Tips for a young writer?

Greetings! ^_^ I'm a 14 your old writer myself, though I write fan fiction as one of my hobbies. I could go on and on of what you should/shouldn't do, but I'll just cover the basics. (I also am experienced in writing canon too, writing FF is just good practice)

1.) I know quite a lot of people who write purely on improv. To let you know, this will get you no where and is the easiest way to hit writers block early in the story, ruining the whole experience for you. Planning out your plot is EVERYTHING!!!!

There are several ways to plan out your plot. For me, I like to get a good idea of the ending of the story, and from there, I write the plot from the ending to the beginning with the general idea in mind.

Or you could just write it the old fashion way and write it from beginning to end. Whatever is easier for you! (FYI, most mystery novels are written in the manner I write my plot in, from end to beginning.)

2.) Make the characters emotions human-like. I recently read a story where a 15 year old girl got in an argument with her mother, her mother slapped her, and in return the 15 year old stabbed her. _-_

She then, barely tears up, hops on a motorcycle, and goes out to eat. That's not realistic at all. 1.) A world where daughters stab their parents for punishing them is a world I hope I never have to see. 2.) The daughter's not one bit sorry that she just killed her mother?! WTF?

So just try to keep true to human nature and don't pull that "light side of the force" BS from Star Wars where the Jedi aren't allowed to show any emotion at all. K?

3.) This is possibly the most important rule of all- Keep true to proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, ETC. In a lot of the non-published stories I read on fan fiction.net I see a gargantuan block of text, (No space that signifies the start of a new paragraph.) legions of misspelled words, and so many improper grammatical phrases that the Grammar Nazi's would start a WW III!!!!! So pick up one of your highschool's English book's and look at the Grammar rules. So the Grammar Nazi's won't have to go ape sh*t!

So, must I say that reading such a monstrosity is a major turn off?

That's everything I can think of on the top of my head. Besides perhaps one important point= Creativity, Determination, and Discipline.

Creativity because: One of the thing that captivates people into reading your story is originality. God knows that we don't need another vampire romance novel!

Determination because: If you're serious about writing a book(s) you need to be able to triumph every obstacle, big or small, to keep writing. Writers Block is a deadliest thing for a writer to catch, but with enough determination, it is just the thing to cure it.

Discipline because: If you're serious about writing, it needs to become your "link to the mortal world" Everything you do needs to be revolved around writing. Expect to be writing nonstop for hours on end without sleep, food, or beverage.

I hope this helps give you a bit of insight for writing, and that writers are very odd creatures. Willing to surpass and put aside everything for the purpose of writing. Heheh, I may make writing sound like a scary thing, but it's honestly worth it if you can pull it off. ^_^

P.S. Something that is good to know is the POV of the story. Such as having it in first person (You'll write it as if it were happening to you. Use first person pronouns such as I or my.) Or third person (You'll write it as if you're, in a sense, God. You write about everything that's happening. Sub POV's under third person are: Omniescent(You write about EVERYTHING...Using 3rd person pronouns) Subjective: (Follows one characters tale but you use 3rd person pronouns)

Another good thing to know about is tenses. Past: You write as if it had already occurred, (This is the only tense I have the ability to write in, It's just how I am,) Present: As if it were occuring. Future: As if it will occur (I have yet to see someone write in this tense.) Once you pick what POV the story is and what tense, you will want to stay with that tense. Don't jump around, it gets confusing. Also, you can write in a particular tense by changing the verb form ;D

The most important tip is to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. The only real way to get better at writing is to write a lot, everyday. Here are three ways to help you:

1. Keep a journal -- The only way to really improve your writing is to do lots of it. A journal will get you in the habit of writing everyday, and will help you organize your thoughts and improve your spelling and grammar.

2. Take classes -- There are lots of online classes on creative and fiction writing. Most are very inexpensive and will expose you to other writers and writing techniques. Classes at your school, library, or other community organizations (like writers organizations) might be good too.

3. Find a critique group or partner -- Once you have written a story or two, or a major hunk of a novel (20,000 words or more), start looking for someone who also writes to give you feedback. Again there are online sources for critiques that are free, except for your time. Local writers' groups are everywhere and can be a good source for swapping critiques and learning.

Best of luck, and enjoy your writing journey!

Never say suddenly or all of a sudden

Don't make super heroes, they aren't realistic.

If you wouldn't read (about) it, don't write it.

Study things that you want in your story(antisocial personality disorder for example).

Read constantly, learn from other peoples writing styles and vocabulary.

Use real life experiences to connect with characters in your story as well as those who may read it.

Never stress over names, rare names are unrealistic, use rare names rarely of ever.

Don't go on and on over one little thing. Too many details are BORING.

If I can thnk of other tips I'll edit this later.

Tips tips tips. Wow, there are so many tips.

Well I only have two for you (three, I guess)

1) Practice Practice Practice. Like anything else, that's the only way you're going to get better.

2) Read Read Read.

Writers don't really create anything. They just take snippets of other things they've read, seen, or heard about and mash them up to fit their story. By reading it helps you develop your style and get a taste for what's popular and good.

3) Don't use adverbs ending in -ly. They suck.

Remember that if you are a minor you can’t get into a binding contract without your parents or legal guardians consent. Literary agents and publishers will remind you of this.

Writing a book takes more than just sitting down and putting your idea into words. There are a lot of things that you have to consider.

Keep an eye out for spelling and grammar errors. When typing fast with fresh ideas in our heads, we tend to forget ourselves. Check and recheck your work. Editors are very expensive these days. When checking your work over, try not to put too much trust into Spell Check if you’re using MS-Word or any other writing program. Words can be spelled correctly but used in the wrong context. Spell Check will not find those as being an error.

You’ll need to know how to write an effective ‘query letter’ to a literary agent. The letter will also include a synopsis that will hold the interest of the agent, and want to make him or her ask for the first three chapters of your work. Never send a manuscript to a publisher or literary agent without querying first. There ‘are’ some publishers who will allow this, but you have to make sure you follow the guidelines for submitting to a Tee.

You’ll need to know how to format your manuscript. This includes the fonts (size and type) that most agents, editors, and publishers want. These are usually Courier New and Times New Roman (12 pt). Short stories and novels are formatted differently. You will need to follow submission guidelines just as they are laid down for your submissions. Anything less will result in your manuscript sent back or destroyed unread.

You will need to know what Point of View (POV) is. Know how to write in First Person Point of View. You’ll need to know the can and cannot of each.

Do you know how to write dialogue? How to format dialogue? This is very important and allows the author and his/her characters to communicate with the reader. Remember dialect as well. Dialect is how a person speaks. Your characters may be highly educated or dumber than dishwater. ‘Ain’t got none’ is highly acceptable when used properly by a character who is even less than street smart. Keep in mind that it’s not a good idea to have two or more people speaking in the same paragraph. Each person speaking should have their own paragraph. Some may argue this point, but to be plain and simple, it’s not the right format. It’s confusing and it’s very amateurish looking.

It’s a good idea to know some of the publishing laws. The use of names and places.

These include:

o Delivery Of Satisfactory Copy

o Permission for Copyrighted Material

o Proofreading and Author's Corrections

Learn how to get a ‘word count of your work. Some novels have a prologue and an epilogue. You’ll need to know how to write them and why they’re used.

One of the most important issues in manuscript submitting is the proper ‘page set up’ for your work. This includes margins, indents, and paragraphs. Most editors will want to see your manuscript double spaced. This allows the editor to use his/her proofreaders marks between the lines. Most margins will be one inch all around with a ragged right margin and an even left.

Are you prepared to do a lot of ‘research’ involving your work? Remember that many professionals such as, doctors, lawyers, nurses, public accountants, judges, architects, bricklayers, engineers, and police officers read, too.

Do you know what a sub-plot is? This is a plot that comes ‘under’ the main plot. The hero may be after the vampire, but the mob may be after the hero as well. This is a sub-plot.

Can you take rejection and constructive criticism? If you’re easily hurt in the feelings department, then writing may not be your forte. Critics will tear you apart or build you up. The best writers in the world “King, Patterson, Koontz, J.K. Rowling, and many others” have been torn up one side and down the other. You can’t please everyone.

You’ll need to get a copy of Writer’s Market for the current year. This has literary agents whom you can send out query letters to. Some of them allow email queries. They also have a website. Google: Writer’s Market.

The more you write, the better you will become. If you write about something that inspires you and then reread it a few months later you will be able to add a lot more to it and take a lot away from it. If you keep doing this it will generally improve your writing. But you have to believe in yourself as well and be patient and it will come :)

If you want to become a writer who's good enough to be read, just set that as your intention and then read, read, read. Set the bar high but not unreasonably so-'Hemingway' doesn't happen overnight. Blog out here & share your writing. Get feedback and be kind. You will need good writers to mentor you along the way and good writers don't waste time on writers driven by false egos. We're all in this together. Good luck!

A little work can make your writiing excellent. Here is a good website I used since I also like to write.

http://www.ralphfletcher.com/tips.html

well,try to make sure you plan it,so your brain can brainstorm its brilliant ideas,and make sure that you go over each sentence untill it is perfect(for your liking).Also try to use the best describing words to keep your reader intrested.1 last tip,make sure your story flows.i wish u the very best:)

Keep a thesaurus handy, or use one online to find better words.

Read loads :)