Mentoring

All writers benefit from feedback. Seeking it, however, can create intense anxiety. And there's no doubt about it, a heartless attack can shatter your ego and put you off writing for life. But don't let this natural fear of criticism hold you back. Sooner or later you'll need to expose yourself to the elements of appraisal and debate if your writing is to reach an audience of more than one. And if you choose your readers with care, you'll come away from the experience of being critiqued both enlightened and encouraged.

Some writers are fortunate enough to belong to a writers' group and it's from the feedback of like-minded group members that they tune in to the strengths and weaknesses of their work. Others turn to friends with a literary bent or they badger family members for coaching, with varying levels of success. And finally there are those who call on the services of a writing consultant or "mentor" to gain important insight into their work.

This is where I step in.

Think of your mentor as a troubleshooter who can intervene at any stage of the writing process:

•          When a story is finished but not quite "there".

•          When an early draft is proving problematic.

•          When the words won't come and the writer needs fresh motivation.

•          When a completed manuscript needs a final polish.

I can offer advice both on works-in-progress and on completed manuscripts. I will give an honest assessment of your work and point you in the right direction for further improvement. And if you think you'd benefit from additional feedback after further drafting and rewriting, I can offer my services again.

Fees for the appraisal service:

Fiction and short stories: SG $120 per hour.

For full-length novels: price will depend upon manuscript length.

Teaching