Click on the ribbons below to read the winning stories!

 

1. Read everything you can get your hands on!

2. Think like a detective. When you watch people, look for clues to their character. For instance, do they have a confident, upright posture or do they slump their shoulders as though they'd like to disappear into the floor? Are their fingernails bitten down to the quick? Do they look you in the eye when they talk to you, or glance away nervously? It's amazing how much you can tell about a person just by paying attention. These details will help you develop strong, believable characters in your own writing.

3. Keep a journal. Write down anything that strikes you as strange or funny or sad. Jot down story ideas or describe people who interest you.

4. Remember that all writers have to re-write, usually many, many times. First drafts are always ugly and messy! Writing a story is a lot like painting a picture. First you do a rough black-and-white sketch (the first draft). After that you put in some color. Then you start adding details. Bit by bit, a vivid picture begins to emerge. It takes lots of time and patience. Don't be too hard on yourself along the way.

5. Write every day. Just as athletes need to exercise every day to keep their muscles strong, writers need to write every day to keep their imaginations sharp and fresh.