Published in the WritingKid Newsletter at www.fundsforwriters.com |
Ever felt like people looked down on you because of your age? Ever been to a critique group and people don't listen to you because you're still in school? I've received comments like "You've barely started life" or "How old are you, sweetie?" Stings, doesn't it? Flaunt your young talent. Let your copy speak for itself. Send it to markets for "grown-up" writers. Unless you're lying or breaking contracts, once editors accept your work they won't mind your age. They purchase content, not people. Age doesn't matter if the content fits their needs. It's an asset Teen years can even be an asset. Teen markets range from contests to paying magazines and newsletters. The WritingKid newsletter delivers twelve or so markets in each issue, and Hope Clark's highly readable book "Markets for the Young Writer" is a must-have. Moreover, writing your article (or book) from a young person's point of view will give it some individuality. Adult writers grossly outnumber teen ones, but no matter how much the former try writing teen persona stories, only the exceedingly talented can fake the real thing. People don't easily feel a teen's emotions, but we can tell it, because we're experiencing them right now. We're all in the same boat Partner with others to find some new markets (or learn writing tips!). Head down to www.absynthemuse.com. One of the benefits of joining is The Little Owl Mentoring Program. You get a fully-fledged author to answer your queries on writing related stuff (now that's a sure life- saver!). These authors respect us and are keen to help. Another wonderful group to join is The Teen Writing Club. Occasional contests are organized but loads of critiques from over 100 members are available. Another great teen group is Teen Street Cafe. Learn from young pros It's a comfort to realize others have made it. Ned Vizzini started writing as a teen and now has three famous books under his belt. Marty Beckerman who started quite young, too. In an interview he said, "There are a lot of ups and downs to being a teen writer. People are always going to assume you're incapable of producing anything other than bad poetry about the girl who won't go out with you -- but on the off chance you pull off an ambitious and insightful piece, readers will be vastly more impressed than if a twenty-something had written the same thing…" Let these two inspire you. It only takes courage to take the plunge. Conclusion Polish your work and show off what you can do. If your young age still keeps letting you down, keep on practicing. You'll grow up soon enough! RESOURCES WritingKid - http://www.fundsforwriters.com/writingkid.htm Absynthe Muse - http://www.absynthemuse.com Teen Writing Club - http://www2.writing.com/main/handler/item_id/619884#sw Teen Street Cafe - http://www2.writing.com/main/handler/item_id/1011077 Ned Vizzini - http://www.nedvizzini.com/ Marty Beckerman - http://teenwriting.about.com/library/weekly/aa093002a.htm The Tattoo - http://www.readthetattoo.com |