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So, you want to be a writer?Writing Tips from the Pro's!Resources to help you out!

Writing is hard work, but it's also a lot of fun. And one of the things you can do to become a better writer is read, read, read. That's a lot of fun too.

Becoming a published writer takes a lot of time and effort — and a lot of practise. You might write a story and think it's wonderful and then come back and read it again and think it's not so great after all. But that's when you can do your rewriting. Maxine TrottierAuthors don't just write something once, they write it over and over again until they feel it's just right. Look at Robert Munsch: he tells a story over and over (sometimes for years) until he thinks it's ready to become a book. Don't get discouraged.

You might start a writers' group to help you get some feedback on what you've written. You could also self-publish your book and ask your school librarian to add it to the library's collection — you'll find the comments of your readers both interesting and helpful.

Phoebe GilmanEveryone needs a little help or guidance if they want to become a writer. Below is a list of helpful resources for young writers.



Remember: it's not important if you publish or win prizes with your writing. The most important thing is to keep writing and to keep reading the work of other writers. And remember to have fun when you're doing it.

Good luck!

The Editors
Scholastic Canada

Writing Tips

1. It may be hard to come up with ideas. Keep a journal of interesting things that happen in your day. It may be just one short sentence: "Big storm today."

2. Try short writing exercises each day; ask yourself what makes you happy/angry/sad/excited. Write about it.

3. Keep a notebook with you all the time. You never know what great idea might hit you while you're riding the school bus or reading a book.

4. If you don't like a part of your story, try rewriting it. Just because you wrote an ending, doesn't mean it has to end that way.

5. Try writing the story out of order. Write the ending first, the beginning last.

6. Change the characters. If you don't like the way they act, change the way they act. They're your characters — you can make them do whatever you want!

7. Talk to someone about your story ideas. See what interests them.
Resources (Books)
Look at my Book: How Kids Can Write and Illustrate Terrific Books by Loreen Leedy, published by Thomas Allen
ISBN 0823415902
In an easy-to-follow format, this book examines the basics of producing a book. It looks at such things like lettering and artwork. Learn all about what goes into making a book! Written for writers 4-8.

Meet Canadian Authors & Illustrators by Alison Gertridge, published by Scholastic Canada
ISBN 978-0-439-98780-6
A reference guide featuring interviews with 60 top Canadian authors and illustrators who offer excellent advice for aspiring writers and artists.
Once Upon a Time: Creative Writing Fun for Kids by Annie Buckley and Kathleen Coyle, published by Chronicle Books
ISBN 0811842274
Learn how a story is made! From great beginnings to exciting endings, this book shows writers aged 9-12 how to make a story shine.

The Young Writer's Companion, by Sarah Ellis, illustrated by Juan Fitzherbert, published by Groundwood Books, 1999
ISBN 0888993714
Includes story starters, anecdotes about and quotations from famous writers, and bibliographies that tie in with the story starters.

Scholastic Guides: Putting It in Writing by Marvin Terban
Scholastic Guides: Writing with Style by Sue Young

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