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Julie A. Gorges |
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Just For Teens |
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Whether you create stories, write poetry or music lyrics, express yourself in a blog or keep a journal - writing is rewarding in so many ways. When I was a teen, I didn’t know I wanted to be a professional writer, but I kept a journal faithfully and wrote poetry, which began my love affair with words. Since I think these are two great ways to have fun and at the same time practice writing, I’m including a section on both. For those of you who would like to see your work in print, there are magazines and websites that accept work from kids and teens. I’ll give you some names of magazines, online publications and books for young writers. I’ll also share some advice with you. Just remember, getting published is less important than the process and joy of writing. |
Keeping a Journal |
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Never mind if your words seem disorganized and awkward. Make mistakes, draw pictures, or paste things in your journal. Start pages with a question, quote or a half-remember dream. Write when you feel wretched, write when you’re on top of the world, who knows what will come to the surface? Again, the best way to become a published writer is to keep practicing. Become an observer of both your own life and feelings and others around you. And read as much as you can.
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Besides getting comfortable with writing, there are several reasons to keep a diary. A journal is a great place:
To learn about yourself. When I was a teen, a friend hurt me over and over again, until I finally realized some friendships are not worth saving. Not only did this become the theme of my second novel, Time To Cast Away, but it helped me not repeat the mistake later in life. Journals are also a great place to outline plans, ideas and dreams. When you write, things come to light that, for some reason, don’t when you talk, think or daydream.
To clarify your thoughts and feelings. Writing can help you express sadness, fear or anger. You’ll find it easier to cope with life and work through frustrations by writing them down. Trust me, it’s a wonderful outlet!
To express private thoughts. When I was 12, I gushed in my diary about an 18-year-old I had a crush on. Although he never looked my way (thank goodness!) I felt free to confess and write things I could never tell anyone else. You don’t have to worry about how someone will react to what you’re saying and there’s freedom in that.
To help remember important things. Take my word for it, years later you’ll be glad to have your memories in writing. Journals can help you hang on to feelings that otherwise would fade. Portions of my diaries were even used in my first novel, Just Call Me Goody-Two-Shoes. Who knows what can happen? Just start writing. |
Writing Poetry |
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Poems can be about anything and take many forms. Read poems from books of poetry that appeal to you. Notice how the poems look and what they are about and what feelings they evoke. How about a silly poem to get you started? Try writing a five-line limerick. Just remember: the last words of the first, second, and last lines rhyme with each other and have 8 syllables. The last words of the third and fourth lines rhyme with each other and have 6 syllables. The following is a poem I wrote about my future husband who had a natural fro (hey, it was the 70s and he put his curly hair to use!)
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Some of the best poems are about feelings. Write down a strong feeling you’ve had recently. Then ask: Why do I feel this way? When do I feel like this? What is it like to feel this way? These poems don’t need to rhyme. Just grab a piece of paper. Be open and brave. Use all your senses and create vivid imagery. Be specific. Use your memories. And have fun. |
Getting Published |
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As I said before, writing should be a satisfying experience on its own. Getting into print is just a bonus. Writers learn from everything they write – whether it’s published or not. The best way to become a published writer is to keep practicing. Begin by taking small steps. An obvious start would be to write for your school newspaper. If you choose to submit your work to a magazine, be sure your article, story or poem is technically perfect. That includes perfect spelling and grammar. No typos. Revise, revise, revise! Study the magazine and writer’s guidelines before you submit. Include a self-addressed envelope and keep a copy of everything you send. Even so, rejections are a part of a writer’s daily life, so be prepared. Do not be discouraged. I’ve listed a couple of online publications and magazines that accept work by teens (to the right). A couple books you may also want to check out: The Young Writer’s Guide to Getting Published, Sixth Edition, by Kathy Henderson, Writer’s Digest Books, 2001. Gives a comprehensive list of magazines and book publishers actively seeking poems, stories, plays and articles by children and teens. The book also offers tips on the proper way to prepare and submit manuscripts. A Teen’s Guide to Getting Published, by Danielle and Jessica Dunn, Prufrock Press, 1996. This book covers getting organized, working with editors, query letter writing, the importance of following guidelines and ways to find inspiration to keep on writing. A list of publications that accept work by young writers is included.
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The only way to learn how to write is by writing. If you’re serious about becoming a writer, get into the habit of writing every day. One way to do this is by keeping a journal. Yes, now there’s blogging and MySpace, but I’m a big fan of the old fashioned journal. Let’s face it, you’ll be doing some self-editing when you know other people will be reading your stuff. You’ll get plenty of that later. Right now, just start writing. day. |
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Teen Ink Box 30 Newton, MA 02461 Teen Ink is a national teen magazine, website and book series all written by teens for teens. You must be 13 to 19 years old to be published. Send your art, poems, stories and reviews of your favorite (and least favorite) movies, books, colleges and websites. Check their submission guidelines on their website for requirements and writing tips. They don’t return submissions, so keep a copy of your work (always a good idea anyway).
New Moon The Magazine for Girls & Their Dreams New Moon Publishing, Inc. 34 E. Superior St. #200 Duluth MN 55802 Accepts essays and articles (non-fiction) that relate to a theme and girl-centered fiction including adventure, fantasy, historical, humorous and slice-of-life vignettes. Likes girl-written feature articles that relate to a theme. These can be about anything you have done personally or something you’ve studied. Read the magazine before submitting to get a sense of their style. Write or check their website for guidelines and upcoming themes. |
