Mentoring for Writers
To write is a wonderful, life-affirming, soul-nourishing thing. I’d go so far as to say that it’s an act of service, to oneself and - because of the inevitable ripple effects of cause and influential consequence - others. As writers, we all want to be read, to be seen, to have people engage with our work (even if we might decry the effort and the strain of it all, we write because we believe we have something worth saying that deserves to be read).
If you’re looking for someone to guide your process, whether that’s with developmental and/or editorial support, get in touch for a free exploratory call.
I currently have space to work with new clients and would love to know what you’re up to (or struggling with) and how I might help you along. I specialise working with with non-fiction writers, and personal essayists who are working on larger manuscripts.
Work with me
I know from a ton of experience that writing is a passion as much as a craft, a calling as much as a skill. For all these reasons, it is both glorious and frustrating, tough and exhilarating, as is anything that comes from a deep desire to do something with purpose and intention.
Through my own work and from a long professional career working with others, I know what helps and I realise what hinders. And I know how satisfying it is to move through whatever holds us back and do the thing we desperately want but sometimes find we can’t quite manage alone.
That’s why I love doing what I do – supporting writers to express themselves freely, clearly and courageously. At every step of the creative journey, from navigating doubt and insecurity, to reclaiming their voice and story, from structuring their manuscripts to drafting and redrafting, I take pleasure and pride in being there for folks when they need a critical friend on their side.
I’ve previously worked with non-fiction writers as well as novelists and essayists, with researchers and academics, with artists and scientists, guiding and encouraging them through their process and practice. Collaboration, understanding and compassion are at the heart of my approach. I take and offer the time to get to the heart of what drives – and stymies – the writers that I work with.
Ultimately, it’s about feeling into your voice and finding your flow.
Maybe you have a fully formed manuscript over which you simply require a fine editorial eye. Maybe you have an idea and a sense of where to go but need some structure and focus to get there. Maybe you need someone to copyedit the whole thing, to help you refine what’s already there, to help you remember why you’re doing what you’re doing and why it matters, before you sack the whole thing off.
Every person and project is unique. Yet there is a solid framework that underpins it all. Here’s what working with me might look like for you, depending on your aspirations, expectations and needs:
Fundamentally it’s about creating a routine, structure and rhythm that will reinvigorate (or kickstart) your momentum, with accountability and guidance throughout
Weekly or fortnightly call check-ins
Manuscript review and feedback
Regular editorial support as you work on your writing
Navigating and overcoming the sticky emotional and mental stumbling blocks that we all naturally encounter, and which when skilfully approached, can teach us what’s getting in the way and how to get ourselves out of our own way
Email me to set up a free 20 minute exploratory call to see if we’re a good fit: aliya@strongwordsmatter.com
“Working with Aliya was instrumental in completing my book. I turned to her when I was stuck and had self-doubt. She made me feel heard, empowered me, and was thorough in her advice, notes, and process. Aliya brought her expertise and mindfulness in such a beautiful way to get my rough draft into a complete manuscript! It wouldn’t have happened without her attention to detail, understanding of the bigger picture, and care.”
“The first novel in my series had lived in my head for years and after meeting Aliya in the spring of 2020, having connected around social justice initiatives in South Asian communities, she helped me believe that my stories were worth sharing with the world and helped me actually complete and publish my first novel that same year, something I never believed would happen in my lifetime! Her commitment to me as a writer has been significant in so many ways, and although my series is complete, I rely on her mentorship to this day. Aliya has always made time for my projects and her commitment to quality elevated my storytelling. Aliya is caring, compassionate, and not conflict avoidant – I need an editor who is willing to share their honest thoughts and offer solid criticism on what I’ve written, not one who merely scans for grammar and spelling errors. She genuinely cares about the writers she works with and her dedication to me has been integral to the success of The Chai House series. Thank you, Aliya, for helping me finish my novel and share my stories with the world!”
“Collaborating with Aliya was truly a gift. She accompanied me in polishing my first poetry manuscript with highly professional editorial feedback on structure, rhythm, voice and wording alongside ongoing encouragement, empathy and kindness for my writing process. She reminded me to stand tall behind my words and be bold in my reclamation. Her insightful knowledge and experience in the literary and publishing fields have been invaluable as I navigate how best to get my work out into the world.”
“Working with Aliya was an absolute pleasure. When I first approached her with my fictional series, she helped me to refine how I was wording my prose and improved my confidence with writing. Her encouragement to write the story helped me finish the first book and since then I have written two more. I recommend Aliya to anyone longing to use writing as their medium of expression.”
“Highly, highly recommend Aliya! I’m a first time author, writing a book on the Buddha Dharma. Aliya’s insight and feedback, along with encouragement has allowed me to step into my power and write fearlessly. Aliya is as compassionate as she is relentless.”