A Message for Young Writers
I knew I wanted to be a writer from the very beginning. It started with a single piece of paper and a spark of excitement in the second grade. I was only seven years old when I turned in my first creative writing assignment. I can still vividly remember the thrill of getting that paper back and seeing what my teacher had written at the top: "Very creative!" That little bit of encouragement stayed with me for a long time. Even though I knew I wanted to write books, my journey took a few detours! I spent 20 years working as a TV news reporter and anchor, writing stories for the news.
Even though I was writing daily, I didn't have my first book published until I was 41 years old. I tell you this because sometimes it can take a while for your biggest dreams to come true—and that is okay! If you just keep working hard and practicing your craft, you will get there.
Lisa’s Advice: Just Write!
I didn't wait for a book deal to call myself a writer, and you shouldn't either. Over the years, I wrote for my school newspaper, I wrote greeting cards, short stories, and I even wrote family newsletters. My advice is simple: If you want to be a writer, just write! Look for every opportunity to put words on a page. Every story you finish is a "workout" for your imagination.
The Secret Ingredient: Reading
To be a great writer, you must also be a great reader. Think of reading like "scouting" for your own stories. Read as many books as you can get your hands on! As you read, pay attention to how you feel:
Which books do you love so much you never want them to end?
Which books just aren't for you?
What kind of stories are missing from the library shelves that you would want to write?
Want More Stories? Write Them!
One of my favorite things is hearing from readers who wish my series were longer. If you’ve finished Mermaids to the Rescue and you’re not ready to leave that world yet, you can keep the story going yourself!
This is called Fanfiction. If you wish there were more mermaid adventures, why not pick a character who didn't get their own book and write a story just for them? You have my official permission to "borrow" my characters and take them on new adventures. You are the boss of your own stories, and the possibilities are endless!
Writing has been one of the most exciting and satisfying things I’ve done in my life. I’m so excited for you to start your own writing journey.