Claire Rosemary Jane, children's author and Kids on the Net Advisor, suggests:

1. My first piece of advice, is to both young and old, children and adults alike, and it is to say that you are never too young OR too old, to make a start.

2. Secondly, the writing world is VERY VERY competitive, so you must be prepared and able to take your work being rejected often, and to not take it personally.

3. Thirdly, write for the joy of writing. Someone, somewhere, may well be interested in what you have to say.

4. Fourthly, ideally write about something that you at least know something about. If you don't know some of the facts, research the information you need carefully. There are many sources from which to obtain this sort of information, of which the internet is one, but do not overlook your local library as a useful source of information. I have spent many hours combing through books in libraries for factual information for my stories. And don't overlook your school as a source of information. That is one reason why you go there, to find out about things which will be important to you later in life.

5. Fifthly, to read is good, and most writers will emphasise this, but additionally take an interest in many things, places you visit and so on. I have some amazing stories about how I have come across ideas for stories. My very short story, "Katie's Pencil" written on an American train especially for a girl on that train called Katie is just one example. (If you want to know more about this story, email me and ask!)

6. And finally, don't be afraid to have a go. And if you are a child or a teenager, despite what it says above on this page, please feel free to email me for advice, I will reply if I possibly can. My email address can be found on my own website which can be reached by clicking on this link: http://clairerosemaryjane.com/

Get more advice from lots of children's authors and illustrators.

Throughout the site...

There are tips and hints throughout this site on how to write stories, poems, book reviews, event reports, and new media writing that uses all the possibilities of modern technologies including the internet. Read the tens of thousands of pieces of writing on this site by other young people and we look forward to reading the writing you submit to us!