These inspiring stories focus on young writers. I had a teacher who encouraged my love of writing early on, and if you missed it, you can read that story in my post, “The Lonely Caterpillar and Finding Inner Peace.”
One of my favorite books as a teenager was written by S. E. Hinton. She began writing her bestseller, The Outsiders, at 15, finished it at 16, and published at 18. Since its release in 1967, The Outsiders have sold over 15 million copies and are translated into 30 languages.
Some young-writer success stories:
- Alec Greven wrote How to Talk to Girls when he was nine. Published by Harper Collins, it became a New York Times bestseller and Alec has appeared on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Early Show, Good Morning America, and CNN.
- Jake Marcionette went the autobiographical route and wrote a novel about moving to a new school at age twelve. He had an agent just two days after an online search. His novel, Just Jake, made it to the number seven slot on the New York Times bestseller list for children’s middle-grade books.
In my research, I discovered an organization called Think Ahead Kids Foundation. The purpose of this non-profit is to provide funds to help children with writing, illustrating, editing, and publication. One of their kids, Natasha Huehmer, has several fun illustrated activity books available on Amazon.
Don’t consider yourself a writer? Why not try journaling? Studies suggest writing only 20 minutes a few times a week can boost your immune system, relieve stress, refocus your perspective, and diminish persistent anxiety.
Writing can help you understand feelings, focus on gratitude, and live in forgiveness. Journaling can include many forms of expression. Gratitude journals focus on thanks and praise. Bible journals represent the way God moves through our lives. Free-form writing encourages recording the unedited flow of thoughts. Also, journals can also include photos and clippings, much like a scrapbook; just add your thoughts and memories.
Words bring us knowledge, hope, comfort, and help us communicate love and care. Above all, writing can help you find your words, your voice.
Do you journal? If so, what is your favorite format? Please share in the comments below!
“For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” Psalms 33:4
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