It's no secret, I teach in a low-residency MFA program at Seton Hill University. In addition to teaching "modules" (that's classes to most folk), we faculty are assigned a few students each semester to "Mentor" through their thesis, which, in theory, becomes a market-worthy manuscript. Typically, I have between five and seven "mentees." What does this have to do with anything? Because two of my former mentees, Kristin Dearborn and David Day, have sold their manuscripts!
David's book, Tearstone, is a fantastic horror yarn that got picked up by Balefire Press. You want messed up? David's got you covered. It's a story about an ancient artifact which, when unearthed, causes a sleepy little town to go completely mad. Think "Our Town" on meth. That oughta bring up some interesting images. Brutal murder, rape, devils, monsters... It's a cornucopia of horror!
Kristin's book, Trinity, will be coming from Dark Fuse Press. It's a fantastic story that includes aliens, government conspiracies, death, mayhem, and... Wait for it... A space puma. Actually, I don't know if the Space Puma made it in to the final draft, but it was there when I read it. What I can tell you about this story is that the imagery is remarkable, the characters are strong, and it has a wonderful grungy feel to it that will make any sci-fi fan sit up and take notice.
So why am I throwing this out there? Because I'm proud. And let me be perfectly clear, I take no credit for anything having to do with their success or their work. All the work they did, they did on their own and they are succeeding because they're both brilliant writers. No, I'm bragging because I'm proud to have worked with them. I consider both of them no longer "mentees," or even students. If I had to categorize them as anything it would be, at worst, colleagues, at best, friends. I love both of these folks dearly, and I can't wait to see the hard copies. I remember when my first novel got published, how proud I was. It's a feeling that never gets old. May these two writers have many more moments of success through their careers.
SPACE PUMA FTW!
ReplyDeleteSo far Space Puma's still in it...we shall see if it makes the final cuts!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Kudos! Makes me feel so very loved!
Spaaaaaaaaaaaaace Puuuuuma! The Puuuuma from Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaace! Spaaaaaaaaace Puuuuma! He will claw your faaaaaace!
ReplyDeleteI was at David Day's thesis reading and it blew me away...the things that those sweet looking innocent lips read out loud from a terror filled and blood-ridden manuscript. I feel proud, as a fellow student, to have met and witnessed the public birth of what I feel is a truly great writer. Sincere congrats to you, Scott. It must feel great to know you've mentored students into their publication world. And my deepest congrats to both David and Kristin!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get my signed copies!! So proud to know them both!
ReplyDeleteThat's great! Congrats to both of you! You had me at space puma.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! It's hard not to be ecstatic for anyone who achieves something they worked so hard for. It's nice to be reminded that hard work pays off in the long run and makes everything worth it.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I am proud to have been accepted into this program and get a chance to work with so many talented people (professors and students). So far, it's been an amazing experience.
Diversity by itself, however, is not enough. It must be accompanied by inclusion – an organisational culture that genuinely welcomes, values and leverages the advantages of diversity. High DA PA Backlinks
ReplyDelete