Throughout my career, which officially began in 1987, I have been blessed with having people in my life who were incredibly supportive of my desire to write.  One of my earliest mentors was Nathasha Brooks Harris.  She published my first short story, took me to my first writer’s conference and encouraged me to write my first novel, ROOMS OF THE HEART. Since then there have been others: Sandra Kitt, Gwynne Forster, L.A. Banks, Carol Stacy, & Linda Gill to name a few.

And as my career has grown over the years, I have tried to do for others what was done for me. It has never been an official thing that I did with aspiring writers, but recently I have been approached by several young writers seeking a mentor.  It made me think about doing what I’ve been doing for so long in a more formal manner. Hence, my Mentoring Initiative.

My goal is to take on no more than three aspiring writers per year and be their partner throughout the process: from the concept of the story to publication and promotion. As a mentor, I will:

Review story ideas

Make suggestions on materials for submission

Assist with seeking publishing options

Make recommendations for agents

Serve as a liaison to the industry using my contacts

Being an ear and champion of the writer’s cause.

Of course, I cannot possibly assist everyone. And like any partnership, there needs to be a connection.  So, if you are looking for someone to help you navigate the literary waters, someone who understands the angst of being a writer, then perhaps this opportunity is for you.

If you are interested, please send me an email to dhassistant@gmail.com  Please put Mentoring in the subject line.  Include:

Your full name, email address, the genre that you are writing in and a short paragraph on what you need and hope to get out of a mentoring relationship.

I look forward to sharing shelf space with you!

Donna