At the library where I work, I’ve recently seen a number of teens who are interested in writing. My daughter and some of her friends are included in this group. This generation of “digital natives” have some interesting ways to pursue this hobby. They write stories on their cell phones, online, and in blogs. Fortunately, they still know how to function with pen and paper as well.
I’d like to find a way to encourage them and perhaps give them a bit of guidance. But they are a skittish group, not ready for criticism and not interested in being taught. This is their outside-of-school hobby, after all.
I’ve been thinking of holding a “workshop” for teen writers. All who sign up for it can come into the library after hours to work on individual projects. They can share if they wish or they can just work alone. I, and maybe one or two other local authors if I can get them, would be available if they had questions.
I am a bit unique in that I work in a library and have teen daughters, so maybe I see more beginning writers than most authors do. But I think all authors get asked sometimes for advice on writing. Like me, right now, asking you for help. I really need to know:
What sort of advice would you give to budding teen writers?
