Being a Mentor: March IWSG
Talk to almost any writer (besides our fearless leader Alex) and they will tell you they have always wanted to be a writer, most usually for as long as they could remember. Personally, I don't remember a time when I didn't want to be a writer. When I was very young and still armored from reality, I KNEW I was going to be a writer when I grew up. As I got older, I realized girls from West Virginia who knew no one in New York ever got published. I gave up the crazy dream and went to college, got a degree in counseling, and went into social work.
Being the eternal dreamer that I am, it didn't take me too far into my 30's to decide no one decides my fate but me (or the All Mighty) and returned to writer dreaming.
But I also enjoy social work. I'm one of THOSE people who like people and think that with some effort, we can change the world. Okay, well maybe not THE world, but we can help change A world.
In a world where constant chaos is becoming the norm, we could use some change. Kids need hope. And an outlet. And for writers, no matter the age, words are our outlets. So, I had the idea of pairing service with writing. I contacted our very own, L. Diane Wolfe of Dancing Lemur Press, and told her what I wanted to do. She was not only on board, but offered input and guidance to help me better formulate a plan.
Thanks to Dancing Lemur Press, fifteen youngsters will have the opportunity to see their stories published in a short story anthology. However. I don't want to do this as a contest. I want it to be a learning experience and a chance for these young people to feel a connection to the world of writing.
Since not all of these youngsters may be well-versed in the ins and outs of story telling, I will need some help getting their stories polished and ready for print. In real life, I will be working with these youngsters in a writing group. Diane has offered to do some Zoom chats and tutorials with them, but still, it would be nice to have writing mentors for them also.
So, that's my call to the writing community...we (well, everyone but Alex) were all once young, insecure writers...wouldn't it have been nice to have had some support long ago before you ever knew a participle could dangle or that a dipthong wasn't found in the lingerie department?
If you'd like to be a mentor writer, drop me an email at eseckman(at)ymail(dot)com
March 2 question - Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?
No. I have a rule: When in doubt, cut it out. This works for odd looking moles and scenes that may be missing the mark.
Thanks to today's awesome co-hosts! Janet Alcorn, Pat Garcia, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!
Thanks to today's awesome co-hosts! Janet Alcorn, Pat Garcia, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!
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What's the purpose of the IWSG? To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
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I love the idea of an anthology your young writers!
ReplyDeleteAnd this: "Okay, well maybe not THE world, but we can help change A world." I so love this!
Tee shirts are on the way...
DeleteThat's a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI know, I know, I never wanted to be a writer...
I know. You just like to live outside all the usual boxes.
DeleteI was an attorney and enjoying helping people like you do. That's awesome you're helping create an anthology written by kids and that Diane is helping with it. I'll be glad to shout out about it in my follower news for you when it gets released.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Shout outs are super appreciated!
DeleteHopefully this project does a lot for those young people. To get them started, would you like my character development sheet?
ReplyDeleteI got the character sheet. Thank you!
DeleteI think it's going to be beneficial to our kids and to our community. I've spoken with a few key players and they're all onboard to help with getting these kids their author copies and hosting a community-wide launch. I'm getting excited!
I like the idea "when in doubt cut it out" :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty good rule to live by.
DeleteThat's a great opportunity for young people! Having someone to encourage your talent and assist in your development makes all the difference in the world to a writer.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I never thought I could until a fellow writer asked me why couldn't I? And I had no good answer.
DeleteThe anthology project sounds wonderful--kudos to you for helping kids find some early writing success!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I have a lot to bring to the mentorship table, but feel free to email me with more details. Maybe there's a way I can help.
Will do! I think just being told they can is a huge step forward in a young writer's career.
DeleteNo one in their right mind would want my advice. Okay, yes, maybe some kids aren't in their right minds, but I still wouldn't feel right pointing them down the wrong path.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wise and thoughtful person who knows when to say no...though I'm guessing you're selling yourself short.
DeleteWhat a great opportunity for youngsters. I taught myself and pushed myself to write and submit work. I read a lot of articles in writing magazines (in print because the internet was a dot on the horizon when I first submitted). Having someone encouraging me and showing me how might have speeded up my writing career!
ReplyDeleteSadly, in Appalachia (my area) there is a feeling of hopelessness that begins in youth. That's what I want to change. I want kids to start thinking outside the box when they choose their dreams.
DeleteMentoring is big:) I'm on an advisory board for my alma mater where I help coach university students in the English Department. It's very fulfilling.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I wish I'd have had a professor like yourself.
DeleteWhat a great idea! If you don't have a copy editor, I'd be glad to donate my services.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how good I'd be a 1:1 mentoring of kids, but I could gather up some links to blog posts I've done on the craft. If they learned a few fiction techniques going into it, there would be less to correct after the fact, which would be a boost to their self-esteem.
I know you'll be awesome and you'll always have me riding along. :)
DeleteI'll have to add you to that short list!
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow West Virginian,‘‘Hoopie" how can I not offer assistance. Getting picked last isn't unusual for me, and in this case, as a writer of horror, and silly poetry, I'll expect it. I've a lot to learn from the youngsters and I'm open to it, if they are. Beautiful idea! I hope it goes beyond your dreams!
ReplyDeleteI could never turn away a fellow Hoopie! You probably understand better than anyone how isolating these hills can be.
DeletePS...I'd never call your poetry silly! I'll call you silly for saying it.
Deletehaha yeah, doubtful moles and holes gotta go.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea indeed for the youngins. Darn, now I feel old lol
You're not old. You're saasoned.
DeleteThat's a brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list of non-realized writers. Wait, that sounds wrong. :) I also wrote but never thought about being a writer (that's the topic of my next newsletter, more or less).
I now know 3. You guys might be the sane ones among us.
DeleteWow, Liz. Good on you. And Di. That's wonderful. And I love your 'When in doubt' rule. That's great:)
ReplyDeleteI look forward to it.
DeleteThis is such a great idea. If I was more settled I'd be interested in mentoring. But I'm retiring/moving/packing/working through April/May and chaos reigns right now. Perhaps another time, if there is one. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHopefully, it goes well and we'll do it again and again!
DeleteWould we tutor by Zoom? This is a wonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteZoom, email, Facebook groups...however way we can do it, we'll use it!
DeleteThis sounds like a great idea!
ReplyDeletewww.onegayastronaut.blogspot.com
Thank you. :)
DeleteWhen are you getting started?
ReplyDelete