When I decided to join Girls Write Now as a mentor, I wanted to create a similar program at my elementary school. But after mentoring for two years, I have finally realized the power of writing mentorships.
Writing mentorships are so much more than just a program to keep kids occupied before or after school. They empower growth, confidence, and creativity. They require an equal investment by both the mentees and the mentors.
What is a writing mentorship?
What is a writing mentorship and how is this different from classroom instruction on writing? First of all a mentorship requires buy-in from both the mentees and mentors. Classroom dynamics aren’t exactly the same. Students are required to be there.
A writing mentorship implies that both the mentee and mentor are willing to work towards an agreed upon goal. Sometimes the goal is an end product, but most of the time it is about improvement.
Writing mentorships in the classroom
I have attempted to create a writing mentorship in my classroom. I call it the 30-Day Writing Marathon. I want my students to think of it like a marathon. They need to train every day. And by the end of the year, they will become better writers.
They have 6 different badges they can earn after they have accomplished the writing goal they have written at the bottom.
List of writing mentorships and courses
Teaching writing can seem like a difficult task, especially if you aren’t too confident about your own writing. Here’s a list of writing mentorships and courses for you to improve your own writing because everyone is a lifelong learner, even teachers.
Children’s Book Mastery is an online picture book coaching group. The weekly online coaching calls, resources, boot camps, and community helps writers self-publish their books. This is how When Chicken and Duck Talk started becoming a reality.
Girls Write Now is a nationally award-winning nonprofit where writers and creatives mentor upcoming young creatives aged 14-24 to become the best that they can be. So far I have been lucky enough to work with two brilliant mentees.
Making Picture Book Magic is a great course by Susanna Hill for picture book writers. It is a four week course and is perfect for busy teachers to take over the summer. That’s exactly what I’m doing this year.
PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program is a free mentorship for picture book writers. It is a three month one-on-one mentorship for picture book writers and illustrators. I didn’t get in this year, but I’m definitely applying again next year.
SCBWI or The Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators offer mentorship programs for different kinds of children’s books. You have to be a member to apply, but it is definitely worth it. You meet fellow children’s book writers, get to attend conferences and workshops, and learn all about the publishing industry.
We Need Diverse Books Mentorship is great for underrepresented writers trying to get published. The mentorship runs from January to December. You can apply in one of the four categories: picture books, middle grade, young adult, and illustration. Applications open in the summer so I’m definitely thinking of applying.
Writing Courses
You might be thinking that writing mentorships take too much time. You can also take a mini course or class to help boost your confidence or give you more ideas for writing. As a writer and teacher, my writing conferences serve triple duty by helping me get published, improving my writing, and getting strategies and ideas to use with my students.
The Highlights Foundation is the perfect place to find your next class or writing buddy. They offer online and in-person writing classes. If you live nearby or have the time and money, you can also participate in a writing retreat.
The Writing Barn is located in Texas and has in-person and online writing classes. You can also join their courage to create community.
Gotham Writers Workshop is located in New York and offers free and paid classes. Every so often they offer a free open house for writers to experience a class they were thinking of attending.
So whether you are a writer looking for a writing mentorship, or a teaching hoping to start one, know that the power of mentorship comes from your courage to continue writing.