Breezers Making Waves
Interview with Writer Amanda Fletcher
“Try everything. Anything that offers a chance to practice, participate, and connect. The kidlit writing community is warm and welcoming.”
This month’s Breezer Making Waves is Amanda Fletcher, aspiring children’s book author and official selectee of the Write Team Mentorship Program!
Let’s dig into how Amanda cultivated this opportunity, and hear her encouragement for fellow Breezers like you.
Hi Amanda. What are we celebrating with you?
A few months ago, I applied for a mentorship at the Write Team Mentorship Program. I was selected for the lottery, participated in the Twitter/X event, garnered a "like" from one of the mentors, and sent in my submission materials. Then I never heard a peep! With no request for additional pages, I figured they'd passed me over, especially as the announcement deadline came and went. But on November 1, I was surprised and delighted to learn I'd been selected! My mentor is Avione Lee, a debut MG fantasy writer with a passion for SFF, just like me!
Congratulations! What does this opportunity mean to you?
Avione will read and critique my full novel, and I am thrilled to get this kind of one-on-one feedback from a published author. We'll be working for the next four months to shape it up, and I hope to have something even stronger to query later this year.
What do you feel led you to this place on your journey?
The support of my friends and my willingness to say "yes." When I found out about this mentorship through a writing friend, the deadline was that very night, and I almost didn't do it. But I'm not one to let an opportunity slip by, so I scrambled my materials together and threw my hat into the ring. I'm so glad I did!
Do you have any advice for Breezers who want to achieve something similar?
Try everything. Contests, mentorships, first-pages panels at conferences, volunteer for SCBWI :) Anything that offers a chance to practice, participate, and connect. And don't be afraid to reach out to authors you admire. The kidlit writing community is warm and welcoming.
Send your warmest wishes to Amanda on:
Website: https://mandyfletcherwrites.com
Bluesky: mandyfletcher.bsky.social
Are you making a splash on your creative journey?
Big or small, we want to celebrate your recent success! Visit bit.ly/breezerspotlight to submit for a full-length interview or a brief mention in an upcoming spotlight.