Thursday, November 30, 2017

Guest Blogger, Pamela Courtney and Her We Need Diverse Books Mentorship - introduced by Kathy Halsey

For me, one of the joys of being a children's writer is the great community and camaraderie that develops over time. Today my friend, writing partner, critique buddy, and fab educator, Pamela Courtney is on tap to share a post with us. 

Pam's  professional biography:
Pamela Courtney lives in Atlanta, GA, but the Red River of Louisiana permanently flows through her veins. She is a former Curriculum Consultant, but is now proud to claim herself "Teacher of some of the most intellectually stimulating Kindergarteners and 1st Graders." Pamela is a 2017 recipient of the We Need Diverse Books mentoring program; mentored by Carole Boston Weatherford.

Writing with Mentors: Musings, Mishaps, and Magic

Thank you Kathy. I am honored to have the opportunity to share my amazing journey in the We Need Diverse Books Mentorship program.

I’ve always dreamed of being mentored by an amazing children’s author. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the blessings coming my way.  Blessings that challenged my work ethic, that demanded diligent study of craft, and blessings that I would rely on, and cherish. Carole Boston Weatherford offered guidance in a way I had not expected.

A POSTURE FOR RECEIVING
I dreamed that my time with Carole would make the writing road smoother. I dreamed Carole would walk me through my own work step by step, line by line. I dreamed my mentor would correct every scene I wrote. It will be so easy. But, I had to leave that dream world, a daunting and necessary step for my growth.

In our Q & A time, Carole Boston Weatherford asked one question that stood out and has remained unanswered. “What do you hope to accomplish in our time together?”  [insert outrageous rambling here]. I thought I’d knock out several successful masterpieces (because yeah, I’m that good, and well, she’s CAROLE BOSTON WEATHERFORD). I reasoned that through magic that some sort of literary osmosis was definite. Carole was cool. “Well, let’s see. We’ll walk through this together.” No, no hand holding at all.
Carole Boston Weatherford Credit: Jeffery Weatherford

Was I ready to receive?

Incoming: “Your language is lovely. Powerful. You have a talent for visually creating a scene. That’s what drew me to your work. But … YOU  HAVE NO PLOT” Ahhh, there’s that “something.”  I straightened my back. I opened my arms. I sat waiting for her to tell me exactly what to do. Silence. This wasn’t easy.

Acquiring Experience: A consummate teacher, Carole maintained this consistent routine of guiding my writer’s eye. “Let’s discuss this scene. How powerful is it playing out? Think about how your students would receive this.” I kept waiting for her to, tell me what to do. This was guidance I hadn’t expected.

Nevertheless,  my work habits changed. Researching even the minutest of detail is part of my writing. Hmm … “sun beats down on backs already low to the ground.” Must research actual weather conditions during this period. Examining each line, determining its rightful place – Carol, showed me how to ask that specific question for each scene. Perhaps Carole’s question has been answered.  I realized that wanting to be a writer and positioning myself as a writer are dream worlds apart. Maintaining a posture of readiness is as crucial as developing work ethic muscles. I’m growing into a writer. Yes, I’ll say it, a good writer.




Here’s the magic. The education of crafting is ongoing. Seeing writing through Carole’s eyes broadened my vision of what writing, good writing for children should and can be. By the way, there was hand holding. Lots of hand holding. Step by step. Line by line. Thank you Carole Boston Weatherford. Thank you We Need Diverse Books. Thank you GROGers.



44 comments:

  1. Kathy and Pamela, what an engaging post. And congratulations on your mentorship with an amazing author. Looking forward to seeing your books on the shelves.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherri, you are always such a great support.

      Delete
    2. Sherri I am so glad you enjoyed it. The program was such fun and I gained so much from the experience. Thank you so much for taking time to stop by. Glad you enjoyed it.

      Delete
  2. Loved this post! Congratulations on your mentor ship, and on evolving as a writer. đŸ’•

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TY for stopping by. All the best to you.

      Delete
    2. Ever evolving. Thanks bunches Verbenabeth. I am so glad you enjoyed the post.

      Delete
  3. Loved this, Pamela! I can relate to the desire of someone telling me exactly what I need to do, LOL! Congrats on the mentor ship and I know we’ll see your books on the shelves someday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Deb, thanks for being here. I look forward to all our books.

      Delete
    2. Hey Debra. You are too kind. It is interesting how I truly thought it was Carole's job to steer my story. WRONG. So glad she is who she is and the way she is. I gained such insight from her.

      Delete
  4. Pamela, I loved reading about the "musings, mishaps, and magic" in your mentorship journey with Carole Boston Weatherford. I can tell you are evolving as a writer and asking the right questions. I also know you have a talent for creating a powerful scene in your writing (since I am blessed to be one of your critique buddies). I can't wait to pick out your books on the shelf and bring them home!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Lori, Pam is da bomb, right? I'm a crit buddy, too.

      Delete
    2. Lori, you are so supportive and a truly kind person. Thank you so much. I am evolving and I excited about it. Glad I have you friends from this kidlit community. Thank you so much for taking time to read the post.

      Delete
    3. Kathy Halsey, we are both EXPLOSIVE!!! <3

      Delete
  5. Kathy and Pam thank you for sharing. As a critique partner, I agree and love your work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are sweet for saying so Janie. Glad you stopped by to and comment. Means a lot.

      Delete
  6. Even though Ms. Pam and I have share some of our mentorship journey with each other, it was still a joy to read about it here! I have watched her growth this year and can't wait to see her reach her pinnacle. I am so grateful the mentorship helped us become good friends! Thanks for sharing her story, Kathy! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well it is because of Kathy that we connected. She is definitely the nucleus in so many of my FB relationship. I am so happy we had a chance to share this journey together. Thank you for your kind words. By the way, my kids still talk about your garden. Haha

      Delete
  7. That's the plus, right Teresa? You two are better friends. I can't wait to see both of you w/books on the shelves.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fabulous post, Pam! I'm thrilled for you and for your writing and for the children who are going to be reading your books one day. Oh yes!!!! That IS going to happen because Carole is so right...you have a talent for visually recreating a scene...your lyrical language sweeps me off my feet sometimes. And I thank you for showing us the importance of plot...and the way to determine if what we are writing is going to click with children...just ask ourselves...how would our kids receive it. Thanks for a great interview, Kathy!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Lady Vivian! So glad you stopped by. I've learned a great deal from you too, ya know. Your eye for detail is what I depend on. Thanks for stopping by, for posting my offering. You are Royalty!

      Delete
  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great post! Thank you, Pam, for sharing your thoughts and wisdom gained from the mentorship. And thanks, Kathy, for bringing Pam to the GROG blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue, posting was major fun. My journey with Carole is forever etched in my heart. Great experience. Thanks for your kind words.

      Delete
  11. Well, PLOT? That's not a requirement, is it? heh heh....Glad to hear you learned so much from Carole. Keep on revising! Can't wait to see your books lining the shelves! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jilanne, what a funny response!

      Delete
    2. Hahahaha, actually PLOT IS A REQUIREMENT, but here is what I know. God is real. He shines His favor. I've been humbled every since I got the call from Miranda Paul. I know it was God's hand in this. So glad you stopped by and commented.

      Delete
  12. Pamela, this was incredible! I always enjoy your writing. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Kathy, thank you for providing the platform!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Jennifer, thank you so much for stopping by and reading about my journey.

      Delete
  13. I think you know I know what a gifted writer you are and that there are countless stories to write about people kids should know and how you - writing - will help bring their voices onto the page and into the hearts of children. Right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keila, you are so supportive. I am so glad I know you lady. I think the richness of a Louisiana upbringing is rife with unique stories. I'm endeavoring to hone this craft to the best of my ability and bring those voices to the page.

      Delete
  14. So happy to celebrate Pamela now and always! You’re a gift to this world! Wish you the very best success with your mentorship!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well now thank you so much Julie. You're so wonderful for saying so, and for stopping by to read my thoughts about my mentorship journey.

      Delete
  15. How neat, Pam, to be under the mentorship of Carole! Thank you for sharing. Can't wait to read your writing some day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tina, everything about it was neat. She's an amazing person. Thanks so much for checking in and reading.

      Delete
  16. Lovely post, Kathy. What an exciting journey, Pam! Thank you for sharing your thoughts during as your mentored adventure unfolded. I look forward to seeing your books and reading your stories!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Anne. Learning from Carole was amazing.

      Delete
  17. "Seeing writing through Carole’s eyes broadened my vision of what writing, good writing for children should and can be." Pam, as one of my critique partners, you have helped me see what writing, good writing should and can be. Thank you for sharing your mentorship with the amazing Carole Boston Weatherford. You've always had an insightful, defining voice in your writing. I'm looking forward to reading the books you will write.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Charlotte, thank you for your kind words. We have learned a great deal from one another haven't we? So glad we're trekking this together.

      Delete
  18. We keep walking the walk, wherever it leads us. Congratulations on your journey. xxx

    ReplyDelete