Harry had Dumbledore. Luke had Obi-Wan and Yoda. But who is your writing mentor?
“Whether it’s craft, career, or creativity advice, we benefit from being able to tap into personal resources who teach us, challenge or encourage us, and help to keep us (mostly) sane on our author’s journey,” writes Jenny Hansen in a post on the Writers in the Storm blog.
Some writers cultivate relationships with peers, professors, and their idols early in their careers. Others of us…not so much. We may have a teacher we remember fondly or a great feedback circle, but actual mentors – people to whom we can turn for advice and guidance based on real-world experience – are rare.
Are we screwed? Maybe not.
In 2023, there’s no reason not to avail yourself of free resources, including blogs like WITS and others shared here. There are thousands of books on writing available via your local bookstore or library.
Along with those books and blogs are thousands of other writers in the same situation. Talk to each other about your writing influences and the best advice you’ve gotten, Hansen advises. Writers love talking about writing, more than they like writing itself.
Finally, don’t forget that a writing mentor doesn’t have to give you advice on craft or publishing. A good mentor encourages you to do your best work and to keep going when the path is rough. They pick you up when you feel low. Finding someone who can do both is great, but don’t forget the value of moral support.
