In this collection, Elizabeth Benedict gathers thirty essays from accomplished writers on their experiences with life-changing mentors and the transformative power of creative influence and community. Writers of all levels will find inspiration in these stories by acclaimed authors such as Alexander Chee, Michael Cunningham, Samantha Hunt, Dinaw Mengestu, Sigrid Nunez, and Cheryl Strayed, who look back on role models whose support and guidance had a meaningful impact at an early stage in their writing careers.