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Dori's writing tips for the week:

For beginners:

I cannot stress this enough - find an author experienced in the area you want to write who will serve as your mentor. A mentor is someone who is willing to help you form ideas,  track down sources and edit your stories or articles. This person is essential to your writing success. Never send an article to an editor unless your mentor has thoroughly proofread and edited your material.

Places to find mentors:

Join a writers' group. I'm a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. Attend the group's meetings, and once you find someone you believe is qualified to mentor you, don't hesitate in asking. If the person declines, don't be offended or take it personally. Ask if the writer knows a published author who is willing to serve as a mentor. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll wind up with qualified help.

Attend a writing conference. Take a course on writing (as opposed to, say, Web development). Ask the instructor if he or she will serve as a mentor for you, but only if you're serious about writing and producing material. Again, do not be offended if the person declines, but go ahead and prompt the author for a referral.

Also, when at meetings or conferences, do not stand shyly in the corner. This is your chance to make contacts and form relationships. Strike up a conversation with an editor or published writer. The best way to do this is to put your journalism skills to the test - ask questions. Other than the initial greeting, don't talk about yourself unless asked to. Find out everything you can about this person, who will remember you as an attentive listener, always a mark of a talented writer.

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