# Mentoring

If he wasn’t an addict and a gambler, there could never have been the triumphs. But even more than that—he was in love with two women at once—and yes, I could have played that down, but I found that fascinating and something that was real and messy and complicated and worth exploring.

"... the country right now is so fucking political and divided that the only safety you have is if you feel that the art is regurgitating your own opinions and political beliefs back at you. I find that incredibly boring."

I learned that if you write something from your heart, even if you think it's ridiculous, someone who reads it or sees it or watches it could be affected by it. Then you both might not feel so alone.

"I just want to put stuff out there that reminds people how we are not only interconnected, but we're codependent. And we won't accept that, like we actually kind of all need each other." - Kemp Powers

The life of a novelist is a very solitary endeavor. You engage the blank page on your own ... But in order for it to become a commercial product that is going to reach a wider audience, there has to be collaboration there.

"I cannot stress enough the power of passion, when it comes to getting these things made."

In giving her readers a chance to connect with her, Bren McClain has received the biggest reward of publication: the chance to connect with them.

If you are writing the truth while still trying to hide from it in some way, your readers will know.

Meredith Glynn's path through the industry not only illustrated one way a lot of writers break in, but it also pointed out some mistakes or missed opportunities in my own career.

A conversation with the director and cast of "Ben-Hur" on practical effects, strong voices, and the power of forgiveness.