Mentoring for Writers
“One of our chief needs as creative beings is support.” Julia Cameron
Do you love writing, have great ideas or a specific idea you are pursuing but can’t quite seem to get it on the page? Do you have a project that means everything to you that you really want to move forward with and feel you need some support? Do you want to take your writing to the next level but you aren’t sure how?
Whether you are working on a fiction project, writing creative non-fiction or you are a budding freelance writer, I would love to support you in unblocking your fullest writing potential, finding flow and guiding you onwards with your craft.
I will support you in
· Finding your voice
· Coming up with and developing ideas
· Breaking through writers block or insecurities
· Identifying and silencing the inner critic
· Taking your project to the finish line.
· Following your true writing and career desires
I also guide budding freelance writers in
· Crafting pitches
· Finding the perfect publications and editors
· Moving your career in the right direction
With my personalised, individual writing mentorship sessions, I provide an intuitively-guided listening ear and work with you to direct you back to your inner sovereignty and passion for your work. I also offer support and accountability, as well as tips and tricks and writing assignments to help you build accountability, develop your writing muscles and enhance your writing skills.
I am here to shine a light and help clear the path for you providing practical writing advice, vital industry information and personal encouragement. With my support you can advance more quickly and with more conviction on a fulfilling writing journey.
In a decade-long career, I have had my work published by BBC, CNN, Condé Nast and the Independent among many others. I have explored Mexico on luxurious and adventurous press-trips and have written about everything from food and fashion to religion, indigenous culture and Mexican vacation destinations. I have interviewed world-famous archaeologists and some of Mexico’s best chefs, winemakers, designers and artisans. I made a name for myself in my niche as a Mexico specialist, a niche that might seem small but is as broad as all of those subjects and more. Fiction is my all abiding passion. I am currently querying agents with my second novel and write a monthly newsletter Write as you Are reflecting on the craft of writing.
“Commitment…is not an obligation but a deep devotion to that which you love. In your devotion to it, the very thing you are committed to is set free.” Toko Pa Turner
Services I Offer
· Short-term and Long-term Mentoring Packages- Individual and personalised sessions. We will meet weekly or fortnightly for continual, ongoing support as you emerge into the world as a writer or grow more confidence as the writer you already are. (Minimum 4 sessions)
· Confidence Boosters- One-off, hour-long sessions to talk over a particular issue, pitch or problem. You will end the session feeling confident that you have the tools to move forward. (These sessions are normally, but not exclusively, for clients I have already worked with across at least four sessions).
· Finding Your Passion Project - In this 75 Minute session, which is designed to be fun and inspiring, I ask questions that help you explore what lights you up and what gets your creative embers burning. By the end you should have a clearer idea of what new writing projects are calling to you and what stories are wanting to be told.
Testimonials
“If the novice writer is a flower bud packed with creative potential and eager to bloom, then Susannah Rigg is the tender gardener and meteorological muse who nurtures, feeds, and allows that plant to unfurl and live out its biological destiny.”
Anna Dulisse - Canada
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“From the moment I encountered Susannah in a workshop, I was struck by her quiet presence and fierce dedication to this craft and art of writing. I needed help finishing a novel that I’d started ten years previously. She brought a gentle but firm spirit to our sessions, as well as a touch of the mystical and mythological. Between sessions she’d send me articles and podcasts she intuited would help. It was gratifying to know she was thinking about my work. Without her support and encouragement, I would have quit this book many times. I finished, and I’m now querying agents.
Jodi Fitzpatrick - Fresno, California USA
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“I signed up for a free consultation, unsure if a writing coach was what I needed. After all, I doubted my questions could be answered. I needed to know whether writing a memoir was going to break my mother into tiny pieces. How was a writing coach going to help with that? But within ten minutes, Susannah had calmed my fears. I knew we were going to work together when she asked me the question, “What would you have needed to read, back when you were younger?” I am a chronic over-thinker. It’s rare that someone asks a question that stops me in my tracks. Susannah is like that. In her gentle way, she caused me to think differently, and that is invaluable. Within several meetings, I went from anxious and avoidant to excited about writing my stories, them pouring out of me at each session. Thank you Susannah for your insightful questions, your encouraging demeanor, and your concrete suggestions to improve my work. I would work with you again in a heartbeat.”
M.L. - Canada
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“In 1995 Nicholas Evans wrote The Horse Whisperer, a novel featuring the character Tom Booker who is able to communicate with horses in subtle yet enduring forms. Susannah brings forth similar talents but as someone who is able to speak to writers in their entirety, moving both them, their characters and their story forward to greener pastures. Her passion for both the written word and the writing process is definite. She helped me move toward the completion of my novel unlike anyone else and I'm in her debt. I highly recommend Susannah to anyone hoping to gain traction and direction in this craft.”
Joseph Spring, USA
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"Letting Susannah into my creative life was the fairy dust I needed to lasso my confidence and bear hug the writing process. From our first meeting, she felt like a friend partnering with me to scheme, dream, and laugh my project into life. Her insight, recommendations, and feedback were exactly what I needed to move forward."
C.J.B. - Colorado, USA
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“In the course of Susannah's presentation at a colloquium hosted by the London Writer's Salon, she displayed a wide knowledge of writing strategies and an approach to writing which holds a big space for the joy in our craft. Meeting her as my mentor, she questioned me about my feelings and motivations, and helped me see what was really energizing me and what my personal connection to my work was. Then she suggested writing techniques to help me open up my thinking about my subject. I ran with those, and I began to feel the oxygen flow into my work and my aspirations for it. Sooner than I could have imagined my labor of love has gained its wings and been shared with others (in publication.)”
J.P. - Oregon,USA.
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“Working hand in hand with Susannah has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. She is an excellent mentor who helps you develop written skills and what is special about her guidance is that she helps you recognize your strengths, face your fears, and learn to express yourself through the emotions you feel in the process. I deeply appreciate her empathy, her sincerity, motivation and advice. You can trust that you are with the right person to guide you on the wonderful path of writing.” (Translated from Spanish)
Jimena Sanchez - Mexico
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“I completed four sessions with Susannah and she really helped provide me with practical tips for preparing my first panel moderations as well as resources for seeking clarity out with my career. It was really useful having someone to speak to about my progression and being held accountable with my next steps, while also validating my thoughts around my process and how I plan to proceed. There’s still a lot I want to achieve and learn, and Susannah really helped simplify my thinking while making me believe that what I’m striving for is indeed possible.”
O.A - UK
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“You definitely have a gift! Thanks for the encouragement in how to handle mental blocks and to keep on feeling into what needs to emerge to the surface”
DD - The Compassionate Gardener
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“I would like to thank you for your most useful coaching session. You gave me invaluable pointers on possible outlets and on the angles I could explore in my feature pitches. Your input was informative and realistic, and your attitude affirming and encouraging. I came out of the session feeling uplifted and hopeful that I can now approach editors successfully.”
Sofia Koutlaki - London
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“Thank you, dear Susannah, for looping me back into the magic and emotion and big questions of this story.”
E.W.- Oaxaca, Mexico
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“Even after my first session, I came out with so much clarity about myself, my process and I had a new creative project to birth that felt perfect and exciting. I had been feeling like my energy was really scattered around what was the next creative project that I wanted to bring about. I could feel the essence of what wanted to be created but I couldn’t find my way to it without blocks and analysis getting in my way. Susannah listened to everything that was in the space for me creatively and personally. Her presence was non- judgemental, open and attentive. Her insight and guidance was spot on and met me where I was at. Book your session now it will save you weeks, months, even years of going in circles.”H.L.- Australia
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“Please let me tell you about my mentor, Susannah Rigg. Working with her has changed my relationship with the written word, specifically the ones I chose to write. I suppose I should mention, this change has been for the better - I don’t want you thinking this is some unhinged Yelp review of her mentoring practice! On the contrary, this testimonial is in high praise for one of those rare beings whose skills and talents are equaled only by her kindness and generosity. Susannah is not only smart and gentle, but she is honest; an attribute so valuable, I could have based my decision to work with her on that alone. She is also quite deeply invested in people, ever-attentive to what they have to say, and filled with an unalloyed interest in the world around her. This tender curiosity shows up as much in her writing as it does in the attention she gives to the writers under her care.When I speak with Susannah, I’m reminded that not only am I talking to a skilled journalist, but also a passionate reader. Finding someone with a true love for reading is enormously valuable when looking for someone to help you with your writing. I am fortunate to know her in any capacity, and will forever be grateful for the time and consideration she has dedicated to me as a writer. I should also mention, before working with her, “writer” is a word I most certainly would not have used when referencing myself. I have her to thank for this as well.”
Andrew Couch - California
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“Working with Susannah was so helpful and validating. She provided clear guidance and actionable insights in just a short session. I feel reinvigorated in my work and equipped to get my momentum going!”
Maeve G. - New York
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“I’ve had a fair amount of experience with mentoring, on both sides, and I can confidently say that Susannah has a natural gift for it. I came to her with a head full of ideas and enthusiasm but a lack of clarity and direction. Susannah supported me in simplifying my goals without diluting them and guiding me into moments of enlightenment. She helped me see the magic in the big-picture oak tree and the power in its tiny acorns. I would love to work with her again.”
Victoria S. - London
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