The Becoming a Writer mentorship topics are described below.
This is offered only as an overall mentorship, personalized to suit your schedule, your life.
The classes are designed to help you change your mindset and get out of your own way so you can actually write fiction. They are focused on recognizing, understanding and clearing out the myths about writing. They will include specific examples when appropriate.
* Identifying and overcoming the fear of failure, and the fear of success — Overcoming unreasoning fear is both the beginning of and a recurring part of the process of becoming a prolific fiction writer. Includes an electronic copy of my book, Quiet the Critical Voice (and Write Fiction).
* A discussion of Heinlein’s Rules — Five ridiculously easy rules that are incredibly difficult to follow. For now, just go with me on this. They work. Includes a copy of the rules, annotated.
* A discussion of Writing Into the Dark — I’ve been where you are, but I am a solid convert. This technique will prove its own value as you practice.
* Believing in yourself (that fear thing again) — Balancing a firm belief in yourself and your abilities with continuing to learn Craft is essential to becoming a fiction writer.
* Making (not “finding”) time to write — Actually, it’s finding and then making. This includes an exercise. You will find it revelatory. The exercise is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.
* Establishing, recognizing, and assessing your priorities — Establishing and recognizing your priorities is essential.
* Helping others understand you are a writer — You will need your loved ones to also understand your priorities.
* Establishing your writing habit — Again, essential (duh). If you want to be a writer, you have to write.
* Establishing your ability to Keep Coming Back — As essential as showing up to write in the first place.
* Setting achievable goals that both reward you and make you reach — Dreams are outside your control. Goals are not, and they will get you to where you’re going.
* Inventory — Discussion and practical application. Why it’s important to keep track of you Intellectual Property (IP) and ways to do that.
* Licensing — Discussion focused on your Intellectual Property (IP). It isn’t about just publishing a book or story anymore. It’s about expanded marketing into other possible venues
* (Freebie) Why I don’t recommend outlining and other pre-writing structures, and why I don’t recommend rewriting. — The short answer? Because you’ll sabotage yourself. For a somewhat longer answer, see “Why I Don’t…” (FREE CONTENT).
* (Freebie) Where Story comes from — We’ll discuss this more deeply if necessary, but for now, here’s a freebie for you: Nobody knows where Story comes from, so don’t worry about it. Maybe you’re channeling the story or maybe it’s coming from your own subconscious. But really, what does it matter?
To enroll in Becoming A Writer, email harveystanbrough@gmail.com. The fee is $190.
There is never any additional charge for ebooks provided, for assignments, or for additional topics that come up in the course of mentoring.
Payment may be made through PayPal (pay to: harveystanbrough@gmail.com) or via personal check, made payable to Harvey Stanbrough and mailed to PO Box 604, St. David AZ 85630.
If you’re interested in the Becoming A Writer mentorship or if you have any questions, email me at harveystanbrough@gmail.com.
The Fine Print
I am eager to pass on what I’ve learned and made my own. These mentorships are an opportunity for me to help other writers and would-be writers benefit from what I’ve learned over a lifetime of writing and publishing. Unlike all the other online lectures, workshops, seminars and classes I’ve seen, my mentorships are not one size fits all.
For several years, I’ve taught other writers through my blog in the Journal, through over a dozen non-fiction books on writing and publishing, through several audio lectures, and in private live seminars and presentations at writers conferences and conventions across the US and in Canada. To learn more about me or my writing, read my bio.
My mentorships are never scripted and are neither audio nor video presentations. They are purely personal, one-on-one relationships with ongoing direct regular contact with me, primarily via email. We might enhance those conversations with phone calls or even in person if you’re in (or can travel to) southeast Arizona.
I have been mentored myself. As my own writing career attests, good mentorships are invaluable.
One size definitely does not fit all.
Mentorship Fees and Payments
I believe my fees are the lowest in the industry for valid, quality instruction. All fees must be paid in advance by personal check or via PayPal.
Refunds
If you endure an unforeseen life crisis and need to cancel your mentorship, I’ll refund your payment (pro-rated) up to ten days after you begin. If something happens after that, talk with me.
Privacy and Security
All mentorships include limited Q&A by email or phone, or in person if you’re in the region.
Of course, I will never give away or sell your email address, phone number, physical address or any other private information about you. I assume if you want anyone else to know that information, you’ll tell them yourself.
Naturally, you retain all rights to all of your intellectual property (IP), including what you turn in to me for assignments. I will never use your stories or parts of your stories in any way other than for instructional purposes with you or (anonymously, but with your express permission) with others.