A number of recent visitors have asked me for advice for aspiring writers. I wrote up a big long article over on the Young Adult (& Kids!) Books Central site sometime ago and you should definitely check that out, though I’ve also got a few things I’d like to add for younger writers here:
- The most important thing to do is to write. The more you write, the better you get at it. And remember that craft is just as important as ideas — pay attention in English class, ask your teacher for advice, maybe get involved with your school or local newspaper. Any writing, even stuff you do for school, helps make you a better writer (though I complained about long term papers, too!).
- Most places have local writer’s groups and some are happy to welcome teen members as well. Check your local library and newspapers for listings. These can be great resources for writers of any age.
- Start a writing group with other like-minded friends. And if you do — learn how to (give and) take constructive criticism.
- Think about writing some short stories and sending them out to magazines and/or websites that publish teens. It’s great practice. Writing a good short story is often harder than writing a full-length novel. You’ve got to include a lot of stuff in a short amount of words.
- There’s also nothing wrong with writing fan fiction, just keep in mind that it is practice — it isn’t something you’ll be able to sell. But it is a great way to hone your craft!
- When you do start sending things out, follow the rules and act professional. That means cover letters, good grammar, and if they ask for a snail mail letter vs. an email, send the snail mail. It’s okay to mention your age, but you can show with your actions that you are professional and mature enough that they would want to work with you (I’ve heard stories before from an editor that they’d seen some promising writing from a teen, but they didn’t go for it because they didn’t think the teen was capable of working with them).
I hope that helps! Good luck to all you writers out there!
An interesting read for all aspiring writers. I find writing as a fun experience and fulfilling. I hope is that young writers embrace the wonders of writing within a short span of time.
Writing can definitely be fun and rewarding
Haha, but I’m a lazy writer! I have attempted so many stories but they all failed miserably. I’m on like my fifth one, so I hope this one doesn’t die out like the others…
Oh, and I received the goodie bag! Thank you!
Well, it depends on what your goal is
Just remember that it should always be fun, no matter what. Why do something if it doesn’t make you happy? Well, other than school. There’s some stuff you have to do even if you don’t like it. Like math class. 
math is awesome; history, not so much. I love writing, though. well usually. We recently had to write a narrative of a childhood epiphany we had and we weren’t supposed to go over 1000 words. at first, it seems like a lot, but in a little over than an hour i had over 1000 words. And that’s just on a school assignment! I’ve never actually tried to write my own story for fun because i’m afraid as soon as i start, i’ll forget everything. I’m trying to complete the story in my head first, but for some reason i just can’t put it all together. I think i should start writing what i have thought of down, that way i can reorganize it later.
you have some good advice, yet i dont think i could do any of them where i’d have to share my story with others. Yes, if i did manage to write a good story, i would most likely share it with others. But, until then, i think i’d like to keep it to myself. but that’s just me. I know if someone i knew was trying to write a story, i’d love to hear what they have. it could end up helping the writer AND myself.
Wonderful advice! I am an aspiring author myself (working on a novel I hope to publish). Thanks again!
Amanda
Hi Amanda — no problem! If you have any writing (or other) related questions, just ask away!
And that goes for anyone — feel free to ask other questions. I’ll do my best to answer them.
Thankiez for the advice:D I’ll try continuing my um 50,000 storiez that i never finished:D? but anywayzzz what do you do if your kinda shy about your writing? I don’t like it when people read mine it feels embressing >.< And i tried to finish some storiez but they sound stupid so i stoped. I don't want anyone to think i'm stupid?:o
Well, that’s always hard. You can try two different routes — until you’re comfortable, just show it only to people you really trust OR show it only to people (like in a critique group online or in person) you don’t know at all. After all, who cares if people you don’t know think you’re stupid? (But they won’t!)