I attended a Salon last night through Lighthouse Writers called “What’s Fiction For?”

There were many ideas discussed. All good and worthy of pondering/discussion/thinking upon. This question of “what fiction is for”—or what’s the purpose of the telling of stories that are made up and not about a real life happening—is one that I’ve asked myself at times when I’ve woken up in the early morning hours to start writing a novel or short stories. I thought I’d write about what was discussed at the Salon, how I agree and disagree with it, and I’d like to write through some of my own thoughts about the purpose of fiction.

My Rundown on the “What is Fiction For?” Salon

(You can find out more about the Salon and the panelist/speakers here.)

Rebecca Berg brought up some thoughts about how from some point of views fiction is dying out, that there may be a desire more for reality writing instead of fiction in this culture and age. She read some from Reality Hunger (which I had not heard of and have not read). She said she did not agree with all David Shields proposed in the book, but brought to light that this is what the world of fiction is up against.

(more…)

I have been a mentor with Friends for Youth in Denver for just over three years. I started mentoring because I wanted to get more involved working with and helping out junior high kids. I actually tried several ways of doing this, but finally got directed to Friends for Youth (FFY). And they coordinated me into a mentoring friendship which I have been a part of for over three years. The girl I mentor is now ten years (almost eleven and she can’t wait to be twelve, she tells me often).

At FFY, their goal is to facilitate long-term relationships between positive adult role models and youth. They do this through one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, and special programs.

Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m doing much as a mentor. I don’t feel like I make much difference. Sometimes we go out to lunch, we go to a movie, I help her with her homework, or we visit a museum or park. But some days when I hang out with her and she’s had a really bad time at school, or I hear about the inconsistencies in her life that she can’t control, I’m glad I can be consistent.

But to tell you the truth, truly, one of the main reasons I stick with it is because I’m quite selfish. The girl I mentor is a life-blood to me. She lifts my spirits; we laugh together; I look forward to our time together; I’ve liked getting to know her family.

Why should you mentor? Because it will change the life of a young person and it will also change yours.

Rather than in the comments saying how great it is that people mentor (it is great… but we already know this), instead talk about what mentoring organizations you know of in your area, how you have mentored (even if it is in a small way), or how do you plan to make a consistent difference in the life of one young person? Let’s inspire each other.

I’m blogging… at least for the next couple months at friendstoindia.wordpress.com. Join me there. And then return here later where I just might start blogging again. :)