MENTEES TALK TO AUTHOR MAUREEN SHERRY

Author Maureen Sherry first spoke to Girls Write Now mentees last spring during a panel discussion on the process of writing. Maureen’s novel Opening Belle had just been published. This month, she returned to join the Girls Write Now Youth Board, consisting of current mentees and mentee alumnae, for a deep dive conversation about writing, women in the workforce, financial literacy, the need for space to write (hide that phone), and much more. It was a big day for Maureen — Opening Belle was released the same day on paperback and Maureen had just received the movie script for Opening Belle, starring Reese Witherspoon. She shared the news with mentees and gave a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making your writing dreams come true. Many of our mentees asked about the writing process, and how to find the space and quiet to write, as well as being a woman in the workplace, and how to navigate the challenges — and ask for help when you need it.
Highlights from Maureen’s craft talk:

• “You want diverse voices in a room to make the best decisions.”
• “Give yourself space to write and throw your phone in a drawer.”
• “Financial literacy is crucial for young women to learn.”
• “If there is a story you can’t stop thinking about, put your voice into it and get it out there.”
• “Ask people for help, ask them to teach you things at work, learn from them — they won’t say no.”
• “In our busy lives, try and disconnect with the world to write.”
• “I’m holding the script for Opening Belle that I just received now, and Reese Witherspoon will play Belle.” (Applause from all.)