By Leilani Squires

I met with a college student the other day. She was considering a career in writing but wasn’t sure the direction she was headed was the right fit. 

While we sipped coffee, I asked questions and listened to her ideas and dreams. I answered her questions. I saw her get excited and take more notes when we discussed the wide variety of opportunities and careers she could pursue. I suggested a few resources and just before I left, I encouraged her to contact me if she had further questions. 

On my way home, I traveled memory lane remembering similar conversations I had (and sometimes still have) with my writing teachers and mentors. 

Something about the writing community I’ve always been impressed with and blessed by is how we don’t horde success or trade secrets. Inexperienced writers, and those looking to advance further, are not left to their own trial and error efforts, but instead welcomed to the table and provided a buffet of encouragement, advice, tips, and support. We are excited to share personal experience, resources, favorite books, contacts and networks, and even our social media platforms to brag on the success of others. 

Whenever I write or edit, I remember who taught me which technique and for which genre. Yeah, I know, I’m weird like that.  

I learned from PeggySue Wells the joy of daily reading a wide variety of genres, how to conduct an amazing profile interview, always submit my best work, the difference between effect and affect, and when and when not to capitalize a person’s title..

I remember from Jerry B. Jenkins how to prioritize family first, give the reader credit, don’t tell what’s not happening, omit needless words, avoid on-the-nose writing, and RUE. 

I learned how to plan projects for the week from DiAnn Mills, as well as to see words as the tools of a writer, character development techniques, and the value of a writing mentor and community.

Sean and Catherine Gaffney taught me to corner people and ask to hear their story, to become an expert listener, to generously give of your time and resources, and to not get so focused on writing and studying writing that I forget to experience life.

I learned steps to writing a stellar teaser from Jack Gilbert, a skill I’ve applied to every novel and script project.  

From Bill Myers, I learned brainstorming processes, how to map out storylines, and to always focus on meeting the heart need of the reader. 

I learned from David Pierce how to not give up on a project until I found the green piece—the bit that brings it all together. 

I learned from Nathan Scoggins to unabashedly adore your family, the importance and discipline of finishing, and to accept that your first ten things will suck. 

I learned from Estee Zandee how to network even when feeling introverted, pay closer attention to how words can impact different audiences, and tricks to apply when I’m stuck on a project. 

Marshal Younger, Nathan Hoobler, John Fornof, Phil Lollar, Torry Martin, and others on the Adventures in Odyssey team taught me the value of silly and how humor and can help easily teach big lessons (though it’s hard to write!). 

I learned more about the hero’s journey from Andrea Nasfell than I ever did from Joseph Campbell, to set up payoffs, and to continually be writing and logging ideas. (I also learned falling down the stairs in front of a faculty member at a writers conference, breaking your foot, makes a lasting impression.) 

I learned from Lin Johnson how to write to the different expectations of various genres, and how to tackle revisions without feeling intimidated. 

John Riddle taught me what a rejection letter really means and to share writing opportunities when you see a good fit. 

I would not be where I am today without the wisdom and encouragement of these people and others. As I mentor writers, teach writing classes, edit manuscripts or consult on projects, I get to honor those who spoke into my life and continue the tradition of sharing skills, support, quotes, and techniques.  

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV). 

Who has encouraged you on your writing journey? Who can you mentor? 

NOTE: If you haven’t experienced this kind of “iron sharpening iron,” don’t feel discouraged. Stay tuned for part two next month when I’ll share some tips for building your writing community. It’s not as hard as it sounds. 

Leilani Squires is a writer and editor who began working with authors, organizations, and entrepreneurs in 2002. She helps each client develop their message or story clearly, concisely, and compellingly. She has a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing from Taylor University and a master’s degree in Communications from Regent University. Leilani speaks at writers conferences, universities, and is an adjunct professor. View Leilani’s services for writers at leilanisquires.com.