Writing is often romanticised as a solitary pursuit—one writer, one desk, and the quiet hum of inspiration. Yet, the truth is that even the most accomplished writers benefit from guidance, accountability, and meaningful conversations about their work. A writing mentor is an invaluable companion on the creative nonfiction journey, offering insight, encouragement, and constructive critique to help writers develop their craft and bring their stories to life. I have had several wonderful writing mentors in my own life. I could not imagine my trajectory without them.

Throughout my career as a writer, teacher, and mentor, I have worked with authors at all stages—aspiring, emerging, and established—helping them refine their voices, shape their narratives, and deepen their understanding of storytelling. Having a writing mentor is more than just receiving feedback; it is about forging a partnership that nurtures creativity, strengthens discipline, and fosters a deeper connection to the writing process.

Why a Writing Mentor is So Powerful

If you are writing memoir, personal essays, or narrative nonfiction, working with a writing mentor can accelerate your progress, helping you refine both your ideas and your craft. Here’s why:

1. A Writing Mentor Helps You Get the Work Done

• Writing is full of distractions, self-doubt, and moments of stagnation. Having a mentor provides structure, accountability, and motivation to keep you moving forward.
• Regular check-ins, deadlines, and personalised guidance help you establish a writing routine and stay committed to your goals.
• A mentor helps you navigate roadblocks—whether it’s fear of failure or uncertainty about structure—so that your work doesn’t get stuck in drafts, but evolves through stages into a polished manuscript.

2. A Writing Mentor is a Thoughtful Sounding Board

• Writing, especially memoir and personal essays, often requires deep reflection. A mentor offers thoughtful engagement and perspective, helping you clarify your message and strengthen your narrative.
• Whether you are grappling with how to shape a scene, refine your themes, or structure your book, a mentor provides insightful feedback that enhances the depth and coherence of your work.
• The best writing doesn’t emerge in isolation; it develops through meaningful conversation, and a writing mentor provides a dedicated space for discussing ideas, themes, and storytelling techniques.

3. In-Depth Discussions That Expand Your Craft

• Working with a mentor gives you the opportunity to engage in rich, substantive discussions about narrative structure, voice, research, and revision.
• Beyond technical craft, a mentor helps you develop confidence in your writing, guiding you to trust your instincts while honing your skills.
• You gain access to resources, readings, and exercises tailored to your unique writing style and project, helping you strengthen not just one piece of work, but your overall craft as a writer.

The Benefits of Working with Me

I have spent my career guiding writers in narrative nonfiction, offering mentorship that is both supportive and rigorous. As a writing mentor, I provide personalized feedback that nurtures your voice and vision, a structured yet flexible approach to help you set goals and complete projects, and engaged discussions that deepen your understanding of storytelling, literary techniques, and the writing life.

The writers I have worked with in recent years come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives to the page. I have mentored an AI thought leader exploring the intersection of technology and human experience, rural writers capturing the beauty and hardships of country life, and a university president balancing academic leadership with the personal call to write. I have worked with a Nashville musician shaping a compelling and timely issue; naturalists documenting the urgency of conservation, a neuroscientist distilling complex ideas into compelling narrative, and a mountaineer chronicling the transformative power of high-altitude adventure. Each of these writers has come to me with a story to tell, and together, we have worked to bring those stories to life.

Writing is a journey—one best taken with trusted guidance. Whether you are beginning a memoir, refining a manuscript, or seeking clarity in your creative process, working with a writing mentor can provide the expertise, encouragement, and accountability you need to bring your work to its fullest potential. If you are ready to deepen your writing practice, I would love to guide you. Let’s get the work done—together.