Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc).
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve signed with Claire Draper and Zoë Plant of The Bent Agency! It’s a dream come true and I’m so, so excited.
How did studying/retreating at The Writing Barn support you in achieving this goal? What workshop/intensives/or classes have you taken with us?
I attended the 2019 Rainbow Weekend, which provided me with a space to connect with other writers of MG and YA, improve my craft, and gain confidence that my queer stories have a place in the world of traditional publishing. While I did not sign with my agents as a direct result of the program (I had been querying the project, a MG fantasy, before it), I do think that it helped tremendously in achieving this goal, for two reasons. One, I learned some awesome editing tips from Cori McCarthy, which helped me complete a revision round that significantly strengthened the book. (And I will look at them again as I dive into more revisions before the book goes on submission!) I was in the middle of doing a “revise and resubmit” request for an agent and kept getting stuck, but Cori’s wise words helped me get back on track and finish the edits. Two, I received a lot of positive reactions to my writing throughout the retreat, which helped me feel confident putting my novel back out there once the revisions were complete. It was so heartwarming to see people reacting to my words in real time.
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal?
I’ve been writing with eventual publication in mind for over a decade – which equals lots of bad (and then slightly less bad) novels, short stories, workshops, classes, fanfiction, etc.! In terms of actively looking for an agent, I began in October 2018 and signed with my agents exactly 7 months later, a process which took 2 books and nearly 200 queries, but ultimately resulted in 7 wonderful offers of representation. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of The Bent Agency’s crew.
What fears/hopes did you have before attending the WB class or intensive?
I was nervous to apply, for sure. Nervous I wasn’t a good enough writer, for one, and that I wasn’t queer enough for the program, for another. I hoped I’d make one friend and learn something new and exciting about the craft of writing. I got way more than that – not once did I feel “not enough” to participate in the group. I made many wonderful friends and hope to be in touch with them for a long time! I also got so much out of the supportive, structured workshop atmosphere and from hearing Cori, Amy Rose, and Jim McCarthy’s wonderful writing/publishing tips.
How did the atmosphere of The Writing Barn aid you in achieving this goal?
It was a relaxed, warm, safe atmosphere. I was worried I would feel awkward and the group wouldn’t meld together, but it worked out great! There’s something so magical about spending time exclusively with queer folks, especially when they’re writers too! It felt like coming home. We all came from different backgrounds, were shaped by different life experiences, and had different writing goals, but we were united in our queer identities and our commitment to kidlit. It was an incredibly special experience, and I believe the calm, nature-filled retreat of the Barn helped facilitate that.
Have you made friendships/colleagues as well? How has that supported you?
Many! I’m still in touch in some form or another with everyone who attended, and I hope to keep it that way. I’m so looking forward to continuing to champion them as they work on, and publish, inclusive kidlit. It would be a dream come true to one day do signings/panels with them!
Why do you think attending workshops/classes is important to writers at all stages of their career?
Getting feedback on your writing is absolutely essential; we can’t grow as writers without it. The sooner you get used to receiving criticism, the readier you will be for the world of publishing, which includes rejection at every stage of the game. Workshops can also provide you with community, and in my experience, that’s what’s most important to thrive creatively long-term. Put yourself out there and find writers you click with, both to swap work and provide each other support. Writing might be a solitary activity, but there’s no need to go at it all alone.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build an develop your career?
I feel a deep sense of confidence that wasn’t there before, truthfully. I feel like I can write the books I want to write, and that one day I will be able to find them on bookshelves.
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course in pursuing their goals?
There are tons of ways to answer this question, but here’s my favorite: imagine your ideal reader for your book (or story, memoir, poem, etc.). Who are they? Why will they connect with this story? If you met, what about the book would you want to discuss with them? For example, while writing the queer middle grade that eventually got me my agents, I imagined a little kid – perhaps queer, but not sure of their identity yet – picking up this book in a library and devouring it in one afternoon. When I forgot why I loved the book and didn’t want to continue, I would go back to that image and use it to inspire me until I got back in the groove.
To Cori McCarthy, Amy Rose, and We Need Diverse Books, thank you so much for granting me this opportunity. Being able to attend the Rainbow Weekend at The Writing Barn truly changed me for the better and I’m so, so grateful. I can’t wait to champion this program for years to come!
More about Trisha:
Trisha Kelly has been writing since she could hold a pen and feeds her imagination by crafting stories for kids and adults alike. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, where she devoured media until it added up to a film studies degree, and is fond of reality TV, cooking, and queer storytelling. When not writing, she can be found doting over her small pack of dogs and seeking out her next favorite brunch place.