Today is Encourage A Young Writer Day! I love this day because I love to write. I always have. I remember being a little girl, writing a book as a project for school and making a few trips to the Young Authors Conference. The encouragement from family and friends and teachers made all the difference.
If you've got a little writer in your life, here are some great ways to spark creativity and get them writing more:
Make a book. Take turns with your child in writing chapters in a story you create together. Neither of you will know where the other goes but both of you get to journey together through the plot and the book's end. It also makes a great keepsake you can treasure as your child grows. This is also a perfect activity to do with loved ones far away - like grandmas and grandpas who live out of state or even cousins they don't get to see everyday. The price of postage is worth it!
Get them reading. The more stories and styles of writing a child is exposed to, the better their writing will be. Include diversity in their reading selection so they can learn about how their writing can showcase new perspectives.
Buy them a journal and a great pen. You could even get their name engraved in the pen to give them even more ownership of this tool they can use for their poetry and prose.
Have them enter contests and research other young writers. This will give them a chance to get great mentoring and maybe even a chance to connect with some editors. It can also be a great confidence boost.
Find local conferences and workshops they can attend. There are so many excellent programs in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. Many are also virtual so your little author can attend even if they can't drive to them!
These are just some thought starters. There are loads of ways you can encourage your young writer. You can find some more when you search the hashtag #EncourageAYoungWriterDay