April 10th is National Encourage a Young Writer Day–a few Hidden Shelf authors offer encouragement and advice to aspiring writers: 

First, write, write, write. Keep a journal. Write thoughts and feelings. Write small descriptions. You would be surprised at how the muscle-memory of writing keeps events fresh in your mind for years! You’ll be using those impressions and descriptions all your writing life.

If you’re serious about writing, be serious about learning grammar. Do it now, while your youth makes it easier to learn. If you’re not getting this knowledge at school, take online courses. Seriously. I am a member of several online writers’ forums, and it is heartbreaking to see people with good ideas and much effort, working hard, and producing CRAP because they haven’t bothered to learn how our language works. Respect the art and craft of writing. English is a tool. Learn to use it with exquisite precision, and you’ll be rewarded with the gift of effortless writing—your writing will not be inhibited, shackled, muddied, and tangled by misuse of that tool.

When writing verse, free or rhyming, pay attention to the cadences of the words.

-Dana Stewart Quinney, Wildflower Girl 

Honor the story you want to tell, it matters. Your story doesn’t have to resonate with everyone, but it still matters . Take criticism with a pinch of salt. Don’t be discouraged- but also make sure you make time for your writing, and constantly work on improving your craft. 

-Sana Balagamwala, House Number 12 Block Number 3

-Ann Marie Stewart, Out of the Water 

Your story is your story. No one can tell your story better than you! Trust yourself.

-Dr. Brian C. Johnson, Send Judah First