One thing that is important to learn when you begin writing is that all writers are different, so there is no right way to write.

I tend to work best by letting the story idea percolate in my imagination for a while before I sit down to type it out. I set out some main ideas or plot points and then start writing.

(Some) Main things to remember are:

• you need a plot – something has to happen and your plot needs a beginning, a middle and an end. And also the bits in-between.
• you need characters – you are telling their story. What happens is happening to them. Characters are just like real people with their own personalities, like and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, and hopes and fears.
• you need to be mean – a story where everything is perfect, and everyone is nice and nothing goes wrong is boring. Be a meanie to your characters; how they cope and what they choose to do next is going to be interesting to read.
• you need to read – A LOT. Writers are readers and by reading you learn about how stories work and you pick up how language is used.
• you need patience – it can take a long time to write a story. And it can take an even longer time to perfect it.
• you need stamina – it takes a lot of work to write the first draft. And then you have to re-write it. And then you have to re-write bits of it again. And then you have to re-re-write it. And then you have to edit it….
• you need to learn how – you can do this by doing a writing course or simply by checking out authors blogs or websites. You can also ask your teacher for help. The best way to learn how to write is to have a try!
• you need to enjoy it – have fun writing your story! Go for it and enjoy turning the idea in your head into words on the page. Yes it is hard sometimes but that’s ok. Leave it for a bit and then come back to it. When you are enjoying telling the story, it shows in your writing.