The WoMentoring Project

Are you a woman and an aspiring author? Are you looking for feedback for your short stories or the novel that you’re writing this NaNoWriMo, but don’t know who to approach? Are you putting off taking that creative writing course because it’s too expensive?

If all or any of these are true, here is simple, yet elegant solution for you: The WoMentoring Project.

This project offers free mentoring by professional literary women to talented up and coming female writers who would otherwise find it difficult to access similar opportunities.

Courtesy: The WoMentoring Project website.

To know more about the WoMentoring Project, visit this page. To know how to apply to this project, go here.

I applied for the WoMentoring Project in the end of July. I chose Alex Bruty as my mentor, because I was looking for someone to critique my short stories and loved what she said about herself in the bio. I sent the WoMentoring team a sample of my writing and a 500 word statement saying why I wanted to be a part of this project.

Alex got in touch with me on 29th August with a wonderful email: I had been accepted for the WoMentoring Project! My joy knew no bounds. I had always wanted to take a creative writing course. But being in India, creative writing opportunities are few and far between. Writing groups are not so common. Writing is essentially a very lonely process here.

Having Alex as a mentor meant having someone understanding and patient who gives you your own time to write. Her critiques are insightful, direct and encouraging. She never forgets to tell you the things that you are doing well. At the same time, she points out the flaws gently. I have been lucky to have a mentor like her.

Watch out for Alex’s interview next Wednesday on Scribbles@Arpita, where she talks about the WoMentoring Project and how she came to be a part of it. She will also share with us writing tips and exercises that have helped her most as an author. Stay tuned, folks!