Brinda Shah and Trenise C. Ferreira joined us for an online Whole Novel Workshop as General Scholarship recipients. Through the scholarship, both writers found value in developing their revisions skills with input from faculty. Trenise says, “I gained an experience, deeper knowledge of craft, and better skills for revision that I would not otherwise have received.” Brinda says, “I learned about the importance of investing in myself emotionally, financially, and time-wise.” Both are excited for the day when their characters will inspire kids.
Read on to learn more about these creatives and their experience.
Brinda’s Story
Brinda Shah is an avid reader, perpetual thinker, and part-time pharmacist. Her writing is at the intersection of culture, identity, and humanity. She is inspired by her Indian heritage, the whimsy required to raise a child, and observations of the world around.
Brinda discusses her scholarship experience and her passion:
“I wanted to sign up for the Whole Novel Workshop, but, as a stay at home mom who is currently pre-published, I did not have the funds for such a workshop. This scholarship has taught me how to approach revision for my first prose novel. [I also] gained a small group of critique partners, I learned how to revise step by step instead of pantsing my way through a draft.”
“I am the daughter of Indian immigrants, which has shaped my writing. I am passionate about positive, non-performative, non-stereotypical representation of South Asian life and culture in children’s literature. I write to showcase my cultures and values unapologetically and wholly. The manuscript I was working on through this scholarship reflects just that – a South Asian main character whose story isn’t solely about identity.”
Trenise’s Story
“My scholarship experience was TERRIFIC. My scholarship was for the Whole Novel Workshop, and I got exactly what I wanted to out of the experience. I wanted to have a faculty reader; someone published with more experience in Middle Grade than I currently have, to read my middle grade work in progress and give me direction for navigating revision. And that’s exactly what I got! 12/10 would recommend this course!”
Trenise discusses how the scholarship fund was beneficial:
“As a Black woman, the barriers to entry for writers like me can be so high, and this access is truly a game changer for me. Coming out of this course, I am really equipped to get my middle grade book to the level I want it to be.”
She also knows how she wants her book to inspire kids:
“When [my] book comes into the world, I hope it inspires kids to use their voice/abilities to advocate for themselves and refuse to let adults restrict their access to books.”
