What is your advice for an aspiring teen author?
posted in Society & Cultures |Question by ellenemerson3: What is your advice for an aspiring teen author?
I am 13 years old, and it is my dream to become a writer. I have decided to try to write my first novel, and while I know that it may not be a success, I still want to try. I was just wondering if you have any advice or knew any agents that have been known to accept teen authors. Please I already know that my chances of getting published are one in a billion so if you don’t have any good advice or useful information, don’t post.
Best answer:
Answer by wordweaver_three
13 is a good age to start writing, it’s a skill that has to be honed, and unlike riding a bike, will deteriorate with lack of use. The chances of getting published aren’t that bad. The better your work is the better your chances of getting published are. If your writing is very bad, your chance may be one in a billion. On the other hand, outstanding work will be recognized and has a very good chance. Almost 100% if the author is persistent. Judging by the construction of your question I think it’s fair to say you have the basics of writing pretty well in hand. That being said, the novel is not the place to start your writing career. Novels are major undertakings and are a painful way to learn the trade. I’m not saying don’t write it, I’m just saying don’t put all your effort into it. Try your hand at short-stories first (less then 10,000 words). Write each one as a study in specific areas of writing (Dialogue, description, character development, point-of-view, etc). It’s easy to get lost in a novel, the “canvas” is enormous and you’re free to wander around, sometimes too much. The short-story is more point-a to point-b, and will teach you discipline. Plus, if you finish a short-story and say to yourself: “Wow, this sucks!” It’s not a big deal since you don’t have much invested in it. It’s also a shortcut to being published, there are magazines that pay for short works. The pay isn’t much, but there is pride in saying “I’m a published author”.
Good luck, and for more helpful advice go to Writer’s Digest website.
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