Thonie Hevron [thoniehevron dot com] is a retired 911 dispatcher. She has written five award-winning mysteries set primarily in Sonoma County, published by Rough Edges Press/Wolfpack Press. She authored a cozy series under a pen name for CKN Christian Publishing (an imprint of Wolfpack Press). She worked on a ghost-written mystery/adventure in the Young Adult genre and is currently developing a new mystery that she hopes to expand into a series. She lives in Petaluma with her husband, two rescue puppies, and a princess kitty. She enjoys riding her friend’s horse as often as she can.
I wonder how I would’ve ever gotten where I am today without mentors. This includes the mom down the street who took me under her wing when my mother struggled with her own demons. Early in my law enforcement career (as a Meter Maid), there was a motor officer who introduced me to the concept, “badge-heavy” and changed my adversarial attitude with the public while I issued tickets–I didn’t have to be a jerk. Later, Fred, a patrolman, was another crucial association. He invited me to testify to the county grand jury as part of an investigation of our police administration. Standing up for the integrity of the job was a beautiful burden. These people were life mentors who taught me valuable lessons that continue to influence my life today.
But let’s talk about mentors for writers.
Pat Tyler – In most other industries, colleagues often view newbies as competition. While I’ve found that writing teachers aren’t necessarily mentors, I can say I have never seen professional acrimony toward another. My first true writing mentor, Pat Tyler, encouraged me with provocative prompts during her Jumpstart Writing class. She provided a safe, non-judgmental place to read and hone my stories. Then, she pointed me toward Redwood Writers (a branch of California Writers Club), where I found much more to learn. The motto of the club is “writers helping writers.” It made a significant impact on my writing career. Sadly, Pat passed away some years ago.
Marilyn Meredith – My second mentor is Marilyn Meredith. She is a founding member and former board member of the Public Safety Writers Association (PSWA), whom I met in 2014 at the club’s annual conference. Marilyn is an experienced author who helped me navigate the world of small press publishing and writing ethics. She’s a prolific author of over 40 books who gets up in the middle of the night (4 AM) to accomplish her myriad goals. Even with huge family demands, she writes and promotes almost every day. A lady in the most refined sense, she’s also a model of Christianity—not the clichéd version—the true-blue follower of Christ. She’s unpretentious, accepts people the way they are, and believes in sharing her gifts—as she has with me. I’ll bet she never even considered herself a mentor. But she is. She continually inspires me to be better.
Michael A. Black – Then there’s Michael A. Black. Mike is a friend, an award-winning author, and a colleague from the PSWA who also heads up the annual conference. A retired police officer, Mike has reinvented himself as a career writer. He’s written an amazing tally of over 50 books in the sci-fi, western, horror, and sports genres. He also authors articles in law enforcement professional online and print magazines. A few years ago, Mike’s publisher asked if he would be interested in writing a cozy series. Mike checked it out and said, “Thanks, but no can do.” He steered the publisher to me. We cut a deal, and although I had never read or written the cozy genre, I was pleased with the result. The job pushed my boundaries, and I found something wonderful—cozy mysteries.
Even if you don’t believe you have something to offer a burgeoning author, I want to make a few suggestions on why you should consider being a mentor. Advice isn’t always welcome, so choose your mentee carefully. Consider a young (in age or experience) author who’s looking to grow. A good combination can benefit you both.
Why?
- It could change someone’s life—really. Think about words of encouragement you heard that motivated you. Be that person.
- It will take you out of your world—we create them in our heads, don’t we? Sharing your process with another person attaches words to abstract thoughts. Sharing can enlarge thoughts if you listen for each other.
- You’ll be building a writers’ community based on the positive aspects we’re talking about here.
- The life you change may be your own. Sometimes, verbalizing the process gives us a clearer picture of our own progressions. Sharing and giving aren’t unique to humans, but we’ve refined them through evolution.
There are plenty of online resources to use: How to Find and Choose a Writing Mentor Masterclass 2025, How to Be a Writing Mentor and be the Best Mentee by the Young Writer, as well as a plethora of how-to volumes on Amazon.
Let’s continue to work together to help one another.
Thonie Hevron website
Meredith Ryan Mystery series
Thonie, I’m flattered that you consider me as one of your mentors. Thank you, but your talent was obvious. As far as me steering you toward that cozy project, I merely made an introduction. I’d read your previous work and knew you were the person to write the concept that they were looking for. Plus, I had an alternative reason: I wanted to read the great book that I knew you’d write, and you didn’t disappoint. Stay strong.
Ah, Michael. You’re too modest. I’ve learned much from you.
Oh, my Thonie, you made me tear up. I’ve always enjoyed your books and considered you a friend–thank you for this.
You were one of the first and most influential members I met in person at the PSWA Conference back in … 2014, or so? I’ll always consider you both a colleague but mostly a friend.
Great blog that thanks two great writers who are also wonderful people..
Thanks, Janet. I just had to acknowledge them both.
Thonie, wonderful post! I’ve never heard the term “badge heavy.” Thanks for sharing. What lovely mentors you have!!! And how fortunate are you! I think those two mentor many many authors even if they don’t know it:) I have so many mentors I’d be reluctant to name them all. I hope I’ve returned their numerous favors along the way. Great job on improvs and new series!
Thanks, Donnell. I suspect “badge-heavy” is a dated term but the meaning is clear. Thankfully, I understood early enough in my law enforcement career. And I agree, there are many more people I could name but these folks were top of my list.
A lovely tribute to a few of those people who’ve helped you on your writing journey!
Thanks, Galit! Every writerly contact seems to engender some kind of growth.
Nice blog, Thonie. I, too, consider Marilyn a mentor. I met her at a local conference 20-odd years ago when I was starting to write my first book, and because of her advice, I was able to find a good publisher rather quickly. I am still with that publisher. A wonderful lady!
I have read all your books and enjoyed every one of them. I’m anxiously awaiting the next Hevron novel!!!
Thanks so much, John! I love your work also. The times we spent together selling our work to the public was important to me. I love the comarederie of our careers.
This is wonderful. I almost expected to see names of people who have mentored me on your list. The writing community is truly amazing and I’m proud to be part of it.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Peg. I’m honored to be considered part of the writing community.
What a great article. I so enjoy your work
And back atcha, Aaron. You’re a wonderful, creative, dedicated writer who will continue to uphold the Anderson literary legacy!
Hi Thonie
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your piece, and have a quite a few mentors in my corner, as well. In fact, I refer to them as the village that supports this writer. As you say, it can be quite rewarding to assist another writer, and see them grow.
One of your mentors, is also one of mine, Michael A. Black. He has been instrumental in my writing career from early on and stays a stalwart supporter. I look forward to exploring your novels.
Stay safe!
Dave Case