The Mentor, A Cornerstone In Life And Stories

photo credit: bradleypjohnson

Writing anything, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, is primarily drawn from one’s own experience. I’m not talking about specific adventures or incidents which in fiction taps the realm of imagination. It is the myriad of individuals we’ve met, good, not so good and a full range in between. They have become building blocks shaping who we are today. Some may be weak and crumbling while others take their place as cornerstones.

Mrs. Peasgood, a character in “The Solstice Conspiracy”, is a mentor. The mentor in stories, those ancient and new, plays a specific role offering wisdom and insight to the hero. At the same time the mentor does not take over. Having provided the protagonist with tools to make his or her own decisions, the mentor steps back allowing our hero to  succeed or fail under their own steam.

I have been blessed with four mentors in my life, and Mrs. Peasgood is a composite of the four. Charlie pointed me in the right direction. Sheila influenced through her compassionate actions. Allison embodies kindness, and Louise opened a world of possibilities.

Here I will write briefly about Louise Silver. She possessed a keen interest that ranged from archeology, art, philosophy and the natural sciences to gardening and farming. But it was the attentiveness she gave to those who sought out her company that provided an environment of self exploration and creativity.

Louise was thirty years my senior, but I felt no generation gap. In the book, Mrs Peasgood listens to Beth and Chris with interest as Louise did with me. No judgemental comments or ‘shoulds’ were inserted.

A woman of many talents, Louise wrote poetry and stories, sculpted, potted and painted. I spent five years as a pottery apprentice learning how to throw pots on the wheel with her husband Sieg, and how to glaze and sculpt with Louise.

Writing provides an avenue to connect with those cornerstones in my life and share their qualities with others. Who were your mentors? Perhaps there is a story there.