#WRITEMENTOR2021
Hi, I'm Riv Begun! This is my first year mentoring for #WriteMentor. I'll be helping a young adult writer with their full manuscript.
WHO AM I?
I'm a writer based in Switzerland.
I write fairytales and Jewish magic,
so it's a lot of diving deep into my history
and folklore to bring Jewish stories to a
universal audience. I also write flash fiction
and short stories about murderous
fast food mascots and unlucky people trapped
in the pouches of giant kangaroos. I guess you could say I have "range"...or a very vivid imagination. I currently mentor students through my scholarship program, POSSE, as well as young women in film on my film sets.
WHAT AM I OFFERING?
I'm offering detailed comments on your full manuscript. That includes plot, characterisation, worldbuilding, style, etc. I'll also read and provide feedback on your query letter and synopsis for the agent showcase.
WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR?
I’d love to see young adult with some sort of magic. I'm all about magic systems based off of folklore we don't see every day. I love spooky things and horror, too. I'll take dark, but not a lot of body horror. Magical Realism has always been one of my favorite genres, and I would love to read something in that world. I'm a big fan of historical and historical fantasy. I'd love something similar to THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTENGALE, LEGENDBORN, SPINNING SILVER, or MEXICAN GOTHIC.
MY MENTORING STYLE
I have had a few mentees in the past and I am very happy to adjust to whatever communication style works best for you. Don't like phone calls? That's fine, we'll stick to e-mails. Need a weekly checkup? It's already in my calendar. Like Whatsapp voicenotes? That works for me too. I want to make our relationship as easy and accessible as possible to fit your needs.
I am a big editor (as many of my critique partners can attest) and I believe in polishing to bring out the awesome in a story. I have great critique partner relationships, and we work well because we all want to help our partner's work be the best it can be. We recognize feedback helps us grow.
I'll work hard to help you and your story, and I'll also help you come up with creative solutions and exercises to improve your craft and your story. I've had a few mentees throughout the years, and our relationship was not limited to the program. I'll continue to be in your corner for your career, hopefully. I love a mentorship relationship that grows and extends past a program.
OTHER FACTS ABOUT ME
Favourite movies: Guardians of the Galaxy 1 and 2, Thor Ragnorak, Y tu mamá también, Kubo and the Two Strings, anything Tim Burton
Favourite books: One Hundred Years of Solitude, 1Q84, The Bear and the Nightengale, Never Let Me Go, Homegoing, The Lonesome Bodybuilder
Favourite super hero: Well if I were a Marvel character I'd be Groot or Mantis. I may be a little too chaotic to be a true superhero, Avengers style
Favourite Shows: Avatar the Last Airbender, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, Parks and Recreation
I’M INTERESTED, HOW DO I SIGN UP?
The submission window is from 15-16 April 2021 and you will need to have a full manuscript ready to be eligible. To apply, send a query letter, the first chapter and a synopsis. Please take a look at WriteMentor for more information on what you will need to apply.
If you want to have a chat or have questions before that, feel free to drop me a line here or on twitter (@Begunriv).
