Did you know November is National Novel Writing Month? Do you want to encourage your children, teen or yourself to be a better writer? The best way to learn to write is simply to start writing. Every person has a story to tell. Encouragement to start your love affair with writing is within yourself.
Tips to Release your or your Child’s Inner Writer
1. Write
Make time to write. The statement may seem simple. But reality can make finding writing time extremely difficult. Work, school and other commitments mean full schedules to take up your time to enjoy a creative outlet. Consider devoting at least 20 minutes a day to your writing. For your children, set up a time before the bedtime routine. The quiet reflective time can help your child or yourself relax after a long day.
2. Your Own Space
For many inspiring writers, a dedicated writing space is necessary. A well-supplied desk can be an outlet for hours of writing. Other inspiriting writers can do their craft anywhere.
3. Writing Tools
- Journals: Journals are a great way to encourage writing in your children and yourself. Older children especially teens may find journal writing a great way to express emotions. Even younger children can tell stories for you to write down. Looking back on past entries, the best part of journal writing is the memories.
- Notebooks: Spiral notebooks are an inexpensive resource. Encourage story writing even short entries may be a start to larger creative endeavors.
- Pens and Pencils: Using different writing instruments can be a valuable part of the creative process. Often, writing longhand is inspirational to your creative process.
- Gel Pens and Markers: Another creative instrument is colored gel pens and markers.
- Storage Space: Create a storage area for your writing. A cabinet, bookshelf, or a storage bin are perfect ways to keep your writing or children’s writing in one place.
4. Outside Influences
Exposing your children or yourself to new experiences creates inspiration. Depending on your personal interests and the age of your children, find appropriate local community events. Use the experience to write in journals or create short stories.
- Poetry Night: Exposure to other people’s musings may inspire you to write.
- Author Readings: Attending author oriented events allows you to connect with others in the field.
- Open Mic: Poetry, readings, songs and other creative endeavors are generally part of an open mic night.
- Library Events: Check with your local library for events. Many host story hours, reading clubs, children and teen events. Getting a library card
- Field Trips: Schedule times to try something new. Go to a museum, art gallery, or other events outside of your regular routine.
- Community Events: Networking in the community allows you to meet new people. Observing others in different social settings may result in the perfect character for your writing.
5. Write Others
Practicing writing does not have to be formal. Writing others the old fashion way or snail mail allows you to concentrate on the words. You can outline stories of your day. If you do not know who to write, consider:
- Pen pals
- Grandparents/Older Relatives
- Nursing Home
6. Conferences, Seminars, and Writing Organizations
Formal education allows you to expand your skill set.
Writing is a great creative endeavor. Children can learn to test their imagination by storytelling. Teens can use writing as a tool to express emotions. Creativity inspired outlets have long-lasting benefits. From school to work, using your imagination may inspire unique ways to approach a problem or project. And, who knows maybe your writing will result in a published novel.
