Got time for books?
Why not put your reading time to work and make a mentor reading list for this summer? I’ve discovered over the last several years of attending the Pocono Retreat that besides a Writing To Do list, I also leave with a list of ideas for mentor reads.
What is a mentor read? Simply a book that does something that you’re trying to do with your manuscript—whether you’re succeeding already or you’ve hit a road block—and does it well. It’s a book that you can go to for craft advice. Dissect the author’s construction. Learn something new or hone your almost-there-skill.
The possible topics a mentor read can help with are limitless. Consider studying a published work for advice on:
- Introducing characters
- Character development
- POV
- Plot structure
- Voice
- Pacing
- World-building
- Incorporating foreign language (without confusing readers)…this is one of my mainstays
- And anything else you can think of/need!
It’s like a DIY writer’s workshop for FREE…or the cost of a book. But where else can you get a writer’s workshop that cheap? And it’s available whenever your schedule allows.
Check out the Notable Book Voices on my blog for some language-specific mentor text profiles. And let us know in the comments below what books have mentored what aspects of your writing, or post a “Mentor Wanted” comment if you’re in need of an idea for a mentor book to help with something specific.
Happy reading and writing!
EasternPennPoints 
Thanks for the great suggestions on your blog and this helpful post!