Writing can feel like a solitary journey, but it doesn’t have to be. When you have someone by your side who understands the twists and turns of the writing path, the process becomes not only easier but also more joyful. That’s where an online writing mentor steps in—a gentle guide who helps you find your voice, overcome obstacles, and celebrate your progress. Let’s explore the many ways having this kind of support can transform your writing experience. How to find writing gui

Starting or continuing your writing journey can feel like stepping into a big city without a map. You have ideas, passion, and a desire to grow as a writer, but perhaps the path forward seems unclear. That’s where a mentor can become your signpost. Choosing the right writing mentor is an empowering step toward finding your unique voice and completing your projects with confidence. Let’s explore how to find that perfect guide who will walk alongside you, offering encouragement

When you’re on a writing journey, sometimes the path feels winding and uncertain. I know that feeling well. That’s why I want to share some guidelines to help you find your unique voice and complete your projects with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years, here are some approaches I’ve found helpful to start or continue a writing practice: Set small, achievable goals Start with one small writing goal a day such as to write for 15 or 30

The Art of Building Your Writing Web Thinking about the spider this week has sparked some reflections. Every day, she rebuilds her web, and I see a parallel in my writing students. They often wish to write their pieces more quickly, yet the process requires a gradual approach. Many share their dreams of a series or their aspirations to find publishers or self-publish. This often happens before they have even drafted a basic story. A spider begins her work by setting anchor li

A writer friend sent me an essay from the New York Time’s Modern Love column. The topic was devastating, yet I didn’t feel the emotions that I should have from such a tragic personal story—and neither did she. She asked me whether I thought it was because the author was telling her story rather than having the reader experience it for themselves. After I read the piece I agreed that it was exactly for that reason that the essay fell flat. There was so much the author could’

I’m in Week 5 of teaching my The Unbearable Lightness of Novel Writing course and we’re talking about giving and receiving constructive feedback. This is easier said than done—you want to help a writer move forward with their project without stifling them with criticism. As the person receiving feedback, you want clear guidance on how to strengthen your work, not just a list of what’s wrong. I like this quote by Anne Lamott who says “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppresso

How would you feel if you were homeless? That's the question a near-homeless person asked me one time when I was interviewing her and others for an article about a supportive housing project for the homeless and nearly homeless that some people in the community didn't want to see built. "They (Not In My Backyard - NIMBY community members) need to open their hearts and really put themselves in their shoes, and stop and think about how they would react if they were in that situ