I Choose Elizabeth Berg by Janna Qualman
Is it possible to have a mentor who doesn’t know she’s your mentor?
A mentor is defined (at dictionary.com) as a wise and trusted counselor or teacher, or an influential senior sponsor or supporter. So theoretically, the answer to that question is yes.
I choose Elizabeth Berg, esteemed authoress of women’s fiction and nearly two dozen titles like Home Safe, We Are All Welcome Here, The Art of Mending, and Ordinary Life. (Also, the non-fiction book on craft, Escaping into the Open: The Art of Writing True.) She doesn’t know me, and I don’t know her, not really. But I know of her writing. I have devoured much of it, and there’s a lot to be learned from doing such a thing, you know?
I feel a kindred connection to the writing of Elizabeth Berg. Maybe to her, too. Like the place in life where her writing comes from is the same place in life where my writing comes from. I have this sort of cool understanding that her words and ideas validate my style, my contemplations, my roles and struggles as a woman and wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and it validates my writing. Where I want to go with it. Where I want to be with it.
I am inspired by the simple intention of her stories. They seem to start with no grand presumption, only life’s simplicities, which she then breaks down (or builds up?) to whole truths, molding them with depth and beauty. Her characters psychoanalyze everything about themselves and about life, about the stones kept on their nightstands, and I identify with that.
Elizabeth Berg’s The Pull of the Moon—about a woman named Nan, who at fifty, runs away from home leaving a note and not much explanation for her husband—was the book that solidified my desire to write women’s fiction. It may, too, have been what scooted me closer to this common theme of self-discovery with which my fiction has become so thick.
Yes. It makes sense.
I reread what I’ve written here and think, what more could I ask of a mentor? Elizabeth Berg is a fine choice.
Do I tell her?
Janna Qualman is Prose Editor for Rose & Thorn Journal. She is a freelance and women's fiction writer. You can visit her blog at Something She Wrote .
I have so many mentors. I wonder how they'd feel about it if they knew, LOL!
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Yes, tell her! What's the worse thing that could happen?
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She is also my mentor-- I have read almost every one of her books and when you tell her--tell her for me too!
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Yes, tell her. Wouldn't you want to know how you and your words inspired another person. That would be such a great fan letter. Great post on what makes a reader feel connected.
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Thanks for the advice, Mary.
Thanks, ladies!
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I loved "..Pull of the Moon..." and her writing - a wonderful gifted mentor, Janna
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I would bet that you've read her book on writing, Escape into the Open: The Art of Writing True. It is wonderful.
Berg is very special to me too.
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I love Elizabeth Berg. I hear that a lot of published writers enjoy hearing from readers. I'm sure she would love to know how you feel
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Love all her work. She's been a mentor to myself and many others.
Only wish she had more books out for me to read.
Love you, Elizabeth Berg, where ever you are!
Blessings...
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