This is part of a series interviewing Society of Young Inklings’ mentors. This week we’re featuring Jenn Castro.
Tell us a truth and a lie… but keep us guessing! We’ll save the reveal for the end.
- I once hiked 77 miles.
- I own a second home in Costa Rica
What are you writing right now?
A 10 year old girl conquers school bullies and shyness when she performs in a magic show.
What’s one playful activity you use when you’re working on your writing?
Think of a profession. Say, cooking. Use two columns, Make one a list of nouns (napkin, surf board, nail polish) and another of verbs (cut, chop, blend). Combine words in curious combinations.
Tell us about a time you got stuck creatively and how you got unstuck.
At a Young Inklings workshop, we imagined ourselves in a place meeting up with a character. Somehow I found my main character shopping with her mom. The setting gave an entry for my character to confront a difficult character.
Tell us about a mentor who made a difference in your creative life.
Seems so obvious, but a teacher, Ron at Stanford Continuing Education, advised me to write as specifically as possible about my character. Author Natalie Goldberg advises writers to place a picture frame on their desk and write as though looking through a small frame.
What is your favorite color?
Orange.
What is your favorite food?
Guacamole.
What was your favorite book as a child?
In the Forest by Marie Hall Ets.
What do you like to do for fun?
Bike ride, sing karaoke.
So, which was the lie?
I don’t own a home in Costa Rica.
Are you interested in mentorship through Society of Young Inklings? Click below to learn more! We offer a free mini-course that explains our teaching methodology as well as a free introductory call with our Mentorship Coordinator.
