Tracey Pollard
Author Mentorship & Revision Alchemy
Tracey Pollard (she/her) is a science-fiction writer and is writing an alternate history sci-fi novel exploring the question ‘what if aliens came to earth (in peace!) following the moon landings in 1969?’
Before working with us, Tracey was struggling with concerns about her manuscript's objectivity and the fear that her work might lack depth
During our six weeks together, we collaborated to redefine her perspective on the story, leading to a premise and outline that felt more authentic and engaging. This transformation brought clearer character motivations, a polished narrative voice, and a more vivid setting.
In the end, Tracey left with newfound confidence in her writing and practical techniques to tackle future challenges. We set a goal to finish her draft and she finished early!
Tracey’s Feedback
What specific results did you experience from working with me?
Eventually, a brand new (and very much improved!) draft of my novel. I started to think about my story in a completely different way and got through quite a big mental block about it that had been holding me back. It feels much more authentic and compelling to me now and like it’s much closer to saying what I was trying to say.
What doubts did you have before hiring me?
I initially asked to work with you at the end of the draft I was struggling with, as a developmental editor, because I thought I just had to struggle my way through and get to the end. But we had an intro chat and you suggested that I try mentoring instead, to help me get past the block I was experiencing. I was initially unsure about this but agreed to try, and I’m so glad I did - I honestly think I’d be six months on and still in the same place if I hadn’t.
What did you like best about the experience of working with me?
I liked that I could ask you questions whenever I wanted to and know you’d respond quickly (even with the time difference!) - it helped when I was doubtful or unsure about something, or getting too in my head about something, to just be able to ask at the time and not have to wait until our next coaching call. I very much appreciated the encouragement I got that way!
What is important for others to know about author mentorship?
That it’s not going to be someone telling you what to do, but instead someone who will work with you to help you work past the blocks and problems you’re experiencing in a way that works for you - author mentorship is about helping you find your own answers, not someone else’s. I found it really helped me to get to know my own story (and also myself as a writer).
How is your writing/writing process now, compared to when we started working together?
I was completely stuck with my story - I’d hit a block in my plot and didn’t know how to get past it, and so had largely stopped working on it (certainly not productively), even though I kept telling myself I was. You read my manuscript, asked me a few important questions about it, and helped me realise that I needed to change where my story was set. And once I’d done that, a lot of the pacing, character and plot issues I’d been having were resolved - one of my characters completely changed, but he’s so much better for it…. I started my draft over and really enjoyed writing it this time!
What specifically did you walk away with after our time together?
I honestly think I have more confidence in my writing and my story in general. I also learned techniques I could use in future to get past problems and blocks when I encounter them (I also learned to get over my aversion to journaling, though I still wouldn’t say it’s my greatest strength…) I felt like I had an outline for my story that worked, that I could go off and draft it and it would work.
What part of the process was most difficult for you, and how could I have helped to make it easier?
I find it hard to talk about myself and my story at the best of times, so I sometimes found it difficult to answer some of the questions you asked me. I’m not sure there was much you could have done to help that you didn’t do - you gave me space, reframed questions, tried a different approach and let things go if needed.
Were you pleasantly surprised by any aspect of working together?
I think I was pleasantly surprised by how much distance we covered in only 6 weeks! I didn’t expect to achieve so much or make so much progress - thank you so much!
“I initially asked to work with Tiffany at the end of the draft I was struggling with, as a developmental editor, because I thought I just had to struggle my way through and get to the end. But we had an intro chat and Tiffany suggested that I try mentoring instead, to help me get past the block I was experiencing. I was initially unsure about this but agreed to try, and I’m so glad I did - I honestly think I’d be six months on and still in the same place if I hadn’t.”
-Tracey Pollard
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