Writing Goal 3: Find a God-like Mentor
By Kelly Milner Halls
Before his first novel, Skate, was released in October 2006,
Michael Harmon was like any would-be writer. He dreamed of success. He
read good books. He wrote and revised and continued to write. He talked
to other writers.
Typical, typical, typical, typical; but there was one important distinction.
The instant one of the writers he questioned – bestseller Chris
Crutcher -- responded with enthusiasm, Harmon went from typical to
exceptional. He listened.
He dug down and resisted his fragile ego and his fear of success, to
move toward publication, and more, he and Crutcher forged a
relationship between a student and a mentor.
Skate by Michael Harmon
Knopf, October 2006
How was the relationship born? “He found out there was a published
writer in town that didn't live far from him,” Crutcher says. “So he
called me and asked if we could meet. I'm not much of a teacher, but I
knew from his first drafts, he was good."
Dozens of writers ask professionals for help, without developing the
will or determination to accept it. But Crutcher knew almost
immediately that Harmon was different – serious about his goals.
“Actually, I knew within about five minutes,” he admits. “The first
day we were to meet, his car wouldn't start. It was miserable outside
and he ran about two miles with his manuscript to get to Great Harvest
before I left. No running shoes; I don't even know if he had a coat.
NObody puts themselves out that much to see ME, so I knew it was the
passion for writing.”
Harmon credits that meeting with moving him from desire to full-out
action. “I loved writing, but I didn’t know if I was good at it from
the standpoint of the craft. Chris Crutcher was the first person who
actually said I was, and as I put in the acknowledgments of SKATE, he
really believed it. He’s not the kind of guy that shines you on.”
Michael Harmon, fishing on the dock featured in the book
Like most first time novelists, Harmon’s critical reviews have been
mixed. Kirkus Review, a respected trade publication geared toward book
sellers and educational professionals said, “This remarkable first
novel features a rebellious, smart outcast who's battling life as he
struggles to take care of his little brother…a marvelous debut.”
School Library Journal, another professional trade publication said
Harmon had, “created a main character who [was] confident and tragic,”
but wished the novel had a little more “zip.”
Because novelists often see their works as newborns upon release, less
than glowing reviews can leave a mark, as Harmon admits. Even short
negative comments can send a new writer into full retreat, and inspire
them to consider “living in a cave,” he says.
Mentor extraordinaire Chris Crutcher
After nearly 25 years of experience, Crutcher knows that sting, but has
learned to take it in stride. “Critics are as varied as readers, and
who you get to review your book has a lot to do with the luck of the
draw,” he says. “So you take the hit, set it aside, then go back and
read it after the sting goes away to see if you think the writer had a
valid point.
“You have to remember, if one critic likes it and another doesn’t, it
proves their reviews are as subjective as any target readership,” he
continues. “Besides, no one critic ever ended anyone’s career – that I
know of.”
Considering Skate is the first of three novels Knopf has
agreed to publish, Harmon has plenty of time to prove his work has
enough “zip” to be consistently “marvelous.” And Crutcher still has
Harmon’s back.
“I’ve written thirteen books in the last five or so years,” Harmon
says. “Chris has given feedback on most of them. But he once told me
he wasn’t teaching me anything I didn’t already know. He said he was
simply showing me how to understand it. His belief in my craft has been
inspiring, and I can only hope to pass to other writers.
“We’re friends now,” Harmon concludes, “But he’ll still set me straight when I need it.”
Kelly Milner Halls is the author of twenty books for children,
including the upcoming Mysteries of the Mummy Kids (Darby Creek, March
2006). Visit her on the Web at www.KellyMilnerHalls.com.
