AWP has announced the launch of its mentorship program, Writer to Writer. The free program, which pairs new and established writers, is open to all AWP members. Writers from underserved populations, including those who have never been associated with an MFA program and those from traditionally underrepresented regions, backgrounds, and cultures are encouraged to apply.

“There is such a wealth of experience and knowledge in our membership, and from the care put into the many mentor applications we received, it’s clear there is a deep desire for writers to give back,” said Diane Zinna, AWP’s Director of Membership. “People seem to be coming forward to serve because they themselves had a mentor that helped them earlier in their careers—or felt things could have gone differently for them if they had.”

Writer to Writer provides participants with loosely structured modules over a three-month time span. Pairs are encouraged use the modules as a guide, and to continue the relationship beyond the formal session. Mentors are not paid. Currently in its pilot session, Writer to Writer has received positive feedback from its mentor and mentee pairs.

“As the mother of a young child, and as someone firmly entrenched in working life, I have been searching for a way to balance my family’s needs with my desire to pursue writing on a more serious level,” said Jennifer Savran Kelly, who was paired with the novelist Amy Wallen. “This program is offering me an opportunity to do that through an even more rewarding and personal process than I had imagined.”

Mentors in the pilot program have emphasized the value in giving back to the literary community. Mentor Janet Sylvester said, “It’s a privilege to bring years of writing and publishing experience to a younger writer who is eager to deepen her craft and understanding of the American scene. To work together outside the academy brings a new kind of energy to us both.”

AWP has already received excellent applications for Writer to Writer’s spring session, which will begin in February. To learn more about Writer to Writer, or to apply for the spring session, visit our webpage.

You can view the full press release in our Press Room.