Mentor Monday ~ Erin Murphy
I am thrilled to announce the launch of my new series, MENTOR MONDAYS! Every Monday, I will post a piece by a professional in the wonderful world of kid lit (editors, agents, and authors) who have been kind enough to share their stories with me. I have been humbled by the generosity of these folks and am in awe of the list itself! Such incredibly accomplished, talented, and giving people. Without people like this—who share their talent and expertise, who advocate for children and good literature in a world that seems more and more about “screen time,” (She says, checking her Facebook! 😉 where would we be?
And, where would we be without mentors? The people who take us aboard and show us the ropes. Often, however, a mentor is dear friend as well. Someone who lights something inside you that you didn’t know was there. Gives you the road map to where you’re headed.
I had planned to start this series with an author, but decided that I should begin with the person that launched my career—officially, anyway!
My first post is from literary agent, Erin Murphy of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. I’ve had a few people tell me they’ve heard that she’s a “dream agent.” As her client, I’m here to tell you that the rumors are true.
I did a ridiculous amount of research on agents and, when I was done with my ranked list, she was at the top. I drove five hours one way to meet her at a big book signing by several of her clients. The first time I set my eyes on her, she was scooping ice cream for a bunch of kids. She had an easy smile and, as the day progressed, I could tell that her clients adored her. We chatted (I had to stop mid-sentence to apologize for stumbling over my words) and left that day with an ache in my gut, thinking that it probably wouldn’t work out. I mean who signs with their first choice anyway?
Although Erin and I are of similar age, I consider her to be one of my mentors. I have learned a ton from her about the business of children’s lit and the craft of writing. I’ve learned that you can know someone for two years and feel like you’ve known them forever. I’ve learned what I’m truly capable of. I’ve learned that dreams come true.
~~So, . Here is Erin’s Mentor Story:
What a great idea for a series!
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Love Mentor Mondays!
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This is a wonderful series, Lynda. I often speak about how important encouragement is, and have been so fortunate to find the children's writing world so full of generous and willing mentors. Good for you, to celebrate it!
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Thanks, Ladies! Appreciate the comments!
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Thanks for sharing this glimpse of your dream editor, Erin Murphy!
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Thanks, Lynda. I'm looking forward to more mentor stories. Nothing like reading about inspiration to get us going on Mondays!
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Mentor Mondays – great idea! I love getting a glimpse of how people got their start. And Erin was good one to start the series off. Thanks for doing this, Lynda.
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I love this idea, Lynda! But, then, you're always full of good ideas. Your agent sounds fabulous and you are lucky to have found her. She, in turn, is lucky to have you, as well. I'll be reading Mentor Mondays!
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Thank you for bringing us Mentor Mondays! What a great way to start each week!!
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