"Join a select group of authors--from Stephen King to Cameron Crowe--all of whom published their first works before turning eighteen. So, You Want to Be a Writer? is the only hip how-to book that walks you through every step of the process, from generating ideas to marketing a book. You'll learn: how to battle the dreaded writer's block. - exercises to improve your storytelling skills. - how to find an agent and get published. - the ins and outs of...

"Wendelin Van Draanen didn't grow up wanting to be a writer, but thirty books later, she's convinced that writing saved her life. Or, at least, saved her from a life of bitterness and despair. Writing helped her sort out what she thought and felt and wanted. And digging deep into fictional characters helped her understand the real people in her life better as well."--Amazon.com.

Supplemented by interviews with successful authors of teen literature--including T. A. Barron, Jona Bauer, Chris Crutcher, and Lauren Myracle, among others--this book presents the elements of fiction, from creating believable dialogue to executing an exciting plot, through real story excerpts. Packed with tips, tricks, and writing exercises from an award-winning author of teen fiction, the guide encourages teen writers to write creatively and explore...