Writers
Ready, Set, Write!
A Kid’s Guide to Creating Awesome Stories
By Tami Nantz
You love stories—I do too! Maybe you’ve read a book that made you laugh out loud, cry a little, or stay up way past your bedtime (even though you promised your parents you’d only read one more chapter). And now you’re thinking…
Hey, maybe I could write one too!
So where do you start?
Lean in real close, because I’m about to let you in on a huge secret…
The first step to writing…is actually WRITING!
No joke! It’s not thinking about writing, carefully color-coding your notes, or staring into space hoping inspiration hits. It’s simply putting words down—on the page or on your screen—even if they’re messy, awkward, or make no sense at all.
Here’s the good news: Your first draft doesn’t have to be brilliant. It just has to exist. Whether you’ve got a million story ideas or just one weird one that won’t leave you alone, this guide will help you get started.
Start with a “What If?
Every great story starts by asking a simple question.
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- What if your pet could talk—and got better grades than you?
- What if your school secretly trained spies?
- What if the villain from your favorite movie showed up and asked you for help?
A strong what if? question takes an ordinary idea and turns it into something exciting and full of story potential.
Tip: The best what ifs have consequences. Think: What would change because of this? Who would it affect? Keep asking until your idea feels ready to grow.
2. Meet Your Main Character
Every story needs someone interesting to follow—whether they’re a hero, a troublemaker, or just a regular kid in way over their head.
To figure out who your story is really about, ask yourself:
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- What do they want more than anything?
- What’s standing in their way?
- What’s something strange, funny, or totally unexpected about them?
Tip: Make your character believable. Give them strengths and weaknesses. Even better? Make them afraid of something ridiculous—like public speaking, clowns, or ducks wearing hats. (Hey, it’s your story.)
3. Choose Your Setting
So, where exactly does your story take place? A broken-down future city? A mysterious old theme park? A sleepy town with one suspiciously glowing mailbox?
Your setting helps build the mood and makes your story world feel real.
Tip: Use all five senses to imagine the setting. What does your character see and hear? What’s the vibe—peaceful, creepy, totally chaotic? And don’t forget—a good setting creates interesting problems. A sudden snowstorm, a power outage, or an overcrowded airport can change everything.
4. Give Your Character a Problem
No story works without a problem. Your character needs something that challenges them—forcing them to act, fail, rethink, and grow.
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- Maybe they need to break a family curse.
- Maybe they have to survive the most awkward summer camp ever.
- Maybe they just really, really need to pass math class.
Tip: Make things complicated! Let your character struggle. Add a rival. A deadline. An embarrassing misunderstanding. Conflict equals story momentum.
5. Just Start Writing
Here’s where most writers (including me!) get stuck. They wait until the idea is “perfect” or until they “feel like writing.” But waiting around won’t get your story written.
Start writing. Right now.
Sure, it might feel clunky or even a bit strange at first. That’s okay. First drafts are always messy—that’s why nobody sees them yet. Your goal is to take the idea out of your head and onto the page.
Tip: Set a timer for just 10 minutes. Write without stopping until it goes off. Don’t second-guess yourself or hit backspace a thousand times. Just write.
6. Make It Better (But Don’t Obsess)
Even your favorite authors don’t nail it the first time.
Writing = rewriting.
Once you’ve finished, read it again. Does it make sense? Is something missing? Did your main character’s name randomly change halfway through?
Tip: Read your story out loud. You’ll catch awkward phrases, missing words, and moments that just don’t flow. Remember, you’re not aiming for perfection—you’re just making it better.
7. Share Your Story (Even If It’s Scary)
Let’s be honest—sharing your work can feel intimidating.
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- What if people don’t like it?
- What if they do like it, but not enough?
- What if someone suggests you quit writing and start goat farming instead?
Here’s another little secret: Every writer feels this way. The key is to start small. Share your story with someone you trust—a parent, a teacher, a sibling, or best friend who owes you a favor.
Tip: Look for writing contests or school magazines that publish student stories and poems. Or simply read it out loud to your dog. (Dogs are awesome listeners.)
Most Importantly: Have Fun!
Writing is weird and wonderful and frustrating and fun—all at the same time.
Some days, you’ll feel like a storytelling genius.
Other days, you’ll stare at the screen for 20 minutes and wonder if you’ve forgotten how to write a simple sentence.
That’s normal. Keep going.
The world doesn’t need a perfect story.
It needs your story.
So grab a notebook. Open up a blank document. Set a timer, and start writing.
Your first story is waiting for you!
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