Madeline
Madeline asked Robert Beatty:

Hi, Mr. Beatty! I just turned 12 in October and I love your books. I'm writing (or hoping to continue) one of my own right now. According to friends and family, I have very good vocabulary. I've written the prologue, chapter one, and haver started chapter two with about 7,000 words. Any tips on how to stay motivated and stretch creativity? By the way, have a nice day, to anybody who reads this! :)

Robert Beatty Hi Madeline,

Thank you for your comment! Keep up the great work on your writing. Here is some advice I like to share with aspiring writers:

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

-Keep at it. I started writing at the age of 11. Forty years later, 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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