Reading is a great way to get a better idea of what sort of writing you actually enjoy reading. When you read new books and find one you really like, take a moment to think about why you like it. What is so great about the story? Does it have really fantastic characters, or setting? Use the things you like in books you read as examples of how to write those things yourself. [1] X Research source Just like doctors must learn from other doctors, writers must learn from other writers. You might like a specific kind of book, but try to read lots of different kinds of books to learn things from different kinds of writers.
For example, if you wanted to write a story about a superhero, use the backdrop of your everyday life to form your new character. Maybe your superhero is a kid just like you, and one day at school, discovers his powers. You can also use settings and locations you are familiar with in real life and write a fictional story set in these places. For example, maybe there’s a creepy old house somewhere in your neighborhood. You could write a story about someone who goes into the creepy old house to investigate, and finds something they didn’t expect.
If you are writing fiction (a story that isn’t real or true), you can use stories from your family’s history as a starting point, but change names, places, and details to fit your ideas. [3] X Research source If you are writing nonfiction (a story that is true), make sure your family knows you are writing about them, and that they feel comfortable sharing their stories and histories for you to write about.
Your hobbies count here, too. For example, if you really like horseback riding, maybe you could write a story about a character who also rides horses. Or, if you like soccer, maybe your main character could be a famous athlete. Think of your interests and hobbies, and then do some research on these things for even more inspiration. Use your school’s library, or ask your parents’ permission to do an internet search on the subject.
You can format your outline however you want. Traditionally, you start each section with a shorthand header, and then use bullet points below that header to briefly map out what will happen in that section. You can also write separate outlines for different parts of your book. For example, you might have one outline that explains the plot, and have another outline that organizes all the information and ideas you have for your main characters, or even your setting. [4] X Research source
You can try using what is called “The Snowflake Method” which means you start with one sentence—maybe the first sentence of your book, or just of a certain chapter—then work to expand that into a full paragraph, and so on, until you have a large chunk of text. [5] X Research source The great thing about having an outline prepared is that you can make changes to it as you write and not end up confused or disorganized. So, as you expand your outline into your book, keep tracking your changes on that outline to keep yourself organized.
Try not to be too formal with your dialogue. Think about who your characters are—are they kids like you? Grown ups? If they’re kids, think about how you and your friends talk. Think about how your conversations sound. Try to write dialogue that sounds like a real conversation. Use action in your scenes. Give your characters something to do. After your main character tells his mom he’s a superhero, does his mom scream? Does she jump around the room in excitement? Let your characters react physically, as well as through words.
Be very descriptive. Rather than writing something that is flat or too simple, try going into detail about the scenes you’re writing. Describe the setting. Describe the way your character looks. Describe the weather, or even the tone of someone’s voice when they speak. When writing descriptions, think about your five senses: taste, sight, smell, sound, and touch. What is your character tasting? What does the setting smell and sound like? What can your character feel or see? Use these senses to write interesting, effective descriptions. [8] X Research source
Many writers suggest that printing out your work is the best way to edit. So, if you typed your book or story on a computer, print it out and use the paper copy to make your edits. [9] X Research source Reading your writing out loud will help you notice mistakes you might not see when you read it silently in your head. This is because you will be forcing yourself to read every sentence very carefully. Mark any mistakes in spelling and punctuation, and mark any problems you notice with sentences that might not sound right, or places you want to change or fix. Make sure your writing is consistent, meaning it stays the same throughout. For example, if you start writing in past tense (“He was”) and then moved to writing in present tense (“He is”), you will want to edit this to stick to one tense throughout.
Try focusing on different parts of your book each time you edit. For example, maybe the first edit you focus on the dialogue, while the second edit focuses more on the description or plot.
If you ask a friend for help in drawing your illustrations, make sure you give your friend credit on the title page! Try using different mediums when making your illustrations, should you choose to have them. For example, try drawing some by hand, and then see if creating them on a computer is better.
You can also publish your story online and let an online community read and enjoy it. KidPub is a by kids, for kids forum where kids can post their stories and chapter books for each other to read and enjoy. [12] X Research source
Keep in mind that any online services might require you to be a certain age to use their services. That’s why it’s important for you to have your parents’ help when using these websites and printing your book.
Stone Soup is a popular magazine that publishes work by kids, for kids. To get an idea of what kind of stories they like, and for more information on how to submit work to them, pick up a copy from your library, or order a copy from their website. You must be 13 years old or younger to submit work to Stone Soup. [13] X Research source NewPages. com is a website that helps writers find places to send their work for publication. There is a special part of the website for kids and young writers. Check there for updated and current information on magazines that encourage submissions from young writers. [14] X Research source
