This is a single, unified mentorship (sorry, no cherry picking) for those who are thinking about becoming a fiction writer or who have started writing but are struggling to find their way with any of the topics listed below.
Note: If you’re among the latter group, email me. Maybe I can help.
I’ll teach you the same techniques that enabled me to write over 120 novels, 10 novellas, and well over 300 short stories in 9 years. The novels and novellas alone totaled over 6.4 million words.
The following lectures and any discussions that result from Q&A 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.
Occasionally I will offer exercises and/or assignments. None of those are mandatory, but I strongly recommend you take advantage of them.
What We Will Cover in Q&A and Discussions
Coming Up with Story Ideas: They aren’t golden and they’re everywhere.
Identifying and Overcoming Unreasoning Fear as it pertains to writing fiction. This is both the beginning of and a recurring part of the process of becoming a fiction writer. Includes a free electronic copy of my book, Quiet the Critical Voice (and Write Fiction).
Turning the Fear Upside Down — One great way to overcome the fear of writing and failing.
Heinlein’s Rules — Five ridiculously easy rules that are incredibly difficult to follow. For now, just go with me on this: They work, but only if you do your best to adhere to them. Includes a free, annotated copy of Heinlein’s Business Habits for Writers.
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. May include an optional assignment.
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 Time to Write — Time is easier to make than it is to find. This includes an optional exercise. You will find it revelatory.
Establishing, Recognizing, and Assessing Your Priorities — This is essential.
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 want to be.
Your IP Inventory — Why it’s important to keep track of your Intellectual Property (IP) and ways to do that.
Whether or not you sign up for this mentorship, I recommend you click hover your cursor over the On Writing Fiction tab of this website and read each of the short articles listed on the dropdown menu.
To Enroll in Becoming a Fiction Writer
or if you have any questions, email me at harveystanbrough@gmail.com.
The fee is $100.00. But I only charge a fee at all so you’ll have skin in the game.
I’ll also give your hundred bucks back in credits if you decide to take any of the Craft of Writing mentorships.
There is never any additional charge for ebooks provided, for assignments, or for additional topics that come up during the course of the mentorship.
You can make payment through PayPal (pay to: harveystanbrough@gmail.com) or by personal check, made payable to Harvey Stanbrough and mailed to PO Box 604, St. David AZ 85630.
Finally, here’s a free PDF listing of
Craft-and-Non-Craft-Topics-to-Stir-Thought
Happy learning!