A writer describes working with a mentor who treated them as a peer, gave quick feedback on drafts, and made a grueling writing process feel manageable. The flexibility and approachability made all the difference.
Most of all, he was personable. For me, that was an aspect that was very important to me because I needed somebody at my level, not speaking as kind of a doctor. And I love the fact he says, "Well, call me whatever you want. I've answered the worst things." So that made me feel like a colleague more than anything. My experience was exhilarating. It was a hard road to trot, but it was made easier by the fact that I could lean on someone. Sometimes I would write a few chapters and just turn it in to him and, "Look at it, please let me know what you think before I turn it in." And of course he accommodated, and so that was really helpful because I needed that because of my working schedule. I have a family as well.
