Jul 29, 2015
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Do you have a writing mentor? Find out why it's super-important
to have one in Episode 019 of the Write Now
podcast!
Every writer needs a mentor.
What are the benefits of having a writing mentor? How do you go
about finding one? Is it possible you have one already? And how can
you tell a good mentor from a bad one? SO MANY QUESTIONS! Good
thing I have so many answers.
You are not alone.
I think that, in general, writing as seen as a fundamentally
solitary, isolated, and alone process. We imagine writers
sitting up late at night at a well-shadowed desk, sipping cognac by
the fire, shut into an office or study, out for a lonely walk.
Maybe it's a man, maybe it's a woman. Heck, maybe it's this guy:
(Sorry, I couldn't resist. That pipe-chomping, suspender-wearing image of a writer really cracks me up.)
Point is, I don't think it's healthy for a writer to be
perfectly 100% alone in their craft.
Good vs. bad mentors!
I share the story of how I met my current mentor, Melissa, and what
a good mentor should be. I also talk a little bit about a
mentorship with a different mentor (one that had been assigned to
me) that did not turn out so well.
7 ways a mentor can help you in your writing:
A mentor has been there -- he or she knows what it takes, and
can offer trustworthy advice.
You can trust a mentor to be honest and unbiased with you.
A mentor can help open doors that might otherwise be closed to
you.
A mentor can act as a counselor, lifeline, or anchor during times
of stress.
A mentor can be a great role model, especially in the social
graces.
A good mentor will challenge you in ways you wouldn't challenge
yourself.
Meeting with your mentor will leave you feeling refreshed and
inspired -- and in love with writing again.
Really, nothing will get you fired up about writing like someone
who is really fired up about writing. :)
Where can I find a mentor?
You can look for mentors pretty much anywhere. Here are some
ideas:
An old teacher or professor
A member of your writer's group or book club
An editor of your acquaintance
A coworker who gets storytelling
A spiritual or religious leader
A writer you admire -- whether within your own circle of friends or
a nationally recognized author
And, as a special bonus, from my own personal bias:
Six traits to look for in a mentor:
Your mentor should be someone you can trust.
Try to find someone you admire & respect, whose advice you'll look
forward to following.
Make sure your mentor is someone who is willing to be honest with
you.
Your mentor should be willing to take an interest & invest
time in you.
While you want them to be invested in you, make sure they're not
going to take over your life. (Forceful personalities can be
forceful.)
You find yourself writing down the stuff they say so that you can
reference it later.
What do I do when I think I've found someone to be my
mentor?
Just ask them this question:
"Can I buy you a cup of coffee sometime?"
[Or some similar variation.]
This question has been the key to some truly great professional
relationships and mentorships. Give it a try and let me know what
happens!
The book of the week.
AAAAAAH! Speaking of work/life balance, I didn't have time to
finish a book this week. BUT. Check back next week, and
in the meantime, you can keep up-to-date with my
book-related adventures on Goodreads.
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