by Lisa Devaney | 15 Apr, 2014 | The WoMentoring Project
For many female writers starting off, affording access to support resources can be a barrier.
The WoMentoring Project debuts today!
Writing retreats are costly, classes are costly and sometimes difficult to manage with work and family life, and it isn’t easy figuring out how to connect with agents, publishers or other writers who could help guide a new writer through the process.
Stepping in to help female writers is The WoMentoring Project. Debuting today, this is an entirely volunteer effort driven by established female writers who want to help others. The group is a collection of writers, editors and literary agents who are pairing up with new UK female writers to serve as mentors, for free. Ignited by a conversation that started on Twitter, the idea got popular response from the female writing community and, quickly, the effort began.
The hope is that through this mentoring effort a new wave of female voices in the UK will emerge with powerful, diverse and stories to share.
Women mentoring women.
What’s this about?
The mission of The WoMentoring Project is simply to introduce successful literary women to other women writers at the beginning of their careers who would benefit from some insight, knowledge and support.
It will work by having each mentor select their own mentee and it is at their discretion how little or much time they donate. They have no budget, it’s a completely free initiative and every aspect of the project – from the project management to the website design to the PR support – is being volunteered by a collective of female literary professionals. Quite simply this is about exceptional women supporting exceptional women.
Why is this needed?
While discussing the current lack of peer mentoring and the prohibitive expense for many new writers on Twitter – among a community of writers, editors and agents – the question was asked about who would be willing to donate a few hours of their time to another woman just starting out. The response was overwhelming – within two hours they had over sixty volunteer mentors.
For many involved, they received unofficial or official mentoring in starting out their careers, which helped them get ahead. The volunteers want to put their emphasis on ‘paying forward’ 
some of the support we’ve been given.
In an industry where male writers are still reviewed and paid more than their female counterparts in the UK, they want to balance the playing field. Likewise, they want to give female voices, that would otherwise find it hard to be heard, a greater opportunity of reaching their true potential.
How to Apply?
In an ideal world The WoMentoring Project would offer a mentor to every writer who needed and wanted one. Of course this isn’t possible, so instead they are trying to ensure the application process is accessible, while also ensuring that the mentors have enough information with which to make their selection.
Applicant mentees will submit a 1000 word writing sample and a 500 word statement about how they would benefit from free mentoring. All applications will be for a specific mentor and mentees can only apply for one mentor at a time. Selections will be at the mentor’s discretion.
Who’s involved?
Kerry Hudson, whose novel, Tony Hogan Gave Me An Ice Cream Float Before He Stole My Ma is leading The WoMentoring Project and has rallied a committed group of women writers, editors and publishers to join the effort, and here’s what some of these volunteers have to say about the project:
The reason I’m doing this is simple: mentoring can mean the difference between getting 
published and getting lost in the crowd. It can help a good writer become a brilliant one. But till now, opportunities for low-income writers to be mentored were few and far between. This initiative redresses the balance; I’m utterly delighted to be part of the project.
-Shelley Harris, author of Jubilee
I have only achieved the success I have with the help of others, and now I am keen to pass on that help. I particularly want to reach out to those who don’t have the privileges of wealth, status or existing contacts, but who have so much to gain and to give.
-Marie Phliips, author God’s Behaving Badly
I’m so pleased to be involved in the WoMentoring Project, and I can’t wait to meet my mentee. I know from my own authors how isolating an experience writing can often be, especially when you’re just starting out, and so I really wanted to be involved. I hope that knowing that there is someone on your side in those early days will give writers courage and confidence in their work.
-Alison Hennessy, Senior Editor at Harvill Secker
The WoMentoring project is the kind of opportunity I would have relished when writing my first novel. It’s founded in the spirit of paying it forward, and I’ll take real pride in sharing whatever experience I’ve gained with a mentee. I’ve benefited from the advice and encouragement of some truly inspirational writers, the right voice cheering you on can make all the difference when you’re in your solitary writing bubble. The formality of the mentoring arrangement also gives a sense of responsibility and focus – something that’s invaluable when you’re lost in the sprawl of a work-in-progress – and it’s beneficial to mentors too.
-Amylia Hall, author of The Book of Summers
My career as an editor has been immeasurably enriched by working with inspiring women writers, yet the world of publishing would have been inaccessible to me without the time and support I was given when first starting out. The WoMentoring Project is a wonderful, necessary thing and I’m very proud to be taking part in it.
-Francesca Main, Editorial Director, Picador
I wanted to get involved with this project because I’d like to help authors feel that whoever they are, and wherever they come from, they have a right to be heard.
-Jo Unwin of the Jo Unwin Literary Agency
What are the emerging female writers saying about The WoMentoring Project?
I’m interested in being mentored because although I think you have to make mistakes to learn, having someone who’s been there help you work out the ones with no value can be really useful. Most of all I’d like to have someone to push and challenge me on what makes me and my writing tick.
The idea of women sharing their skills and experience in a dynamic, nurturing way is a really important one given the lower profile given to female writers. Even though the mentoring is one to one a collective voice and resilience is still being built up – I think it’s a great idea that, for writers like me, will help get rid of some of the layers of doubt and creative loneliness that come with being a beginner.
-Clare Archibald
I’m on my third novel; I’ve had good notices from Faber, HoZ etc. but still not quite there. What I need is that final push. I especially need guidance on pacing, keeping the action pulsing along. I feel a mentor could be hugely beneficial in this process.
-Suzy Norman
How can you support The WoMentoring Project?
For it’s debut, the project would love your support on social media, so please tweet about it, share it with your Facebook freinds, post it on G+, LinkedIn, etc.
The hashtag is #WoMentoring and you can find them on Twitter at
@WoMentoringP.
If you are a member of the press and would like an an interview with the founder, please contact:
Lisa Devaney
lisa@haimediagroup.com
***Special thanks to the artist Sally Jane Thompson for creating the illustrations pictured here for The WoMentoring Project.
by Lisa Devaney | 7 Nov, 2013 | haimediagroup, Women Shift Digital, Women Shift Digital
We are proud to be supporting an upcoming conference that will bring together some of the most talented women
The Women Shift Digital Conference is 26th November 2013 at Level 39
working in the digital and technology sectors. Presented by body>data>space the Women Shift Digital conference will take place 26th November 2013 at Level 39 in Canary Wharf. They are expecting about 200 guests, and they have an exciting line-up of speakers and attendants.
Please find full details in the press release, here:
A Conference to celebrate
Women in Digital Careers
Level 39 / Canary Wharf / 26 November 2013 / London
Women Shift Digital is a conference for women and men, designed to celebrate women in digital careers, network the networks and influence the influencers. It is a day to reflect collectively on the positive impacts women are making with digital-led careers as creatives, managers and executives in creative industries, education, business, design, skills development and the arts.
We are inviting women and men, active talents in the digital sector, ready to input, share ideas, make new partners and move forward together.
This special gathering will feature inspiring keynote speakers and panelists, demonstrations and debates from leaders and movers in micro-enterprises to SMEs, institutions to companies.
Confirmed speakers and participants include: Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central MP, currently Shadow Cabinet Office Minister and former Shadow Minister for Innovation, Science & Digital Infrastructure), Kate Russell (Technology Reporter, BBC Click & Author of ‘Working The Cloud’), Dr Sue Black (Senior Research Associate in Computer Science, University College London/the goto Foundation), Ghislaine Boddington (body>data>space), Eric van der Kleij(Level39), Dinis Guarda (CEO IHQ), Anne-Marie Imafidon (Stemettes), Ron Edwards(QA), Emilie Giles (Codasign), Will Harvey (Ogilvy), Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino(Designswarm / Internet of Things), Rachel Coldicutt (Director, Caper/Articulate), Magdalena Kron (GeekGirlMeetup UK), Richard Adams (Microsoft), Evelyn Wilson (TCCE), Haidee Bell (Nesta Innovations Programmes), Dr. Mitra Memarzia (IC tomorrow / Social Media Week London), Paola Cuneo (UK Trade and Investment), Roberta Lucca (Bossa Studios), Christoph Jankowski(UK Cultural Contact Point), Derek Richards(Hi8us South), Ruth Catlow(Furtherfield), and more!
This is the right point in time to recognise and celebrate the greater benefits gender diversity is bringing to the digital and tech marketplace in terms of creativity, user design and economic added value. Underusing the talent, skills, visions and knowledge offered by women is no longer an option – we need to work together, women and men, to design our future.
BOOK YOUR TICKET: http://womenshiftdigital.eventbrite.com/
Start following the debate now #womenshiftdigital
Co-produced and curated by body>data>space, supported and hosted by Level39 / Canary Wharf
Supported by:QA, UK Trade & Investment, Canary Wharf Arts and Events, Taylor Wessing, SMartEU, Creative Guild, Kinura, IntelligentHQ, Hai Media Group.
Media Partner:The Huffington Post UK
by Lisa Devaney | 21 Jan, 2011 | MobileWorldCongress2011
Are you getting ready for Mobile World Congress 2011? Let Hai Media Group help with your planning.
Firstly, we would like to invite you to meet with our client HipLogic, who recently launched *Spark:
www.sparkmyphone.com
This popular new app for Android and Symbian phones gives your mobile home screen a complete makeover, and connects you to Twitter, Facebook, news, entertainment, weather and even Groupon deals.
The Sunday Times in the UK calls it a “clever way to customise the home screen of an Android phone, replacing the normal grid of shortcuts with constantly updated news and weather headlines, as well as your friends’ updates on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. It’s also the most convenient way to hear about offers from Groupon, the American company that earlier this month did the unthinkable and spurned a buyout offer from Google of nearly $6 billion (repeat, in Dr. Evil voice: six billion dollars).”
The new app has also been featured in PC World, Stuff UK and will be reviewed in T3, among hundreds of other blogs and media outlets. *Spark is a free app and can be found in the Android Market and Nokia’s Ovi Store.
In just a short beta period *Spark attracted 100K downloads, and since launch late last year, has grown in popularity in 150 countries. At Mobile World Congress 2011 you’ll be able to meet with CEO Mark Anderson, where the company will provide a news announcement.
*To book your meeting, please contact Mary Epworth today at:
mary AT haimediagroup DOT com
Additionally, To guide you to this year’s Mobile World Congress 2011, Hai Media Group has put together tips on events happening, and included some veteran insight from mobile marketing and media specialist Helen Keegan, who has attended for the last six years.
You may know her as the mobile blogger Technokitten or follow her on Twitter (@Technokitten). She also organizes the popular Swedish Beers (@swedishbeers) event and Mobile Monday London ( @momolondon).
The What’s Happening Guide to Mobile World Congress 2011
By Hai Media Group (www.haimediagroup.com)
Hot
Mobile World Congress veteran Helen Keegan suggests you be sure to check out App Planet in Hall 7, which is expected to be even bigger this year with more exhibitors, more seminar and conference sessions and more to do. Based on what was spotted at CES in Las Vegas earlier this year, expect to see a lot of tablet devices in the main devices Hall. And don’t forget to look out for the best of British at the UKTI pavilion and the usually impressive technology innovations which can be spotted at the Israeli country pavilion.
Crime
Keep your kit minimal, leave anything you don’t really need at home, and do get a Yoigo sim card, as it in previous years has had the best Pay as You Go rates for data and calls. Extra gadgets to worry about can make you a crime target. Definitely don’t take your laptop or briefcase around with you, and hide your Congress badge when you leave the venue. Barcelona is notorious for pickpockets and muggings so be street smart both inside the venue and out and about. Bring a spare phone, in the unfortunate event that you get robbed. Many do. See more on Helen’s tips to stay safe at this blog post.
Fun
When it comes to networking events and parties, go with the flow! Helen says to keep your ears open for random parties that come up during the event that aren’t always publicized, which can be the best ones. The Mobile Entertainment Forum is always popular and Swedish Beers should not be missed. Nokia generally runs a party, usually invitation only, and attendants have loved it in past years. Mobile Monday has in works a couple of worthwhile panel sessions to be hosted with United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI). Blue Via is sponsoring the Mobile Premier Awards in the company’s Barcelona offices.
If you can make the time, a fast way to check out the sites of Barcelona is to take the tourist bus, that will show you the city’s amazing architecture, with discussion on the history. Stroll down La Ramblas where you’ll see many creative street performers. To be recommended is St Eulalia’s feast where they have the Little Devil’s parade in the Old Town on the Sunday night. It is spectacular if you get chance to see it.
Health
Helen says that you’ll need to pace yourself at Mobile World Congress and remember that it is a marathon and not a sprint. Get organized, plan well with your team, wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget to eat properly. As you book meetings, try to see the people you wouldn’t have opportunity to meet at home, the international event attracts business from every country in the world. Be sure to leave time for attending all the evening events and parties, where you just might meet someone who could transform your business prospects.
Find your insider’s guide to events at Mobile World Congress below, and please note that we aren’t organizing the events, so if you want to RSVP or find out more information please visit the appropriate website. You are also welcome to use our tips for your blog or news stories, please do credit and link to Hai Media Group www.haimediagroup.com
What’s Happening?
Mobile Sunday Barcelona 2011-01-15
WHEN: Sunday, February 13, 2011, 7 PM
WHERE: VINTAGE, Carrer de la Fusina, 7, 08003 Barcelona
WEBSITE: http://www.m-trends.org/2011/01/mobile-sunday-barcelona-2011.html
The sixth annual Mobile Sunday – an unofficial, informal and generally cool and funky gathering of mobile bloggers and their chums is hosted by Rudy de Waele (m-trends.org), meets at one of the coolest bars in Barcelona, the VINTAGE, that has a spacious, jazzy, loungy atmosphere with various rooms and salons. On offerfor 500 guests is drinks and nibbles, a heated terrace, sofas, private salons, four screens and a dancefloor. Attended by start-ups to VCs, operators to handset manufacturers, making an influential crowd. This is also a unique chance for you to meet the most influent bloggers writing about mobile and to meet the MobileMonday global chapter founders in one spot during the conference.
Mobile Premier Awards
WHEN: Monday, February 14, 2011, 3 PM
WHERE: Telefonica R&D Catalunya Headquaters
WEBSITE: http://www.mobilepremierawards.com
The Mobile Premier Awards are among the most influential events in the mobile industry and the point of reference in early-stage innovation during the Mobile World Congress, featuring 20 finalists from the AppCircuses events held during 2010. Participation is free and open to any start-up or developer with a mobile app! Registration will start 2:30 PM, drinks will be offered after the event in the same location until ca. 8 PM.The nominated apps for the Mobile Premier Awards 2011 edition include the AppCircus winners of the 2010 series of events and a selection of the best apps of the AppCircus Categories. All entries will be judged by an international jury (2011 jury TBC) in the week from January 17-22. The finalists to present at the event will be announced on January 24, 2011
MEF EMEA AGM and Board Elections at MWC
WHEN: Monday, February 14, 2011, 6 PM
WHERE: Museu Picasso, c/Montcada, 15-23 08003, Barcelona
WEBSITE: http://www.m-e-f.org/industryevents/mwc_2010/emea_board_elections/#c2249
The MEF EMEA board is committed to creating local trade development opportunities, providing regional market insight and briefing the membership on legislation affecting their businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. For this year’s elections, there are five vacancies for the EMEA board at the forthcoming elections on Monday. If you are a Full MEF member and would like to run for the EMEA board and contribute, send in your 200-word campaign statement and photo (jpeg format) to Sarah Roberts. As well as the elections, the meeting will provide a round-up of MEF’s activities and an opportunity for members to discuss the agenda for the year ahead. The AGM is open to all MEF members. If you would like to attend, please register at the website.
MEF Connects @ MWC 2011
WHEN: Monday, February 14, 2011, 8 PM
WHERE: Museu Picasso, c/ Montcada, 15-23, 08003, Barcelona
WEBSITE: http://www.m-e-f.org/industryevents/mef_connects_mwc_2011/
MEF Connects @ MWC in association with Dolby is back and expected to be even bigger and better. A night of cocktails, tapas and art among 13th century architectural surroundings. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the world-famous Picasso collection upon arrival.
*Please note this is a MEMBERS-ONLY event and each member company will only be allocated a fixed number of tickets. Please visit the website to register.
Mobile Valentines Day
WHEN: Monday, February 14, 2011 7-11:30pm
WHERE: Alsur Cafe el Born: Carrer dels Carders 17, Barcelona.
WEBSITE: http://www.amiando.com/em/mvalentine/263571228
*RSVP required, please visit website.
Each year in February we get together to celebrate our true love to mobile devices by taking part in Mobile World Congress, which starts this year on February 14th. To share your passion to mobile we are happy to invite you to Mobile Valentine’s Day party at MWC 2011. Bring your good mood, networking skills and friends with you.
This event is sponsored by Mobile Europe Magazine, SPB Software and Camerjam, who make sure there will be enough food and drinks for all.
Women in Mobile Data: Cava and Canapes
WHEN: Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 5-7 PM
WHERE: On site, Stand B101, Hall 8
WEBSITE: http://www.amdocs.com/Pages/HomePage.aspx
“Women in Mobile Data are excited to announce that Amdocs are kindly sponsoring their MWC2011 ‘Cava and Canapes’ networking event.“
The Global Mobile Awards Ceremony
WHEN: Tuesday, 15 February 2011, 3:45 – 5:15
WHERE: Conference center, Hall 5, Auditorium 1
WEBSITE: http://www.mobileworldcongress.com/awards/global_mobile_awards.htm
The Awards presentation will take place in a special ceremony during Mobile World Congress, followed by the official Congress Party & Awards Celebration event. The afternoon Global Mobile Awards Ceremony is included in Gold and Platinum Passes. The evening Congress Party & Awards Celebration is included in the Platinum Pass only, but may be added on to Gold, Silver and Exhibition Visitor Passes for an additional fee.
Congress Party & Global Mobile Awards Celebration
WHEN: Tuesday, 15 February 2011, 7:45 – Midnight
WHERE: National Palace in Montjuïc
WEBSITE: http://www.mobileworldcongress.com/awards/awards_celebration.htm
This evening event provides attendees with fantastic high-level networking opportunities – while enjoying world-class entertainment. This year we’re pleased to feature Grammy and Brit award-winning singer/songwriter Duffy. Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album for Rockferry in 2009, and she was nominated for two other Grammy awards. The evening Congress Party & Awards Celebration is included in the Platinum Pass only, but may be added on to Gold, Silver and Exhibition Visitor Passes for an additional fee. See the website.
GoMo News Blender
WHEN: Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 6:30-11:00pm
WHERE: Incognito BAR, Calle Fusina 6, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
WEBSITE: http://plancast.com/p/39xy
The GoMo News Blender now in its fourth year has become a symbolic, yet legitimate path of the institution that is the Mobile World Congress. Last year at the Blender, they drank the bar dry; twice! In 2010, readership on GoMo more than doubled and are hitting over 300K page views a month. Sponsors this year, for the second year running are Smaato and Diffusion PR who have doubled the investment, so there will be more food and drink for all.
Mobile World Congress Brokerage 2011
WHEN: Monday-Wednesday, February 14-16, 2011
WHERE: Fira de Barcelona
WEBSITE: http://mobile.b2bmatchmaking.com/p_index.php
This forum will bring together suppliers and users of mobile technology and know-how from all over Europe (and other countries such as Canada, Israel, United States and more) to discuss solutions and new opportunities for the future. The Mobile Brokerage Event 2011 is the ideal environment for: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering and those looking for new technologies; scientists and research institutes offering innovative RTD results; start-up companies and entrepreneurs; operators willing to meet innovators and added-value service providers.
Silverstreet & Tranglo GSMA MWC 2011 Party
WHEN: Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 9 PM
WHERE: Hyde Club, Pasaje Domingo 3, 08008 Barcelona
WEBSITE: http://www.tranglo.com/events/tranglo-networking-party-gsma-mwc-2011-barcelona
*RSVP by February 9, 2011 to: Barcelona@silverstreet.com/ barcelona@tranglo.com
Swedish Beers
WHEN: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, TIME TBC
WHERE: TBD
WEBSITE: Check Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2456995682
Swedish Beers is an ad hoc (roughly quarterly) networking event for folks with an interest in mobile technology, mobile marketing and mobile media. You don’t have to be a geek to attend, and they actively encourage people to join us from all industries – media, creative, marketing, mobile, telecoms etc.
WIP Jam Party @ MWC “Carnival of Nations Party”
WHEN: Thursday, 17 February, 2011, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
WHERE: Marmalade, Riera Alta 4-6, 08001, Barcelona
WEBSITE: http://www.wipconnector.com/wipjam/mwc2011party
This is “THE” Developer Party at MWC so make sure you come and connect with all the members of the mobile ecosystem. This won’t be just any boring old party. By popular demand, we are bringing back “Jameoke” for the third time – bigger and better than ever! Best practice up for the fun!
UKTI & Digital Communications Knowledge Transfer Network (DCKTN)
WHEN: Various times and days. *See website.
WHERE: On site at Stand AV26 and seminars at Sala Principe in Hall 8.
WEBSITE: http://www.uktechnologylive.com/mwc_uktech_at
UKTI is partnering with the Digital Communications Knowledge Transfer Network (DCKTN) to bring a comprehensive UK programme to this year’s Mobile World Congress. This includes innovative technology displays on the UK Technology stand and a technology seminar programme.
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Are you hosting an event at Mobile World Congress 2011?
Please leave a comment and let us know what’s happening!
some of the support we’ve been given.
published and getting lost in the crowd. It can help a good writer become a brilliant one. But till now, opportunities for low-income writers to be mentored were few and far between. This initiative redresses the balance; I’m utterly delighted to be part of the project.
