10 Things Teenage Writers Should Know About Writing

Dear Teenage Writers: Hi there. I was once a teenage writer like you (see goofy picture to the right), although that was so long ago that between now and then, I could have been a teenager all over again. Nevertheless, recently I’ve been thinking about offering some thoughts and advice on being a teenage writer, based on my own experiences of being one, and on my experiences of being a teenage writer who kept being a writer when he grew up. So here are some of those thoughts, for your consideration. I’m going to talk to you about writing as straight as I can; there’s a possibility that some of what I say to you might come off as abrupt and condescending. 1. It’s nothing personal. There are reasons for this. a) You’re really young. Now, if you’re really good, you can fake perspective and wisdom, and with it a voice, which is almost as good as having the real thing. b) You’re besotted by your influences. c) When you’re young, it’s easier to be clever than to be good. 2. Because, look. 3.

Top tips for teen writers: Beth Reekles | Children's books 1. Dialogue Dialogue makes up a huge portion of a book, and it's essential for character development, too. One of the best things about dialogue is that you can give away so much - what a character is thinking, how they're feeling (do they stammer, are they hesitant?) and the way they act around people. 2. I know I probably sound like your English teacher, but bear with me here. 3. You know those hideous days when you get so frustrated with yourself because you just can't write - nothing you do seems to work! 4. The simple answer to this is "yes". 5. The best advice I can give you on this is to write the kind of thing you'd like to read.