Young Writers: Writing Tips

Keep your eyes and ears open for interesting or surprising things
Have a notebook handy to record things 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
Keep a record in your notebook of sayings or quotes that inspire you
Use your dreams, allow yourself time to daydream and imagine

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 on how they do it
Keep a log book of the books you have read and write one thing that you either 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

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!