Mentor Monday | Harry Lorayne

In keeping with the spirit of Executive Orders – this appears to be the year of them, after all – I’m declaring the last Monday of every month Mentor Monday.  A post where I pay homage to someone who has made a dramatic impact on my writing.

Born in the Lower East Side of New York City in 1926, Harry Lorayne would become one of the most sought after memory consultants in history.  He authored over two dozen books, sold over seventeen million copies, and has made numerous appearances on the radio, television, and as a keynote speaker for major corporate events.  Aside from his memory skills, Mr. Lorayne is an accomplished magician.  He has often incorporated both into his  performances over the years.  If you find yourself with some extra time, you should check him out.  He has a wonderfully warm stage presence.  It’s a bit like spending time with an old friend.

Harry Lorayne

I stumbled up Mr. Lorayne back in 1990.  He made an appearance on the direct response program Amazing Discoveries.  I used to watch it each morning before school.  I pleaded with my parents to order to the Memory Power set and after some convincing, they finally did.  I still have my audio cassettes and workbook to this day.

How does this relate to my writing?  His methods force you to get back in touch with your creative side.

Without giving away the store, many of the techniques he uses are based on ridiculous (in a good way) associations.  Harkening back to my first post of the year, I touched upon adults losing that uninhibited thought process we all have as children that is inevitably squashed out of us as we get older.

Remember Miracle on 34^th Street?  As Kris and Susan spend some time talking before dinner…

"No…to me the imagination is a place all by itself. A very wonderful country.  You've heard of the British Nation and the French Nation?  Well, this is the Imagination.  And once you get there you can do almost anything you want.” 

Are his methods easy?  No.  Especially if you have let your imagination grow cold over the years.

Do they work?  Absolutely.

Imagine doing research for a book project and not having to take detailed notes because you’re able to remember the information that you need.

Think how impressed that agent or client will be when you know all the important stats at the drop of a hat.

All the different directions you can take your writing when you’ve tapped into that dormant section of your mind that is no longer confined to a rigid box of adult rules and expectations.

Those simple examples don’t even scratch the surface of how much Mr. Lorayne has made an impact on my life as a writer. 

To him I am forever grateful.

Mr. Lorayne now lives in Newburyport, Massachusetts.  In 2016, he celebrated his ninetieth birthday surround by fellow magicians in a New York City deli.

Have you read any of Harry Lorayne’s books?  Do you incorporate any memory techniques into your daily life?  Let me know if the comments section down below.