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Writing Tips

1.Collect

This is your GOLD MINE.

  • Keep a Writer's Notebook to gather ideas.
  • It can be small enough to fit in a pocket.
  • Jot down quick things in the back, so they're not forgotten.
  • Write anything you notice, think, or dream about.

2.Draft

A drawing of a paper and pencil.

Find GOLD NUGGETS to use.

  • Try to write something every day in the front of the notebook.
  • It doesn't matter if it doesn't get finished. Authors don't finish their work in one sitting, either.
  • It doesn't matter what genre or style you use.
  • Spelling doesn't matter, either.
  • Write about things that are important to you.
  • Mine your notebook for GOLD NUGGET ideas, if you're stuck.

3. Revise

Choose the GOLDEN WAY to say what you want.

  • When you like a piece that you've been writing and want to finish it and maybe polish and publish it, tear it out of the notebook and save it in a special place for more work until you're happy with it.
  • Make it sound a lot like you, or someone it’s about.
  • Add exciting language; take out boring language.
  • Mix it up. Questions, excited exclamations, quotations for dialogue all add good flavor to your writing.
  • Check to see if it makes sense.
  • Ask someone read it to see if they understand it.

4. Edit

Polish the GOLD.

  • If you really like the writing piece, fix it for others to understand.
  • Check the spelling of words you’re not sure of.
  • Be sure to use all kinds of punctuation to make it easier to read.
  • If you use a computer, it can help with grammar or spelling.
  • Ask someone to look it over for mistakes.

5. Publish

Put your GOLD on display.

  • Publishing a finished piece is very important, too.
  • It can be finished for others to read or for your eyes only.
  • Choose a form that is interesting.
  • A book is nice, with chapters or picture book style or a collection.
  • Maybe a poster or t-shirt would be better. There are so many ways to put your writing on display!

Here are a few other possibilities:

  • Write on a piece of junk mail or newspaper.
  • Write it on a piece or taped pieces of plastic or cellophane (the windows of junk envelopes).
  • Write or paint it on a shirt or towel or t-shirt.
  • Print it beautifully for a frame.
  • Use chalk on the sidewalk.

You CAN be a real author!

Have fun with what you’re written!

books appearing to come out of a tablet

Read A Lot! Good readers make good writers.