Teachable Moment
By Kathleen Bolton | March 30, 2009 |
Yesterday, the college-aged son of a friend called me out of the blue. “Mom told me you’re a writer,” he said. “That’s so cool. I’m hoping to be a writer too. Can I talk to you about it a little bit?”
Aw.
We had a great conversation. It was a first for me to have someone so young soaking in my advice and take on the industry (flattering!). I stayed encouraging, but I also made it clear that writing is not a business for sissies. Hard work and paying attention to the craft is not for the dilettante.
What surprised me was how charged up I felt after the call about my own writing. Just discussing what makes strong descriptive writing and the excitement he felt over creating an image made me remember how enthralled I was with my first attempts, and how far I’ve come.
It was like a shot of Jamba Juice when I headed back to the keyboard to work on my own stuff.
We all know that writing can be a lonely profession. Connecting with other writers keeps the loneliness and fear at bay. But mentoring is also a great way to keep the circle going. I’ve now got an e-mail pen-pal who is soaking up my “wisdom” and by extension forcing me to examine my own choices as a writer. I’m really enjoying this.
Do you mentor a younger writer in your life? Have you had a mentor who inspired your writing? Share your stories with us. It’s things like these that make me love being a writer and being a part of a writer’s community.
Kathleen Bolton is co-founder of Writer Unboxed. She writes under a variety of pseudonyms, including Ani Bolton.
She has written two novels as Cassidy Calloway: Confessions of a First Daughter, and Secrets of a First Daughter–both books in a YA series about the misadventures of the U.S. President’s teen-aged daughter, published by HarperCollins, and Tamara Blake, for the novel Slumber.
I’m available if anyone wants a mentee :)
kath, this is so great! you never know how much you can change the world when you reach out a hand to help another person. you, ter, all the WU community, you really do so much good here, and maybe you don’t even realize it. thanks and hugs t
The author to give me some of the greatest writing advice is the father of modern day fantasy Terry Brooks. Met him at a conference and he shared some of the best, practical advice. There is also Jack Whyte, author of Arthurian and Templar legends. While thumbing through one of my books and reading some excerpts, to hear him say: “Hey, this is really quite good!” was all the encouragement I needed to keep writing.
Now I mentor my daughter! Already a gifted student of the language arts, we are collaborating on our first YA novel!
Have you had a mentor who inspired your writing?
Hmm, let’s see. I can recall countless times when one person in particular encouraged me to elevate my craft. Kathleen Bolton, this is your life. ;-) And another of our WU buddies, Barbara Samuel, is always there to encourage me toward healthy, balanced writerly ways. Mad writer love for you both; thank you for your mentoring.
Aww, Ter, now I’m getting verklempt (sniff).
I agree that it’s a lonely business and connecting with others creates an enthusiasm you can’t find elsewhere. I think that’s why writing groups are usually remembered so fondly — even if the majority of the group never “goes pro,” their passion is intoxicating. :)
I’ve been mental for years.
I’m 17 and going to be a freshman in college next year… I really hope I’m lucky enough to find a good mentor. I visited the English department of the school I’m going to and the professors seemed really nice. I also spoke with one older student who’s doing a type of mentor thing where a professor is helping her with her novel. I hope I get into something like that.
You’re doing the right thing, Alexa. Professors and graduate students make great mentors. Enjoy your time in college–it’ll be the best years of your life.
It’s kind of hard to find avid writers younger than me. ;) I could use a mentor though…
Rachel,
Stick with Writer Unboxed, the contributors here give excellent, practical advice and with Donald Maass joining this site, you’re sure to continue learning even more about this business.
I’ve attended a number of workshops by Donald and he, as well as the other contributors, here will never steer you wrong! This site just keeps getting better and better!
I’ve had several, including WU’s own Juliet Marillier. Juliet and other writers have inspired and encouraged me and taught me a great deal. I would suggest that any aspiring writer should attend workshops with published writers and apply for mentorships whenever the opportunity arises. Learning about writing and publication from established authors is a whole nother ball game than attending tertiary classes in literature or creative writing.