For Readers and Writers
F. Scott Fitzgerald said nobody ever became a writer by just wanting to be one. So definitely the best thing you can do to become a writer is to write. A lot. The second best thing you can do to become a writer is read. (Because by reading good writing and thinking about good writing you will learn how to make your own writing something worth reading.)
Another thing you can do to help your writing is to be on the lookout for opportunities to write and be involved in writing wherever you are. Look for book or writing groups at school or in your community. Enter contests. Go to readings. Take extra classes or camps, visit writers' homes—surround yourself with anything that will make you feel inspired to write and learn more about writing. If you can become involved in a magazine or journal, that is a good way to learn a lot about writing, too. Anything that will keep you engaged and practicing is going to be good for you!
Resources About Reading and Writing
- Young Adult Review Network: Original fiction, poetry and essays for young adults.
- Figment: Share your writing with a community of writers and readers.
- Goodreads: Keep track of what you read!
- This is Push: Great publisher of teen lit.
- Teen Ink: A 'zine by teens.
- Young Writers Project: Ideas & support for teen writers.
- Writers Almanac: A daily poem and more.
- Weekly Reader: Online 'zine for teens.
- Quick and Dirty Tips—Grammar: Be more smart!
- The Compulsive Reader: Great book write-ups!
- Reading Rants: Rants on reading!