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Tips and
Ideas from Karadi Tales – for the Will You Write With Me? contest.
Not sure how to get started? Don’t
worry, we’ve all been there! Here are some writing tips to get you
going…
- Plan,
plan, plan! Make a plan to write. Set aside some time to devote to
writing the story – and stick to your schedule! Structure your
plot and work towards the plan.
- The
best writers are often the ones who read a lot. Read a lot of
children’s fiction and get into the rhythm. Look for inspiration
everywhere.
- If you’re stuck for ideas, just observe the people around
you, especially children. You’ll get some great ideas just by keeping your
eyes and ears wide open.
- Don’t
agonise. All writers need to read through their story a few times to
revise and edit. You don’t have to get it right the first time.
- Too many
critics spoil a story. If you ask for opinions and advice from too many
people, you’re only going to get confused. Ask a few people whose
opinions you value and trust. You’re
often the very best judge of your writing. Read your story to yourself
several times to see if it sounds good.
- Be
authentic with your details. It’s very hard to trust a writer who
is not a credible source of information.
- Writing
for children does not mean you have to moralise or patronise. Be
yourself, and don’t try to teach.
- Grammar
is important. If you’re unsure, have someone proofread your story
for you. Be sure to follow the basic rules of English grammar.
- The
problem with finishing a story that someone else has started is that you
might feel like you have to stick to the author’s tone and style.
Well, that’s true, because you don’t want to lose
continuity. But then again, your own individuality is important as well.
So try finding a compromise – don’t ape the author’s
style, but don’t make a drastic shift either!
- Have
fun! Writing’s all about enjoying yourself, so make sure you have
a ball!
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