Many of Mentor’s students participate in numerous hobbies. For two Mentor students, Jenvee Rana and Bella Bognar, that is writing. Both of these students have completed a feat that not many their age have.
Jenvee has published a novel titled “For Every Version of Us,” a world-breaking collection of poems that show the course of every individual. She participates in Cardinal Nation, Student Government, Future Leaders and Math League. Her friends recognize her for natural leadership abilities and creativity that extends beyond just writing. Her goal in life is to continue to write and to inspire others, similar to how her favorite authors have inspired her.
Bella has published multiple novels that highlight her originality and different perspectives on numerous topics. She participates in Cardinal Nation and Model U.N. She also does out-of-school dance and theater to continue her creativity. Bella’s friends recognize her kindness, curiosity and compassion that fuels her contemporary writing. Outside of school she spends time with her friends, an avid reader and writer while also enjoying pilates.
Cardinal Nation: What is the process for getting published?
Bella: The process for publishing is interesting to say the least. It is really hard to figure everything out, especially the first time you publish, but once you have a good team of editors and photographers, it is way easier. Personally, I use Amazon to publish, and the first time I published, there were a lot of contracts to be signed, papers to fill out, and profiles to make, but after my first book, it got significantly easier. Editing is by far the worst part of writing; it is boring and terrible. However, you might get lucky and have an amazing editor like I do, but either way, it is a process.
Jenvee: The first step is writing your novel—both the hardest and most rewarding part. Draw inspiration from books you love or your own experiences. After finishing, edit your manuscript thoroughly. I edited mine several times before publishing my first book. Mistakes are part of the process; each project helps you grow. When you’re ready, you can self-publish on Amazon, which is beginner-friendly, or submit to traditional publishers for extra guidance. No matter which path you choose, expect lots of revision and continuous learning along the way.
Cardinal Nation: What resources are available for publishing a story or novel?
Bella: Using Amazon self-publishing is a great resource. I personally recommend talking to other authors, going to book signing events, and getting advice from people who are in your shoes. Publishing is not easy by any means, but when you know people and make connections, the process gets easier.
Jenvee: There are plenty of resources available to help you publish your story. If you want to self-publish, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and Barnes & Noble Press are excellent places to start—they’re cost-effective and accessible to new authors. Personally, I use Amazon as a publishing site as it allows me to self-publish my books at a free cost. For those interested in traditional publishing, researching literary agents and publishing houses can open doors, although it’s a more competitive process. There are also online writing communities, such as Scribophile and Critique Circle, where you can get feedback and support from fellow writers.
Cardinal Nation: What are some challenges?
Bella: Most of the challenges with being an author is not about writing itself, of course writers block always rears its ugly head, but most of the time the biggest wall that blocks people from being authors is other people. People who criticize what authors do simply because they don’t like their work. When you have a career that is based on other people’s perceptions of you it is really hard not to let those voices of hate get to you. It takes courage to publish and to put yourself out there, and anyone who puts someone down for that, really just shows what this world is coming to. Criticism is healthy, but plainly hating someone’s work is not. Don’t let the voices get to you, and my major advice is to dare to dream.
Jenvee: One of the biggest challenges I face as an author is handling criticism. Not everyone will connect with my writing, and that’s okay. Learning from feedback, instead of letting it discourage you, is important. Coming up with new ideas can also be tough—sometimes just starting is the hardest part. I’ve struggled with writer’s block too, and find that taking a break often helps. Balancing writing with other commitments isn’t easy, but staying organized and setting goals makes it manageable. Letting go of characters or changing plots can be hard, but those choices usually make the story stronger and helps you grow as a writer.
Cardinal Nation: Where do you get your common themes, and why do you incorporate them?
Bella: Since I write poetry about my life my common themes are far different than, say, a fantasy author. My themes are, the power of love and lies, what sadness really is and what it feels like to be accused of everything. My themes come from my life so where someone lies to me I write about how it affects me. Enduring all of this and having a healthy way to express my emotions is essential with my growth as a writer.
Jenvee: My themes often come from both the books I read and my own experiences. I’ve loved reading since fifth grade, and my tastes have evolved over the years, which reflects in my writing. Fantasy is a big inspiration for me—think medieval settings, the battle between good and evil, and coming-of-age journeys. I also explore themes like family, resilience, and the complexities of dreams and ambitions. Sometimes, what seems like a setback can turn out to be a disguised opportunity, and I like weaving those lessons into my stories.
Cardinal Nation: What are some of your favorite authors who inspire your works?
Bella: I have so many authors that inspire me and if I were to list ALL of them, we would be here all day. To name a few I would say, Nikki Gonviani, Amanda Gorman, Jacqueline Woodson, Chris Colfer, Edgar Allen Poe, and Brandon Mull.
Jenvee: There are so many authors I admire! To name a few: Lauren Roberts, Rebecca Yarros, Tahereh Mafi, Stephanie Garber, Rebecca Ross, Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Leigh Bardugo. Each of them brings something unique to their storytelling—whether it’s world-building, character development, or emotional depth—I try to learn from their strengths.
Cardinal Nation: Could you see yourself being a professional author?
Bella: YES, I fully intend to write professionally, I think that writing is part of me now, and I truly can’t picture my life without writing. I think that when you are an author, it kind of becomes who you are. I can’t leave my house without paper and a pen. I write for hours everyday. It is just who I am, and this has been my dream since I was 9 years old. I am so excited to try and become the writer that I would want to read as a little kid.
Jenvee: Writing is definitely a passion of mine, and I plan to keep it in my life, even if it’s just as a side job for now. While I’m not certain if I’ll pursue it as a full-time career, I’m open to wherever this journey may take me. For now, I want to enjoy the creative process and continue sharing stories with readers. Don’t be afraid to share your stories with the world. Every writer starts somewhere, and it’s normal to feel nervous or doubt yourself. Keep reading, keep writing, and don’t be discouraged by rejection or criticism. The more you write, the better you’ll get—and remember, your voice matters!
Cardinal Nation: What are some of your goals for the upcoming year?
Bella: I really want to publish one more book during 2025, and I also want to do another book signing event because they are also so much fun. I love meeting other authors and even young readers of my work. I have had so many great memories made at events where little girls ask me to sign their books and it makes me so happy. That is really why I write about those experiences. My main goals are to publish something else and do some more events before 2026.
Jenvee: This year, I hope to publish more novels and maybe even start a series—my current book, “When Kingdoms Fall,” is a standalone for now. I’d also love to host a book signing at my local Barnes & Noble and connect with readers in person. Another goal is to collaborate with other writers or join a writing group to grow my skills. Above all, I want to keep improving as an author and challenge myself with new genres or themes.
Cardinal Nation: Are there any moments from your life that you used as inspiration?
Bella: Since my books are about my life, most of them are based on my life. I wrote one poem in “Criminal” called “Hey Jacks”, and it was about this boy who would always talk to me in one of my classes and would always ask if I would write about him. So I wrote these silly little poems just saying hi. I changed his name to Jacks because he reminded me of a character from a book I read. It was a funny experience that I thought would be interesting to put in my book.
Jenvee: There are definitely moments from my life that find their way into my writing, even though my novel is set in a fantasy world. I often observe how others interact—especially the small gestures or thoughtful things couples do for each other—and I incorporate those details into my characters and their relationships. Sometimes, it’s the way people speak to one another or the little things they do that inspire authentic moments in my story. Drawing from real-life interactions helps make my fantasy world feel more relatable and emotionally genuine.
Cardinal Nation: What inspires your cover art/photography?
Bella: I always imagine my books as a place, for instance, Criminal was in a dark dungeon of a crumbled palace, so with keeping that in mind, I think of a color scheme which helps me determine what kind of cover I want. If the book is based on a colorful, happy stage of my life, like my book Flowers, I would make a colorful cover with bright visuals.
Jenvee: I usually draw inspiration for my cover art and photography from key elements within my novel—whether it’s a significant setting, an important object, or the overall mood of the story. I also pay close attention to how other novels use visual themes on their covers, and I enjoy blending those influences with my own narrative. Sometimes I collaborate with designers or photographers to brainstorm concepts that capture the heart of the book. My goal is always to create a cover that reflects the essence of my story and sparks curiosity in potential readers.
Cardinal Nation: What is your least favorite part about being an author?
Bella: My least favorite part of being an author is editing and finalizing my work. I hate editing. I have an amazing editor; however, it is a time-consuming process and takes weeks, and it’s not the best part of the job. Finalizing can be frustrating. It is mostly frustrating; it takes time to fill out paperwork, figure out schedules, do the layout, the format of the cover, it is a process. It is not enjoyable for me personally but it is worth it in my opinion.
Jenvee: My least favorite part about being an author is how time-consuming the editing process can be. It often
takes multiple rounds of revisions to get a manuscript just right, and it can feel like a never-ending cycle of reading, rewriting, and refining. While I know editing is essential for producing my best work, it can be exhausting to go over the same material so many times. Sometimes, it’s challenging to stay motivated during those long stretches, but in the end, I remind myself that thorough editing is what helps bring my stories to life in the best way possible.
Cardinal Nation: What is your favorite part about being an author?
Bella: The best part of being an author is meeting the readers at events. I have said this before but it is such a special moment to meet the people who really support you and build you up. Hearing them clap, and signing their books, it really makes me so happy to know I am being the author for them.
Jenvee: My favorite part about being an author is the process of writing the novel itself. I love having the freedom to be as creative as possible, exploring new ideas and bringing characters and worlds to life. Writing gives me the chance to shape my story exactly how I envision it, and if something doesn’t feel right, I can critique and revise it until I’m satisfied. That creative control and the excitement of building something from scratch are what I enjoy most about being an author.
