Skip to main content

On Writing Mentors

So. Mentors. How do you make them original?

1. Think Before You Kill Them Off

Mentors always die.

There's a reason for this. The hero needs to be able to solve his own problems. If the mentor is still there with the hero, the hero is going to end up saving the world in no time flat. The hero needs to be independent and go and save the world on their own. So that's why mentors are always killed off.

So why don't we bend the cliche?

If the hero needs to be without the mentor, do something with the mentor that doesn't involve killing him off! Maybe the mentor is on vacation and the hero is unable to send a message to him. Maybe the mentor is mentoring someone else and does not want to be disturbed. Or why not, maybe the mentor has just been cursed to fall asleep for a hundred years.

2. Make Them Look Different

There's one other thing about mentors.

They're almost always old, experienced men.

Imagine if there was a wider range of mentors. Young men who've been through a lot and lived to tell the tale. Fashionistas who are always searching for the latest trends. Little girls who dye their hair strange colors. Give it a try.

I'm not saying you can't use old men as mentors. The only reason they're cliche is because it makes sense to have someone experienced teach the inexperienced hero how to fight their own battles. Because they've lived for so long, they've got wisdom. They can pass down their tips and tricks to the hero.

But if you have the chance to write your mentor as someone other than an old man, go for it. It might actually make the plot more interesting.

3. Be Creative

Try something new. Let's say your mentor looks different than the rest and already stands out. But you want more. What more can you do? 

Here's an idea: write him a unique voice.

I'm not saying to write him spouting riddles every second sentence, although you can do that if you really want to. 

I mean write his voice to be a little different. Does he have an accent? Does he use slang? Does he have a sense of humor that comes out every other paragraph? 

Every character is different, so you get to choose what makes your character unique. Explore ideas. Mix and match. But don't go too far - unless, of course, it makes sense in your story.

Go forth and create,
     Germaine
     Genesis 1:1-2

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Plot Elements (Disney Alert)

-Brynbellion- Plot elements are what makes a story a story. Romance, betrayal, impossible odds, to name a few. In this post I'm going to look at classic plot elements, discuss them, and put a spin on them. Classic Disney Princess Plot Elements: Romance Rebellion Magic Good vs Evil Unhealthy Social Systems Remember that Disney Princess movies are, for the most part, based off of some of the first fairy tales. So these elements are in both pop culture and writing history. Romance Romance is timeless. It's relatable, desirable, and adorable (it's a matter of perspective, okay?). Romance is somewhat overused, yet is not cliche. It's a good way of endearing your characters to readers and pulling these readers into the story (aka shipping). To surprise your audience, pull a cliche-breaker. The girl can end up with the sidekick or the comic relief character. Your protagonist could have a hard time choosing a girl, given the inevitable fawning crowd. Rebel...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Fix Bad Writing

A first draft of a novel is never perfect. A first draft of  anything you've written is never perfect. We all know that. If you're a serious writer who's been looking through writing websites and generally spending your time reading about writing, well, you're like the rest of us. Someday, you are going to look back at what you have written, may it be to edit, to remind yourself of how much you've improved, or just to laugh at your writing. So here's my advice. If it makes you cringe, do something about it.  I'm writing a fantasy novel about seven dragons with elemental powers who are trying to bring back flight to a world where dragons cannot fly. As my fingers flew across the keyboard, typing out the words, I came to a scene where one of my main characters has to ask a friend for help. In reply, the friend begins rambling on and on about why she can't help him, but at the end of the chapter, she agrees to help. When I looked back...
Post a Comment
Read more

Intercessor

- Megan - Intercessor I remember when I was falling, like they do now, Now I fly, on the wings of my Father But look, Lord – She's still falling You carry me Lord, why not him? Won't you rescue her too? They cry out, begging me to catch them, But turn a blind eye when I point to their Maker How, Lord, can I make this work? I ask her, I tell him. I knock at their doors I beg my Father to show them the light, But no response comes from either side. I have to do something – they continue to fall I worry and fret, I can't just let them go! I trust in my own strength, I reach in to grab her, But he doesn't start flying, and now I'm tumbling too I've filled my heart with their problems, now I can't hold on to Him I cry out just like they do, and my Maker comes again He's taught me a lesson, and now I have learned That it isn't my job, to carry their load The I AM is the one who carries the world And as the ...
Post a Comment
Read more