WriteHive Mentorship Program

AJ Van Belle is a published author with several novels currently on submission. They’re also a scientist and a parent. They’re passionate about multiple genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, and contemporary fiction, and across all genres, they’re drawn to themes of trauma, healing, and a hint at something beyond the senses. When not writing or reading, AJ can be found discussing plot twists, hiking with their husband, and untangling the leashes of two dogs who want to go in opposite directions.

My ideal relationship involves lively discussions about plot and character development, and in that relationship I also see myself passing along encouragement and positive motivation. I’m happy to work with a mentee via whatever combination of communication methods works best for them: email, chat, text, phone, and/or video chat.

I’m excited to engage with my mentee in discussions on writing and plotting. Ideally, together we’ll be eager to find ways to make their book better but I’ll also respect the mentee’s idea of what the book is trying to accomplish. The mentee’s book is ultimately their own. My advice is always only a suggestion, and the author has to feel confident that the book is a true representation of their creative vision. If I was confident they understood the reasons for my suggestion, yet the suggestion didn’t feel right to them, I would be glad to accept their decision.

Ideally, my mentee and I will communicate frequently and go through at least two rounds of revision to get their book polished and ready for querying. I would also like to offer query and synopsis discussion and critique.