Alyssa Nichols asked Robert Beatty:

Hi! You're one of my favorite authors; your writing style is beautiful, and your characters are well developed. I read that you started writing when you were eleven? Did the stories come to you in dreams? I'll try to keep this short. I read your tips on the process of a book. Do you have any tips for a teenager who wants to publish a book? I, like you, started writing when I around 12. Thank you for being inspiring!

Robert Beatty Yes, I started writing when I was eleven and my writing was not very good at that time. Here is the advice I have for you:

-Write now and as often as you can. Carve out some time in your day, everyday, if possible.

-Keep at it. Like I mentioned, I started writing at the age of 11 and it wasn't until forty years later that I published my first book, "Serafina and the Black Cloak."

-Develop a system of feedback that works for you. For me, that means sharing my work throughout the writing process with a trusted circle of readers to get their reactions to the story. The network includes professional editors, educators, family and friends, and general readers of all ages.

-When possible, participate in writing workshops and classes. It's another very useful way to gain feedback and improve your writing.

-Think of yourself as a storyteller, not as a person writing a book. Focus on weaving a tale that's going to keep your readers on the edge of their seats.

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