Maybe mentoring matters much

Writing is hard. Both fledgling and flourishing writers benefit from new tips and techniques from time to time. Everyone needs an editor.

Maybe that’s why mentors matter so much.

What is a mentor?

A mentor is a counselor, instructor, teacher, sponsor, supporter, or trusted friend. It may be an advanced ally or a skilled colleague.

For writers, a mentor could be a more experienced journalist, a previously published author, a trusted editor, or even a savvy agent.

Mentors motivate us. They rein us in and spur us on. Like Jedi experts (or traffic cops), they point us back on track, if we veer off course. They help us to develop strategies and goals and to refine our most exciting ideas and dreams.

Perhaps they proofread as well.

More than once, a prized mentor has tapped me on the shoulder or grabbed me by the elbow (at least figuratively) in a pre-emptive protection against a potential publishing gaffe. At other times, a merry mentor has pumped my spirits with a hearty high-five or fist pump.

Because we all find ourselves at different stages of our wordsmithing careers, we may all be both mentors and mentees at the same time. Each capable writer has secrets to share and lessons to learn.

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Here are a few helpful online articles about mentoring for writers.

How to Get a Writing Mentor – Lisa Mason

A mentor can help you improve your writing and find writing success. Here are some steps on how to get a writing mentor.

Five ways a business mentor is more than a friend – Martin Zwilling

How do you find a mentor? This person could be a professional who does this for a living, or a role model in a related business who is willing to help you.

How having a mentor can give you more opportunities for your career – Claudia Baier

Having a mentor involves an interpersonal relationship in which the experienced teacher counsels and helps you.  Mentoring is usually an ongoing process unlike consulting. 

Starting a business and finding a mentor – Patricia Gilliam

A lot of small businesses fail because they don't listen to the failures and successes of more experienced people. When starting any business, it is an excellent idea to find at least one mentor who can help guide you through the process.

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Who mentors you, and whom can you mentor?

Personally and professionally, I look up to several amazing and adept writers. Some offer expertise in editing, while others present publishing pointers. A few even share their savvy strategies for efficiency and productivity in freelancing. These folks are worth more than I can say.

Often, I draw inspiration and insights from professional groups to which I belong. At least one such community even includes the word “mentors” in its title.

The creative life is challenging. Let’s share the journey.

“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.”

Albert Einstein

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Image/s:  

Traffic Copy by Calebrw

Creative Commons Licensing/Wikipedia Commons Photos

Fist Pump

Public Domain/Wikipedia Commons Photos

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