Mentoring

I've wanted a mentor for writing, but with my schedule being as it is, I just don't think I could do that to someone.

I'd like a mentor for other things, but because of the reason above, ...

No, I've never had a mentor.
Yes, I've wanted one for writing.
I think once I begin taking some writing courses I just might find one. Positive thinking. (wink)

I just got an internship at a small production house because I want to go to film school. I have one designated mentor, but I think the guys I'm working with down in the editing suites will be my main guidance.

-Jason

You are all my mentors. And thank you.

All the people (both on and off AW) who've answered my questions, gave me publishing-related advice, and talked about their personal experiences are my mentors. Thank you, everybody.

I have one and it has made me as a writer. The tricky part is finding someone whose commentary launches right into that brain space where the work is done. I don't think that happens very often. Every now and again, I'm actually in the right place at the right time.

My mentor has been dead for almost 2,240 years. He's not very good at critiques...

My mentor has been dead for almost 2,240 years. He's not very good at critiques...

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Yikes.

Ah... that's why Rob always assumes he's right. I get it now.

I had one in college ... I miss him. He was awesome. Pushed me and challenged me constantly...

I'm my own mentor. I'm also my own grandpa.

I've had one writing mentor, though I don't know if he knew it or not. He did a lot of figurative hand holding through my last book and encouraging me to stay the course etc.

Unique said:

In other ventures I hear about them constantly but what I don't hear is - where do you get one? Yellow Pages? Want Ad? Stand on the back porch and yell?

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I am sooooooooooooo tempted...so tempted...
but I will be good...even if it is the cat..

Actually it was of course a smart arse answer..how could it not be?
BUT
I have had this discussion before with someone else at AW whom I respect...
and I disagree .. I dont think a mentor really works for a lot of people...(It may work for you..as it does for that other person)
It certainly never worked for me

I write, put it in, and let the editor tell me whats wrong or right...
but then again I am stubborn, pigheaded and lazy as all hell...

And I hate doing crits etc...

So for some Mentors are great..for people like me they are an exercise in futility...but then again that is not just in writing...

robeiae said:

My mentor has been dead for almost 2,240 years. He's not very good at critiques...

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Jesus?

He was a carpenter, so...

Have you ever had a mentor - Yes. My former boss grew to be my mentor. He didn't read/critique my writing- rather, he taught me how to analyse government policy to see potential impact on interest groups. Through him, I learnt to love legal writing.

It was not formal mentoring relationship. He hired me to do a job and along the way, the mentoring happened.

Ever wanted one - not necessarily. When I realised I could learn from him, I took advantage of the oportunities. He was happy to share.

Where to go to find one - I don't know. I was mentored and have been a mentor in the workplace.

You can also ask an auhor your respect to mentor you, or even win one in a competition.

An acquitance of mine won a 12-month mentorship opportunity with a famous American author ( you'd know who if I mentioned her name here) through a UN funded programme.

While I was impressed by the fact that a writer of such high stature was going to work with my acquintance on her novel, I thought a similar arrangement would not work for me. I respect the author, but I don't understand/like her writing.

Hmm, wining a mentor.

Could we gather all the published authors here and have a mentor raffle?

True.

Unique said:

Wow and Hurrah! for your friend. A contest to win a mentorship would be some prime motivation for me. Just ... wow.

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Assuming the association does you much good beyond having a famous author read your work.