Hannah Hutchinson Clarke
Editorial Mentorship Letter
I started writing “Happy Birthday” over a year ago as I reflected on the mixed feelings I have regarding my birthday. The piece existed as a journal entry but when I shared it at open mics I always added an ending with a hopeful or comedic tone so as not to overburden people with tragedy. I did not feel that I was doing myself justice with that approach.
As an emerging writer, it is important for me to find balance in my writing so that I am neither trauma dumping nor euphemizing. Working with Jason on this piece taught me how to navigate that equilibrium while writing in a way that is true to my experience. Additionally, through Jason’s guidance in the stylistic aspects of my writing, I learned how intentional formatting can elevate a piece. We landed on formatting “Happy Birthday” so that each section was powerful as both a standalone event and as part of the larger work, closing with a tone of uncertainty that I feel is reflective of my reality.
This mentorship allowed me to transform a journal entry into an essay, and Jason’s specific feedback encouraged me to add a depth that always existed but that I had not necessarily articulated. I feel that by characterizing each person alongside the painful memories of loss, I was able to memorialize those who I have lost with even more reverence.
I trusted Jason’s feedback throughout the editing process, especially after having learned from him during a writing feedback class with Literary Cleveland over one year ago. The trust between mentor and mentee is what I believe to be the reason this piece was able to flourish. I am so thankful to Jason for challenging me to produce a piece of writing that I can be this proud of.
As an emerging writer, it is important for me to find balance in my writing so that I am neither trauma dumping nor euphemizing. Working with Jason on this piece taught me how to navigate that equilibrium while writing in a way that is true to my experience. Additionally, through Jason’s guidance in the stylistic aspects of my writing, I learned how intentional formatting can elevate a piece. We landed on formatting “Happy Birthday” so that each section was powerful as both a standalone event and as part of the larger work, closing with a tone of uncertainty that I feel is reflective of my reality.
This mentorship allowed me to transform a journal entry into an essay, and Jason’s specific feedback encouraged me to add a depth that always existed but that I had not necessarily articulated. I feel that by characterizing each person alongside the painful memories of loss, I was able to memorialize those who I have lost with even more reverence.
I trusted Jason’s feedback throughout the editing process, especially after having learned from him during a writing feedback class with Literary Cleveland over one year ago. The trust between mentor and mentee is what I believe to be the reason this piece was able to flourish. I am so thankful to Jason for challenging me to produce a piece of writing that I can be this proud of.
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