The Writer's Survival Guide by Rachel Simon

Author:Rachel Simon
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781497693340
Publisher: Open Road Distribution

MENTORS

Whether or not you attend writing classes or programs, you might find yourself revering a single writer or teacher. Or else you might want to revere a single writer or teacher. Is this a good thing? What can you get out of it?

I have always had a bit of a bias when it comes to mentors, which is that they are wonderful assets to any writer’s career—as long as the writer keeps in mind that no mentor can be helpful in all areas, and that it is important to grow away from the mentor at some point. In other words, intellectual/creative parenting is enormously beneficial, but all writers must eventually cease relying on the advice of mentors and come into their own, maturing until they can mentor themselves. Otherwise they will remain dependent, always needing approval before they can know if they have pulled off a story, always seeking advice before they can make any business decisions, and—the most damaging pitfall—always seeing their mentors’ visions instead of their own.

Listen to your mentor, enjoy your mentor, learn from your mentor. But don’t forget your inner voice. It can lead you to worlds where no other writer, including your mentor, has ever dreamt of going.

That said, beginning writers can find good mentors anywhere—in writing classes or programs, in correspondence with published authors, in the letters and diaries of deceased novelists. All that matters is that you trust your mentor enough to admit your needs, and then trust him enough to follow his counsel. Good mentors can also be collages of several people; perhaps from your teacher you get technical suggestions, from your correspondence you get publishing tips, and from the diaries of deceased novelists you get emotional support.

I mentioned earlier in this chapter that one of my students contacted me after reading a story of mine in a magazine. In fact, the purpose of Marisol’s initial letter was to find a mentor. She wanted someone who could offer knowledge, experience, and wisdom, who could listen carefully to her concerns and respond constructively, and who, above all else, believed in her. I was so impressed at her cleverness at finding me and at her care in composing the letter that I called Marisol after receiving her letter. We spoke, she asked if she could hire me as a teacher, and over the months, as we got to know each other and I became even more impressed—this time by her work—we developed a bond that has proven helpful to us both. Marisol trusts my judgment and learns to write better; I have faith in her abilities and have the pleasure of watching her grow. Marisol gets inspiration and education; I get inspiration and gratification. We both know that my job will be done when she can incorporate my faith in her to such a degree that I cease being a regular need and turn instead into an occasional treat. Together we are working toward that goal while enjoying our relationship every step of the way.

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