How to Encourage a Young Writer

Encouraging a young writer to harness their youthful imagination while honing writing skills can go a long way in developing their voice for great storytelling. Young writers encounter many of the same issues as their seasoned counterparts. Encouragement is much needed and appreciated, as the writing life is rife with pitfalls and setbacks. Here's what you can do to encourage a budding talent.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Provide a young writer with the materials to keep writing. Paper, pencils, pens or even a computer should be made available for them to write whenever the inspiration hits.
2. Promote literacy through reading together. Writers tend to be voracious readers, and reading with a young writer expands his vocabulary. Encourage the child to read authors with varied styles to foster development of a personal style.
3. Find young author groups in which the young writer can participate. Writing groups are generally led by a facilitator with experience coaching young writers and offer the opportunity to writing with his peers. If you can't locate a group in your area, develop writing exercises such as a list of topics or writing prompts to teach self expression and practical writing experiences.
4. Create a book of the young writer's work. Seeing her work bound like a "real book" validates the young writer's efforts. Instill a sense of pride in her writing by compiling and editing her work. Provide information about the process of publishing, which is the goal of any aspiring writer.

Tips & Warnings

• Focus on self-esteem and confidence of the young writer. Most of all they need a mentor that believes in their abilities.