by Dr. Jeff Creely

**Note: The SCBWI-L.A. Mentorship is a six-month program that alternates between illustration and writing. For 2024, it’s the illustrators’ turn! Ahead of mentee applications opening on January 28, Dr. Jeff Creely, 2023 contest winner, shares his experience with the program. The 2024 mentor will be announced at the end of the post.**

A year and a half ago, I made a promise: I was going to “give myself permission to publish a bad book.” After four years of writing mostly on my own, I felt that it was time to brave more collaborative experiences and put myself out there … even if that meant learning that my writing wasn’t very good. Embracing every opportunity became my mantra. I sought out reading groups, critiques, conferences, and agents. Although I had some positive feedback, the outset of 2023 tested my resolve with a string of rejections.

Honestly, I entered the SCBWI-L.A. Mentorship Contest on a whim. I came across the post only two days before the deadline and went back and forth on whether I had enough time to write a well-crafted entry (hint: I don’t think I did). Admittedly, my expectations were low, but the prospect of being mentored by a seasoned professional in the writing field was an opportunity I couldn’t let slip. I yearned for guidance and had a slim hope that someone could validate the potential I still believed my manuscript held.

I was floored when I received the acceptance letter from Cara Stevens! She told me that my manuscript, “If You Are a Crocodile,” resonated deeply with her. She identified herself as a “fellow crocodile” and expressed eagerness to nurture my writing journey. Her initial email, brimming with praise, insightful analysis, and spirited encouragement, offered much-needed hope amidst my earlier setbacks.

Our collaboration kicked off immediately. Cara and I outlined our objectives, discussed our approach, and crafted a vision for my main character, Alice. Over the next six months, Cara’s mastery of the craft and perceptive direction honed my skills in unexpected ways. Though I loved my manuscript, Cara urged me to scrutinize every sentence, every phrase, every word, to ensure each contributed meaningfully to the narrative. When I compare the draft I first sent to Cara with the finished manuscript after six months together, I’m amazed by the changes. It is now what I always wished it to be.

I am immensely grateful for Cara’s wisdom. Her balanced approach—combining expert critique with a zest for creativity and experimentation—was invaluable. She was more than a mentor and editor; she was a catalyst who brought out the best in Alice and in me. Our work together didn’t just lead to a better story but developed my perspective and skills in ways I will use for the rest of my writing career.

Reflecting on the time spent with Cara, discussing everything from philosophy to psychology, to grammar, to the theory of storytelling and its application to my manuscript, I recognize the immense growth I’ve experienced. I looked forward to every one of our sessions together. The relationship we built, the lessons learned, and the confidence gained are lasting, and for that, I am forever thankful.

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2024 Mentorship Contest

The 2024 mentor will be author-illustrator Jaime Zollars. In this role, Jaime will guide one lucky illustrator (or author-illustrator) in the early stages of their career for a period of six months.  

Jaime has illustrated ad campaigns, magazines, gallery walls, product lines, and of course, books! In addition to her illustrious illustration career, Jaime has taught at the Maryland Institute College of Art, spoken at art colleges and regional SCBWI events, and judged various illustration contests. She currently serves as illustrator coordinator for the SCBWI Central-Coastal California region.

“Because I have worked in multiple lanes as an illustrator … my areas of expertise are vast and applicable to many potential mentees,” Jaime said. “If I have a specialty, I think it would be mentoring promising talent and helping them discover their why’s and how’s before entering a difficult but rewarding industry.”

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! For more information about the mentorship and instructions on how to apply, visit the SCBWI-L.A. Mentorship Contest webpage.

Entries will be accepted from January 28–March 10, 2024.

For more fantastic content, community, events, and other professional development opportunities, become a member today! Not sure if there is a chapter in your area? Check here.

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Dr. Jeff Creely is a practicing clinical psychologist and aspiring author from Pasadena, California. He is committed to creating books that entertain and help young readers put words to their inner experience. He loves growing trees, ocean kayaking, and his partner, Ben. 

Photos courtesy of Jeff Creely and Jaime Zollars.