tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67845167592574882012024-03-13T16:11:46.778-07:00Katy Duffield | #Tips4YoungWritersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15537859967068875470noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6784516759257488201.post-9566746386688226532015-07-05T16:52:00.000-07:002016-05-03T13:49:16.040-07:00#Tips4YoungWriters<br />
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Hellooooo, writers!<br />
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I'm so glad you stopped by.<br />
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In my book (ha!), there is nothing better than writing. I love coming up with fun settings, creating characters, causing trouble for my characters--and then letting them find their way out of that trouble. I also love researching and learning about new topics--and then writing about all the cool things I've discovered.<br />
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I <i>always</i> have something in mind to write about and I figure many of you do as well. So, to celebrate the beginning of a new school year, I decided to tweet some of my favorite writing tips. My Twitter handle is @KatyDuffield, and I'll be using the hashtag #Tips4YoungWriters. Beginning Tuesday September 29th, 'll add a new tip each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. I hope you find them useful!<br />
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I'll also keep a running list of tips here on this blog post. That way, you can review them or see any that you may have missed.<br />
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If you have special writing tips of your own, please add them in the Comments section. That way, we can all help each other!<br />
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~Happy Writing!<br />
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Katy<br />
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#Tips4YoungWriters<br />
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1. Write your first draft FAST! Just get it on paper.<br />
2. Observe everything! Ideas are all around you.<br />
3. Make sure your characters are active. Make them "do-ers"!<br />
4. Read your story aloud. Does it "flow"?<br />
5. Make a list of problems your main character might face.<br />
6. Always carry a writer's notebook. Record what you see, hear, smell, feel.<br />
7. Try writing or illustrating a book with a buddy.<br />
8. Write a story from the END to the BEGINNING.<br />
9. Take a walk. Take your notebook. What do you see, smell, feel, hear?<br />
10. Brainstorm a list of goofy/futuristic/spooky/ancient settings. What story could take place there?<br />
11. Even if it's not perfect, always try to finish your story. You can always "fix" it later.<br />
12. Read the kinds of books you'd like to write.<br />
13. Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite. Revision will make your story stronger. I promise.<br />
14. Record thoughts/ideas/dreams/descriptions/feelings in your writer's notebook.<br />
15. If you were your character, how would you feel in his/her situation? What would you do?<br />
16. Practice being an observer of people, places, things.<br />
17. Brainstorm three new endings for your story. Which works best?<br />
18. Stuck on a story? Sometimes it's hard. Trust yourself and keep going!<br />
19. Let your main character solve his/her own problem.<br />
20. Dialogue between characters needs to move the story forward--it needs to have a purpose.<br />
21. Write a one-sentence summary of your story. This can guide you as you revise.<br />
22. Write a poem about something that scares you. Now, write a story on that same topic.<br />
23. The first draft is NEVER the final draft. Look it over. Make it better.<br />
24. Aren't sure what comes next in your story? Ask: What if [blank] happens? Make a list. Explore your favorites.<br />
25. As you write, imagine your story unfolding like a movie. What do you see in your mind's eye?<br />
26. Need a story idea? Mash two unlike things together.<br />
27. Make us root for your character.<br />
28. Never give up!<br />
29. Strive for a distinct beginning, middle, and end.<br />
30. Don't be afraid to try new things with your writing.<br />
31. Leave out everything that doesn't advance your story.<br />
32. Your first (or 2nd or 3rd) draft won't be perfect. Keep working!<br />
33. Write the kids of stories you love to read.<br />
34. Go to the library every week--every day even!<br />
35. Write every day. If you have time to surf the Web, you have time to write.<br />
36. Keep an extra notebook by your bed.<br />
37. Make an outline using your favorite story or book. Study the structure.<br />
38. Find an interesting photo. Write a story about it.<br />
39. Interview your characters. What they tell you might surprise you!<br />
40. Exercise your body. It helps your brain.<br />
41. Don't TELL us how your character feels. SHOW us through his/her actions.<br />
42. Brainstorm ten new titles for your work-in-progress<br />
43. Make a list of the worst things that could happen to your character to keep him/her from reaching his/her goal<br />
44. Trade stories with a friend. Critique each other's work. Be kind and constructive.<br />
45. Write every day--even if it's only for ten minutes.<br />
46. Use strong verbs. Instead of "she walked slowly," try "she meandered."<br />
47. Spelling and grammar are TRULY important, BUT they can wait until after the first draft to be corrected.<br />
48. Let your story "rest" for a week before revising.<br />
49. Are you interested in a particular topic? Research! Write!<br />
50. Even when it's hard--even when you don't know what to write next, keep going!<br />
51. If you don't know what comes next in your story, ask: What if...?<br />
52. Write a story from the END to the BEGINNING.<br />
53. Your character should have a problem and a want.<br />
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