Christine Harris - Author

Young Writers: Writing Tips

Pick your topic

  • Keep your eyes and ears open for interesting or surprising things
  • Have a notebook handy so you don't forget
  • Write about topics that interest you, then you will be enthusiastic and write from your heart
  • Click here to see some of my 'What if...' story starters
  • Record sayings or quotes that inspire you
  • Use your dreams
  • Allow yourself time to daydream and imagine

Improve your writing skills

  • Read as much as you can
  • Write often, even if it's just a few sentences
  • Join a writing group or swap your stories with a trusted friend
  • Read magazines, online articles and interviews by writers to pick up tips
  • Keep a log of the books you have read - write one thing that you like or didn't like about each one. After a few months, you will have a list that will help you in your own writing
  • Attend workshops or talks by writers and ask questions where possible
  • Enter writing competitions
  • Experiment with different sorts of writing: poetry, short stories, fiction novels, humour, articles, plays, radio scripts or reviews.
  • Write entertaining letters or emails to friends

If you're stuck

  • Write in your favourite place
  • All fascinating stories need conflict, so ask yourself, 'What does my character want and what stops them getting it?'
  • Ask yourself, 'Is my story one that I would like to read?'
  • Use dialogue or speech
  • Read your stories aloud so you can judge how they sound
  • Draw pictures of your characters and this might help you 'see' them more clearly
  • Don't expect your writing to be perfect - most professional writers do many drafts
  • Tell your story in your own 'voice' - it's unique
  • If you become lost in the middle of your story, write in one sentence what the whole story is about, or storyboard main ideas of the plot. Click here to see an example of a storyboard for my short story Knocked Out (pdf).
  • Start with a 'bang' - something that will catch readers' attention
  • If you are stuck, take a break and do something else for a while
  • Dress up as your character
  • Play music to get you in the mood for your story
  • Watch movies and think about what was good and bad about them
  • Put your story aside for a few days before editing, so you can see any mistakes
  • Don't give up
  • Have fun!

Writing Prompts

Check out story ideas and print out picture prompt sheets.