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July 7th, 2009
The Teen Author Challenge is here!
“Don’t think, just do.” Welcome to the You 2.0 Teen Author Challenge! If you’re an aspiring writer of YA or middle grades fiction, this feature was created specifically for you. It’s my way of paying it forward, giving a little bit back to other writers the way so many authors generously helped me on my own writing journey. And when you become a published author, I know you’ll pay it forward too. Because I know that’s how you roll. Good karma is a wonderful thing. Everyone is coming to the Teen Author Challenge from different mile markers on the road to publication. You might be toying with your first story idea or trying to figure out how to get it down on paper to start with. Or maybe you’re well into the story, but always find yourself second guessing your choices and starting over before you ever reach The End. Or maybe you’ve written an entire novel–Congratulations! That’s a HUGE accomplishment!!!–but aren’t sure how to go about editing it or getting it ready for submission to agents and editors. No matter where you are on the writing journey, there’s a bit of something for everyone in the Teen Author Challenge. And don’t let the name fool you. You don’t have to be a teen to participate (though I know a lot of you are and I think that ROCKS!). You just have to be passionate about writing YA or middle grades fiction. (P.S. Teachers are welcome to use the Teen Author Challenge as an online resource in their classrooms!) To kick things off, each week I’ll be sharing exclusive writing tips from some of your favorite authors like P.C. Cast, Alyson Noel, Rachel Caine, Susan Beth Pfeffer and more! You’ll also hear inspiring first sale stories, words of wisdom from authors about what they wish they’d known before they sold, and insider peeks at the fun/cool/amazing things that happen between that first sale and seeing your book on the shelf. Once you’re feeling utterly inspired, we’ll dive into the official Teen Author Challenge of the week. The Teen Author Challenge is a year-long writing challenge that will take you from initial story idea to fully-polished manuscript in just one year. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never completed a manuscript before. I’ll walk you step-by-step, week-by-week through a unique writing adventure to help you achieve your goal of completing a manuscript you can be proud of. I started hosting writing productivity challenges almost five years ago, so I’m delighted to bring the best of those programs to you when we get to the “getting it down on paper” part of the Teen Author Challenge. Here are some of the topics we’ll be covering over the next year: ** Creating a crystal clear story concept Just like with the exclusive writing tips from your favorite authors, I’ll be including tons of writing advice and strategies from successful authors and writing teachers in the weekly challenge posts. I’ll share some of my own tips as well, but my goal is to show you lots of different options for getting from Point A (the idea) to Point B (a complete, polished manuscript). There’s no right or wrong way to accomplish this. It’s all about finding what works best for you. So what do you think? Are you ready to write your masterpiece? To kick off the Teen Author Challenge, I want to hear from YOU. If you want to join us on this writing adventure, here’s what I want to know: 1. Where are you on your writing journey right now? 2. Which of the above topics could you most use some guidance on? 3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished? I hope you’re as excited as I am about embarking on this writing adventure together. It’s going to be fun, energizing, eye-opening and… most of all… rewarding. Buckle in for a great ride!
NOTE: New participants and teachers wishing to use the Teen Author Challenge in the classroom are welcome to join at any time. All Teen Author Challenge posts are listed in a blog sidebar box to the right titled (oh-so-creatively) Teen Author Challenge. I’ve also listed them here for your convenience. Welcome aboard, challengers! Week 1 – Be a writing pro
Entry Filed under: Paying It Forward,Teen Author Challenge |
Project FMGM proposalCOMPLETE! 
A 16 year old outsider gets tapped to join a secret society of good populars dedicated to defeating the mean girls of the world.
On shelves now! IndieBound   I’m the author of teen fiction that I wish was based on my real life. My debut novel    
 #1 – GOOD GRIEF by Lolly Winston #2 – THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins #3 – CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins #4 – THE NAUGHTY LIST by Suzanne Young #5 – THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT by Kate DiCamillo #6 – WINGS by Aprilynne Pike #7 – EIGHTH GRADE SUPERZERO by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich #8 – THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE by Kate DiCamillo #9 – HOW TO TRAIN A DRAGON by Cressida Cowell #10 – THE SEASON by Sarah MacLean #11 – THE SEVEN RAYS by Jessica Bendinger #12 – WHISPER by Phoebe Kitanidis #13 – SHADOW HILLS by Anastasia Hopcus #14 – NIGHTSHADE by Andrea Cremer #15 – MOLLY MOON’S INCREDIBLE BOOK OF HYPNOTISM by Georgia Byng #16 – GRACELING by Kristin Cashore (This is a second reading which is super rare for me. One of my all-time faves!) #17 – FIRE by Kristin Cashore #18 – THE REPLACEMENT by Brenna Yovanoff #19 – HEIST SOCIETY by Ally Carter #20 – NEED by Carrie Jones #21 – BRIGHTLY WOVEN by Alexandra Bracken #22 – CAPTIVATE by Carrie Jones #23 – PROPHECY OF DAYS by Christy Raedeke #24 – THIS WORLD WE LIVE IN by Susan Beth Pfeffer #25 – THE LOST SYMBOL by Dan Brown #26 – PLAIN KATE by Erin Bow #27 – THE OVERTON WINDOW – by Glenn Beck #28 – THE THIEF by Megan Whalen Turner #29 – PARANORMALCY by Kiersten White #30 – THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger #31 – MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins #32 – ONLY THE GOOD SPY YOUNG by Ally Carter #33 – THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB by Elizabeth Eulberg |
This is great. Hopefully it’ll help me a lot with my writing ^^ I’m actually in the middle of nowhere cause I keep starting a story then get bored and move on to the next one and as a matter of fact nothing has been finished. The topic of setting (and achieving!) writing goals that inspire us to keep working is my favorite, I want to read a lot about it. Editing also sounds interesting too. Well, once the Program has ended I wish to finish a book on my own. It’d be like heaven.
Hi Thao! We’ll definitely be talking about lots of different strategies and tips for staying motivated. I was a professional trainer who taught goal setting in my corporate days, so I’ve got loads of different ideas to share. Just you wait…
Hi Kay,
This is such a great idea! I actually have a finished YA novel, IF I COULD BE LIKE JENNIFER TAYLOR and I’ve submitted it and been rejected about six times. I have not given up, but I might need a little more push to get started submitting again.:) I also am three quarters through with a second YA novel that is totally different from the first called, WHEN MY LIFE CHANGED.
I’m looking forward to seeing if you can get me over the hump of submitting my first novel again. I want to but just can’t seem to do it.:) Plus I want to finish my second novel and send out that one too.
I love the layout of this blog. Mine is on Blogger and I should really change the layout, but can’t find one I like so I stay with the one I have.:) Come take a look. Maybe you’ll have some suggestions for me. ;
Hi Barbara! Keeping those manuscripts in the pipeline is the best way to set yourself up for success. Cheers to you for wanting to keep things rolling!
This is so great Kay!
Hope you can stop by today – the Blogoversary is going on right now!
Happy blogoversary, Sheila! Your blogoversary post wasn’t quite up yet when I went over this morning, but I sent cheers on the post that was up.
I’m marketing 2 novels right now, an early middle grade and an early YA. Plus I have a mg mystery, I’m revising and a WIP YA. This looks fun. Will you have an RSS Feed for this?
Sounds like you’re cruising right along, Sue! Cheers to you! I’ll check with my web gal about the RSS feed for the Teen Author Challenge. If she can set one up specifically for this feature, I’ll mention it in an upcoming post.
1. Where are you on your writing journey right now?
(Are you toying with the idea of writing, currently working on one or more stories, a seasoned manuscript completer, or somewhere in the middle?)
Currently, I’m just trying to finish writing a SHORT story and maybe possibly try to publish it in Stone Soup or What If? magazine.
2. Which of the above topics could you most use some guidance on?
“** Strategies for getting your story onto the page”. I don’t usually procrastinate except for when it comes to writing!
3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished?
I hope to say, “Over the course of the last year I learned that writing it not just about publishing a book or short story, but also about finding a hidden part of yourself that you never knew existed.” (When you’re imagining me saying this I have a hand over my heart and tears gathering at me eyes.)
I’m really looking forward to this!!
I hope your humor comes through in your writing, Iryna, because you’re hilarious! I laughed out loud at that last part.
And I hear you on the procrastination. We’ll definitely be talking about strategies to overcome that.
1. Where are you on your writing journey right now?
I’m just toying around with ideas. And procrastinating, as usual. I keep waiting for the perfect idea to hit me…hopefully this challenge will help me figure out exactly what I’m waiting for!
2. Which of the above topics could you most use some guidance on?
Creating a crystal clear story concept
** Setting (and achieving!) writing goals that inspire you to keep working
** Strategies for getting your story onto the page
3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished?
That I’ve gotten a good, solid storyline established, and that I’m writing on a regular basis!
Thanks for this wonderful challenge- I’m very excited!
Hi Cate! Waiting for that perfect idea is always a tough thing. Since we’ll be kicking off with creating a really stellar story concept, hopefully that’ll get you over the initial hump and writing like the wind!
This is a great concept, Kay!
I’m currently trying to decide which of the stories that I’ve got floating around in my head to commit to paper.
I could use most guidance on:
** Setting (and achieving!) writing goals that inspire you to keep working
** Strategies for getting your story onto the page
And I would like to look back and be able to say that I have written my firts novel, whether it’s good or bad!
Hi Sophie! Completing that first novel is a HUGE accomplishment. My first manuscript had definite flaws, but I still danced around like a loon when I finally finished it.
I can’t wait to see you do that (loony dancing optional, of course) over the next year!
This is great! I’m not currently writing anything, nor have I contemplated ideas about what I want to write. But if something sparks, I’ll definitely be tuning back in. Either that or I’ll share this with my students who love to write when school starts again.
Hi Kristen! I hope you find something that sparks your imagination. And yes, absolutely! Please do share the challenge with your students come Fall. The more, the merrier!
Hi Kay! I like the idea of having a community encouraging each other to get that book written.
1. On my writing journey, I have two middle grade novels completed. I haven’t been marketing the first one lately, but the second one just came back last week with its first rejection. I am seriously mulling over whether to work in a new subplot or just to send it out again as is. It would be a lot of work and would slow me down on the new book I’m writing, but might be worth it — If I could pull it off and come up with a subplot that would work.
For 2009, I have successfully spent at least 15 minutes of every day writing. Ideally, I’ll put in more time every week or so, but I’ve been amazed at how much progress I’ve made on a new book by sticking with that goal.
2. I think I’m doing the right thing and will get published eventually. I made some connections here and there and know my books have gotten read — just not the right fit yet. I would probably most like to hear from industry insiders on what sort of books they are looking for — hoping for a fit!
3. I’d like to have my third novel finished in a year. I’m still hoping to finish it in 2009, but if I rework the older book, that’s not as likely to happen, so that goal would work: Finished and submitted somewhere.
Of course, I would prefer to say that I have a novel sold, but I like to make goals something I have more control over! I definitely plan to keep sending out Novel #2, and if I rework it, would hope to finish that well before a year is up. So I think I’ll stick with a goal of finishing Novel #3.
Hi Sondra! Wow, you’re like the poster child for what I always say… a little bit every day amounts to a ton of progress! Slow and steady very often wins the race. Cheers to you!
This is such an amazing idea!
1.The stories that I have written up until now have been just for fun. I’ve posted them on some writing websites just to gain feedback and see what others think. It’s been great. I’ve learned a lot about my own writing and it has also helped me commit to one particular story until completion.
As of right now, I’m writing another story just for fun although I am also piecing together a new story concept that has been on my mind for months now. I’m really excited about this particular idea and hope to actually gain the courage and knowledge to eventually submit it.
2.Everything you listed above I would love to learn about.I believe you can never know too much on a particular subject.
3.I hope to gain more confidence, not only in my writing but in the future possibility of submitting my work as well.
I’m sooo excited for this. You are awesome. =D
Aww… thanks so much, Michelle! You’re awesome too! I think anytime you pursue your dreams and set goals to accomplish them you deserve a HUGE round of applause. Welcome aboard!!
I am SO excited about this. I can’t wait to hear more. But, as for your questions, I’m working on my first book now. I have about 10k on the first draft, so I’m not very far, but I’d love to work on writing every day.
I think this is just the thing to motivate and inspire me!
I’m excited to set a writing goal that I can actually live by, and will be interested in finding out about querying/submitting for if (when!) I get to that part. And the author tips/stories, for sure!
In a year, I hope to say I’ve been able to keep writing. I don’t want to have story ideas that just sit stalemate in a Word draft.
THANK YOU for starting this, and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Hi Chelsea! We’ll definitely be here to cheer you on as you find a writing routine that works for you. We’ll be talking about lots of different ways that writers get words on the page from word sprints to Book in a Week challenges to a certain number of words every day. There’s no right or wrong way as long as you get the work done and keep your sanity intact.
And now I’m off to post your lovely Booklover of the Week feature!
1. Where are you on your writing journey right now?
(Are you toying with the idea of writing, currently working on one or more stories, a seasoned manuscript completer, or somewhere in the middle?)
This is going to be so great! I am in the middle of two books right now. I’ve been working on the first since April 2007, and the other since NaNoWriMo 2008. The first is about 30k right now, and the second is about 22k.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to work on either of them for over two months because my own computer has a nasty virus that gets worse every time the computer is turned on, so it hasn’t been turned on once in 2 months. Both of my manuscripts and numerous other stories and ideas are on the computer, and they aren’t backed up. I should be able to save them, but fixing my computer and getting back to normal will take a while.
2. Which of the above topics could you most use some guidance on?
** Plotting vs. “pantsing” and strategies for both
** Strategies for getting your story onto the page
** Editing in all shapes and sizes
3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished?
I want to finish a book for the first time in my life!
A NaNoWriMo girl! I’ve never done it, but I have writer friends who swear by it.
So sorry to hear about your computer. Hope it gets fixed very soon so you can use the Teen Author Challenge to kick start your writing again!
I’m so excited I found your blog and that you are doing this. It’s the kind of motoivation I really need right now
1. Where are you on your writing journey right now?
Right now I’m toying with two different stories. This could always change. I have this horrible habit of never finishing ANY of my stories. I did rescue an old story that I’m hoping I can turn into a YA novel.
2. Which of the above topics could you most use some guidance on?
I want to know about everything you have listed, lol To say I’m eager to really get into the writing buisness is an understatment.
3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished?
I would love to say I started and completed an acutal novel. After that, I would possibly even throw msyelf a party because that is my biggest problem is start to finish.
Hi Amber! Finishing a manuscript *deserves* a party!
Here’s to a productive, educational, celebration-worthy year. Welcome to the challenge!
1. Where are you on your writing journey right now?
Toying with a new idea. This one is for a short story though.
2. Which of the above topics could you most use some guidance on?
** Creating a crystal clear story concept
** Plotting vs. “pantsing” and strategies for both
3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished?
I’ve written a whole novel! Yay me! (Hopefully!)
I can’t wait for the challenge!
Hi Diana! Those are some great goals. And no “hopefully” about it… this is the year you WILL complete a manuscript!
1. Where are you on your writing journey right now?
(Are you toying with the idea of writing, currently working on one or more stories, a seasoned manuscript completer, or somewhere in the middle?)
1- I’m toying with the idea of writing. I have the basic story lines for at least 4 different stories. I need to figure out where to take them.
2- I’m working on some short stories (which are my thing) and a Fan Fiction
2. Which of the above topics could you most use some guidance on?
** Setting (and achieving!) writing goals that inspire you to keep working
** Strategies for getting your story onto the page
The thing about me is that I can’t write long things, that’s why I like short stories instead. My chapters are 2 or three pages long and I could do with some help in that area. I’m lacking describing the settings, I think.
3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished?
I really want to write a book full of short stories. And then maybe, that’ll help me figure out if I can write something a bit longer. I know how I can write my stories, and I want to try something new
)
Maybe one day I’ll publish something!
Writing a collection of short stories is a wonderful goal, Ella! There will be plenty of things in the challenge that you’ll be able to apply to short stories just as you would to a novel. Welcome!
I absolutely love the idea of this! Thanks so much Kay for starting this!
I’m so excited!
1. Where are you on your writing journey right now?
I’m currently in the middle of a book that I keep 2nd guessing everything I write and end up fixing something early on and end up re-writing it (I’ve done this at least 6 times) I’ve been working on it on and off for several years – there’s been certain points where I kind of lose interest as I’m not exactly sure what I want, then I put it away for sometimes up to a couple months. I want it to be just right. At last count I had about 70 hand-written pages, which isn’t very much. But I want those first few chapters to be just right. I really don’t work on it as much as I should either, I’ve been working on and off for several years now.
2. Which of the above topics could you most use some guidance on?
I would love to hear what anyone has to say on any of the topics you have listed, as I can always improve. Probably the biggest one though would be with goals, as mentioned earlier I’ve been working on my book for ages now, and I never have any goals or when I do I never accomplish them.
3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished?
I hope to say I’ve gotten the beginning perfect (so I stop rewriting that) so I can work on the middle and end more, as I know I’ll have to rewrite them many times too to be happy. And hopefully the tips shared can help me accomplish that. I really would like to finish my book, and make it so much better with all the tips people have to share!
I’m super excited too, Erica!
Second guessing is a common problem when you’re first starting out. Sometimes it takes a while to start trusting your instincts as a writer. Hopefully this challenge will help you find the confidence you need so you can continue moving forward and gain momentum in your writing. So glad you’re here!
This is a fantastic idea that comes along just at the right time for me! I have three ideas I’m working on, but the main challenge is getting it from my head to the paper. At the end of the year (wow, long range planning) I just want to have accomplished something! (see Mom, I actually finished a project)
Hi Sarah! We’ll be covering lots of different ways of translating an idea from your brain onto paper. Once you’ve gotten over that hump, the rest of the challenge will help keep you movin’ and groovin’.
Good luck with your goal!
1. Where are you on your writing journey right now?
(Are you toying with the idea of writing, currently working on one or more stories, a seasoned manuscript completer, or somewhere in the middle?)
I’ve written parts of some stories, but I get bored with them and never continue with them.
2. Which of the above topics could you most use some guidance on?
ALL OF THEM. I think everything I could use some help on, definitely. I can’t wait!
3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished?
I hope to say that I’ve actually completed a draft of a novel! Or at least get to page 100. haha. Let’s hope it happens!
Hey Kels! No more hoping… just WILL and CAN and MUST!
Stick with us for the next year and you’ll be rolling along like you never imagined. You can do it!
1. I’m nearing the end of an extensive outline using First Draft in 30 Days by Karen S. Wiesner. I have the first two chapters of my YA novel written in rough draft form.
2. Setting (and achieving!) writing goals that inspire you to keep working,
Strategies for getting your story onto the page
I procrastinate and often feel uninspired (lazy).
3. That I worked on my story every day and finished the rough draft with part of the story already revised.
I’m very excited about this challenge. Thank you so much for creating it!
You’re very welcome, Jazz! It sounds like you’ve got an excellent start already. The challenge can help with some goal setting and productivity tips that may be just what you need to finish that manuscript.
1. At this point, I need to a)buckle down and finish a first draft, and b)edit the thing! I’ve done NaNoWriMo for the past two years, but I have other novel-sized ideas floating around that I just haven’t managed to write down. Not to mention how scary a NaNoWriMo script looks when it comes to editing…
2. I’d like to work on setting goals and putting my writing on the page. I don’t know what “pantsing” is, but I’m certain I could use help on that, too!
3. I hope I will have grown as a writer. I outlined some exampies of that in number one, but I would also like to take the pressure off of myself–to write for me instead of distant, imaginary publishers that will lead me to Stephenie Meyer-like stardom.
Hi Lauren! Taking the pressure off yourself is a wonderful way to get things done. I think the Teen Author Challenge will be able to help you leap that final hurdle–finishing the manuscript–and then edit it too. Welcome aboard!
This is a great idea! I have a completed manuscript that I haven’t touched in several months, because I have no idea how to revise it/what I want to do with it. Right now, I feel like everything in it is too cliched, so I don’t like it very much. As a result, it’s hard for me to get motivated to revise it.
By the end of this challenge, I’d love to have that manuscript polished so that I can start submitting it for publication.
Congratulations on completing a manuscript, Kelly!!! I can’t stress enough what a great accomplishment that is.
We’ll be talking about editing your manuscript later in the year, so that should help your dilemma. But I’ll also be sharing several great editing resources in the meantime to give you the tools to get rolling whenever you’re ready!
I’m a writer somewhere in between I’ve written some and finished and other times I’ve just given even though I thought the idea was okay. I just need a good kick in th btt to keep me going. I especially need help in the editing area. I think this challenge is awesome.
Welcome to the challenge, Ita! I’m so glad you’re joining us. Here’s to a productive writing year!
This is for Paradox,
I also wrote a novel for NaNoWriMo and haven’t looked at it in months. It’s good to put it away for awhile and then look at it with fresh eyes. I can’t tell you how much you get out of doing that.:)
I agree. I think I do my best brainstorming about a book after it’s written and I’ve set it aside to gel a bit. And for some reason, my best ideas tend to come while washing dishes (though I’d never admit that to my husband).
1. I’m definitely in the toying with the idea of writing a novel stage. I get ideas and ideas and sometimes write a bit (a very little bit), but I get distracted by life or shiny things. After redoing the house, I think writing a book is my next long term project.
2. I’d say I most need help with story concept, plotting, and scheduling my butt in chair time! I know the novel will never get written if I never just do it, but I don’t have a path set out yet – I need to learn to plot so I can plod ahead!
3. In a year I hope to be able to say that I completed a book. (However bad it might be.) I also hope to develop my plotting skills – fleshing out the idea to see if it could actually be a novel.
Hooray for the challenge! Thanks!
Welcome aboard, Cari! I’m a big fan of shiny things myself.
Here’s to a fabulous year of productivity and achieving your goal. You can do it!
This program looks completly fantastic! Alyson Noel twittered (us teens and out twitter:) about this site and I just had to check it out. I am just thirteen and have just about finsihed the first draft of my eighteen chapter manuscrpit. I’m completly thrilled, but I feel like, even thought the novel is good…it could be SOOOOO mcuh better. Characters mean a great deal to me and I think that would be the most bennifical aera for me persoanlly, followed by action scenes and then setting. I’m all about the details of every scene. By next year all I would really like to say is I completed writing an entier novel at just thirteen/fourteen (it’s almost my birtdhay). And although it would be amazing to say I have a book publsihed, or even in the publishing process, I simply love to write and thats all. Im not here to write the next ‘Twilight’ or ‘Harry Potter’ (althought that woudl be AMAZING!), I’m just here to write. I’m in advanced language arts in eight grade and my teacher is absolutely blow away at my writing and my uncle is a collage writing teacher who thinks I have real potential. I’m hoping this program gets me somehwere good(:
Thanks so much for making this and im very excited to start!
-Taylor Noelle
Isn’t Alyson the best??? I just adore her.
I’m so glad you found the Teen Author Challenge! I have to tell you… having your first completed manuscript under your belt at 13? That’s AMAZING. You’ve definitely got the discipline to succeed as an author and with your passion for writing, the sky’s the limit! Btw, teachers are using the Teen Author Challenge in their classes, so be sure to let your teacher know about it. The more, the merrier.
Welcome aboard, Taylor!
1. Where are you on your writing journey right now? I am taking baby steps, trying to get a rhythm and figure out how to incorporate a professional writing routine into a full-time career in an unrelated field.
2. Which of the above topics could you most use some guidance on? I am very interested in learning about setting goals and strategies for getting my thoughts on paper. I’m also very interested in getting published.
3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished? My fondest desire is to be able to say that I’ve learned to finish and market my creations and I can begin to see how I am moving forward towards my goal of retirement from my “full-time” career.
I just came across this and I’m stressed about being so late to it! I really have to catch up but I’m going to start here.
1.Where are you on your writing journey now?
I have a general concept and I’ve outlined a lot and started writing.
2. Which one of the above topics could you use most guidance on?
Gosh, all of the above, but as of right now it’s the first one! I always start off trying to write stories without an entirely clear concept. I have always just figured that things would “come to me as I write” but that’s how I always end up writing myself into a corner and giving up. I really really don’t want to do that again. I need to stop rushing, slow down, and make it work.
3. Fast forward to a year from now as we’re wrapping up the Teen Author Challenge. As you look back over your year in the program, what do you hope to be able to say about what you’ve accomplished?
I really hope to have a finished and polished manuscript that is on its way to getting published. It’s my dream and I have full confidence in myself that if I do things to the best of my ability I will achieve this. I am so thankful for this guidance that you are providing for so many of us.
Hi Kay! I’m almost done with a YA novel and I’m interested in getting it published. I’m really worried about getting it finished because technology has been devious, and every time I feel close to finishing I have an awesome idea. ow can I just ‘wrap it up’? Now hat this is happening, I think I want to be a professional writer. This is a great idea! Thanks!
I wish I had seen this sooner I’m so late to start! As for where I am currently in writing I have ideas in my head and have tried toying with them from a few different angles.
In my opinion the topic that would help me the most is Plotting vs. “pantsing” I have trouble drawing the line on things that are background for me to know and things that need to be inlcuded in the book.
A year from now I hope to be polishing up a somewhat complete draft of one of my ideas for a book!