Mount Hermonites - 2007
Let me introduce you to my Mount Hermon fiction mentoring clinic (yes, I was photoshopped in since I had to miss the photo op for an appointment). From the left: Jenn, Shawn, Jill, Michael, our fearless leader: James Scott Bell, Rachel, Katie (in back), Jill, Barbara, Katie, and Jim.
For five days, we read, critiqued, edited, teased, and dissected one anothers' current work in progress. And I learned a lot. About writing, about critiquing, about the body of Christ.
Collectively we represent just about every fiction genre possible (okay, except horror); we come from different backgrounds, geographical locations, and denominations; we differ in age, height, writing experience, and literary preferences (Ender's Game verses Jane Austen, and everything in-between).
But we all love words, writing, and reading. Every one of us harbor the twisted thrill of staring down a blinking curser and conquering it with our own rendition of the sublime.
What I learned in JSB's mentoring clinic is that in order to be a better writer, my words need to be occasionally held under the micsroscope of objectivity; I have to allow alternate perspectives a peek into my world of words. And I need to stop talking every once in a while to listen to the wisdom of others.
Words to live by, eh?
When I look back on my fiction mentoring clinic experience, I can't help but dust off the words of Solomon found in Proverbs 27:17:
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Thanks, guys, for a great week! I'll conclude with one of two favorite things said by dear James Scott Bell:
Keep Writing!
[the other favorite thing said by JSB: chick lit is not dead.]
