Grow Your Writing with Amparo
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Apply to join a mentor’s small group of writers that they will lead through our unique 12 week mentoring and workshopping program.
Decide if Amparo is Right for You with Our Mentor Interview
What excites you most about writing?
“Self-discovery is the most exciting part for me. Sometimes I think I’m one type of writer, then head down a completely different direction or have to adapt my routines/approach depending on the project! It’s affected my life in the best way because it informs everything else I do, especially how I engage with others, how I process information, and what resonates with me,” Amparo said.
What mindset does a writer need to grow?
“We’re always teachable no matter the skill level or success. Writing gets easier when we embrace it.“
What three words would describe you as a mentor?
“Fangirly, prompt, and precise“
What makes a good writing mentor?
“Someone with a solid understanding that a writer’s manuscript should only be approached with eyes to improve that writer’s vision of what already exists. We’re not trying to make anything our own. Additionally, the ability to connect with others as people first and foremost always helps. Art reflects life, but to me, that means it reflects our deepest fears, what we value, and what we long for. Taking this into consideration, a good mentor remembers there’s a human being on the other side of the screen, and I respect anyone showing up to create in a world where creation is believed to be either unnecessary or a distraction.”
What is your style of feedback?
“Character and voice are my main focus in anything I read, since I can’t immerse myself in a story without this being as good as it can be. So, I dive into a manuscript and add comments on Track Changes first, which tend to be very specific about character choices, their scene/chapter/book goals, and how effective the tension is. However, a writer will often tell me which area they’d love for me to focus on primarily, and I take that request to heart. This includes giving more attention to plot, world-building, themes, dialogue, and anything that might feel extraneous. Sometimes I add a longer comment at the end of chapters in order to have a more global perspective of what I’ve read, and at the end of the process, I can whip up an edit letter to further tackle anything that needs strengthening.”
What was the most recent "standout" book you read?
“Jonny Garza Villa’s FUTBOLISTA is a gem! I’m a futbol fan in general, so it didn’t take much convincing for me to pick this up, but I’m also a sucker for romance that’s filled with angst and stories that you can’t quite predict despite its familiar tropes. I feel like Jonny always excels at all of it.“