Mentoring for Writers

A mentor is someone who sees your brilliance,
even in moments when you cannot, and walks beside you on your journey.

At Acorn Writing Retreats, we believe that small ideas can grow into mighty ambitions, and that no writer should have to walk their path alone.

Whether you are just beginning or returning to your writing after a long pause, you deserve space, encouragement and support to help your words take root, flourish and thrive.

Mentoring offers exactly that: a nurturing, steady presence beside you as you grow your work - and yourself - with care, compassion and enthusiasm.

About Your Mentor

Hello, I’m Dr Rebecca Maxwell Stuart, founder and facilitator of Acorn Writing Retreats and a passionate advocate for writers of all kinds. Having recently completed my PhD, I understand just how challenging and isolating the writing journey can feel.

I created AWR to offer what many writers need most: space, support and encouragement to keep going.

My aim is to help writers and students move from uncertainty to clarity, from scattered thoughts to confident, structured manuscripts. I provide thoughtful, tailored and personal mentoring for all kinds of projects, including dissertations, theses, journal articles, grant applications, memoirs, novels and unique creative works.

I also hold a COSCA-accredited qualification in Counselling Skills, which enhances my ability to create a compassionate, reflective space for writers navigating both the emotional and intellectual challenges of their work.

My mentoring style is nurturing yet purposeful. I will help you build momentum, reignite your passion for writing and your project, and ensure you make meaningful progress. By boosting your confidence as a writer, I will support you in reaching your goals, however small or mighty they may be.

Mentoring Philosophy

I believe every writer holds a unique brilliance, and my role as a mentor is to help you uncover it, especially when self-doubt clouds your view. I offer thoughtful, practical guidance alongside gentle encouragement, helping you move forward with clarity, confidence and care.

My approach is grounded in compassion and honesty. I aim to create a space where it is safe to explore, to question, to falter, to grow and to thrive.

I lead with heart, humour and respect for your individuality. I do not offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, I walk beside you, reflecting your strengths back to you, even in the moments when you are unable to see them yourself.

I believe mentoring is a shared journey of learning. My commitment is to show up with integrity, stay curious in my own practice, and always hold the door open for others to rise and succeed.

How It Works

Mentoring sessions are designed to offer structure, encouragement and focused support at whatever stage you may be on during your writing journey. Each session includes:

  • Personalised feedback on your submitted work (up to a set word count per session);

  • A 1-hour meeting (via Google Hangouts or adapted to suit your communication needs);

  • Gentle accountability, plus space for reflection, planning and creative problem-solving to motivate you to succeed.

You can choose from three levels of support, depending on what feels right for you and the stage of your project. Whether you are looking for light-touch guidance, or in-depth, ongoing support, there is an option to suit your needs.

I also offer a free 30-minute discovery call to help us explore whether we are a good fit and to talk through which package might be most suitable for you.

Mentoring Packages

  • The Sprout Package (Light)

    Begin your writing journey with gentle encouragement.

    - 3 sessions (to be used flexibly within 6 months);
    - up to 1,500 words reviewed per session;
    - 1 hour meeting per session.

    £150 total (£50 per session)

    Ideal for writers looking for light-touch guidance to stay connected to their work.

  • The Sapling Package (Intermediate)

    Develop your ideas, build confidence, and find your momentum.

    - 6 sessions (to be used flexibly within 6 months);
    - up to 3,000 words reviewed per session;
    - 1 hour meeting per session;
    - Feedback summary after each meeting.

    £390 total (£65 per session)

    Perfect for writers seeking regular support and structured feedback.

  • The Budding Oak Package (Intensive)

    Grow your manuscript with ongoing, tailored support.

    - 9 sessions (to be used flexibly within 12 months)
    - up to 4,000 words reviewed per session;
    - 1 hour meeting per session;
    - Detailed written feedback after each meeting.

    £675 total (£75 per session)

    Best for writers serious about bringing a full-length project to completion with consistent guidance.

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