Wanted:

One or more mentors, specifically in writing.

Someday, perhaps, I'll be able to afford to get my creative writing MFA. I'd very much like to for a lot of reasons, but right now, it's simply beyond my means.

So I'm looking for a writer who wants/is willing to have a protege.

This person should be someone who has either been published or been an editor and has, therefore, a fair amount of expertise. She cannot be cruel, but she must be honest. He should be willing to offer feedback, specific and extensive, negative and positive. She will help me to hone my craft while allowing me to retain my own voice. Ideally, this writer would live nearby and could meet me once or twice a week, but in today's world email, phone, and/or fax will work just as well. I would prefer if this person already works with an agent of their own or has in the past. I want to work in both fiction and creative non-fiction and I honestly don't know which I prefer--each brings out a different voice. He would not be a writer of primarily theological academic books, which lets out most of the authors I actually know. She will probably be a little weird and most likely sarcastic. Must be willing to recommend good books, both for learning and pleasure. I am willing to write for hours on end to make sure I keep up my end of the bargain.

Robin McKinley, Patricia McKillip, and Siri Mitchell are especially encouraged to apply.*

Sincerely,

Jane and Michael Banks



*I wanted to include a man in here but I can't think of anyone offhand. Isn't that awful?