Lois Peterson

Author ~ Creative Writing Instructor ~ Storyteller

Take 5 - Writer mentorship program

FIVE new writers + FIVE experienced writer/mentors
 + FIVE months of consultation and collaboration...
and anything can happen!

Download
Mentor application
/ Writer application
Please complete in full, and return by email by June 15, 2009.

This pilot program pairs five new/emerging (unpublished) writers with five experienced (published) mentors, who for five months will help them refine their craft, develop marketing skills, and connect with the writing community.

Who

  • Eligible writers will be previously unpublished by any commercial/trade publication but publication in work/professional newsletters or contest anthologies does not preclude a writer from participating.

  • For the pilot project, writers from Surrey, Langley and Delta will have priority. If not all spaces are filled, open spaces will be offered to Lower Mainland writers who are willing/able to attend the monthly group sessions in the Surrey/Delta/Langley area.

  • Writers will be accepted for the pilot project based on a various criteria - most importantly on our ability to match them with a volunteer mentor who has the necessary skills, interest, and experience to support the writer.

  • Writers who are not accepted for the pilot may apply again if this is offered in the fall of 2010.

  • Mentors volunteer their time for this pilot project.

  • For the pilot project, mentors may come from anywhere in the Lower Mainland, but must be willing to travel to the Surrey, Langley or Delta venue where the monthly meetings will be held.

  • Mentors are selected using criteria such as writing background, experience in teaching, leading writing groups, etc. and the participation of a suitable writer whose interests and needs match the mentor's skill and experience.

What  

  • All writers and mentors will meet collectively once a month for workshops presented by the mentors. Between meetings, the individual mentor/writer pairs will work together in person/via email/by phone to help the writer develop a specific piece of writing, move it closer to publication and explore suitable markets.

  • The first group session in September will be used to draft a work plan, which will be used by the mentor/writer pairs during the five months of the program. This might include a timeline for submitting work, receiving input, protocols for contact between mentor and writer, etc. This meeting is mandatory for all writers and mentors and will be arranged at a mutually agreeable time and location.

  • Individual writers will pay a $100 fee for the five-month program. This fee will be used to pay for meeting space and other costs associated with the group meetings. The $100 fee is non refundable once the program has started. If a writer selected for the program withdraws at least 2 weeks before the program begins, they will receive a refund of $75.00.

How

  • Writers and mentors will be asked to complete an application form that must be submitted by email by June 15.

  • Mentor/writer pairings will be determined in in consultation with mentors, and confirmed by August 15. Writers will not be able to choose their mentor. We’ll do our very best to pair each writer with the most appropriate mentor. 

Where

  • Group meetings will be held in a central location in the Surrey/Delta/Langley area, agreeable to all mentors and writers.

  • Between meetings, writers and mentors can arrange to meet in person as/where required.

When

  • Submission deadline for mentor and writer applications is June 15.

  • Mentors will be informed by August 1.

  • Writers admitted to the program will be informed by August 15.

  • If there is enough demand - and enough experienced writers willing to serve as mentors - this program will be offered again in March 2010.

  • Please email me for more information.

Download (Word documents)
Mentor application
/ Writer application
Please complete in full, and return by email.
 

About me  ~ My books ~ Other Writing  ~ Teaching ~ Storytelling workshops 

Home