I am currently open for enquiries about pastoral mentoring with writers. If you’d be interested in finding out more, please get in touch.

I have worked as a pastoral mentor for writers across poetry, journalism, theatre and fiction. I worked as a pastoral mentor for the A Writing Chance programme, working with four writers across a year. I supported the writers as they worked through the programme and offered a safe space for them to share reflections, start developing new ideas and set goals for their work within and beyond the year-long programme structure. 

I also offer pastoral mentoring to alumni of the New Writers Awards programme as part of my role at Scottish Book Trust. 

Pastoral mentoring can cover many areas, but it is designed to help writers with their professional development rather than focusing on creative work. Areas of support can include goal setting (both short and long-term), help with motivation and accountability, discussing an idea at an early stage of development, getting feedback on a submission for an agent or publisher, or a more broad discussion around your writing career to date.

I take a flexible approach to pastoral mentoring and sessions can often cover multiple areas. It’s very much led by the writer and what they want to get out of the discussions. 

Discussions can be a one-off meeting or a block of up to 4 sessions, depending on how much you’d like to discuss. 

I’m unable to offer free work in this area at the moment, but I am very happy to discuss reasonable rates and flexible payment options. 

‘Pastoral mentoring has helped me to put things in perspective and recognise the pressures that were getting in the way of writing. Also, I have given myself a bit more credit for what I have already achieved. Although the meetings are informal and feel like a chat with a friend, Lynsey still provides challenges and asks questions which prompt me to consider my writing and my goals. I can speak openly and honestly with Lynsey and know she will be supportive and kind. ‘ 

Craig Aitchison, New Writers Awardee 2023 

‘My meetings with Lynsey have provided much-needed support and reassurance that I am on the right track. In a sea of rejections and lack of interest from the industry, these meetings have been the islands where I could catch my breath and gather my strength in order to resume my writing journey. ‘ 

Firas Ibrahim, New Writers Awardee 2022