by Walter Dean Myers
About the author and the book: After writing more than one hundred books, it still amazes me that I have been lucky enough to spend most of my life doing what I truly love: writing.
What makes a writer? The desire to tell a story, a love of language, an eye for detail, practice, practice, practice. How well should you know your characters? Do you need to outline before you write? How important is length? Now Walter Dean Myers, the new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, walks you through the writing process.
Click here to learn more.
by Gail Carson Levnie
Synopsis: In Writing Magic, Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine shares her secrets of great writing. She shows how you, too, can get terrific ideas for stories, invent great beginnings and endings, write sparkling dialogue, develop memorable characters—and much, much more. She advises you about what to do when you feel stuck—and how to use helpful criticism. Best of all, she offers writing exercises that will set your imagination on fire.
With humor, honesty, and wisdom, Gail Carson Levine shows you that you, too, can make magic with your writing.
Click here to learn more.
Communities, Support, and more:
Figment is a community where you can share your writing, connect with other readers, and discover new stories and authors.
Frodo's Notebook, is a magazine features writing by teenagers 13-19. Learn more by clicking here.
Hang Loose Press has a regular section devoted to writing by talented high school writers.
Teen Ink, a national magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos, and forums. Students must be age 13-19 to participate, register and/or submit work. Please see the About Us page for more information.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, identifies teenagers with exceptional artistic and literary talent and brings their remarkable work to a national audience through The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
The Young Voices Foundation mentoring young writers K-12. They offer quarterly no fee writing contests for students in grades K-12.
Note: Be sure to read each site carefully to make sure it's right for you, and check with your parents before joining. This list is a work-in-progress. If you know of other resources for young writers, please email me at cheriecolyerwriter(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll be happy to take a look and consider adding it to this list.
