Today I had the deep joy of awarding my Fellowship in Book-Length Storytelling to Baird Morgan.
This honor recognizes not just the completion of a full-length manuscript, but the dedication, perseverance, and transformative growth that goes into crafting a story worth telling. Baird has poured his heart into his book, and watching his manuscript evolve has been one of the brightest parts of my mentoring season.
Over the past month, Baird and I met for 11 hours across multiple Zoom sessions. We dove deep into plot architecture, setting that breathes, thematic resonance, rich characterization, and all the nuanced layers that turn a draft into something truly literary. There were breakthroughs, revisions, moments of doubt overcome by clarity, and that beautiful shift when a writer begins to trust their own voice on the page.
Baird showed up consistently, did the hard work, and emerged with a completed manuscript that reflects real narrative mastery. His book, THE ROAD FROM WHITFIELD TO PARCHMAN, is a powerful dramatic work of Southern fiction set in Mississippi between 1957–1972. It’s a gut-wrenching take on standing up against injustice of many kinds—and yes, it made me cry (in the best way possible). I was so touched by one character’s journey (Lutie Bell in Whitfield Asylum) that I bought a Curious George figure to keep in my office as a reminder of her story. You’ll have to read Baird’s book to find out why. 😉
This Fellowship isn’t just a certificate, it’s a public acknowledgment of the artistic commitment it takes to finish something this significant.
I’m so proud of him.
In my own writing life, I know how rare and powerful it is to have someone walk alongside you through the long haul of a book. That’s why I created this Fellowship—to celebrate the writers who do exactly that. The ones who keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
To every writer reading this (whether you’re querying, revising, or just beginning): your persistence matters. The hours on Zoom, the late-night revisions, the quiet determination to make your story better… it all counts. And it deserves to be honored.
Congratulations, Baird Morgan! You’ve earned this. I can’t wait to see where your story goes next.
With deep gratitude for all of you who support this mentoring work. In every capacity I move—whether as an author, literary agent, or story consultant—honoring writers like Baird fills my cup and reminds me why storytelling matters so much. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Cheering you on,
Brandy Vallance
P.S. If you’re a writer looking for one-on-one guidance on your own book-length project, my calendar has a few spots opening up in the coming weeks. Feel free to reach out—I’d love to be a part of your story too. 💛 https://www.brandyvallance.com/zoom-consultations/
Important note: These Zoom consultations are completely separate, paid services offered only to writers who are not my agency clients. If you are seeking literary representation by me, or hope to query me in the future, please do not book a consultation. Consistent with AALA guidelines, I do not charge clients or potential clients any reading, evaluation, or other fees for services related to literary representation. Additionally, I am unable to represent authors who have received a paid consultation from me. My agency work is compensated solely through standard commission on sales.
However, if you’re not seeking representation and would simply like expert, one-on-one feedback to take your career to the next level, I would love to work with you!