Experienced Writers Mentoring Newbie Writers
We all started somewhere. We probably all had someone helping us when we first started out in this crazy writing world. All newbies need support. Experienced writers can support the newbies in a mentoring role.
Remember those anxious moments, when you finally found the courage to write something for online publication. You checked it all a thousand times, then your finger hovered over the Submit button. Best to get it over with. Click! You were on your way.
It’s two years now since I started on this journey and many wonderful writers have helped me along the way. Some are still here submitting content to Triond, others have long since moved on. I no longer feel like a newbie but I am still definitely a learner when it comes to writing. Learning is the only way to grow, develop and improve.
I’ve always been grateful for the support and advice I’ve received in my writing life. Whenever I had a question, whenever I was testing new ideas, there was always someone there to listen and point me in the right direction. I have considered many writers my mentor over the last two years.
Lately I’ve been making the effort to discover new writers here on Triond, setting out on this unknown journey that so many of us enjoy. There’s an amazing lot of talent here I have recently discovered and most certainly even more that I haven’t found yet.
It is important for experienced writers to help those newbies learn the ropes. This whole content writing life can be a bit of a mystery at first. How do you attract readers? Why aren’t I getting paid what I deserve? What are keywords? Anything you can imagine can be a question to a new writer, from the length of articles, the content, the titles right down to self promotion and marketing oneself. And that last one takes a lot of courage at first.
When there are little glitches, as there so often are, newbie writers can over react, get concerned, think the world has fallen apart. I know I certainly did. Knowing an experienced person is ready and available to help can be reassuring. Experienced writers can actually get a lot of satisfaction mentoring new writers.
One thing I learned when I started out on Triond. Many of the experienced writers were like mother hens, gathering up their new chicks and teaching them about life. In this case the life we’re talking about is that of a writer. It is not an easy one, but it can be very satisfying.
So all you newbies out there, don’t be shy. Read the work of experienced writers and get to know the ones whose writing style you like. You’ll find most are quite approachable. And experienced writers, keep up the good work of acting in a mentor role. It is this mutual support that keeps sites like Triond alive. The better the writers that Triond attracts, the better the site becomes.
We can all learn from each other. That’s what makes the world go round.
Other writing articles by Val Mills:
What’s on Top – Writing From The Heart
New to Online Writing? Persevere for Rewards
Don’t Leave Home Without Your Notebook
Join the Triond writing community: If you enjoy writing and have knowledge or experiences you’d like to share, why not click this link to publish here in the Triond writing community. You even earn a little cash for your efforts.
Liked it
Click the icon to the left to subscribe to Writinghood with your favorite RSS reader.
- No Use Simply Adding Friends on Triond
- International Writers: Get Paid to Write an Expedia Review
- Double Your Earnings on Triond
- Tips for Writing Quality Content
- Looking to Increase Your Views - Read This
- Stumbleupon Gold Categories
- We Could be in Love
- One of The Best Comments
- This Could be a Deal with Triond
- Why I Chose Triond Over Article Income
December 31st, 2011 at 5:02 pm
What a wonderful article, Val. I remember the first time I tried to submit a a poem, it took me four days to click the submit button. I believe this article will make a difference for all newbie writers, wish this article was around when I was a newbie
December 31st, 2011 at 5:03 pm
Thanks for writing this, Val. As you know, I’ve been on here about a year, and still “learning the ropes” of how to attract readers and earn the money that I deserve. I have a BA in Journalism, so writing comes naturally for me, and I do write a lot and write for a variety of web sites, on all sorts of topics. Hopefully others will take advantage of the points offered in your article.
December 31st, 2011 at 5:23 pm
I started here about 2 1/2 years ago submitting poetry. I jumped in with both feet, neither hesitating nor looking back. I’ve seen writers come and go but I have a great support system of friends here. I’m glad that they took me under their collective wings.
Another great article from you, Val. I hope you stick around for the duration.
December 31st, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Val, you’re so right. I receive mail almost every day from newbies looking for help and information. I am more than happy to help any way that I can. I have received help and information along the way and feel privileged to pass it along.
December 31st, 2011 at 7:14 pm
I have been here over qq3
December 31st, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Good start for a new year. You are right in every facets of a writer’s dream. Really sharing is the keyword for us.
December 31st, 2011 at 8:58 pm
This is a fantastic article Val! Very true too. I have found some fabulous friends here on Triond and had some wonderful help and advice too.
December 31st, 2011 at 9:21 pm
I am writing here for one and a half year and there are still many things to learn. Triond is a nice community. Enjoy writing and Happy New Year.
December 31st, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Great advice, as always Val..could someone please help me figure out how to do the ‘Find me’ buttons?
thanks!
December 31st, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Good advice Val, I hope you write more of these articles
December 31st, 2011 at 10:31 pm
I should like to get advise from you in matters involving my writings.
January 1st, 2012 at 12:10 am
Good advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice & remember constructive criticism should always be welcomed.
January 1st, 2012 at 1:16 am
Great article. I feel very honoured whenever someone asks me for help. I guess after 3 years I am one of the experienced ones now.
January 1st, 2012 at 8:52 am
That is great advice to both newbies and experienced writers. I suppose I must be an experienced writer by now though I often still feel like a beginner, needing help.
January 1st, 2012 at 11:14 am
I started writing here at Triond over a year ago. You’re right about the writing life being a mystery at times.
January 1st, 2012 at 11:20 am
Very well written. I look forward to reading more from you in the coming year and, hopefully, years to come.
January 1st, 2012 at 11:48 am
Good advice, I have received much help and advice,if I can do anything to help anyone, just send me a message.
January 1st, 2012 at 11:52 am
It is sometimes hard to find time to help others, but we should do so when we can.
January 1st, 2012 at 12:49 pm
This is excellent advice and happy new year
January 1st, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Well done Val. I have published with Triond going on five years and many new writers have contacted me over the years and when I first joined Triond in 2007, I contacted more experienced writers for advice. Some advice was really good and useful and some was not; at least for me. Although, I really have never forgotten my mentors here on Triond although most have moved on to bigger things.
Good to have known you Val Mills as my friend.
Sincerely,
Nelson Doyle
January 1st, 2012 at 6:25 pm
Well said, Val. I have written for professional journals and even a couple books on very boring topics, but I am new to Triond and the type of writing done here. Now I am starting a blog on the topic of disability issues and I have to start as a rank beginner again. I spent all day trying to figure out how to get my Adsense account connected to my blog. Some articles on the topic are useful and some are not. Same is true with articles about Triond. I have written one such article and I got a lot of positive comments. I know it is tempting to write a lot on that topic just because you tend to get a lot of views, but I think it hurts your credibility if you don’t write an article that will be helpful to readers. I think the encouragement you give to long time Trionders to help newbies is very worthy.
January 1st, 2012 at 7:19 pm
great information. thanks for being encouraged . i have been here 4 months I love triond.
January 1st, 2012 at 9:58 pm
I have been here since Sept 2009 but still find myself very new, much to learn. The encouragement I received really helps a lot.
January 1st, 2012 at 10:59 pm
what a super article – thanks Val. I have rediscovered my love for triond over the festive period as time no longer allows me to write as much as I would like. It has come a long way over the past few years and I was pleased to see some familiar writers from way back as well as the newish ones that are starting on this exciting road.
January 2nd, 2012 at 3:29 am
True, but if mentoring is to be useful, Triond should designate mentors, and new writers assigned to them for a year or so. Mentors would feel appreciated and devote the kind of time this job takes and people would then take them seriously.
January 2nd, 2012 at 8:12 am
Very nice Article well written and interesting.Actualy I’m also newbie.
January 2nd, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Good advice Val. We all have to help each other.
January 2nd, 2012 at 7:54 pm
I agree with your words. I love this article. Keep writing more. =)
January 3rd, 2012 at 8:31 am
being newbie really start from the scratch, it just become easier through the guide of others who are in deed act as a mentor, thank you for being one.
January 3rd, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Brilliant advice! I’ve tried to help several new writers to promote their work via free SEO sites and help them in downloading images, text, etc.
As you rightly say, there are loads of very talented people out there but, without putting too fine a point on it, there are also a lot of less talented people who are churning out article after article and just trying to make a fast buck rather than writing from the heart which makes it difficult to find those shining stars. Hence I am now becoming a little more choosy who I add as a friend but all you new guys out there who have befriended me and found that I have befriended you, I suspect you are one of my shining stars and I am always here to give those people a helping hand if I can.
I was extremely despondent when I first started but I got sound advice from people such as you which helped enormously to boost my confidence. This is one of the wonderful things I’ve discovered with Triond – there appear to be no writers out there that shoot you down in flames and make you feel inferior.
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:17 pm
It is nice to have this mentoring but also to be able to do the same when you find yourself in this position.
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Like about writer
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:41 pm
like it! I’ve bin writeing since i was 18 never had a mentor or anything it was a heck of a struggle so this is a really grate thing your doing!! awesome!
January 3rd, 2012 at 3:32 pm
A very good share Val cheers
January 4th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
I’m also starting here. Thanks for tips!
January 5th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Nice article. Definately encouraging for ‘newbies’ such as myself.
January 5th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
*Definitely
Sigh.
January 5th, 2012 at 12:45 pm
tell me what do you consider a newbie writer?? New on triond? New to the written word? If so are you talking about instructing 5 year olds on writing? please eleborate.
January 5th, 2012 at 7:11 pm
I may be naive Silent Wasp, but I have always undestood the term newbie to be connected with computer related things. I am a teacher of five year olds and teaching writing to that age group is quite a different kettle of fish.
January 6th, 2012 at 2:32 am
Wow… This is exactly what I need right now.