Creative Writing Blog for Young Writers | One Year Adventure Novel

How to Write Science Fiction When You’re Not into Science

November 21, 2014
Student Contributor
Industry, Stuck? Discouraged?, The Writing Life, World building, Writing Tips and Tools
6 Comments

Meriah Bradley, Guest Contributor I came to the depressing conclusion that science fiction writers needed to know everything. But a first draft, several short pieces, and much research later I discovered otherwise and learned some things I wish I’d known all along.

Is Planning a Series a Good Idea As a First-Time Novelist?

October 30, 2014
Daniel Schwabauer
Industry, The Writing Life, Writing Tips and Tools
9 Comments

Daniel Schwabauer I’m often asked whether or not a young author’s first book can or should be part of a longer series. The question still surprises me; I’m amazed at the number of teens who aren’t afraid of long-term writing projects.

Am I Too Old for “The One Year Adventure Novel”?

October 23, 2014
Student Contributor
Giving and Receiving Critique, Help with Characters, Push Your Imagination, Stuck? Discouraged?, The Writing Life, Writing Tips and Tools
2 Comments

Michelle Gonzalez, Guest Contributor I think all post-highschool writers can empathize with my struggle to make time for my novel. Whether your job is demanding, you have children, are caring for a sick family member, or are just fighting the daily battle against dirty dishes and laundry, life crowds out writing. Here are my tips for making OYAN actually work for you and your writing dream.

Writer, Are You Willing to be Vulnerable?

October 9, 2014
Student Contributor
Stuck? Discouraged?, The Writing Life, Writing Tips and Tools
1 Comment

Patience Pennington, Guest Contributor When we write, the primary goal is to create emotion. But, why? Why is it so important to create these emotions? Further, how do we make those emotions believable without revealing parts of our own personal story, and risking the exposure of things deep inside our hearts?

Make Your Characters Suffer Without Losing Your Humanity

October 2, 2014
Student Contributor
Culture, The Writing Life, Writing Tips and Tools
16 Comments

Justin Ferguson, Guest Contributor Allow me to say this up front: This post is about inflicting suffering on our characters – specifically, I want to address a negative way we as writers often approach the subject.