A chance encounter between two writers develops into a wonderful friendship neither expected. Frank Conroy, author of Stop-Time, meets Tom Grimes, an applicant to the Iowa Writers' Workshop, which Conroy directs. First as teacher and student, and gradually as friends, their lives become entwined, and through both successes and disappointments, their bond deepens.

Exquisitely written, Mentor explores the writing life and the role of a very important teacher while offering an inside view of the most famous writing program in the world and the sometimes sordid business of publishing. Honest. Heartbreaking. Poignant. Grimes entered the Writers' Workshop with the dream of being a writer. Two years later, he left with that and much more.