Photo by: Monica Melton

Guest Post by: Geary Smith

Mentoring 101: 

The Importance of Having a Mentor for Writing Success

     “The mediocre mentor tells.

The good mentor explains. 

      The superior mentor demonstrates.

The greatest mentors inspire!”

–Lucia Ballas Traynor

 

As I think about this quote, I think of my mentor. She explained and demonstrated to help me to become a better writer. She inspired me to become a successful writer.

I was truly at a time in my writing career when I despondent and unsure about my skills and abilities due to receiving so many rejection letters from editors. 

However, when I was about to give up on my dreams of being a writer, serendipitously, my mentor entered into my life and things began to change.

Why is having a mentor so very important for your writing success? 

I believe there are a myriad of qualities to look for in having a mentor for your writing, but here are a few to examine and ponder. 

First, a mentor must be willing to squeeze your project into her busy schedule.  It takes time for a mentor to read, edit and comment on your writing projects.

Secondly, a mentor will give honest feedback and comments on your writing.  Criticism can be tough to hear, but I was never offended by my mentor’s suggestions, red marks, and corrections, because I knew she was trying to help me become a better writer. 

Finally, a mentor will motivate you to keep writing. They believe in you even when you may not believe in yourself.

In conclusion, I am truly fortunate and blessed to find a mentor that came into my life and helped me become a successful writer.  In fact, we still stay in touch. Today, I smile and have a sense of purpose, joy and fulfillment about my writing career, seeing my work being published and actually getting paid for something I love to do. 

I want to leave you with a thought to never give up on your dreams of being a writer.  You just have to find the right mentor that will help guide, lead and inspire you in the right direction.

Geary Smith has been writing for children and young adults for over 35 years. His work has been published in Highlights for Children, Child Life, McGraw-Hill, ProQuest, Kids Imagination Train and many other publications. He has won the Pewter Plate Award by Highlights for Children. Geary Smith is the current Mayor of the city of Mexia, Texas and a member of the Executive Board of the Heart of Texas Council of Governments.  Geary Smith has a B.S. in Psychology from Morehouse College and M.Ed. from Stephen F. Austin University.
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