Today's Teen Writer

When Life's A Lemon

2010-02-11T10:22:00.000-05:00

By Lydia Rule

The feeling is universal... that heart pounding throb of expectation, hands that shake, and that wishful feeling deep within your chest. Then comes the plunge... You've jumped over the moon and now, planet earth greets you as you fall towards it, face first!!!

The word is disappointment.

Several months ago, I received an e-mail entitled, "RE: Book Proposal". I had sent out a proposal for a novel I had started at age fourteen to a major publisher, and now, I had received an answer. The first thing that greeted my eyes was, "Dear Lydia." Yes! I just knew it was...

Hold it. A rejection? No, that couldn't be. I read the note again, but there was no denying it. It said my story was "amazingly mature" in its plot, but it just didn't "fit" into their book line. I didn't know how to feel. Something inside of me had known not to get too excited, and yet...

I couldn't cry, that's not my nature, but I couldn't exactly get up and start dancing around the room either. What do you say when a dream's been so real you could hold it, and then it vanishes? How do you get back up? How do you have faith again?

The old saying is, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Modern translation, get up and do something about it! Don't sit around and bawl. Tears only produce red eyes and extra time spent in the bathroom trying to hide them. Sure, it's rough, but get back up! If you fall to pieces every time you're disappointed, you won't be able to see what you can gain from the experience.

You're probably thinking that it is easier to give advice than it is to actually follow through with it. And you are absolutely right. In my defense, I did do something constructive about my disappointment. After I received that (rather painful) rejection notice, I wrote this article!

But on the more serious side, how do you cope with rejection? How do you get over it? Here are some basic steps to get out of your disappointment and move on. First, start writing something--anything. It could be an all-out rant against the editor (but make sure it never gets sent!), an article you’ve never finished, or a small story that’s been in your head for years. Just start writing and let your mind focus on something else.

Secondly, try again. Don’t let one rejection hold you back… you have plenty of other markets to submit your work to! If you don’t believe me, check out the 2007
Writer’s Market from your local library and browse through it!

And lastly, distance yourself from your work. Don’t make the editor’s comments or rejection of your submission a personal issue. They are not rejecting you. They are rejecting your submission. All authors have had their works rejected some time in their life. It happens. The difference between a writer and an adamant writer is that the adamant writer picks himself back up, keeps going, and seeks to perfect his craft.

So go on! Hit the keys! Start typing! Make lemonade!

Bio: Lydia Rule has been published in several international magazines. She is currently working on her fifth novel. Read Lydia’s newsletter for young writers or visit her blog.

Notice the Details

2010-02-08T06:44:00.002-05:00

Details matter. Like painting a grey sky, the right details can tell your reader that ominous weather is headed your character's way. Great details make us think and feel and remember.

Recently, I was hurrying through my day when a glance in the mirror stopped me. My hair was curly underneath. I knew that it tended to look that way because I'd heard people comment on it, but I realized that I'd never paid attention.

As a writer, it's important for you to pay attention to details. Whether it's the color of your brother's class ring or your mom's favorite kind of cake--take in the details. But don't take in details just to make your writing strong but to make your life more colorful, too.

Photo Credit: Blattner Mischa

Motivation: The Why Behind the What

2010-02-04T11:10:00.001-05:00

Why did the chicken cross the road? Does it really matter? If you’re writing fiction and your main character happens to be the chicken, then you can bet it matters. Readers are not content with characters that just have a goal.

In fact, some of your readers may never be able to relate to your character’s goal. But true motivation humanizes your character for the reader so that while they cannot relate to the goal, they can grasp why this character wants this.

I’ll give you an example of motivation. I recently saw the previews for the movie Taken, in which Bryan Mills, played by Liam Neeson, is a former government agent trying to rescue his kidnapped daughter. He goes after the kidnappers in violent, gruesome ways.

Most of us will never experience that heartbreak of having a loved one kidnapped and even then, few will go after the kidnappers in such a violent way. But…we can all understand Bryan’s motivation.

And while your readers will never face some of the agonizing decisions that Bryan Mills in Taken faces, we can understand his motivation. Indeed, it is the sufficient motivation that makes us look at him as not a ruthless killer but a hero worthy of admiration. It his motivation that redeems his character.

Without sufficient motivation, you wouldn’t have a blockbuster movie instead you’d have a violent movie about a ruthless killer. While that might appeal to a select few oddballs, you wouldn’t get millions watching it. Most people would simply opt to watch another movie.

The motivation you give your character should be so convincing that we understand one hundred percent why the character is doing what he does. That doesn’t mean we support or like the character’s actions but that we understand them. We understand their need for justice. We understand their desire to seek revenge.

In Don’t Judge A Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter, one character explains motivation well: “What is almost always tied to why. There are six reasons anyone does anything: Love. Faith. Greed. Boredom. Fear. Revenge.”

In the same way this information applies to spies in training, it applies to writers in training as well. We need not only to know what was done but why it was done.

Today’s Assignment: Determine what drives your character. Why is this character going after this goal? Why do they feel the need to do this?

Link: How To Write A Book Series

2010-02-01T09:02:00.002-05:00

Do you have what it takes to write a series? Sara Shepard, author of the Pretty Little Liars series has the answer in how to write a book series. Be sure to check out Sara's words of wisdom for any writer contemplating writing a book series.

Become A Teen Author!

2010-01-12T18:05:00.004-05:00

What do you get when you give talented teen girl writers a chance to share their life story with the world? The first-ever series of teen-authored memoirs . . . Louder Than Words. Inside each Louder Than Words book, authors share their powerful stories through unique prose, journal entries, and poetry.

We are currently reviewing submissions from teen writers who are interested in writing a memoir for the Louder Than Words series. We’re looking to connect with teen girls ages 13-19 who:

are passionate about writing

have an important real-life story to tell

love to journal, blog, or write poetry

dream of being a publishing author

If this describes you, you can apply to be a Louder Than Words author by
emailing editor Deborah Reber (submissions@deborahreber.com) with the following information:

1. Your name, age, and email address
2. A detailed description of the real-life story you’d like to share. Please give a sense of the overall theme of the story and details regarding the personal journey you want to share with the world. Put yourself in the readers’ shoes—what would they take away from your story? Write as much about your story as you like.
3. Two writing samples that demonstrate your style, tone, and writing ability. You can submit nonfiction essays, journal entries, blog entries, or fiction pieces, but please, no poetry unless you can imagine writing a whole book in verse. Try to choose pieces that represent the style of writing you would use in your book, and send your best stuff!
4. A few sentences describing the role writing plays in your life and why you want to be a Louder Than Words author.

All submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the editor will be in touch to request a more detailed outline and additional information if your submission is being strongly considered.

Real Confession: I'm Not a Plotter!

2010-01-05T14:48:00.004-05:00

I’m working on my third novel. It’s definitely an adventure. I feel like my characters are more developed then they have been in the previous two novels I’ve written.

But I'm also doing something different this time. I'm not plotting out the story. When I finished my second novel, I knew it needed edits. So I sat down and plotted out the entire novel, scene by scene. I carefully thought through each plot point. I looked for holes. I made sure every character's arc intertwined with the others perfectly. This kind of plotting took me hours.

Unfortunately, I haven't touched that novel since I plotted it. I effectively killed any interest I had in the story. I've wondered about it for days: is it because I now knew the ending, the ultimate ending for my book?

I also know the ending for my third novel that I'm writing. I know it down to most of the details. I've been replaying it in my head for days. But the challenge for me now is how to get to happily ever after. How do my hero and heroine who are fighting like cats and dogs come to realize their love for one another? How does my heroine finally find the strength to say 'no' when she's supposed to and stop being scared?

It's in these questions, I've found the answer. Even if I already know the ending, I want to know how my characters got from point A to Z. I don't write for the ending. I write to be taken on a journey.

How about you? Do you plot or write as you go? Leave your thoughts in the comments section!

Best of 2009

2010-01-01T20:23:00.002-05:00

From an interview with New York Times best-selling author, Jay Asher to creative ways to overcome writer's block, Today's Teen Writer published entertaining and informative content throughout 2009. And I thought maybe it was time to share our 'Best of 2009' list, so I went through the archives and highlighted nine pieces I thought were worth sharing a second time.

Author Interview with Alexa Schnee
Eighteen year old Alexa Schnee landed a book deal with Guideposts recently. Read the interview to check out her advice on the publishing world and finding a good agent.

7 Ways To Break Writer's Block
You open up a new document prepared to write the most brilliant prose the literary world has ever seen and you...stare at the blinking cursor then you stare some more.

Author Interview with Jay Asher
Jay Asher, best-selling author of Thirteen Reasons Why sat down with Today's Teen Writer to give us an exclusive interview. From a typical writing day to tackling taboo topics, Jay Asher tells readers what it's really like to hit the best seller's list.

Dealing with Rejection
At some point, you will be rejected. It's a fact of life and while rejection is an inevitable part of writing, there are a few tips and tricks to ease the pain a bit.

SUBMIT Your Writing
Submissions… It’s the process of allowing another person (i.e. the editor) to critically evaluate your work and decide whether or not it should be published.

Staying Motivated
One of the hardest things to do, as a writer is stay motivated. It’s easy in the beginning of a project, but long work hours and little human contact, can make writing seem well, daunting.

Writing The First Draft
Can I tell you a secret? I hate writing the first draft. It never lives up to my vision. I doubt myself through the entire draft, battling thoughts like 'not talented', 'get a real job', and my least favorite 'this is boring'.

Getting Your First Writing Gig
Getting your writing published is a thrill like no other, but it takes hard work to make it happen.

Balancing High School and Writing
Many teenage writers have successfully balanced writing and homework in high school. It might be tough but it's not impossible. Here are five ways to stay on track...

Editor's Desk: Writing a Novel in 30 Days

2009-11-05T17:20:00.001-05:00

If you've never participated in NaNoWriMo, it can seem a bit overwhelming the first time you do. But don't let that stop you. There's a lot of great things about entering NaNoWriMo that you may not have considered:

Writing a Novel. You'll get to try your hand at writing a novel. Even if you don't complete a novel, you can challenge yourself to hit a higher word count than you have in the past.

Support from other writers. Many writers join in this big crazy adventure. Some writers on the NaNoWriMo forum have completed NaNoWriMo many times over and will be happy to give you advice on your novel.

Building new friendships. Hanging out with other writers is great fun. You can exchange ideas, brainstorm, or just act silly around people who understand the writing bug.

If that's not enough to convince you, November's issue of Today's Teen Writer is all about National Novel Writing Month. From Judi who completed NaNoWriMo to Alexa Schnee whose 100,000 word manuscript is being published, this issue is all about the cool things teen writers can do when they set their pens to it!

So what are you waiting for? You can still sign up!

-Editor Deb
PS: Be sure to check out the other great articles we have online this month including 14 Tips to Surviving November and 10 Tips to Defeat Procrastination.

Author Interview: Alexa Schnee

2009-11-05T17:17:00.001-05:00

Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing eighteen year old Alexa Schnee, the author of Shakespeare's Lady (Guideposts Books Spring 2011).

Hi Alexa! Thanks for hanging out at with me at Today's Teen Writer. Can you tell me what your book, Shakespeare's Lady is about?

Shakespeare's Lady is about the "dark lady" of Shakespeare's sonnets. No one really knows who she was, but I found a person living at that time with the same characteristics as Shakespeare described in his sonnets. Her name was Emilia Bassano Lanier--the first woman in England to publish her own book of poetry. The book is about Emilia, her relationship with William Shakespeare, and her life in Queen Elizabeth I's court.

What inspired Shakespeare's Lady? Have you always enjoyed historical fiction?

I was actually writing a report about poetry when I came across the idea. There are several people who have been proposed as Shakespeare's "dark lady," but I thought Emilia seemed the most interesting and the person who fit the bill the best. Needless to say, it was a long summer of research. I loved every second. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.

Did you use an agent? How many publishing house's did you submit to before your book was accepted?

I did use an agent. I used Rachel from Books and Such Agency. She has been an amazing advocate for me. I was lucky enough to journey from my small town in Montana to California where the Mount Hermon Writers' Conference was being held.

There, I met my to-be agent, Rachel, my to-be editor, Beth, and a lot of really nice people who wanted to see me succeed. I submitted a part of my manuscript to three or four publishing houses. Luckily for me they all wanted the whole manuscript!

However, Beth at Guideposts showed the most interest so she was the first I sent the whole book to. She read it, pitched it, and before I knew it they had offered me a contract.

What did you do to celebrate when you heard your book had been accepted?

I love this question. It all seemed a little unreal to me for a long time. Even now I'm kind of wondering if this is really happening. It didn't really become real to me until signing the contract and receiving the first check. I did a little screaming, a little dancing.

Your novel is approximately 100,000 words, how did you write it? Any special secrets you can share?

I think just getting started and perserverance. Somedays writers just don't feel like writing, but they are always really glad when they do. I spent a lot of time in my room alone thinking about it and writing. My friends weren't happy with me for a few months because I wasn't really available to go to a movie or to go get coffee, but they understood how much this meant to me.

Have you been published before? If so, can you tell us about that?

Not a book. My writing mentor, Tricia Goyer, put one of my stories on her blog awhile back. It's buried under years of entries but you can take a look at it at Teen Script. It's amazing how your writing changes in a few years. I've also been published in our local community college's newspaper (I'm a high school senior, but I go to the college instead of regular high school) as an article about my mission trip to New Orleans.

What are you working on now? Will your next project be historical fiction?

Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but I've started another book about the Greek gods. It's the sibling rivalry between Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and Athena, goddess of wisdom and virtue. So yes, it's somewhat historical, somewhat fanstasy, a lot of myth. That and deciding on an out of state college!

Is there any advice you can give to other young writers who want to have their novels published?

A writing group is great way to get together with friends and share your ideas. Not only are you working on your writing, but you're having fun, too! If possible, a writing conference like Mount Hermon would be a great place to start pitching your novel. Publishers and agents want teen authors to succeed. Don't give up!

Where can readers find out more about you?

My current website is here. You can also contact me through email, Facebook, my blog, and Twitter. I'd be happy to answer any questions about publishing, my book, or anything that comes to mind.

More About Alexa:
Alexa Schnee has always wanted to be a writer. She is the youngest recipient ever of the Mount Hermon "Most Promising Writer" Award. She loves the smell of the bookstore, because nothing in the world smells exactly like it. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her parents and her sister and brother. She also likes shopping, playing the piano and guitar, and traveling. She listens to Indie music and drinks way too much coffee. She will never, ever like math and she will always love dancing in the Montana rain.

14 Tips For Surviving November

2009-11-05T17:16:00.001-05:00

1. Let go of menial daily tasks including but not limited to: daily hygiene, seeing your friends, your job, your homework, and those annoying people that claim to be your family.

While you’re at it, also let go of your parents’ expectation that you will one day get into an Ivy League school. Let’s be honest here: after November, none of the teachers will ever remember you were on the honor roll and you’ll be lucky to get a job at the Golden Arches after they see your new GPA.

2. As a young novelist, you may have your choice of growth- stunting caffeinated beverages so long as they are not mixed with vodka in any way.

3. You are not allowed to leave your room of choice during November. Imagine you are deep in the jungles of Africa. Outside the very room, are armed guards waiting to take your life unless you complete that novel. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

4. Said room of your choice should have a doorknob that effectively locks. This cuts most interruptions in half.

5. Refuse to talk to anyone through the closed, locked door. This will cut out the other half of interruptions.

6. If tip four and five fail, post a note on the door that states you will not see anyone that doesn’t have the middle name Xavier.

7. Refuse to leave the room for any other purpose than to take short bathroom breaks or get another growth-stunting caffeinated beverage. (After all, the guards waiting to kill you if you don’t finish your novel are human beings).

8. Eventually, your mother will notice you have not been at the dinner table in quite some time. She will become concerned and begin slipping your favorite meals under the door in the hope that you are at least eating something. This usually happens in the midst of the second week. Stay strong until then.

9. Utilize every second of your time, remember those guards are watching you. Eat and write at the same time, unless it’s not a finger food such as spaghetti. In that case, you may have around thirty seconds to eat as much as you possibly can before getting back to that novel.

10. Sleep is something that must be guarded against. If you feel sleepy, tell yourself you can sleep after November and chug down a few more growth-stunting caffeinated beverages.

11. Ask someone to buy you a copy of No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days by Chris Baty.

12. Flip directly to whatever week you’re struggling with and begin reading immediately.

13. Everyone’s novel reads badly by day ten. Keep going anyway.

14. Do not give up.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today's Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not encouraging others to join in National Novel Writing Month, she can be found sharing survival tips for National Novel Writing Month at Novelist's Café.

Interview with Judi, NaNo Winner

2009-11-05T17:15:00.001-05:00

Hi Judi! Thanks for joining us at Today's Teen Writer. Writing a novel in a month sounds scary! What made you decide to set out on this adventure?

It was something that I had been thinking about for a while. A push from my older sister helped. :)

What was the hardest part of writing a novel in thirty days?

Wow...it was a lot of things. The time frame...number of words...pushing myself when I didn't want to write anymore.

Were you surprised that you actually did it?

Yes, definitely surprised that I managed to do it. I had written a 50,000 word novel before then but it had taken me six months to write it.

What was your novel about? Did you post bits of it online as you wrote?

It was about two seniors in high school who get married based on circumstances. I would post parts of it on the NaNo website during November but nothing after that.

What was the best part of writing a novel?

Being able to look back and say, "I did that." The thought of beginning one was a little frightening but the sense of accomplishment was way beyond worth it.

How did this experience change your writing?

It made me realize that if I could write all of that in only thirty days, I could write a lot more than I thought I could.

What will you do differently next time you participate in NaNoWriMo?

I'll have my plot and characters figured out this time. Last year I didn't have any of that.

What advice would you give first time NaNoWriMo participants?

Don't give up! Halfway through my novel last November, I seriously thought about it. I constantly counted every word. It also helps to have a 'Nano Buddy' to you on. Lastly, write what you want. If I told myself no one in the wordl was ever going to read my novel, I wrote with perfect ease. And of course, don't edit until you're completely done with your novel. ;)

Judi Weiss is a teen writer who has completed three novels. She is currently working on her fourth novel. She regularly contributes to Real Teen Faith.

10 Tips To Defeat Procrastination

2009-11-05T17:14:00.003-05:00

Is procrastination stealing your writing time? Do you find you spend more time on Facebook than writing? Are you putting off a big project? Or several small ones?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then read on for ten tips to defeat procrastination.

1. Break your work down into smaller chunks. Instead of trying to write a query letter in one day, work on writing one paragraph today. The add another paragraph tomorrow.

2. Schedule your writing time. Just like you’d mark an hour off your calendar for your dentist’s appointment, mark off an hour each for your writing.

3. If you don’t have time to write, take a hard look at your weekly to do list. Start by writing down everything you do in a week and ask yourself questions like what's most important? What's least important? What can wait until next week?

4. Accept "good enough". Procrastinators tend to be perfectionists as well. Don't put something off just because you fear it won't be perfect.

5. Ask for help. It's important to ask for help when you can't handle it all. Perhaps the real reason you procrastinate is because you're overwhelmed.

6. Be flexible.

7. Set a deadline and tell someone else. When we break a promise to ourselves, we can usually shrug it off. Not so with others.

8. Don’t stop to research. Put your research questions in parenthesis and keep going. It’s too easy to get distracted while researching and before you know it, the afternoon has passed and you haven’t accomplished much.

9. Track your work. Whether in an excel sheet or a blank notebook. When you wake up every day, remind yourself you need to add an entry.

10. Set a timer for twenty minutes. Tell yourself that after twenty minutes, you can do anything else. Chances are after the time is up, you’ll be so into your writing, you won’t want to stop!

Every writer faces the battle against procrastination. What separates writers from wannabe writers is a simple choice—to write anyway. So go on, write anyway!

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Editor's Desk: Submitting Your Work

2009-10-05T16:32:00.001-04:00

Submitting your writing for potential publication can be a difficult, complicated process but it doesn't have to be. In fact, this month's issue is about learning to submit your work.

Lydia Rule has some excellent tips for submitting to an editor that you'll definitely want to check out. Meanwhile, Lisa Samson shares the story of her first publication. In Getting Your First Writing Gig, I talk about learning a difficult lesson about hitting send. Don't make my mistake.

'Til next month,

Deb

Author Interview: Lisa Samson

2009-10-05T16:31:00.001-04:00

Hi Ms. Samson! I'm so glad to have you here at Today's Teen Writer this month! Scotty in the Hollywood Nobody series has an unusual life. What was the inspiration behind that?

I've always wanted to do the RV thing, travel around for a year or so, see the country, and write about it. And . . . I've always had this love/hate fascination with Hollywood. Both of those elements came together in Scotty's life. Traveling around on an RV to movie sets? Sounds like a dream!

What does your writing routine look like?

It changes. But right now I get up around 6 a.m., make a cup of tea, put on my headphones (right now Pin Ball Wizard is playing) and write. I try not to let myself pull up Firefox or I'll get distracted. I have to get my writing done early, because I'm homeschooling my son Jake, 15, (yeah, he's cute, ha!) and my daughter Gwynnie, 12, (yeah, she's crazy!) this year, so I won't find another good chance to write if I don't do it then and the rest of the day I'm completely stressed out. I write Saturdays as well. I don't know why I feel compelled to work six days a week, but for some reason, I do. And really, I only work for about two hours at a stint, so that extra day is needed. At eight, a neighbor and I have morning prayer together, then I wake the kids up at 8:30 and we hit the ground running.

When writing a book series, how do you keep the story lines fresh and exciting?

I just let my imagination run! I don't really sit down and ask myself what's exciting. What I do is create one fresh storyline for each book that will have the reader turning pages to find out what happened, and one overarching storyline for the series to keep the reader going from one book to the next. In this case there were two: 1) What happened to Scotty's family long ago and 2) Will Scotty and Seth get together? An editor once told me, "You have to have at least one overarching question."

What is the biggest challenge for you when writing a series?

"How am I going to make this character and this setting last for eight hundred pages?!" It makes me want to bite my nails right now just thinking about it! But like most things in life, ideas and inspiration layers itself in as I go.

What do you love about writing for teens?

They want a good story! When I'm writing for adults, honestly, I get all worried about whether or not my writing is literary and profound and will it change a reader's life for the better. With teens, I can just be me, reveal my crazy side, my sarcastic side, my hopeful side, my romantic side and not apologize for it! My teenage friends are right there with me, that little part of Lisa Samson that still wishes she could drive with the top down and scream out what's on the radio. (Oh, wait! I still do that! I'd better find another example. How about eat all the fries I want without gaining a pound?!)

Here's the thing. I just like to talk to teens. You all are interesting people, people. So to think you're reading my book makes me happy.

Which one of the books in Hollywood Nobody series is your favorite and why?

That's kind of hard because I have different reasons for liking each book. The second one, Finding Hollywood Nobody, which takes place in Marshall Texas is probably my favorite, only because Gwynnie and I took a research trip there and had a blast! I like the spiritual journey of Scotty in that book and how her faith begins to develop into something deep and meaningful while giving her the courage to reach out. Those are themes that resonate in my own life.

This month, we've featured an article about getting that first writing gig. What was your first writing publication and how did you land it?

It was a historical romance called The Highlander and His Lady. (Don't read it. It's pretty horrible. ha!) I just wrote the thing, and sent it in to two different publishers. One of them, after a lot of work on the manuscript by myself and my editor, accepted it for publication. That type of thing rarely happens. I hate to tell the story, to be honest, because I don't want people to get false hopes!

How do you handle the inner critic that tells you your writing is no good?

Okay, I have that inner critic with my artwork, but not with my writing. I haven't figured out how to shut up the art critic and, therefore, I hardly ever do my artwork. So for those people who have that critic with their writing, I'm so sorry for you! Ack! I don't know what I would do. I mean, every so often, when I'm reading a really great piece of literature, I get that, "I'll never write like this" feeling. But then I have to ask myself, "Why do you want to?" My favorite authors are being true to who they are, I need to be true to who I am. I may never write like them, no, but I can write like me, and be the best me I can be. I would tell teen writers not to worry so much about what others are writing, but to simply keep plugging away at their own stories using their own voice. And be the best you can be at it. Work hard and realize that sometimes that voice is right. Utilize it for the smaller things, a bad sentence, a storyline that's not going anywhere. Tame it into working for you, not against you.

What is it you hope teen writers take away from the series?

I feel like an after school special saying this, but it's pretty simple. God loves you and made you uniquely suited to share his love. So be the "you-est" you, the person God's designed you to be. And then, always love others, so they can be their own "you-est you," and then, love others, and then . . . See how it works? I'm just sayin'!

What advice do you have to offer teen writers who'd like to become published?

- Write every day even if it's just a sentence.
- Find what it is you love and then you'll find what you should write about.
- Finish whatever it is you want published.
- Polish whatever it is you want published.
- Then polish it again!
- Read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read. Read the best writing in whatever genre you've chosen to write. (Part of a writer's job is to read! Yay! Isn't that good news?!)
- If you have friends who love to write, get together and talk shop!
- Did I mention reading? Oh yeah. Do that some more.

Where can teens learn more about you and your books?

You can find me at my website.

Getting Your First Writing Gig

2009-10-05T16:29:00.002-04:00

Whether you've written hundreds of poems, novels, and short stories, or you've only written a few pieces, you probably want to see your name in print.

Getting your writing published is a thrill like no other, but it takes hard work to make it happen. Fortunately, I have some tips that I used when first getting published.

1. Never submit the first draft. Everything you write can and should be rewritten. Sit down and take a moment to look at your writing. How could you make it stronger? Would cutting out all of the reallys and verys make it sound better?

2. Ask for feedback. When you feel your writing is the very best that it can be, ask a trusted friend or writing mentor to review your work. They'll be able to give you valuable feedback before you submit your writing to an editor.

3. Find the right publication. For some young writers this is a tedious task while other writers find it invigorating. Once you've found a publication that suits you, make sure the topic you're writing about hasn't been covered recently. For example, if a girls magazine just did a feature on Ten Steps to Self-Defense then your article on Easy to Remember Self-Defense Tips may not work...unless, you're bringing new information to the editor's attention.

4. Double-check everything. From the word count of your piece to your email address, make sure you have included everything the editor wants to see. Give the editor everything she has requested. If you have a question about an editor's guidelines ask a more experienced writer or a writing group.

5. Hit send. Sometimes this can be the hardest part of the job for a writer. Too many times I prepared good writing that fit a publication's needs, but I didn't hit send. I lost those opportunities to grow in my writing because I let fear take over. Wayne Gretzky has a good perspective on this:

“You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”

So, go on...hit send!

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found blogging on her website.

National Novel Writing Month

2009-10-05T16:28:00.002-04:00

November is officially National Novel Writing Month. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is actually an international event where writers of all ages attempt to write a novel (50,000 words) in a month.

Many young writers I know have completed this challenge and some I just met are contemplating it. If fifty thousand words in thirty days sounds too daunting to you, NaNoWriMo also has a Young Writer's Program where you can choose your own word count goal. Are you up for the challenge?

I hope so! Today's Teen Writer even has a special issue in the works for those brave young writers that answer the challenge.

If you plan on entering NaNoWriMo this year, please leave a comment below and let other writers know! :)

SUBMIT Your Writing

2009-10-05T16:27:00.001-04:00

Submissions… It’s the process of allowing another person (i.e. the editor) to critically evaluate your work and decide whether or not it should be published. Below is a list of submission tips to help you boost your courage and your chances of publication success!

Start—The most obvious starting point is the starting point. Send out those submissions! Don’t let fear keep you from e-mailing an editor!

Use the rejection letters—Rejection letters are nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, they make wonderful wallpaper, paper hats, origami pieces, scrap paper … If nothing else, save those rejection notices and start a writing portfolio! As an example, I used my past rejection letters, publications, and writings to take a Prior Learning Assessment class at my college. I received 3 credits from the class, and those rejection letters helped provide proof and documentation of my writing experiences.

Be professional and polite—When sending a submission, make sure your manuscript follows the publication’s guidelines. And, if the editor rejects your submission, don’t be rude! Thank them for their time and then politely ask if they’d be interested in looking into a different article you’ve written.

Manuscript formats—Use standard font and marginal spaces throughout your submission. Editors prefer manuscripts that are in a functional format and ready to print! A brilliant article with a sloppy format is less likely to be published.

Invest time—Getting published doesn’t happen overnight. Don’t set your hopes on just one publication! Sending out simultaneous submissions will increase your chances (as long as the publication will accept simultaneous submissions). It can take a while before you hear back from the editors, so plan accordingly! Investing time means you should constantly be sending out submissions!

Try, try again—Just because one publication doesn’t want your article, doesn’t mean that another publisher will feel the same way.

Lydia Rule is an avid writer who has been published over fifty times. She currently is working on finishing her B.A. in English. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, collecting geodes, canoeing, and playing ping-pong.

Editor's Desk: Time for Change

2009-09-09T20:58:00.000-04:00

It's been another exciting month here at TTW! I've updated the look and feel of the site to reflect our growing needs. You may notice some of the pages seem to be missing but don't worry, they've just been filed under drop down tabs to keep the site looking neat. :)

Equally exciting is the fact that Today's Teen Writer is now on Facebook. You can become a fan, discuss writing with other teens and more. Join today!

In the September issue, Sophie Epstien of Mrs. Magoo Reads, gave us an exclusive interview and even shares her tips on how to write a great review! Additionally, a portion of this issue is focused on rules to remember when writing science fiction and why teens like you love writing science fiction. And last but not least, there's an article with an important question to consider: When editors google your name, what appears? It's more important than you might think...

Hoping you have a productive month,

Debra W

Interview With Sophie Epstein

2009-09-09T20:57:00.001-04:00

Hi Sophie, I'm delighted to have you here at Today's Teen Writer! Will you start by sharing how you got into blogging?

Two years ago, when more and more people around the world were starting blogs and websites, I decided it would be cool to start a blog. After all, what did I have to lose by spending a few minutes on setting one up? After some deliberation, I decided to choose something I love as my subject matter: books. When I first began posting short book reviews, and tinkering a little with the blog color and sidebars, I had no idea that two years later, Mrs. Magoo Reads would be what it is today.

When did your love of the written word begin?

I've loved to read for as long as I can remember. I remember, when I was about three years old, sitting in the car next to my mom, as she drew out letters and I identified them. As I grew older, I could read words and eventually understood sentences. The first book I ever read aloud on my own was "Amelia Bedelia" when I was four. My love of reading was cemented when I became hooked on the Harry Potter novels, and I have been a voracious reader ever since!

Who are your favorite authors? Have you written a novel?

My favorite authors include J.K. Rowling (for the Harry Potter series), Stephenie Meyer (for Twilight and The Host), Scott Westerfeld (for the Midnighters trilogy but especially the Uglies series), Mary E. Pearson (for The Adoration of Jenna Fox and The Miles Between), and Christina Meldrum (for Madapple).

I have many beginnings of novels stored in my computer, but I have not yet finished one. Hopefully that day will come soon, though!

Do you have any tips on how to write a good review that you could share with readers?

First of all, practice, practice, practice. My reviews were far from perfect when I first began-- they still aren't perfect, but they will only get better. Don't be discouraged if even you can't understand your review: after a few weeks, you will be astonished by how much your writing skills have improved!

Also, try to cover the most important aspects of the novel you are reviewing. If a book is very plot-oriented, spend more time describing the book's events. If a novel is obviously full of symbolism, obviously you will still describe the plot, but be sure to mention and review the author's use of symbolism.

Sophie Epstein is a thirteen year old girl who runs a blog that reviews young adult novels at Mrs. Magoo Reads. In addition to book reviews, Mrs. Magoo Reads also has interviews, review videos, contests, and more.

Creating Another World: Writing Sci-Fi

2009-09-09T20:56:00.002-04:00

Writing science fiction can be fun for many young writers. When writing contemporary or even historical fiction, you’re confined to the facts. With science fiction however, you can create alternative universes that operate according to your wishes.

Sounds pretty awesome, right?

But just like other genres, science fiction has some basic rules you should adhere to so your readers don’t stop reading out of frustration.

First and most importantly, your readers should know they’re reading science fiction. Sounds pretty obvious but you’d be surprised by the number of writers who think they can throw in elements of science fiction at the end of their book. This not only confuses but upsets the readers. They’ll feel cheated and chances are won’t want to read your work again.

Describe this alternate world. Even if your book only contains subtle elements of science fiction, your readers should be aware of this.

And remember this other world must operate by certain rules. Although there is freedom in writing science fiction, you still cannot abolish the laws you as the writer have set in place.

If the world operates according to certain rules, then have your characters find a way around the law but don’t suddenly change the rules on the reader.

But above all, have fun while working on your story.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

What Do You Love About Science Fiction?

2009-09-09T20:55:00.001-04:00

I asked this question to several young writers this week. Read their answers below...

"Sci-fi is awesome, because you can take something totally unbelievable, and people will believe it because it's a sci-fi novel. Nothing is unbelievable there. It's also awesome because you don't have to say, 'Can I do this? Will it be stretching it too far? Too unbelievable?' because once again, everything in a sci-fi novel is supposed to be unbelievable. I'd be scared if it was believable." - Ashley, 15

"The greatest part of writing sci-fi is the ability to create a whole new world. Sometimes this is world is ours, some time into the future (Star Trek or countless others), other times it bears almost no relation, connected only by the phrase 'A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...' (Star Wars, obviously). You can do almost literally whatever you want. And therein lies the awesomeness--unrestrained imagination. If you can imagine it, it can become a sci-fi story." - Jordan, 21

“For me, one of the best things about writing is creating new and out-of-this-world things...that's why sci-fi is such a fun thing to do. When I wrote sci-fi awhile ago I used to think 'no one will believe this' but the great thing is I can create worlds that don't exist at all and they can be bizarre because that's what sci-fi is...and it's wicked cool." - Judi, 17

"Science fiction is like chocolate milk powder. You start with a glass of white milk, very plain, very boring. Then you add the good stuff, the chocolate powder, and change this ordinary thing into something extraordinary. I think that's what makes sci-fi great, you start with the base of our ordinary (okay, not always) world and add your own elements, your own twists, and turn it into something that makes the masses jump for joy. Yum, chocolate milk!" - Derek, Age 22

Have You Been Googled?

2009-09-09T20:54:00.003-04:00

I didn't stop to think about my online profile as I created profiles on various sites. But on Google search one day, I quickly realized there were some sites I didn't want to link to my name, not professionally anyway. There was nothing embarrassing or offensive in these profiles. These were just details I'd rather share with only a select few.

Maybe you're like me. You may not think about your online profiles like the ones you fill out for Facebook, LiveJournal, Blogger and more, but what happens when an editor visits Google and types in your name?

Will the editor see a blog full of misspellings and nasty comments about how unfair your parents are? Will the editor find a Facebook photo that embarrasses you?

Editors aren’t the only group who might search for you using search engines. Your parents, your teachers and even future employers can all access the same information.

If you haven’t considered your online profile, it’s time to do so now. Start by going to Yahoo and Google. Type in your name and check out the results. Then search pictures and type in your name.

What comes up? If content appears that you’d rather not have others see then it’s time to do some damage control for your online profile–before it’s too late.

First consider whether or not to separate your various online profiles. For instance you could create a separate profiles on social networking sites - one for the professional you are and one for the real, goofy you.

Since I already had several online profiles, I didn't want to go through the hassle of trying to decide what should or shouldn't be on my profiles. Instead, I created profiles under my real name. (I'd used nicknames on my profiles for the real me).

If possible, register an email address with your real name or an easy to remember variation. Editors can't remember an email alias like dizzydsmaddog and they certainly won't think of you as a professional.

Next, create a website for yourself. You can use Blogger.com, Webs.com, or Wordpress.com to create a website or blog about yourself. (You don’t need fancy upgrades or your own domain name quite yet. Wait until the cash starts rolling in.)

Having a website* allows you to post your publications list, increases your visibility and provides a way for editors and readers to contact you.

Keep in mind that sometimes the information on your personal profiles and can still be linked to your professional one. This might sound like a silly reminder, but never post something to the Internet you wouldn’t want the world to see.

Finally, remember to create a Google Alert for your name. Watch what websites are linking to you. The added advantage of Google Alerts is that you will see if an editor posted your story…you know, the one where you never got that email because your evil spam filter caught it. ;)

*Note: Never share personal information that could be used to locate you. This type of information includes your birth date, your school, your location (even if you live in a big city), the company you or your parents' work for, your phone number, and anything else your parents or guardian has stated you may not share online.

Debra Weiss is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or Googling random subjects, she can usually be found at her website.

Editor's Desk: A New School Year Begins

2009-08-05T12:24:00.003-04:00

As another long, hot summer is beginning to wind down, schools across the nation are once again opening their doors. And it is this back-to-school stuff, we were focused on as this issue was created. So, we thought we'd highlight two very cool girls with a passion for words.

In an interview with Dallas Nicole Woodburn, she shares her experience self-publishing two short story collections as well as her advice for other teen writers.

But that's not all. We're featuring a review of Mrs. Magoo Reads, a product from the mind of brilliantly creative Sophie Epstein. Be sure to read our review of Mrs. Magoo Reads!

And if you're one of the students that feels overwhelmed trying to keep up with writing and homework, don't worry! Check out Balancing High School and Writing to learn tips and tricks for staying on track of writing assignments from teachers and editors.

...Don't forget to check out August's writer's markets.

'Til next time,

Debra W

Author Interview: Dallas Nicole Woodburn

2009-08-05T12:23:00.003-04:00

Hi Dallas, thanks for hanging out at Today's Teen Writer today! At what age did you start writing?

Thank you so much for having me! For as long as I can remember I have loved to read, and I just naturally began making up my own stories as well. I was in kindergarten when I wrote my first story, "The Cat and the Dog," about a cat and a dog who are best friends but then are prevented from sitting on the bus together because one is a cat and the other is a dog. They eventually triumph over adversity - I remember asking my dad for a word that meant "done away with," like for a law, and he told me "abolished." So I have this story in a kindergartner's language, with "abolished" thrown in at the end.

You self-published your first book, There's a Pimple on my Nose, when you were a kid. What was that like? What (or who) was it that encouraged you to do that?

My dad is also a sportswriter and author, so I grew up with writing as a normal part of life. Like many parents, mine would read bedtime stories to me at night, and then I would wake up in the morning and see my dad at work, writing at his desk. One of my fondest memories is when he would finish his column for the day and let me type out my stories on his computer. What a treat!

Probably in part because my dad has a career as a writer, I always had the idea that you don't just write for yourself, but for other people to read and enjoy as well. Also, when I was in the first and second grade I was lucky to have an amazing teacher, Diane Sather, who encouraged my love for writing. I remember she had me read one of my stories to the class. I got such a burst of joy from sharing what I had written with others, and I strive to experience that joy again and again each time I write something new.

There's a Huge Pimple on My Nose is proof that with a lot of hard work, a lot of perseverance - and, yes, a lot of support, too - a small idea can snowball into something bigger than you ever dreamed. My snowball began as a snowflake when I applied for and received a $50 grant from my elementary school to write, publish and sell a collection of my short stories and poems. But I think here's what set my proposal apart: I would use the profits to repay my grant, so the school could offer an extra one the following year. My first printing, done at a Kinkos copy shop, was modest: twenty-five staple-bound forty-page books. Actually, they were more like thick pamphlets, but no matter - to me, they were books, my books, the most beautiful books I had ever laid eyes upon. J.K. Rowling wasn't more proud of her first Harry Potter hardcover edition.

My fellow students and teachers, bless them, acted as if Pimple was at the top of the New York Times Best-Seller List. The first twenty-five copies promptly sold in a couple of days. Can you imagine what a turbo-boost this was to a fifth-grader's self-esteem? I was pursuing my dream, but I wasn't pursuing it alone - my family and friends and teachers were right there with me. So I went back to Kinkos, ordered twenty-five more books - and soon sold all those as well. After three more trips to Kinkos, where the workers now knew me by name, I searched out a publishing business and ordered 700 glossy-covered, glue-bound, professional-looking Pimples. My little forty-page dream evolved from a snowball into a blizzard, with reviews in the national magazines CosmoGIRL! and Girls' Life; booksignings, radio interviews; even a "Dallas Woodburn Day" at the Santa Barbara Book Fair. I still have to pinch myself, but Pimple eventually sold more than 900 copies - to me, it seemed like 900,000! - and I repaid two school grants.

I published my second book, 3 a.m., with iUniverse the summer after my senior year of high school. I had done of a lot in the writing world since Pimple debuted -- I wrote the play my high school produced and broke out into the freelance magazine world -- but I was itching to share another collection of fiction. In addition, I feel my growth and development as a person can be traced through the growth and development of my writing: from Pimple's childhood poems about peanut butter sandwiches and magical stuffed animals coming to life; to 3 a.m.'s more complex themes dealing with love, grief, self-discovery and internal awakening. I was interviewed on the nationally syndicated PBS book talk show "Between the Lines" about my experiences writing 3 a.m. -- at nineteen, I am the youngest guest to ever be featured on the show.

As a young writer, what were some of the obstacles you had to overcome? What do you wish you knew then that you know now?

Actually, for me, it's kind of the other way around - when I first got into writing, I didn't realize how many obstacles there were, so I wasn't scared of them. I wasn't afraid of writer's block, or bad reviews, or rejection - I just wrote for the joy of it, and shared my stories for the joy of it. There is a saying that "ignorance is bliss," and looking back, one of the perks to publishing a book at such a young age is I plunged into the publishing world with excitement instead of fear. I still try to channel that naivete now. For example, when I scored a review in my local paper, I didn't even think to stop there. I boldly sent copies of my book to radio stations, newspapers, and even national magazines.

With my young age working in my favor, I scored reviews in Girl's Life and CosmoGIRL. A book review in The Los Angeles Times praised: "If you simply want some remarkable writing, it would be hard to find a book more satisfying than Dallas Woodburn's." Yes, there were other reviewers who sent back rejection letters, and still others who never bothered to write back at all. But if I had been too daunted by rejection to send out my book to reviewers, I never would have gotten the reviews I did.

Yes, it is scary to submit your work. I know. I'm scared too. But think of your inner third grader - the brave little kid inside you had no doubts you could be whatever you wanted to be when you grew up. Channel that innocent risk-taker. You need to have a tough skin, and a strong belief in yourself and your work. Send it out, cross your fingers and wait! Then submit again. And again. Writing is above all else a game of persistence. I think people generally don't choose to become writers - they become writers because they can't imagine a life without writing. That's the way I am - I can't imagine being anything else.

What would you say is the most important writing lesson you've learned? How did it change you as a writer?

The biggest writing lesson I learned actually came from my high school cross-country running career. My sophomore and junior years, I was forced to sit out most of the season because of leg injuries that eventually required surgery. Running, like writing, is hard - but I learned that, for me, not running is harder.

The same goes with writing. In truth, while writing thrills me, it also terrifies me. I fear I will run out of words, or spend weeks on a story that does not blossom. Writing is hard - tortuous, tedious, boring, scary. But, for me at least, not writing is harder. The thrills are worth it. I may not always enjoy the sometimes-tedious, sometimes-dull, sometimes-terrifying process of writing - but I love the sweet satisfaction of having written.

What advice would you give to other young writers?

When my dad was in college, he wrote to legendary Los Angeles Times sports columnist Jim Murray for advice. Murray wrote him back a handwritten letter with these words: "If you were meant to be a writer, you will be. Not even Hitler could stop a writer from writing. Good luck." Murray's words really hit home with me, too. Every day you or I get to write is a blessing, and we should take full advantage of it. I think Barbara Kingsolver also said it well: "There is no perfect time to write. There's only now." I have that quotation taped on the wall above my computer, to inspire me when I am feeling sluggish or blocked. Just get some words out - any words - and see where they take you. Something is always better than nothing. You can work with something.

I guess when you get down to it, as easy as this sounds, the most important thing is to write. Write as much as you can and more. I hope you don't mind if I include one more quote: this one is from Ray Bradbury. I got to meet him at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, and he told me: "Write with passion! Write with love!" I can think of no better way to write - or, for that matter, to live your life - than by those words.

About Dallas: Dallas Woodburn, 22, is the author of two self-published collections of stories (her latest, 3 a.m., is available at Amazon.com.) She has written articles for numerous national publications including Writer's Digest, The Writer, Family Circle, Cicada, Justine, CO-ED, and Listen, and her stories have appeared in four Chicken Soup for the Soul Books and the anthology So, You Wanna Be a Writer?

A junior at the University of Southern California, Dallas recently was honored as a national Jim Murray Memorial Scholar for her work for the USC student newspaper The Daily Trojan. She created her "Write On!" nonprofit foundation in 2000 to encourage kids to discover joy, confidence, a means of self-expression and connection with others through reading and writing.

Check out her website www.zest.net/writeon for book reviews, writing contests, author interviews, and how you can be involved in Write On's annual Holiday Book Drive. You can also contact Dallas through her blog.

Balancing High School and Writing

2009-08-05T12:22:00.002-04:00

Many teenage writers have successfully balanced writing and homework in high school. It might be tough but it's not impossible. Here are five ways to stay on track:

1. Keep a calendar for writing assignments. Write down when assignments from editors or teachers are due. Write down any requirements for each assignment including the time it will take you to research your subject, interview a source, or polish your final draft.

2. Clarify assignments. If you aren't sure what something means or what a teacher or editor is looking for, ask. Many teachers - and editors - will happily sit down with you for a few minutes and expound upon the directions if you'll only ask.

3. Don't wait until the last minute. While it can be tempting to put off the five page essay until the night before it's due, don't give in. You never know when you might be hit with an illness or injured. Staying on top of your work will minimize unnecessary stress.

4. If you need an extension, ask. Whether your schedule is simply overloaded or an illness brought you down, talk to your teachers and editors. Teachers and editors are people too and most will grant you an extension if you ask.

5. Do your best. Always. In every assignment. Whether you're writing about the importance of flossing for your health class assignment or tackling important issues for your local newspaper, do your best.

If you take care of yourself and stay balanced, writing during high school can be a positive, rewarding experience.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Resource Review: Mrs. Magoo Reads

2009-08-05T12:21:00.001-04:00

Mrs. Magoo Reads is an online library of book and movie reviews for young adults. Each review is set up in an easy to understand format that includes the grade, ideal rating and Mrs. Magoo's thoughts -- good or bad -- on the book. The goal of Mrs. Magoo Reads is to foster a love of reading in all people especially teens.

Fun features of Mrs. Magoo Reads include Movie Mondays and Saturday's Scribe. On Movie Mondays, Mrs. Magoo posts a book review via video (alternatively a text review of the book is provided) and on Saturdays, she features author interviews in a weekly feature nicknamed Saturday's Scribe.

Mrs. Magoo often offers a variety of contests for readers to participate in. But if you still want more Mrs. Magoo, you can also purchase Mrs. Magoo merchandise and apparel on Cafépress.

Whether you're looking for to read in a completely different genre or hoping to discover new favorites, you'll be sure to find it at Mrs. Magoo Reads. Be sure to browse this site before your next trip to the library!

Markets for August

2009-08-05T12:20:00.002-04:00

Here are five markets that are interested in seeing submissions from teens. If you’re not sure what to do with these links, then read How To Use Writer’s Guidelines first.

Teen Voices
Get published! If you’re a girl between the ages of 13-19, you can submit your writing, your art, or a description of your activism for publication in Teen Voices.

Merlyn’s Pen
Accepts work from teenage writers. Their submission period starts again soon. In the meantime, keep polishing your work up!

Stone Soup
Stone Soup is unique among children’s magazines — it’s the only magazine made up entirely of the creative work of children. Young people ages 8 to 13 contribute their stories, poems, book reviews, and artwork to Stone Soup.

The Claremont Review
The editors of The Claremont Review are looking to publish first class poetry, short stories and short plays by young adult writers (aged 13-19) anywhere in the English speaking world.

Skipping Stones
Skipping Stones readers hail from north, south, east, and west. From villages to inner cities, youth have something to say, about their culture, school, religion, environment, neighborhood… and Skipping Stones provides a forum for sharing it. Any way you choose to express your dreams and opinions, Skipping Stones provides a place for writers and artists of all ages and backgrounds to communicate creatively and openly.

Have you been published after submitting your work to a market mentioned in Today’s Teen Writer? We’d love to hear about it! Let us know here.

7 Ways To Break Writer's Block

2009-06-06T06:04:00.001-04:00

You open up a new document prepared to write the most brilliant prose the literary world has ever seen and you...stare at the blinking cursor then you stare some more. What's happened?

You are experiencing the symptoms of writer's block. Before you panic, you should know that the writer's block epidemic afflicts 100% of the writing population at one time or another. But don't despair. There are many ways to cure writer's block. Here are five of the most common:

1.) Take a step back. If you struggle with putting words on the page, take a step back for two or three days to recharge yourself. It might be you've simply run low on creative ideas and need to recharge.

2.) Brainstorm. Sit down with a piece of paper and make a list of all your ideas. You're not allowed to judge or scratch through any ideas. You're there to simply explore the ideas.

3.) Add more conflict. A common problem, especially for beginning novelists, is failing to add sufficient conflict at the beginning of the story. Everything goes along fine until that conflict is resolved and suddenly the writer feels bored with the story.

4.) Write what you care about. Jerry Spinelli once said, "My Golden Rule: Write what you care about." Write about topics that naturally interest you. Space? Cooking? Politics? Ask yourself what entertains you then write about it!

5.) Start an idea book. Start a notebook or file on your computer as the "idea book". Keep all your random ideas, scraps of dialogue, and bits of description in your idea book.

6.) Start slowly. Sure, you need to open with a bang. But if that's proving too difficult, start with backstory that you can delete later. Then when it comes to the difficult part (the opening) you'll have some experience behind you.

7.) Write a bad first draft. Next time you're tempted to put off writing, let yourself to write an awful first draft by promising yourself you can rewrite later.

Finally, if you get stuck (or even if you're just beginning), use a writer's journal. One of my favorite lines to start with is "ok, here's the problem..." then I launch into a long, rambling description of the problem whether it's my lack of description or my lack of plot.

Usually, my writing journals are filled with random quotes from characters, quirks I want to layer in, and sometimes entire scenes.

Some of this stuff makes it into my story and some of it doesn't. But that's not the point. My writing journal gives me a way to work through problems.

Remember, writer’s block always has a cure.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Staying Motivated

2009-06-06T06:03:00.002-04:00

One of the hardest things to do, as a writer is stay motivated. It’s easy in the beginning of a project, but long work hours and little human contact, can make writing seem well, daunting.

To keep the writing blues at bay, shake up your routine! Try something new. Dive in, head first. Here are fifteen tips to help you do just that!

Change your location. Literally. If you write somewhere noisy, try writing somewhere quiet and vice versa.
Write at a different time of day than you normally do.
Take a day off. Do nothing.
Visit your local bookstore or library. Sometimes writers just need to refuel.
People watch. Find an unoccupied space in your city or town and watch the people that go by for an hour. (Be sure to bring a notebook and pen!)
Ask for someone’s life story. Often times, hearing someone else’s life story can spark an idea or connection that we hadn’t considered.
Set a timer and write for ten minutes. You’re not allowed to stop moving your hand.
Just do it! The best piece of advice I ever heard on the topic of writing was "Writing begets writing."
Take a step back and ask yourself, "Are my short-term writing goals tying in with my long-term writing goals?"
Read in genre that you normally don’t. For instance, if you read romance, try horror or science fiction.
Take a trip. By car, by train—doesn’t matter. While you’re on the trip, turn to the passenger nearest you and make up a different life for yourself.
Take a class on a subject you’ve always wanted to study further.
Buy yourself some new writing supplies. How about a funky pen you’ve always wanted? Or that notebook that’s four dollars that you keep passing by?
Take up a new hobby. One you wouldn't normally explore.
Volunteer at your local soup kitchen. Make conversations with people from other walks of life. Experience life through a new perspective!

But more than that, have fun. Experiment. Try new things. And don’t be surprised if somewhere along the way, you find inspiration.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

How To Use Writer's Guidelines

2009-06-06T06:02:00.001-04:00

Writer's guidelines are guidelines the magazine puts out to guide the writer during the submission process. Without submissions there is no magazine (at least not for the ones that are freelance supported), hence editors need submissions.

But they need these submissions in the proper format. In writer's guidelines, the editors detail their preferences for submissions, add theme lists, and include information about rights and payment.

Always follow a magazine's guidelines.

Start by asking for a sample copy of the magazine. These sample copies can usually be obtained for a fraction of the newstand cost, but if you're running low on cash, check out a recent copy of the magazine out from your local library.

After you've become familiar with the editor's style and voice, consider ideas that would suit your editor's audience. For instance, a magazine focused on Hollywood gossip for the under twenty-five crowd, probably doesn't need an article titled, Seven Tips to a Happy Cat, nor would DogLovers USA.

Once you've chosen your topic, you'll want to submit your article or query (For more information on querying, see Query Like a Pro). Does the editor prefer email or snail mail submissions? Will the editor give preference to those who follow the theme list?

Larger magazines may have several editors. Make sure you address your article or query to the right editor. Never address a query letter to “dear editor”. Double-check to make sure you correctly spelled the editor’s name as well. If the editor’s name is unisex such as Ashley Johnson then address your query letter to Ashley Johnson but never assume the editor’s gender.

Be professional. If you wouldn’t mention it to a potential employer, chances are the editor doesn’t want to hear about it.

Before sending your article or query out, double-check your spelling and grammar. Most editors won’t even consider an idea, no matter how intriguing, if your query is filled with typos. Have another write or a friend look over your query letter if possible.

Once you're sure your manuscript is as good as it can be, send it out!

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Editor's Desk: Inspiration

2009-06-05T06:01:00.002-04:00

Recently, I was thinking about the things that inspire me as a writer. One of the things that inspires me are books that make me feel. You know the ones, where you read them and you get so engrossed in them that you look up surprised to realize you're not in that chracter's world.

Just yesterday, I finished reading Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment. Talk about a great book! Several times, I'd look up and be surprised I wasn't inside Max's world.

As writers it's important to read the kind of books that inspire you to be a better writer. Whether those books are inspirational romances or horror or anything in between, read what inspires you, what moves you, what makes you stay up late because you just can't put it down.

Want to be inspired?

Read the type of books you want to write.

Markets for June

2009-06-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

ARMY Magazine
A monthly four-color magazine focusing on the activities and interests of the U.S. Army worldwide, ARMY serves a readership interested in issues of national security; past and present issues involving landpower; and future trends in the military arts and sciences. The magazine focuses on developing and presenting thought-provoking articles and analyses for a professionally oriented audience.

GRIT
Grit is a nationally distributed bi-monthly magazine with a circulation of approximately 150,000 through subscriptions and newsstand distribution. Grit celebrates the intergenerational bonds among those who live on the land with spirit and style – a legacy of self-sufficiency, audacious ingenuity and pragmatic problem solving that gave this country its backbone and continues to shape its unique character.

Grain Magazine
Grain Magazine, published four times per year, is an internationally acclaimed literary journal that publishes engaging, surprising, eclectic, and challenging writing and art by Canadian and international writers and artists.

I Love Cats
I am always interested in new ideas for I Love Cats and request that you either send a paragraph or two about your idea or the finished piece. When using the postal service, ALWAYS include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with a return address.

Art Calendar
Art Calendar is a monthly business magazine for visual artists. Founded in 1986 by a working artist, the publication includes articles on the business of making a living as a visual artist, as well as hundreds of listings of upcoming professional opportunities to show and sell artwork, and to build one’s reputation as an artist (grants, juried shows, residencies and so on).

Jay Asher on Taboo Topics

2009-05-05T18:06:00.003-04:00

About Jay Asher:
Jay Asher has worked at an independent bookstore, an outlet bookstore, a chain bookstore, and two public libraries. He hopes, someday, to work for a used bookstore. When he is not writing, Jay plays guitar and goes camping. Thirteen Reasons Why is his first published novel.

Hi, Jay! Thanks for spending the day with us at Today's Teen Writer! What was the inspiration for your novel, Thirteen Reasons Why?

There were two sparks for the novel, but I didn't put them together until nine years after they both occurred. First came the idea for the unusual format.

I took an audiotour of a King Tut's tomb mock-up and immediately felt that would be an interesting way to tell a story: two simultaneous narrators, one as a recorded voice and the other would be the thoughts of the person listening.

Soon after that audiotour, a close relative of mine attempted suicide. She was the same age as Hannah Baker, the lead female in my novel. Over the years, she and I spent a lot of time talking about why she felt taking her life was the only way out of her pain. When both of those sparks came together, Thirteen Reasons Why was born.

Do you have a favorite scene from the novel? If so, which one is it?

I really enjoyed writing the main scene between Hannah and Clay. It let me live for a short time in the fantasy that everything would work out okay for both of them, even though I knew that couldn't happen.

I spent a lot of time with that scene mostly because it was a very important moment, one which I knew readers would be anticipating for most of the book. But I also spent as much time as I could on it just so I could stay in that happy place for a while.

What was the hardest part about writing Thirteen Reasons Why?

The hardest part was also the most fun. Figuring out a nice balance between the two narrators sometimes felt like I was putting together a puzzle more than writing a novel. I didn't want Clay's thoughts to be too intrusive to Hannah's story, and yet his reactions were equally important in telling her story more completely.

Some adults seem to think that certain topics should be taboo in literature for teens. How did you approach writing about a topic like suicide?

Taboo subjects are subjects people are uncomfortable discussing. It doesn't mean those issues aren't happening, just that we don't like talking about them. But if you're feeling suicidal and no one talks openly about suicide, it's going to be much harder for you to know where to go for help. But the more we talk about these taboo subjects, the easier it's going to be for people to reach out. Because of that, I didn't let any thoughts of censorship affect the honesty of how I wrote my story.

How many drafts of Thirteen Reasons Why did you write? Did you outline or did you write it as it came?

I can't outline. I need to leave plenty of room for my characters to take over and lead the story. I also edit as I go, so when I'm done with a draft it's fairly polished. But then I read it out loud over and over to make sure it reads as smoothly as possible. Once I can't find any more words to fuss with, I give it to some friends to read and they help me find plot holes...and correct my grammar.

What's a typical writing day like for you? Do you have a favorite time of the day to write at?

I like to answer e-mails and do whatever promotional things need to be done early in the day. When it gets closer to noon, then I begin writing. When my wife gets home from work, I like to have all my writing done. (But sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and sneak into my writing room for another hour.)

Where were you when you first heard Thirteen Reasons Why was a New York Times Best-Seller? How did you react?

I was driving a van at work. I worked for the public library and was transporting bags of books between libraries. The library I was leaving was in the middle of nowhere, so I had no reception at all when my editor and my publisher left me messages with the good news.

When I finally got reception, my phone beeped that I had two messages. Once I heard the first one, I began crying. It was absolutely unbelievable! And I probably shouldn't have kept driving while I was crying, but I was running late.

I've seen several readers express interest in seeing Thirteen Reasons Why become a major motion picture. Have you sold the film rights? If not, is it something you would consider?

We've had a lot of interest from Hollywood, but no has bought the rights yet. And I would love to see it as a movie! In fact, I conveniently left the guy who works at Rosie's Diner ageless and gave him only a few lines just in case the director wants to give the author (me!) a small part. I think I can handle a few lines!

What's next for you? What are you currently working on?

I'm working on another book for teens. It'll be a little more lighthearted than Thirteen Reasons Why, but hopefully just as engaging. I think you'll enjoy it.

Finally, do you have any advice you can share with young writers?

Join a critique group. That's it! Gather a bunch of other writers and share your work. Be kind, but honest.

Interview The Experts

2009-05-05T18:05:00.004-04:00

No matter what you topic you write on, your article can certainly use a few pointers from an expert. But how to get comments from the experts? In a word: interviews.

Interviews don't have to be scary or even difficult. In fact, in interviewing writers for Today's Teen Writer, I've learned some tips that help me as I interview other people.

Setting Up the Interview

First, start off by deciding why you want to interview your subject. What information will she bring to your article? How will the readers benefit from input from an expert?

Once you've decided that your readers will receive a clear benefit from this expert's advice, start researching your subject. Read everything you can about your subject. Google them and pay close attention to your subject's background.

For instance, did your women's basketball coach start off college with the intention of studying music? Did the writer of a dark book about suicide loose someone close to him to suicide?

Once you've researched your subject and decided your readers will benefit from an interview, you need to approach your subject. Thanks to the internet, contact information is usually easy to come by.

You must approach each subject politely. Don't be afraid, most people will give you an interview if you ask. Start by introducing yourself then move on to the fact that you're writing an article for XYX publication on X topic. Since you're familiar with this topic, I wanted to know if I might interview you at your convenience .

Note: Depending on where your subject lives it might be more prudent to do a phone or email interview than a face-to-face interview.

If your subject agrees to be interviewed, set up a time and place (not necessary for email). Follow up promptly. For instance when an author agrees to be interviewed in Today's Teen Writer, I email the author back within two days. Why? Because the request is still fresh in the autor's mind. The author still remembers who I am and what I do.

If you set up the interview for further than a week away, be sure to email a polite note to your subject the day before the interview stating how much you're looking forward to the interview. This jogs your subject's memory about the interview and paints you as a courteous interviewer.

The Actual Interview

After your subject agrees to the interview, write up your interview questions. I'd recommend around ten questions unless your subject agrees to a lengthier interview. Ask in-depth questions that require more than a simple yes or no answer.

On the day of the actual interview, take pen and paper and a voice recorder. Check with your subject before the interview to make sure they're comfortable with a voice recorder.

Note: Make sure the tape recorder has fresh batteries. Take notes on important points you want to remember. Just in case. Tape recorders fail sometimes.

During the interview, be polite. If your subject is older than you, address him or her by Sir, Ma'am, Ms. Jones, or Mr. Jones. Never address your subject by their first name unless specifically asked to do so.

Most importantly, relax during the interview. Smile. Most people will be happy you considered them when writing your article.

After The Interview

When the interview is over, thank your subject. Explain when and where your article will be published. If you can't give your subject a date, you can send them a note via email when your article is published.

Note: Some magazines require your subject's contact information to verify that you correctly quoted your subject. Make your subject aware that someone from this publication may contact him/her on your behalf.

Finally, send a short note by mail or email, letting your subject know how helpful they were and how you appreciated their willingness to contribute their knowledge to your article.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Go For It!

2009-05-05T06:04:00.002-04:00

What are you going to do for your writing this month? Writers, like so many other people, often talk about what they want to do without ever actually doing it!

Did you set goals at the beginning of this year? If you're like most people you probably did. Maybe some of those goals had to do with writing.

Look back over those goals now. Do you still want to achieve them? Most people do. So how can you still achieve your goals?

Start by checking to make sure your goals aren't too vague. For instance: "I want to become a better writer in 2009" is a subjective goal (how do you define better?). Try something like: "I want to become a better writer in 2009 by taking a course on how to write a query letter or writing the first draft of my novel".

Now that you've done that you've given yourself a goal to shoot for, something that is tangible. You will either write the first draft of your novel or you won't. You'll know if you've accomplished your goal or not.

Next you have to ask yourself, can I really achieve that goal? If you’re a full-time high school student working part-time, writing for seven hours everyday may not be attainable for you at this point. Set goals that you can accomplish for where you are. Perhaps you could write seven hours a week. (That’s just one hour a day.)

One hour a day is attainable for some writers but not for others. Choose something that you can do everyday.

Remember to make your goals flexible. What will happen if you suddenly become ill and can no longer move toward you writing goals? This is where being flexible comes in.

You must be willing to rearrange your goals during certain events and times. Maybe you can’t write three pages a day during finals, but perhaps you could write three paragraphs.

Finally, remember to always keep going. No matter what happens. Keep pushing forward. One foot in front of the other, until one day you look up and realize you’re where you’ve always wanted to be. What are you waiting for? Go for It!

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Editor's Desk: Resources

2009-05-05T06:03:00.000-04:00

I'm thinking of starting a resource section here at Today's Teen Writer. Books, writing groups, websites - what's helped you grow most as a writer? Which resources would you recommend? Let me know in the comments section and I might add it!

Markets for May

2009-05-05T06:02:00.001-04:00

Zahir
We are looking for well crafted speculative fiction. This can include science fiction, fantasy, surrealism, magical realism, or something unclassifiable that we haven't thought of yet. Most of the stories we choose lean toward the literary end of the spectrum. The best way to get a feel for what we're after is to read a couple of recent issues or at least read the sample stories online.

The Writer's Eye Magazine
"The Writer's Eye Magazine was created by writer/photographer, Amber Lea Starfire. Published bi-monthly, beginning in November 2007, the Writer's Eye Magazine promotes artistic integration. It provides a venue for writers who are also visual artists - photographers, painters, sculptors, etc. Each issue highlights work that combines the verbal and visual arts, encouraging and inspiring readers, writers, and artists."

Real Teen Faith
Real Teen Faith features guest writers, as well as RTF staff writers. We are currently looking for a few great people to join the team. Since RTF is a not for profit ministry, it does not pay, but writers are mentored through the process. Some of our writers have gone on to publication, acquired an agent, and are beginning their writing career.

Travel Thru History
TRAVEL THRU HISTORY publishes stories featuring the historical, archaeological, and cultural aspects of a destination. We also accept stories about literary journeys and exotic adventures. Stories should convey a strong sense of place so the reader can experience the destination.

Rocky Mountain Rider
RMR is looking for positive, human interest stories that appeal to an audience of horsepeople, ranchers, seniors, and folks who live in the West. Pieces may include profiles of unusual people or animals, history, humor, anecdotes, coverage of regional events and new products.

Creating Realistic Characters

2009-04-05T15:30:00.002-04:00

When creating characters, it's important to remember that people want to read about themselves. They want to read about realistic characters.

That doesn't mean all of your characters have to be based off of real-life people. No, it means all of your characters must have a few things in common:

Flaws. All of your characters must be flawed in some way. This goes back to the realistic characters. The problem with perfect characters is that there is no conflict, no plot when characters themselves and the world they live in is perfect.

Give each major character at least one major flaw that they must overcome before the story's end.

For the sake of this article, let's create a character. Maybe a geeky teenage hero named, Toby. Toby's flaw will be fear. He's too afraid to step outside of his small world to experience new things. He's dominated by fear. But Toby is going to have to change through the course of the story and overcome his fear.

You can even give a character a reason for the flaw. For instance, what if Toby's dad died while riding a motorcycle? What if his dad had been a daredevil his whole life? So, Toby believed that had his dad chosen to live a quieter lifestyle, he'd still be here today.

Adding a reason for the flaw deepens the character and allows readers not only to sympathize with Toby but to root for him as well.

Good Qualities. When giving Toby flaws, we also want to add some good qualities. In fact one teen writer told me she thinks of qualities she'd like to develop then uses those qualities in her character.

Let's see, we're going to make Toby reliable. If he gives you his word, he will keep it. Sometimes this means Toby will get taken advantage of because he's too weak to stand up for himself.

For one reason or another, he's never fit in with the other people--not even people his age. This lack of other human companionship and acceptance has probably made him sensitive to others' needs. He's probably a kind, helpful person....the kind of guy that would walk a girl home at night. The kind of guy that would put others before himself. This gives us the quality, self-sacrificing.

Details. Now that we've gotten the major points of Toby's character sketched out, let's give some details that will add life to this sketch. Remember, it's the little things that can make a huge difference (from the way your character talks to the way they dress).

Toby's true passion will be photography. He's the perfect type of guy to be a photographer, simply because other people don't notice him. People notice the camera but not the guy behind it.

We're also going to give him an obsession with vanilla ice cream (maybe that's what he compares himself to). Perhaps Toby thinks the other flavors are too bold or maybe he's one of those people that doesn't like chocolate.

Family and Friends. Next we'd layer in Toby's family and friends. His mom is a single parent, struggling to pay the mortgage every month and probably doesn't pay enough attention to Toby simply because he's not a demanding child. Then we'd give him a younger sister, probably around ten and since his mom works all day, it's his responsibility to look after her.

We could keep going until we've given Toby a myriad of habits, phobias, obsessions, hobbies, favorites-- and all these things add up to create a realistic character.

However, you should know that there is no perfect 'formula' for creating a character. Each writer goes about it differently. The way we created Toby was just one way to do it. Some writers start with the good qualities then add flaws. Some write entire biographies on their characters before ever typing the words 'chapter one'.

Whatever method you choose, however you go about it, add multiple layers to your characters to make them realistic and you can't go wrong.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Have You Overlooked These Markets?

2009-04-05T15:29:00.002-04:00

These markets are the most fun but often overlooked avenues for young writers. Keep in mind while these markets may not always pay large sums for your pieces, they are less competitive because fewer writers shoot for the overlooked markets.

Fillers

Fillers are a great way to break into your favorite markets. You know those small 50-300 word blurbs you read in magazines? They're commonly referred to as fillers.

Fillers are short pieces on a variety of topics written to 'fill' some of the white space in the magazine. Topics can range from jokes, short poems, lifestyle tips, recipes, and more.

Since fillers are short, you have to write tight. In other words, you have to get your point across in a very limited

Read magazine guidelines to see which ones are in demand for fillers then tailor one to their audience. If the audience is mainly married women with children then ask, what does this audience need to know? What would they like to know?

Answer that and you have your filler. For instance, you might come up with the fact that the magazine could benefit from a filler on keeping young children safe in the water. Do a little research and under half an hour, you could write a three hundred word filler on the topic.

Quizzes

Have you ever browsed a magazine and found yourself stopping to take an interesting quiz like "Is He A Cheater" or "What's Your Fashion Style?".

Believe it or not, you can be paid to write quizzes. Quizzes are usually five to ten questions long and either entertain or provide knowledge to the reader.

Take the quizzes I mentioned above for an example. The goal of the first one is to provide knowledge (signs of cheating) while the goal of the second is to entertain the reader.

Check out the writer's guidelines to see which publications could use quizzes. Be sure to study the 'tone' of previous quizzes and check out what quizzes they've recently featured before submitting.

Reviews

Are you the type of person who's already seen the latest movies or already has the latest music on your iPod? Are you an avid gamer with insider knowledge? Then you might want to consider writing reviews!

The list of things that can be reviewed is endless - books, movies, games, TV shows, computer programs and more!

While some publications may have an in-house reviewer, others don't. As a teen you also have a unique perspective that older writers don't have. For instance, many parents might review a video game, but as a teenage writer, you can bring something unique to a review.

If you're not familiar with these types of writing, relax. Writing for overlooked markets is the same as any other market, just remember to study the magazine and the writer's guidelines before submitting.

But don't believe that just because you write fillers or quizzes, you have to write that for the rest of time. Many writers have begun successful careers by writing for smaller markets before moving onto larger, better paying markets.

So, what are you waiting for? Get writing!

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Submission Checklist

2009-04-05T15:28:00.002-04:00

Submitting your work to an editor is a big step and you want to appear professional. As you double-check your work on last time, consider these points:

Did you use white copy paper with one-inch margins on all sides?
Do you use plain fonts (Times New Roman or Courier New) and black ink?
Is your font readable? Did you use the 10pt font minimum?
Did you include your SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) with adequate return postage?
Are you certain you typed the editor's name correctly?
Is your envelope addressed to the correct editor?
Is your cover letter error free (no misspellings or grammar mistakes) and neatly typed?
Most importantly, did you read and comply with the guidelines?

By following the simple steps above, you will have a better chance creating a professional impression that will stand out to an editor.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today’s Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she’s not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Editor's Desk: Apps for Writers

2009-04-05T15:27:00.002-04:00

I am not only a freelance writer but a web designer and well, geek. Recently, I started thinking about apps I love that have to do with writing. So I compiled this list of apps for writers.

1. Write or Die. Hands down this is my favorite writing app ever. If you pause to think of the next phrase for too long a baby will start screaming from your speakers or worse, your words will untype themselves. The perfect tool for those days when you just don't want to write.

2. Wridea. A cool way to store all of your best ideas. Not only are your ideas searchable, but Wridea also allows you to create categories. You can use the categories to seperate your ideas by genre or any other criteria you determine.

3. Google Notebooks. A handy way to store a variety of content, from submissions to brand new ideas. Google notebooks also includes a handy tagging system that I love.

4. Big Huge Lab's Story Plots. Combining a variety of characters, events and settings this is truly a random generator. Fun prompts include: Bored teenagers take a vacation that goes horrible wrong on a cruise and, a wacky scientist learns something disturbing on the road...among others.

If you think I missed something awesome, let me know in the comments.

Markets for April

2009-04-05T15:26:00.000-04:00

Highlights
For more than 60 years, "Highlights for Children" has left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of tens of millions of children. It has improved reading skills; it has helped define and develop values like honesty, thoughtfulness and tolerance; and it has entertained and enlightened.

Relish
A monthly newspaper-distributed magazine that celebrates America's love of food, Relish brings readers authentic, accurate features on cooking, dining and entertaining.

Diabetes Health
Diabetes Health is the essential resource for people living with diabetes—both newly diagnosed and experienced—as well as the professionals who care for them. We provide balanced expert news and information on living healthfully with diabetes. Each issue includes cutting-edge editorial coverage of new products, research, treatment options, and meaningful lifestyle issues.

Neo-opsis
Neo-opsis will consider material submitted by any writer, professional or amateur. It is our intention to not set down a lot of ground rules for these stories. We don’t want to miss something that we would really like just because it doesn’t fit our rules, but we are more likely to publish stories that are less than 6000 words and fit a science fiction or fantasy theme.

AmericanStyle Magazine
The mission of AmericanStyle magazine is to inform craft enthusiasts and art collectors about the significance of handmade objects of art. Launched in 1994 by The Rosen Group, AmericanStyle provides art lovers with valuable tips on decorating, interior design, display and lighting ideas for everything from designer jewelry and art glass to collectible teapots, art furniture and sculptural ceramics.

Jenny B. Jones Spills the Beans

2009-03-01T13:27:00.005-05:00

About Jenny B. Jones:
I write Christian fiction with a few giggles, quite a bit of sass, and lots of crazy. My novels include the Katie Parker Production series and the upcoming book So Not Happening. I would also like to take credit for Twilight, but somewhere I think I read you're not supposed to lie.

What is So Not Happening, your latest novel, about and when is it set to be released?

So Not Happening, the first book in my A Charmed Life series will release the first week of May. I'm really excited about it.....

Here's the scoop! Bella Kirkwood had it all: A-list friends at her prestigious private school, Broadway in her backyard, and Daddy's MasterCard in her wallet. Then her father, a plastic surgeon to the stars, decided to trade her mother in for a newer model.

When Bella's mom falls in love with a man she met on the Internet-a factory worker with two bratty sons-Bella has to pack up and move in with her new family in Truman, Oklahoma. On a farm no less!

Forced to trade her uber-trendy NYC lifestyle for the down-home charm of this small town, Bella feels like a pair of Rock & Republic jeans in a sea of Wranglers . Everything she loves is more than a thousand miles away-including her best friend, her boyfriend, and Fifth Avenue.

And she's supposed to find faith in this situation how? At least some of the people in her new high school are pretty cool. Especially the hunky football player who invites her to lunch. And maybe even the annoying-but kinda hot-editor of the school newspaper.

But before long, Bella smells something rotten in the town of Truman, and it's not just the cow pasture. With her savvy reporter's instincts, she is determined to find the story behind all these secrets.

Can Bella survive her crazy new family in this middle-of-nowhere town? Will the school survive Bella? How can a girl go on when her charmed life is gone and God appears to be giving her the total smackdown?

What do you love about writing a book series? What are some of the challenges?

I love writing series because you get to know the characters and really build on their lives. As a reader, I love series as well. But sometime during book two or three, I'll be writing and wishing I could hang out with some new characters for a while. It's like spending too much time with your family. Sometimes you just need some space. Ha.

But after that time apart, I miss them! I'm finishing up the final pages on this series and missing my Katie Parker and Maxine a little bit.

How is The Charmed Life series different from A Katie Parker Production series?

They are so different, but I love that about them. In theme, the Katie Parker Production series was about Katie coming to Christ through her crazy life, and then living out that new faith in the final book.

In A Charmed Life series, Bella is a believer, and it's about her growing in her faith and just living the daily challenges of a teen and how Christ filters into that. Katie was very down to earth, pretty unpolished. Bella is a Gossip Girl-type who gets taken down a few (hundred) pegs. But in both series, both girls find their true passion and talent, and I love that.

All of us girls have talents and gifts from God. And Bella and Katie both use theirs and lean into their strengths.

Hopefully both series are funny and cheeky. Both are light in tone while dealing with some issues and showing how imperfect life is.

Is your grandmother as crazy as Maxine? If not, who did you base that character on?

Oh, I love Maxine. I love writing crazy characters, period. My grandma was not crazy as Maxine, but they had some similarities. Both funny. Both sarcastic. Both fashionable. Both pretty blunt, but always with a fun and wicked gleam in the eye.

I had the honor of sharing care of my grandmother the last few years of her life, and that put us in the presence of a LOT of senior citizens. That really influenced me as I began to see how every person was such a story, such a character. In A Charmed Life, my new series, Maxine shows up in the form of a new character, who makes her debut in the second book.

When did you start writing?

First grade. I wrote plays and created puppets and forced my class to be my audience. I have no idea why my teacher, Mrs. Hansen, let me get away with it. Or why those kids would let me eat goulash with them at lunch any more.

I always wanted to be a writer, and when I was quite a bit older than first grade, I decided I would stop dreaming and just get pro-active. You gotta chase it!

Do you outline your books or do you just start writing and see what happens?

Oh, I wish I outlined. I'm a seats-of-the-pants writer. I am pages away from the finish of the end of my current book, and I have no clue how it's going to end. It's not a great feeling, honestly. It makes me throw down lots of chocolate and Diet Dr. Pepper.

But it's fun to not know where the writing or characters are going to take you. One thing I've done for this book that's helping is to write out some ideas for that day's chapter before I start. It has cut down some of that "stare at computer in dumb stupor for hours" I usually do. And it only took me six books to figure out!

OK, time for some fun questions....
Fun questions are my favorite!

If you could have three wishes granted, what would they be?

Oh, wow. I would like to have the ability to travel anytime I want and bring as many people as I want. I take a big trip every year, but I always feel guilty for the people I'm not able to sneak into my carryon.

I would like to um. . .have 100 more wishes? Okay, I would like it if calories didn't count. I'm not the best at saying no to cookies and chocolate donuts and well, anything. And I would like to meet my hero, a comedian and actress named Carol Burnett. Wouldn't it be cool to meet our heroes?

What is your favorite flavor of Ben & Jerry's ice cream?

I LOVE Ben and Jerry's!!! My standby has always been double chocolate brownie. And then this last year I found strawberry cheesecake. Oh, it's so good, but in a different way. So when I feel like I haven't gotten in all my fruit for the day, I pop open a pint of strawberry cheesecake!

And last week I tried Imagine Whirled Peace. It was good, but I'm not really into the fancy flavors. My tongue gets confused.

If you had to go live on a deserted island and you were only allowed to bring one Chris Tomlin CD with you, which one would you take and why?

Only one? Wow, so unfair. I really really liked Hello Love, his latest CD. I've about worn it out. It's a great mix of contemporary stuff that's fun to listen to and songs that would be awesomely worshipful to sing in church. I usually see the guy in concert at least once a year, but I'm skipping this year. SUCH a bummer. I will have to drown my sorrows in some Ben & Jerry's.

To learn more about Jenny B. Jones and her books, visit her website.

Writing The First Draft

2009-03-01T13:26:00.002-05:00

Can I tell you a secret? I hate writing the first draft. It never lives up to my vision. I doubt myself through the entire draft, battling thoughts like 'not talented', 'get a real job', and my least favorite 'this is boring'.

But if it weren't for my willingness to face the intimidating first draft, I wouldn't have written a novel or countless business articles or even this article that you're reading.

What is it about writing the first draft that stops so many writers in their tracks?

In a word: fear. As readers, we're use to reading the final draft. We rarely see the writer's hideous first draft. We buy into this belief that the writer must have turned out brilliant prose one night at two am, sent it off to a publisher the moment the post office opened and received a contract later that afternoon. That never happens.

Months and months (sometimes even years) of rewrites, edits, and proofreading follow the first draft of any article or book.

The doubts that plague you during the first draft are normal. In fact, I was talking to another write today who said, "I think my story sucks. The only thing that keeps me going is the thought that I can fix it all later."

Indeed, that's the beauty of the first draft. You can go back after you've finished your project and edit and tweak it until it lives up to your original vision.

I love how Robert Cormier phrases it: "The beautiful part of writing is that you don't have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon."

Writing the first draft is supposed to be a messy process with words misspelled, crossed out or rearranged at two am when you can't sleep. The articles in the glossy magazines? The New York Times best-seller? The nationally syndicated column?

All of those writers had to start somewhere. Look back far enough and you'll probably find scribbled notes on a manuscript waiting to be sent to the editor. You'll find red ink and coffee stains on the neatly numbered pages.

This time period can be referred to as 'ugly manuscript syndrome' or UMS for short. UMS affect ten out of every ten manuscripts. The good news is that if you stick with it, eventually your ugly manuscript can become something beautiful.

"I can fix a bad page but I cannot fix a blank one." - Nora Roberts

Debra Weiss, editor of Today's Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she's not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Naming Your Character

2009-03-01T13:25:00.001-05:00

I'll never forget reading Neil Shusterman's Unwind. The characters and the world they lived in were drawn so sharply that I can recall large portions of the story even now, months after reading it.

The first thing you should do when creating a character is come up with a name you like. My favorite resource is Baby Names. I can't tell you how often I use to refer to my main characters as 'hero' or 'heroine' for large portions of my stories. Problems quickly arose because I didn't know which hero or heroine.

But before you rush over to choose a name for your character, you'll want to consider a few things.

Time period.

If your story is set in the Victorian Era, you'll certainly want to reflect that in your choice of names. Research common names during your time period. If you decide to set your story in the future, avoid names that are common now.

Ethnic background.

If you're creating a character that's Italian, you'll want to reflect that in the character's name and the names of family members.

Avoid extremes.

Don't try for something super cute or a name that's impossible to pronounce. It's not cool; it's annoying.

Avoid similar names.

Have you ever read a story where several characters' names sound alike (ie. Sam, Sabrina, and Sally)? Pretty hard to keep all the characters straight, right? I have to admit this is one of my pet peeves. I hate being pulled from the story because I have to play a mental game of Guess Who.

Make the name fit.

When you think of the name Michael, you probably think of a strong male character. But what about when you think of the name Edgar you probably don't think of him as a hero. A villain or geek perhaps but not a strong leading role. Of course, if your story is about the underdog who slays the dragon and wins the princess' heart in the process, you might choose to use the name Edgar.

Nicknames.

Nicknames can be fun or hurtful in real life. In fiction, they can be pretty important. Choose one that fits your character but avoid using ironic names that have been over used. There are already too many stories about giants nicknamed 'Tiny'.

Don't forget the last name.

Say them together to make sure they sound 'right'. Again you'll want to consider the ethnic background. My favorite tool for choosing a surname is an old phonebook.

Now that you're finished reading this, head over to Baby Names or your favorite baby name book and name that character.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today's Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she's not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Markets for March

2009-03-01T13:24:00.000-05:00

Guideposts
Guideposts is an inspirational ally helping people connect their faith and values with their daily life. We are committed to assisting people from all walks of life achieve their maximum personal and spiritual potential.

New Moon Girls
New Moon Girls portrays girls and women as powerful, active and in charge of their own lives - not as passive beings who are acted upon by others. New Moon Girls celebrates girls and their accomplishments-we support girls' efforts to hold onto their voices, strengths and dreams as they move from being girls to becoming women.

The Claremont Review
The editors of The Claremont Review are looking to publish first class poetry, short stories and short plays by young adult writers (aged 13-19) anywhere in the English speaking world.

Merlyn's Pen Writing Contest
The Merlyn's Pen Writing Contest seeks submissions through May 1, 2009. Only PERSONAL ESSAYS (nonfiction) are welcome. Fiction and poetry are not being considered now. Writers must be in grades 6-12, or the home-school equivalent.

Teen Voices Online
Get published! If you're a girl between the ages of 13-19, you can submit your writing, your art, or a description of your activism for publication in Teen Voices.

BJ Hamrick on Writing Conferences

2009-02-01T16:28:00.001-05:00

About BJ:
B.J.'s fascination with writing began at the age of eight, when she harassed and manipulated 28 pen-pals into writing her on a weekly basis. Over the past few years, B.J. has harassed and manipulated publishers into publishing her work more than 60 times. You can learn more about her on her website.

What made you choose to attend Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference? How many writing conferences have you been to?

I attended Mount Hermon in 2007, after making 2007 excuses for not going. My biggest one was money, so when someone generously offered a scholarship, I freaked out. No more excuses?!

Would you recommend it to other young writers?

Absolutely. The conference has a great teen track, too.

What was the best experience you got out of Mt. Hermon's writing conference?

Meeting people. Definitely. All of the sudden it occurred to me -- there were at least 400 other people out there who were just like me. Scary.

What would you tell other young writers considering attending the conference for the first time?

Be ready to tell editors and agents about your projects, but don't go for that sole purpose. Go to learn and have fun.

You have an agent and two of your books are being shopped around. How did you meet this agent?

Wow. That's a story. I met my first agent at Mount Hermon, when I pitched my entire project to her while a booger dangled out of my nose. Yikes. She took me on anyway (talk about grace!). About a year later, the agency took on another agent to represent YA books, and I signed with her. I love the agency and all of the agents are amazing!

What's the hardest part about getting an agent to take you seriously as a teen writer, and how did you overcome that obstacle?

The hardest part is looking young. Although I'm not technically a "teen" writer, I do write for teens -- and I do look young. When I met with one particular agent, she thought I was 14. But when I started with the words, "I've been published over 50 times in various books, magazines, and newspapers..." she perked up and listened.

Don't despise the day of small things. Build your publishing credits (magazines, book compilations, newspapers, etc.). Those credits -- despite your age -- will prove to an editor or agent that you're publishable. That, and a really solid proposal.

You've been a columnist for your local newspaper for quite a while. How did that come about?

I started by writing for the teen page of the newspaper. After about a year of that, I asked if they would be interested in a weekly humor column, and they agreed. Again -- don't despise the day of small things. Even if you're not "officially" a columnist, the more you publish in that venue the more credible you become.

Where do you want to be in five years?

Hawaii. Just kidding. I'd like to be cradling my babies in one arm and typing out a manuscript with the other hand...

What have you learned as a writer over the past two years?

Four words: It's not about me. OK, I guess that was five.

Which publishing house is your dream house and why?

Any house that's willing to take a risk on a new author in an economic downturn!

How do you handle rejection of your work?

I call it Dying Roadkill Syndrome. I lie on the ground and moan a while (5 minutes is the max time allowed). Then I get up -- and realize I'm not fatally injured. So of course I get back on the road and play chicken with publishers again.

Was there ever a point that you considered giving up writing?

Never. That's kinda like asking me not to sleep. Trust me, I'd be crabby.

What's the best thing about getting to be a writer?

Going to work in my P.J.'s... wait, I was doing that before I became a writer anyway. ;)

Query Like A Pro

2009-02-01T16:27:00.003-05:00

You've probably heard the term query or query letter tossed around in the freelance world. But what exactly is a query letter?

Simply put, a query letter is a short letter sent to an editor or agent asking if the editor would like to assess your idea.

Think of your query letter as a movie preview. It must entice the editor. It must somehow convince the editor that not only is this idea worth their time but that you are the one who can best write this article.

Query letters don't have to be intimidating. With a little research, most query letters can be written easily. Below is a query letter from award-winning journalist Christina Lorenzen.

Coincide Media
Sheknows.com
Att: Nancy Price

Always include the company name and address or website.January 2, 2007

Dear Nancy:

Always address an editor by last name unless you have developed a strong working relationship with the editor as Ms. Lorenzen did prior to this letter.For some people, winter is not an easy time. Shorter days, colder weather and gray skies often lead many women to low moods, apathy and, in general, the blues.

Use a short two to four sentence paragraph to introduce your subject. On the subsequent paragraphs, go into further detail about your chosen subject and how it applies to the editor's audience.Women who suffer from symptoms of depression during the winter months with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months are often diagnosed with SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes related to seasonal variations of light. Though SAD was noted as far back as 1845, it was only officially recognized in the early 1980s. As animals' seasonal activities shift with the sunlight, some women also feel a shift in their biological internal clocks or circadian rhythm due to the changes in sunlight. The result is that these women feel out of step with their daily lives. Research has found that the most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February and that women are at higher risk.

Ms. Lorenzen clearly considered the editor's audience as she wrote this query letter.Symptoms can include depression, excessive eating, sleeping and weight gain during the late fall or winter months, withdrawal for socialization, less energy and an increase in cravings for sugary and/or starchy foods. Researchers now believe that the cause of this may be linked to Melatonin, a sleep related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases. Fortunately for SAD sufferers there are treatment options such as Phototherapy or Bright Light Therapy. In addition, SAD sufferers can help themselves with proper diet, exercise and actively seeking social situations.

When you write an article or book about a problem, always include a solution such as treatment options.

Once you've set the stage and convinced the editor that this is something her readers would benefit from, then you propose your article or book.

I would like to propose an article tentatively titled "It's Not Just the Blues: Understanding SAD" for Sheknows.com with a focus on women who suffer from SAD. In the article I will offer readers a basic understanding of the disorder that will include symptoms and treatment options. I will be contacting a therapist who uses Phototherapy for their SAD patients as well as an expert from the National Mental Health Association, which offers much information and resources to SAD sufferers. I would also like to include a sidebar with things that SAD sufferers can do on their own to alleviate this disorder. I would intend for this article to be about 1000 words, but I can adjust this word length to accommodate your specific needs.

The last sentence emphasizes Ms. Lorenzen's willingness to meet the editor's needs.

In the final paragraph, emphasize your experience as a writer. See tip three below if you're not sure what to include.

I have enjoyed working with Sheknows.com in the past would love to write this story with your readers in mind. If you are interested in assigning this story to me, I would be happy to discuss your specific desires for it.

Sincerely,

Christina Lorenzen
(address)
(email)

Seven additional points to remember:

1. Your query letter should only be one page in length. Use Courier New or Times New Roman 12 point font.

2. Include the date.

3. Be professional. If you wouldn't mention it to a potential employer, chances are the editor doesn't want to hear about it.

4. Include contact information you can actually be reached at. An editor isn't going to take the time to chase you down no matter how good your idea is.

5. Double-check your query letter for correct spelling and grammar. Most editors won't even consider an idea, no matter how intriguing, if your query is filled with typos. Have another write or a friend look over your query letter if possible.

6. Always consider the audience. This one tip can make the difference between a query letter that gets assignments and one that doesn't. Always ask yourself, what can the audience take away from this.

7. Finally, make sure you have the editor's name correct. Never address a query letter to "dear editor". Double-check to make sure you correctly spelled the editor's name as well. If the editor's name is unisex such as Ashley Johnson then address your query letter to Ashley Johnson but never assume the editor's gender.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today's Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she's not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

You Don't Say

2009-02-01T16:26:00.000-05:00

Everyone loves good dialogue, especially writers. I'm talking about the kind that you quote to your friends so many times they threaten to never speak to you again. (Twilight, anyone?)

So, what makes good dialogue great?

Start with letting each character speak in their distinctive voice.

Stephenie Meyer's character Edward is a great example of this. Growing up in the early nineteen hundreds certainly influenced the way he spoke in the novel. He often used proper English rather than common slang.

Even when people are from the same country, their distinctive way of speaking, their unique "voice" will be different. Consider for a moment how a street cop from New York would talk versus a quiet country girl from a small farm in Alabama. Quite a difference.

But that doesn't mean you have to be tough talking cop or a country girl to write about these characters. Use research to learn what you want to know.

Recently, an English teacher in Italy learned about colloquialisms that Southerners use to share with her students online. With the Internet you can learn about how other people live in other parts of your country.

Secondly, consider your character's occupation. Even if your characters are just in high school, they still speak differently. A computer nerd will speak differently than a surfer. For instance, a computer nerd wouldn’t describe his brand new PDA using the word "thingie".

Learn the basics of the jargon your character would use. No one expects you to be able to describe an entire surgery in detailed depth unless you’re writing a medical mystery. Most of the time, understanding the basic jargon (common words spoken in the industry) will do.

Third, skip the boring stuff. Yes, in real life the weather does get discussed. In books it shouldn't be discussed unless you have a very good reason other than "it really happened that way".

Look through a scene that contains dialogue that you wrote recently. Sure, your characters were talking but did they say anything that furthered the story? That added to the mystery of what was happening?

If the dialogue doesn't add anything, consider cutting it. Not only does this help you develop an ear for dialogue that shouldn't be there; it also teaches you to write tight.

Finally, avoid too many dialogue tags. One writer received her manuscript back from the editor with a note attached informing her that she hadn't used the word "said" once in the manuscript. The writer searched her manuscript and found to her surprise, that the editor was correct.

While it can be fun to let your character shout, scream, or sarcastically respond to everything, use said whenever possible. This tag is almost invisible to most readers. And it provides a nice tag to let the reader know which character spoke when you have more multiple characters in a scene.

Of course, there are many more ways to write great dialogue. One of the best ways to learn to write great dialogue is to study dialogue. Study books where you loved the dialogue. What made it so great? The tension? The subtext?

Besides studying dialogue, there is one other way to improve your own dialogue--write bad dialogue. Yep, write enough bad dialogue and you'll develop an ear for great dialogue. So, don't be afraid to write really crappy dialogue. Because someday, obsessive fangirls might be quoting your books.

Debra Weiss, editor of Today's Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she's not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Dealing With Rejection

2009-02-01T16:25:00.001-05:00

Few people become true overnight successes in any industry, even writing. In fact, Debbie Macomber often jokes that it took her "twenty years to become an overnight success".

At some point, you will be rejected. It's a fact of life and while rejection is an inevitable part of writing, there are a few tips and tricks to ease the pain a bit.

First, use rejection. Perhaps the editor pointed out a few flaws that you didn't see like your hero's motivation is lacking or your mystery is too obvious to readers. If so, take a step back. Criticism is never an easy thing to deal with.

Once you've considered the editor's words, take a look over your manuscript. Is it possible the editor was right? Even if the editor was incorrect, never argue or threaten an editor. It's not professional and it only ends up hurting your career.

But if you feel the editor's comments had merit, rework your article.

If you received a form rejection, re-submit your work to another publication.

Yes, send that manuscript right back out the door. I know it hurts. Yes, I know your ego is bruised. Send it out anyway. There are many editors out there whose desks your work hasn't crossed yet. Keep sending your writing out.

Thirdly, look at the silver lining. I know one writer who believes if she was rejected it just means that wasn't the agent or editor for her. Like being on a train, try to take rejection as a sign that you're going in the right direction, but you just haven't found the right stop yet.

Next, recognize that rejection often has little to do with talent or ability. Sometimes, it's just a matter of timing. For instance, an editor may have purchased an article on the exact same subject just days before your submission hit her desk.

Finally, while waiting to hear back on one project, be working on at least one other article or project. Keep working constantly. Don't pin all your hopes and dreams on one article or essay.

There's plenty more to write about. Don't let rejection stop you. Use it as a stepping stone to help you on your journey to success.

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to always try just one more time." - Thomas Edison

Debra Weiss, editor of Today's Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she's not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Markets for February

2009-02-01T16:24:00.002-05:00

Teen Ink
We offer teenagers the opportunity to publish their creative work and opinions on the issues that affect their lives - everything from love and family to teen smoking and community service. Hundreds of thousands of students have submitted their work to us and we have published more than 25,000 teens since 1989.

Go!
Go! is an online magazine for teens and young adults ages 14�20. The magazine covers transportation from all angles, from the infrastructure to the vehicles to the people behind the wheel-whether that "wheel" is on a car, truck, train, plane, or ship.

Glimmer Train
We especially appreciate stories that are both well written and emotionally engaging. Please let us read yours! If it is chosen for publication in Glimmer Train Stories, you will be paid upon acceptance. Your story will be prepared with care, and presented in a handsome, highly regarded literary journal to readers all over the world. If you've seen Glimmer Train Stories, you know that we go to some lengths to honor our contributors and their writing.

Ignite Your Faith
Formerly known as Campus Life magazine, Ignite Your Faith features contemporary and relevant editorial dealing with the real-life issues of high school and college students, including sex, spiritual concerns, friendships, school and music. NO LONGER PUBLISHING

Girl's Life
Each issue of GL is packed with the stuff girls crave-real information and advice-from academic success to peer pressure to time-management and stress-relieving tips; from growing up to boosting self-esteem.

Serving With A Smile

2009-01-01T18:44:00.005-05:00

Lydia Rule has been serving up devotionals at Real Teen Faith and other publications since she was seventeen. But it wasn't until a college friend's email confession that she hadn't been reading her Bible that Lydia came up with the idea of a devotional book, written just for busy teens and college students.

Lydia says, "I replied back with a short devotional that was "ready-to-go" and served with a smile! Thus, the idea for a fast-food theme devotional book began!"

Recently, Lydia sat down at Today's Teen Writer to give us an exclusive interview.

Thanks for hanging out with us at Today's Teen Writer, Lydia. So, let's start with the obvious: What is Devos 2 Go about and when is it scheduled for release?

It released in December 2008! The book's purpose is all about helping teen and college aged students develop a pattern of spending time with God on a daily basis. It is so easy for life's hectic schedule to steal away our time with our Creator. Devos 2 Go serves speedy devotions in powerful, bite-sized portions!

How many times was your manuscript rejected?

Never. Well, maybe once, twice, or three times...or more. In order to remain honest, I think the book was rejected around ten times. After awhile, you lose track. But the important thing is not to lose focus. If you've written a book that you believe in, keep trying!

What was the hardest part about writing this book?

Editing. It's harder to edit your own work than it is to edit someone else's.

How did you grow as a writer as a result of this project?

Getting published is a strange feeling... It is taking a step away from the "I want to be published" stage and into the stage where your writing is finally given the chance to reach out and touch other people's lives and hearts. Completing this book project has helped me grow in the area of ministry by expanding my audience from just family members to teens and college students across the U.S.

Name some of your favorite authors.

Frank Peretti, Joshua Harris, Agatha Christie, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Are there other genres you'd to expand to?

Christian Fiction and Fantasy. I love to write in different genres, it allows me to try my hand at new challenges.

How do you stay organized?

I keep a paper file and a portfolio of all my publications. I also divide up my writing e-mails into folders on my e-mail account. This doesn't mean however, that my desk is clutter free...

Who or what got you to the point you are today?

I would have to say that my family has helped and encouraged me to reach this point. They've patiently read all of my earlier works (which would require much patience to read without laughing), they've encouraged me to develop my writing skills and to keep sending out book proposals (even when the rejection letters pour into my inbox!).

Now for some fun questions! What do you like to do on a Friday night?

On Friday nights, I and a colorful group of puppets conspire about the next puppet show with the 6th-8th graders in my church. I also direct the games for the little kids. There is never a dull moment.

Favorite flavor of ice cream?

Oreo. Is there any other flavor?

Where is your dream vacation?

Somewhere in the middle of a giant forest with sparkling rivers to canoe and mysterious trails and caverns to hike. And of course, a laptop to type up any and all story ideas I may come up with.

Thanks again for stopping in. Is there any advice you would like to give other young writers?

Don't be afraid of submitting your works! It's disheartening to be rejected, but after awhile, it becomes old hat. Just don't allow discouragement to keep you from getting out there and submitting!

More on Lydia: Lydia Rule is an avid writer who is excited about her first book, Devos 2 Go! Currently, she is working on other writing projects as well. When she's not conspiring to make her book characters' lives miserable, she enjoys collecting geodes, antique shopping, ping-pong, tennis, and hiking.

The Outline Demystified

2009-01-01T18:43:00.003-05:00

by Moira Allen

I don't know any writer who likes the prospect of creating an outline. That's probably because we all remember being taught that horrible "1,2,3 -- A,B,C" format in high school. (Hands up, everyone who used to get around those exercises by writing a paper first, and then creating the outline after the paper was done?) Relax -- I'm not going to "teach" that kind of outline.

An outline is simply a way to construct a road map of where you want to go with your article. Another way to look at an outline is to think of it as a filing cabinet. When you research your article, you're going to gather a lot of information. How will you know what to put in and what to leave out?

By creating an "outline" that, in a sense, places "headers" on the files in your cabinet, you'll know whether the information you've gathered fits into the "files" that you have -- or whether it doesn't. If you don't have a "file" for that information, chances are that the information doesn't belong in your article.

For example, when I decided to go "full-time" as a freelancer in 1996, one of the first articles I pitched was a piece on "cancer in cats." I chose to write the article because my own cat had recently died of cancer. When I got the assignment, I roughed out the areas I planned to cover:

Types of cancer

Breed-specific cancers

How to detect cancer

My experience with a cat with cancer

Preventing cancer

Treatments

Hope for the future

Hi-tech treatments

Diagnostic techniques

A quick look at this list showed me that some ideas were actually sub-categories of others.
"Breed-specific cancers" fit under "types of cancer," while "diagnostic techniques" fit under "how to detect." "Hope for the future" fit under "treatments." One category also stood out as not fitting with the rest: "My own experience." I ended up with four "file folders" to work with:

Types of Cancer

Detecting Cancer

Treating Cancer

Preventing Cancer

This, by the way, is an outline. It can be as simple as that. Besides serving as a framework for my article, it provided a framework for my research: I knew what types of questions I had to ask, based on the information I wanted to include. I researched the article on the Web and by interviewing experts, asking questions based on my four topic areas -- and "filing" that information in the appropriate place. If information came in that didn't fit into one of these four areas, I knew that it probably didn't belong in my article.

I also had a slant or "core concept" -- "What you need to know about cancer in cats." (Note how a slant can make a great title: "Is your cat at risk of cancer?" or "How you can reduce your cat's risk of cancer.")

Having that core concept or slant is essential. It tells you what is vital to your article -- what is at the center of your idea -- and what isn't. If you have information or thoughts that don't relate directly to the core concept, then that information probably doesn't belong in the article.

Five Ways to Approach the Outline

I'm no fan of the "1,2,3 -- A,B,C" approach to outlines. This approach tends to get one bogged down in the mechanics -- Is this a subset of #2? Should I move this section here? There are easier ways to put your ideas and information in order.

1) Ask yourself what questions a reader would ask. What would a reader want to know about this subject? Make a list of those questions. For example, a reader interested in cancer in cats might want to know:

How common is cancer in cats?

What kinds of cancer affect cats?

What cats are at greatest risk?

How can I tell if my cat has cancer?

What can I do if my cat has cancer?

What kinds of treatments are available to me?

What are their success rates?

What are their risks to my cat?

How long will my cat live if it has cancer?

Can I prevent my cat from getting cancer?

Where do I go to get more help?

Sometimes, simply jotting down a list of questions is all you need to define the basic areas your article will cover, and even the order in which you might wish to cover them.

2) Think in "subheads." Most published articles are divided into sections with subheads. This is a good way to organize your information (and putting in your own subheads always pleases an editor). The four "file folders" that I developed for my feline cancer piece would also serve very nicely as subheads:

Is your cat at risk?

Protecting your cat from cancer

Detecting the signs of cancer

Choosing a treatment plan

Subheads help you organize your information logically. You'll also be able to determine whether your article is "in balance." If you have 250 words under one subhead and 1000 under another, chances are you need to reorganize the article.

3) List events or concepts chronologically. What happened first? What happened next? What happened after that? What happened last? This approach works well for an article that focuses on events that occurred over time -- e.g., a historical piece, a personal profile, etc. For example, women's magazines often publish stories of how a family coped with a child's illness. A chronological outline of such an article might look like this:

1. Family notices something isn't right with the child
2. Family goes to traditional doctor
3. Family gets reassurances, goes home
4. Child gets worse
5. Family seeks more help; gets more reassurances
6. Child gets worse
7. Family gets desperate; seeks more information
8. Family finds special doctor/support group/information on line
9. Family locates specialist/special treatment/new cure
10. Family is warned of risks of treatment
11. Family goes ahead with treatment
12. Child gets better

4) List points in logical order. Many how-to articles have an obvious logical order: Do this first, do this next, do this next, and do this last. Your outline here may consist simply of a list of things to do, and the order in which the reader should do them. This works well for a how-to article, for example.

A travel article might also have a logical order, based on the order in which one would see or visit a location. If, for example, you'd start at Point A and travel to Point X, a logical way to present your information is in the order in which the traveler following your route would encounter it. This works even for a single location: Trace the route a traveler would take if walking through a site, such as a castle or museum.

5) Make a list. List all the pieces of information that you'd like to include in the article. Then, go over that list and assign numbers to each item based on its importance or priority. For example, if you're writing a piece on ways to improve communication between spouses, jot down a list of all the suggestions you want to cover. Which tips are most important? Which are less important? Which could be omitted without any real harm to your article?

You may find, when you're done, that you have a selection of key points, and perhaps a few "leftovers" that aren't as useful. In some cases, your list may become the actual structure of your finished article ("Five ways to improve communication with your spouse"); in others, it may become the "hidden" structure that underlies your piece, even though you aren't numbering the points in the final article.

Once you've mastered a few alternatives to the classic, hated approach to outlines, you'll find that organizing your material -- and your article -- is even easier than A,B,C!

Copyright © 2003 Moira Allen

Excerpted from Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer

Moira Allen, editor of Writing-World.com, has published more than 350 articles and columns and seven books, including How to Write for Magazines, Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer, The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches and Proposals, and Writing.com: Creative Internet Strategies to Advance Your Writing Career.

Allen has served as columnist and contributing editor for The Writer and has written for Writer's Digest, Byline, and various other writing publications. In addition to Writing-World.com, Allen hosts the travel website TimeTravel-Britain.com, The Pet Loss Support Page, and the photography website AllenImages.net. She can be contacted at editors "at" writing-world.com.

Writer's Ed

2009-01-01T18:42:00.002-05:00

If you were learning to drive, you wouldn't just get into the car and take a cross-country road trip would you? Of course not! You wouldn't be able to navigate difficult interstates and you wouldn't have years of driving experience to make split second decisions that are often required when using the interstate.

Many of us realize this and that's where driver's education and a worried mom come in. Yet, few young writers take the same approach to writing. Instead they just start writing and hope they make it to the New York Times' best-selling list.

But if you want to succeed in writing, if you want it to become more than a hobby, you need to be willing to invest in driver's ed for writers.

What is Writer's Ed? How can I take it?

Writer's education is simply learning about writing and putting it into regular practice (acutally writing).There are a lot of different ways to learn about writing. Some writers prefer one type of learning to others. It's all about what works best for you.

Writing Classes

Writing classes are often taught on a variety of subjects--how to craft a query letter, how to create believable characters and other topics. Some classes are better than others are but one advantage to writing classes is the opportunity to network with others who share your passion.

Remember

If you're debating on taking a local writing class, ask more experienced writers that have taken the class if they would recommend it.

Books

There are many excellent books that can teach you how to write well, format your manuscript and more. One good book on writing is The Young Writer's Guide to Getting Published by Kathy Henderson. If you don't have a whole lot of cash, consider borrowing writing books from your library rather than buying.

Fiction

It's true that you can learn a lot about writing from reading good fiction. Remember those days when you use to play with Lego's? Think of a good fiction like a big structure that's been built with Lego blocks. Don't be afraid to take it apart and examine the parts you loved individually.

What made that scene so good? The witty banter between the main characters? The protagonist's strong voice? The vivid description of the ballroom?

Real Life

You can learn to write just from watching other people. You'll get a feel for how people react when faced with certain situations. You might overhear juicy bits of gossip while you're standing in line at your favorite fast food restaurants. You'll learn to decode body language, play with quirks and other fun stuff.

Real life can't teach you how to format your book or how to approach an editor, but you can learn a lot about characters, settings, all those things add up. After all, most characters are built on real life people we've modified.

Mentors

Most young people that are learning to drive also have a worried mother. Every young driver needs one; just like every young writer needs a mentor.

A mentor is someone that can give you feedback on your writing, encouragement, and advice on how to fix those plot holes. You can find writing mentors in writing groups, at conferences or even in writing classes.

If you're looking for a mentor, just ask a writer. If you're fortunate enough to have a good writer agree, make sure to show your thanks and most of all, be willing to learn!

Writers are continually learning, continually improving their craft. There is never going to come a moment when you feel like you "know it all" but there will come a day when you're confident in what you do know.

Every topic you could ever imagine wanting to know about writing, you can learn from writer's ed. You just need to pay attention in class!

Debra Weiss, editor of Today's Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she's not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

5 Ways To Tell Your Story

2009-01-01T18:41:00.002-05:00

Have you ever tried to write a story that just didn't want to be written? Perhaps you weren't using the right tool. Like trying to loosen a screw with a hammer, it just won't work.

Here are five tools to consider from your writer's toolbox when your masterpiece is giving you trouble.

1) Try journal entries. This can lead to some amazing breakthroughs as you begin to understand your character. While telling a story through journal entries requires a strong voice, several authors have done so successfully. (Melody Carlson's Diary of a Teenage Girl, or Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid are good examples)

2) Play with the timeline. This usually works best if there is one central event that your story revolves around, such as a murder. However, it can be difficult to pull this off as the writer musn't get confused about the order of events. Consider creating a storyboard to help you keep track of your timeline.

3) Use a prologue. Prologues are an excellent way to foreshadow important events in your story. Many, many novels use prologues with varying success. When writing a book with a prologue, don't forget to tie in the prologue with the current events in your story.

4) Switch point of views. This works best if you have multiple stakeholders (i.e., they have something to gain or lose) in your story. Of course it can be confusing for your reader so make sure to give each character a unique voice. An excellent book that has multiple viewpoints is Neal Shusterman's Unwind. Each character has a unique voice that shapes their outlook on life and the world around them.

Remember - If you pick multiple stakeholders to tell your story, only use the ones that have the most to gain or lose.

5) Change the POV. Sometimes characters will only speak in a certain point of view. If you use first person (I, me, my) consider switching to third (she, her, hers) or vice versa.

So now it's up to you. What tool do you need to tell your story?

Debra Weiss, editor of Today's Teen Writer, is a freelance writer living on the East Coast. When she's not writing or editing, she can usually be found at her website.

Markets for January

2009-01-01T18:40:00.002-05:00

Listen Magazine
Over fifty years since the first issue, and the goal of Listen magazine remains the same-teach kids about the consequences of drugs, offer help to those already involved, and promote the benefits of healthy living. Subjects: substance abuse, healthy living. Guidelines

Astounding
Astounding/Analog (often all-encompassingly just called ASF) is often considered the magazine where science fiction grew up. When editor John W. Campbell took over in 1938, he brought to Astounding an unprecedented insistence on placing equal emphasis on both words of "science fiction." Subjects: science fiction. Guidelines

Upcoming titles for the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies:

All in the Family
These serious or hilarious, oh so true stories will touch your heart and make you see that even in the most difficult situations, other families are not all that different from your own. Share your stories with others who may realize we all have the same in-laws, siblings, parents, etc. Submit under your real name, but rest assured we expect most of you to use pen names for publication and change the names of family members to protect the innocent (or guilty!). The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Thanks Dad
We are looking for stories of thanks from "children" of all ages about their dads. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it doesn't matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Thanks Mom
We are looking for stories of thanks from "children" of all ages about their moms. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it doesn't matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2009.

Read Chicken Soup's guidelines here.