Dear Young Writers,

Many authors share their own advice with young writers when readers ask them, “So how do I start writing?” If you aspire to be a writer, discover what you are passionate about and what you like to read, fact or fiction. You may want to start by writing a narrative of an experience you had and be creative with your ideas using a beginning-middle-end story structure outline. Read a variety of books that will inspire you and learn about different authors’ writing styles and genres to help you find your own voice.

Write whenever you can and keep a writing journal. Revisit your writing to add more thoughts. Share your work with a parent, special friend, or a teacher. Be open to constructive criticism from those trying to help you. My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Cassidy, would say, “Just keep writing. If you stop, you’ll squish your creativity flow. You’ll have time later to check your spelling or to edit your story with more descriptive language.” Her motto was, “Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best.” That is what I always told my students.

Ask your parents if you can create your own writing space where you can focus on writing and where your train of thought is not interrupted. Or, some authors prefer their writing place to be outside in nature, like Beatrix Potter.

Seek opportunities to write for different purposes: writing contests, a class book, a school newspaper, letters to soldiers overseas, cards to veterans, or a letter or essay concerning a civic event or cause.

Persevere. Never give up! Find your voice. Keep writing even though you may face challenges or setbacks. Believe in yourself. Above all, don’t let anyone tell you that you are not a writer—because you are!

Happy Reading and Happy Writing,

Corinne M. Litzenberg