Position:Home>Books & Authors> Preparing to write a book at the age of 15?
Question: Preparing to write a book at the age of 15!?
Here's the case:
I'm aiming for Harvard or Yale!. I think that excellent academic standing is just one of the many things that I have to have in order to get in!. I am thinking that it would be nice for me to write a book, a novel or something that I haven't decided on yet, because I really love making-up stories and expressing my feelings through literature!.
My only problem is I think that I am not that prepared to write a book!. I'm confident with my thoughts, ideas, vocabulary and creativity!. However, I am not sure of my writing skills, my grammars and punctuations, verbs and alike!.
I don't know who to ask for help!.
I'm thinking my vice-principal or my English teacher!.
What else could you suggest me!?
Thank you!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
I agree with what others have said: your first draft is NOT the place to worry about the mechanics of writing!. Just get it out on paper, and go back and edit when you're finished!. Otherwise you get mired down in editing and never finish the story!. (Trust me, I would know!)
I would also add that writing a book because you want to get into an Ivy is not really the greatest reason in the world to do it!. Write because you want to, because you have a story you just HAVE to tell!. Otherwise, it's basically homework, and your lack of interest will show in the story!.
Finally, it just so happens that your question couldn't be better timed!. Next month is National Novel Writing Month, and the NaNo forums are coming alive with first-time and experienced novelists alike, many of whom will be happy to give you some support and advice: http://www!.nanowrimo!.org/ The site itself also has some advice and support, and the pep talks this year include some fantastic authors: Brian Jacques, Meg Cabot, Piers Anthony, Katherine Paterson, Philip Pullman, Kelley Armstrong!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
To quote Hemmingway: "Write drunk!. Edit sober!."
In other words: Don't be concerned about your grammar and punctuation at first!. Just write!. If the book was actually published, it would be reviewed and edited several times anyhow!.
You could also always start with a series of short stories, and eventually compile them into a collection!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
That's awesome! go ahead and write it!. be confident!. i have heard of so many authors that have written novels during highschool, and next thing u know, it becomes a best seller!.
talking to your english teacher is a great idea!. get as much support from your school as possible!. surf the net, try to find blogs where you can chat with authors!. do you know that S!.E!. Hinton wrote the novel The Outsiders when she was a teenager!? it's a really good book!.
Good Luck and i hope to see your book on every library shelf one day :)Www@QuestionHome@Com
I have written books I'm teenage and at the moment trying to get them published!.
My strong points are not really punctuation!.
But everyone who has read my book loves it!. I have my sister who edits it after I write it!. Try your English teacher!.
If you really need help I'm happy to edit it after each chapter
sumara_jade@hotmail!.com
Feel free to email me your chapters!.
Or you could post each chapter on
fictionpress!.com
Enjoy writing your book!. Remember the plot of the book is the most important!.
Good luck =]
MaraWww@QuestionHome@Com
I thought that's what editors were for!?
:)
I also thought my teacher once said some famous writer didn't even know how to spell that well, but he still turned in his work to be published/edited/whatever!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Start with an idea!. Jot it down!. Plan how you are going to write your story!. Write some drafts and post it on yahoo answers when you require assistance!Www@QuestionHome@Com
depending on the audience your book will be aimed at, ask the people of that age and gender to "beta"your bookWww@QuestionHome@Com
As a dermatologist and paleontologist with over 20 years in the field, I've come to learn a thing or two about writing books (or I should say mounds of paper work - haha that's Harvard humor for you)!.
A good subject that you should pursue that my colleagues and I have spent countless hours researching are the effects of Cinnamon Milk or "CinnaMilk" as we like to call it, on the human body!.
In over 100 studies we've conducted on many ethnicities around the world, we've found that CinnaMilk has worked as:
- a sexual stimulant
- weight loss enhancer
- hair restorer
- hearing loss aid
- breath neutralizer
- strong daily supplement
The effects of CinnaMilk are vastly profound and I believe have potential for being a successful product in today's market!. If you shoot me an email we can discuss any further information you would like about our research on CinnaMilk!. I've prepared several presentations, many which I've conducted at Yale, Harvard, Princeton and other Ivy League Schools!. Many questions have come up that inspired future research into the extended effects of CinnaMilk!.
Good luck!.
Www@QuestionHome@Com
The younger you start writing a novel, the better you'll be once you're much order!. I wrote my first full novel when I was ten, and I commenced to get better from there!. Your writing skills, grammar, and punctuation will naturally follow the more you right!. Where to put a comma will become second nature to you, as well as the rest of your punctuation!.
As for developing your writing skill, read tons of books of various authors and genres!. Even if you don't like that genre, read it anyone!. It will expand your vocabulary, your influences, and various styles from various authors!.
Your English teacher is a good person to go to for help!. But be mindful that you're only fifteen, so I wouldn't suggest trying to get it published until you've flawlessly mastered your writing skills!. It took me eight years go flawlessly master mine to the point where I'm ready to publish!.
There have been kids your age who have gotten publish, but if you read their books, you'll likely shake your head and think those kids should have waited!. SE Hinton is probably the only exception!. But Flavia Bujor, Paolini, and several others should have just waited!. But I think they were published because Bujor was thirteen and Paolini's parents owned their own publishing company!.
You'll be better at sixteen, better at eighteen!. Be patient when writing a novel!. I also recommend writing books, such as How to NOT Write a novel--200 Ways!. I also have listed other writing books on my profile that are worth taking a look at!.
Join a writer's group, such as absolutewrite!.com or writersdigest!.com!. The critics are tough there, but they'll help you improve!. Www@QuestionHome@Com
I started writing my first novel at 15, am now 27 have a BA with Honours in English have composed several drafts and have two completed novels!. And I think you can do this!.
Jot down as many ideas as you can and try to shape them into short stories!. Then try and see if you can extend any of these stories into a longer work!. also, don't be afraid to talk to your English teacher!. Your teachers are there to help you!. Take additional classes or even just borrow a book on grammar from the library (I recommend 'The Little Book of Style' for some basic tips)!. With practice and research you will become more confident!. But remember you don't get anywhere unless you start, so start writing now!.Www@QuestionHome@Com