TIPS FOR AUTHORSTip #1: Creating based on a theme Click the video to watch the process, from brainstorming to drafting! |
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Tip #2: Writing scenes in fiction
The best novels and short stories are ones the reader can witness, and say “I feel like I’m there” inside its scenes. Sometimes when young writers try to write stories, though, the scenes feel more like summaries. How do you write scenes that the reader can feel immersed in?
The answer is to develop the scene fully, with a balance of description (setting, people, objects), small actions (not just the most important ones), and complete exchanges of dialogue. Don't worry about how long it takes to develop a draft--it might take a writer two hours to write 500 words, but it only takes a reader two minutes to read that!
To do a story well, narrow your scope--if you’re trying to write about a family on a week-long vacation in less than 1000 words, it’s going to be a summary. Try instead to write about the critical five minutes of the vacation--the few minutes when all the truth of the family shows through, without all the extra events, meals, travel time, and so on.
Tip #3: Sharpening language (for any type of writing)
In writing, authors can sharpen their phrases and sentences to work more clearly and efficiently by doing the following:
UNSHARPENED EXAMPLE: Giving kids more choices puts the control back in their hands, and ultimately helps them start to get rid of stress. Because of this, students could be encouraged by counselors or therapists to join clubs and groups to embrace a positive energy and build strength to feel in control of their own decisions.
SHARPENED EXAMPLE: School counselors should encourage students to join clubs, where they can forge positive connections, reduce stress, and gain a sense of autonomy.
Tip #4: Dual levels in poetry
While classic poetry (before 1900) reads like philosophy, contemporary poetry isn’t only musings on abstractions like Love or Peace. The purpose of poetry has shifted, from one of pretty philosophical phrases to one of sharing an experience, much like stories!
On a surface-level, a poem might have a setting, people (maybe just the speaker), or a situation. A second, significance-level could connect it to something universal, like Love or Peace. The poet might also just make the reader consider the surface-level in a new way, or understand the experience that the speaker has there.
For an example of this, check out Billy Collins’ “The Chairs That No One Sits In.” On the surface, it’s about those always-empty chairs on a porch or lakeside. The significance is that Collins makes the reader see those chairs with the new emotions of wistfulness and hope.
The best novels and short stories are ones the reader can witness, and say “I feel like I’m there” inside its scenes. Sometimes when young writers try to write stories, though, the scenes feel more like summaries. How do you write scenes that the reader can feel immersed in?
The answer is to develop the scene fully, with a balance of description (setting, people, objects), small actions (not just the most important ones), and complete exchanges of dialogue. Don't worry about how long it takes to develop a draft--it might take a writer two hours to write 500 words, but it only takes a reader two minutes to read that!
To do a story well, narrow your scope--if you’re trying to write about a family on a week-long vacation in less than 1000 words, it’s going to be a summary. Try instead to write about the critical five minutes of the vacation--the few minutes when all the truth of the family shows through, without all the extra events, meals, travel time, and so on.
Tip #3: Sharpening language (for any type of writing)
In writing, authors can sharpen their phrases and sentences to work more clearly and efficiently by doing the following:
- Avoiding diluted verb phrases like “started to,”
- De-cluttering unnecessary words
- Using the best available verb for the sentence
UNSHARPENED EXAMPLE: Giving kids more choices puts the control back in their hands, and ultimately helps them start to get rid of stress. Because of this, students could be encouraged by counselors or therapists to join clubs and groups to embrace a positive energy and build strength to feel in control of their own decisions.
SHARPENED EXAMPLE: School counselors should encourage students to join clubs, where they can forge positive connections, reduce stress, and gain a sense of autonomy.
Tip #4: Dual levels in poetry
While classic poetry (before 1900) reads like philosophy, contemporary poetry isn’t only musings on abstractions like Love or Peace. The purpose of poetry has shifted, from one of pretty philosophical phrases to one of sharing an experience, much like stories!
On a surface-level, a poem might have a setting, people (maybe just the speaker), or a situation. A second, significance-level could connect it to something universal, like Love or Peace. The poet might also just make the reader consider the surface-level in a new way, or understand the experience that the speaker has there.
For an example of this, check out Billy Collins’ “The Chairs That No One Sits In.” On the surface, it’s about those always-empty chairs on a porch or lakeside. The significance is that Collins makes the reader see those chairs with the new emotions of wistfulness and hope.
TIPS FOR ARTISTS
We’ve seen a lot of artwork from young people, and want to give you a little advice on what makes the best artwork shine. Check out our tips below!
Tip #1: Take Photos Of Your Art
Since we accept digital files only, taking a good photograph of your art is important to letting it look its best! Here’s a link on how to photograph 2D and 3D art without professional supplies:
https://www.theartleague.org/blog/2015/08/13/the-zero-budget-guide-to-photographing-artwork/
Tip #2: Attention To Detail
Whether you’re using colored pencils or a computer, there are three items that make a huge difference in the quality of a final product:
● Attention to background
● Texture
● Shading/blending colors
There are lots of good videos on any of these techniques. Simply search for your particular skill and medium, like “blending colored pencils,” “shading acrylic paint,” or “background texture digital art.”
We’ve seen a lot of artwork from young people, and want to give you a little advice on what makes the best artwork shine. Check out our tips below!
Tip #1: Take Photos Of Your Art
Since we accept digital files only, taking a good photograph of your art is important to letting it look its best! Here’s a link on how to photograph 2D and 3D art without professional supplies:
https://www.theartleague.org/blog/2015/08/13/the-zero-budget-guide-to-photographing-artwork/
Tip #2: Attention To Detail
Whether you’re using colored pencils or a computer, there are three items that make a huge difference in the quality of a final product:
● Attention to background
● Texture
● Shading/blending colors
There are lots of good videos on any of these techniques. Simply search for your particular skill and medium, like “blending colored pencils,” “shading acrylic paint,” or “background texture digital art.”