Tips for a Teenage Writer?

Question

I like to write. I enjoy writing and I would want to pursue it professionally, but I do not have time to spend four to five hours a day writing - I am a teenager, and even with the summer, I still have things to do. I can't commit myself wholely to a schedule. But I would like tips.

Also, if you would inclue some good books with tips or books you'd reccommend or you'd think would help anyone's writing, etc. that would be great.

Thanks!

Answer 1

For one:

At least you're committed. Most beginners don't have a CLUE as to the depth and level of dedication it takes to become a great storyteller and a good author.

Even as a teenager, I spent hours writing in my spare time--and on vacations.

Two: Write when you can. Experiment, revise, edit as you go. Don't worry about getting it "perfect", because perfection stinks.

Just write because you love it. Don't write because you'll make a gazillion dollars and be as big as JK Rowling. People who write for money rather than the craft, usually end up failing faster than those who write because they want to.

I would recommend picking up Robert Kernen's BUILDING BETTER PLOTS--if you want an honest and upfront take on writing and building your book.

Most self-help guides usually focus on the mainstream elite's take on writing and how to get published--if you do it "their way". And a great deal of them give out a lot of conflicting information.

But Robert's approach to writing and building your book--piece by piece--is an extremely helpful (and insightful) guide to the beginner.

You would benefit from this book as a teen.

Answer 2

If you are already writing and know that you enjoy it, you have the others beat. You don't need a schedule, when you have a story in your mind just capture it as fast as it appears. Re write often to polish it up. You will learn the essence of styles when you begin to read other people's works more often. It is in the reading of others stories and books that you find your own style.
You don't need books or tips or anything else . Believe me you are on the road of writing. Did Hemingway have a book? Did Baldwin have a book? Did anyone who had half an imagination and a curiosity about others have a guideline?
No, go be creative and may the gods bless you.

Answer 3

The two best things you can do is write... and read. Read good things, read bad things, compare the two and figure out why the good ones are good and why the bad ones are bad. And write, write, write. You don't have to do it 5 hours a day, but you should probably do it fairly regularly if you're serious about pursuing it professionally.

Start submitting to local writing contests. You should be able to find out through your school what's available in the area. Seek help from your teachers and friends to proofread the stuff you've written, and make sure you get people who will give you honest opinions and not blindly tell you that they like it just because they don't want to hurt your feelings.

Answer 4

Get the book WHAT IF?

http://www.amazon.com/What-If-Writing-Exercises-Fiction/dp/0321107179/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/102-2388215-7188169?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181864309&sr=8-2

you'll note that there are some used copies for about $4. The good thing about the book is that it is filled with writing exercises, that you can read in one minute, and give you ideas for writing an hour or so. Very handy if you don't have time.

Try to schedule a certain amount of time every day -- no matter how short. The important thing is consistency.

Answer 5

Well, the basic thing is to read a lot. And read a variety of works. Read classic literature, read modern bestsellers, read poetry, read nespapers, read essays. By reading you will be able to see how different writers craft their work; a novelist by building characters, a journalist by creating arguments and informing.
Second is practice and practice. Have someone who does not have any relation with you criticize your work. It is important that they are not your family or friends, because that way they will be more honest.
Third, believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself and work hard, you will be taking on ambitious proyects without even noticing.
Do your research. If you are writing a story about war, read books on war to get the feel of the things. If you write a poem, read poets to understand how they build their verses. Remember writing is creating something fictional (most of the times anyway) you do not have to experienced first hand the things you write about, you only have to make them believeable.
And finally, get an education. Education will help you be exposed to different authors, different ideas. It will open your eyes to ideas that will take too much time to discover on your own.

Good Luck, and keep writing!!!

Answer 6

1. Write as much as you can
2. Read. You cannot be a great writer if you don't love to read
3. Always take critism no matter who it comes from
4. Rewrite. That's important too. Always go back and write something when you think it is wrong.

Answer 7

Ask Persiphone_Hellecat. She's the master of writing. Professionally. She gave me a lot of advice that really helped me out. I think she's the best source of imformation, and you should check with her.

Answer 8

Make sure you write for your enjoyment first. If you start writing for others, you will probably become frustrated. When you are happy w/ your work, it is most likely that others will be too.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

keep your mind open
~twilight by stephanie meyer~
~ new moon by stephanie meyer~
coming soon ~eclipse by stephanie meyer~