A Young Writer’s Journey: Preparing for the Journey

In every novel ever written the main character has to take a journey. This can be a physical journey, a mental journey, whatever. Once they have accepted the challenge presented -or not- every character, fiction or otherwise, must prepare.
Any item with an asterisk (*) is optional.

So, I am preparing for my Journey: A Young Writer’s Journey. If your tagging along, here’s what you’ll need:

Supplies:

• Writing material- pens, pencils, sharpies, crayons*, colored pencils*, markers*
• Notebook (preferably anything to write in. A folder with paper is fine, but a good notebook is preferred.)
  
• Your imagination


• A critique partner* (Don’t worry if you don’t have one)
  
• A computer (to store work after planning in notebook, good for spell check)
  
• Nourishments- any types of foods and beverages that will sustain you for the torturous roads ahead. I like cream soda and butterscotch, myself.


• Your favorite teddy bear (for when you break down crying)


• And patience, because this road is going to be a long and hard one.

Hope to see you on the road

Critique Partners

Everyone needs a someone who will tell them what’s wrong with ________(enter problem here). Same is true when writing a novel! Now, I’m still just a writer. I haven’t actually finished a novel, least of all published one, but from some research I’ve done, here’s one thing I know to be true: Get A Critique Partner!

Critique partners are your best friend in writing. This might be someone who has a knowledge of writing or just someone who loves to read and can tell you what you might be doing right or wrong.

No matter what anyone tells you, your writing may be good or bad-people have different opinions. However a critique partner is that one person who can keep you on track.

It is a long and traitorous road ahead for young writers, so why not have someone to tag along?

Dear [Blank],

For those who make characters like Bella Swan: stop! Why is every female character in YA fiction seem just like Bella Swan? There is always something wrong with their appearance, when really everyone thinks they’re super hot! Or they have some stupid flaw, or that no one likes them, or they are new to town, or thay have "old souls", or they make really stupid choices, or they are really, really annoying!

Like really? Come on! Not every pubescent teenager thinks like that. Some actually think the world revolve around them-trust me, I know a few kids!

I’m just saying that maybe a character who, I don’t know, actually have a personality would be a great change from the ones I’ve been reading.

So for all you young writers, try techniques that make your characters more 3-d, rather then the flat paper kind.