Advice for young writers … from a young writer!

Hey, everyone! I’m Alexa Schnee, a writing student of Mrs. Goyer’s who recently acquired a book deal with Guideposts. Mrs. Goyer asked me to share some of my thoughts on writing and how young writers can get a start on writing their own book.

When did I know that you wanted to be a writer? I think a lot of us just seem to know it’s what we want to do. I would write stories as a kid, print them out, and staple them together. They were nothing special, but it inspired me to keep writing and try harder.

It was only when Mrs. Goyer offered to help our writing class land a book deal that I really started taking writing seriously. I sat down and finished my first book, Shakespeare’s Lady. I was so proud that I was able to accomplish something as special as finishing it and I believe everyone who wants to be a writer can write a book, too! Here are just a few tips that I thought helpful when I started writing.

*Think of what you are passionate about.
Do you love animals? Or what about mysteries? Maybe you can’t get enough of World War II like Mrs. Goyer. I love Elizabethan times, so it was much more fun for me to write about Shakespeare than something I might not have liked as much. Write what you love and your readers will love it, as well.

*Pick out some really good music.
You would be surprised at how motivating music can be. I have a playlist on my iPod to play in the background when I’m writing. If you’re writing historical fiction, you can even pick music from that time period to help you get in the mood.

*Set aside some time.
You can’t write a book in a day. It can be hard to set aside time with school, your job, friends, and more, but crafting a good story does take some time. I write when I get home from school and on the weekends. Breaks from school are also a really good time to dig in and get some work done.

*Have fun.
Writing is fun and if you are reading this, you probably know that! Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down with all that goes with it, but remember, the whole point is for you to enjoy what you are doing. It is hard, but imagine how accomplished you will feel when you write your last word!

Also, congratulations to the Goyer family! Welcome, Baby Alyssa!

More About Alexa:
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.

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.