A Step in the Write Direction
May 7, 2012
Thought for Today:
“We are called to write, and I feel we will be held responsible at the Judgment for the people that we could have helped but didn’t because we didn’t write what God laid on our hearts to write” (Harold Ivan Smith).
Laugh for Today:
Like a lot of husbands throughout history, Webster would sit down and try to talk to his wife. But as soon as he would start to say something, his wife would say, "And what's
Like a lot of husbands throughout history, Webster would sit down and try to talk to his wife. But as soon as he would start to say something, his wife would say, "And what's
that supposed to mean?" Thus, Webster's Dictionary was born.
Update on my activities:
This has been a good week. Sale
Student Step in the Write Direction
Do you have a budding writer in your family or circle of friends. A student edition of Step is available for grades six up through college (or for any beginning writer). It doesn’t contain quite as much information as the original book, but it does have writing assignments throughout. Great graduation gift.
More Microsoft Word Shortcuts:
A couple of new Microsoft Word shortcuts sent by a reader (I’ll use these a lot!):
Insert footnote: alt, control F
Insert endnote, alt, control D
And Elaine Hardt wrote: If you have Mac readers, you might mention that there’s helpful info at the Mac site: www.pmugnews.blogspot.com. She’s been writing their blog since July 2008. (Visit Elaine at www.EncouragingU.blogspot.com.)
Writing Tips:
10 Ways to Mentor Your Mentor
Mentoring writers is a two-way relationship. Lest you think that you—the person being mentored—receive all the reward, let me assure you that most mentors greatly enjoy this experience. Personally, it is exciting for me to meet new writers at a conference or via the telephone or Internet, encourage them in their writing, and then later open a magazine and see an article or short story written by them, or receive a copy of a published book with their name on the cover.
How do you find a mentor? There are three ways: 1) If you’re fortunate, another writer may recognize your potential and offer to mentor you; 2) a friend may recommend someone to you; or 3) you may “click” with a fellow author at a writers’ club or conference. It may even be an editor or agent who sees potential in your work and is willing to take the time to help you in your climb up the writing ladder. Be courageous, take the plunge, and ask if he or she is available from time to time to answer questions and offer encouragement. If the answer is yes, then the following 10 hints will make this a rewarding experience for you both.
1. Before contacting your mentor with a question, look for the answer on the Internet or at the library. You’ll remember it more if you dig for it. Do as much on your own as you can.
2. Make a list of your questions before you call or e-mail. This will ensure you get all the
Information you need, and you can jot down the answers on your sheet next to each question.
3. Be considerate in the timing if you’re phoning. Try not to call on Sundays, holidays, or the
day after a conference. Also, remember the different time zones if you’re calling another
state.
4. If you call, ask if this is a good time or if you should call later. They may have company,
be preparing for a conference, or be facing a writing deadline.
5. If you write your mentor with a question, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope,
along with reimbursement for any expenses they may incur such as photocopies.
6. If you send a manuscript for them to look over, give them a little time. Don’t call three
days later and ask what they thought of it. If you’re using regular mail, enclose a self-
addressed stamped envelope for them to return your manuscript. You might also include a
self-addressed postcard they can stick in the mailbox letting you know they received the
material and the approximate time it will take them to go over it.
7. Whether sending your manuscript by e-mail or regular mail, to receive more complete
feedback, call or write first. (A manuscript with a $400 check once lay in my mailbox over
the weekend. I hadn’t heard from this author in 2 years, so he didn’t even know if I was still
in the business, or if I lived at the same address. The mail carrier left it in a second delivery
which we didn’t know about.) Let them know how many pages it will be and if you have a
deadline to meet. Allow enough time before this deadline to insert any changes your mentor
suggests. Rush jobs should be avoided.
8. If your mentor’s services include editing, type the manuscript double-spaced, with at least
a one-inch margin on all sides. Number the pages consecutively, not chapter by chapter.
9. When you get your manuscript back, go through it and make a note of any weaknesses
your mentor points out. Correct these weaknesses in future manuscripts you send.
10. Sometimes mentors need encouragement too. A “Thinking of You” card or an occasional
token of appreciation may arrive on a day when their spirits need a lift.
Why would a person be willing to give up valuable time to help a new writer? For me, the answer is that early in my life, many people gave of their time and knowledge to help me. One way of thanking them is to pass on to others what I have learned through the years.
Recently, a friend gave me a copy of her first published book. Inside she had written, “Here’s the product of your encouragement. Thanks for your help and love during this project.” This letter, and others like it in my file, is why I mentor.
Perhaps after you’ve been writing for a while, someone will come up to you and ask, “Will
you be my mentor?” And, of course, you’ll say “yes.”
Wonderful article. It is true that when someone gives of their valuable time it is vital that the one being mentored appreciates the time - sending a thank-you, not wasting time, listening and trying out the suggestions are bare minimums. I am keeping this article to remind me of these points if I ever get a mentor for my MS.
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