin ESL Institute, as a student advisor because my boss thought I was good at applying for things, so I could help students apply for things. I’m not sure if I’m good, but I have applied to a lot of things, and I’m very persistent. Never forget that miracles can happen!

“Lady Luck favors the one who tries” as my husband says.

I’ll keep you updated as things progress.

Book Talk

I’m obsessed with the Veronica Speedwell series. A Ghastly Catastrophe by Deanna Raybourn is the tenth book. You don’t have to read them in order, but it gives context to all the characters and their relationships. Set in Victorian England, Veronica Speedwell is a retired butterfly-hunter and part-time detective with her enamorato, Stoker, who is a former surgeon general turned taxidermist.

In their new adventure, two suspicious deaths may be linked to a vampire. Inspired by Dracula, Veronica and Stoker infiltrate a secret society led by a vampire and a witch, trying to get to the bottom of things. I love the wit and banter between Veronica and Stoker, and their insane number of dogs.

Raybourn’s books always deliver a fun adventure, and I look forward to the next one.

Sending you warm, springy weather,

Liza