Writing Advice for Teens: Creating Stories

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Writing Advice for Teens: Creating Stories

by Mike Kalmbach (Goodreads Author)

4.39 of 5 stars 4.39 · rating details · 28 ratings · 18 reviews

When all you have is a blank page, it's often tough to begin writing.

Writing Advice for Teens: Creating Stories aims to help you overcome that initial hurdle by making it easy for you to write down simple, focused ideas and craft them into stories.

However, coming up with ideas is not enough. Teen writers need to understand basic story structure so they can avoid typical wr...more

Paperback, 174 pages

Published April 24th 2012 by CreateSpace

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Jul 30, 2012 Kayla rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, won-from-first-reads, 2012-reads

I won this book from a first reads giveaway here on goodreads!

I was super excited to find out that I had won this book from first reads because I've never read a book quite like it before! I've always had a passion for writing and when I was in my early teens I would have a blast coming up with interesting story ideas, characters, etc. Of course, I also dreamed of becoming a published author someday. I wish I'd read this book sooner! If I'd read this in my early teens, I might have actually been...more I won this book from a first reads giveaway here on goodreads!

I was super excited to find out that I had won this book from first reads because I've never read a book quite like it before! I've always had a passion for writing and when I was in my early teens I would have a blast coming up with interesting story ideas, characters, etc. Of course, I also dreamed of becoming a published author someday. I wish I'd read this book sooner! If I'd read this in my early teens, I might have actually been motivated to stick with my writing and actually finish a story of some sort. Better late than never though... right?! This book really motivated me to get back into writing, even if it's just for fun and my own personal enjoyment.

Mike Kalmbach has written an awesome writing guide for teens (and really anyone) looking to become better writers. This book is filled with helpful advice on basic things like characters and dialogue to things like developing a writing routine and even tips on how to overcome writer's block. Seriously, I couldn't do this book justice just telling you all that it offers, you really have to give it a chance yourself because this book is GREAT! It offers so many different tips - I'm sure if you have a question on how to write a story, this book will answer it. One thing I especially loved about this book was that there were so many exercises and writing prompts that really allowed me to practice and remember what I was learning.

One of my favourites things about this book is that it felt more than just a book telling the reader what to do and what not to do. It felt more like the author was just a friend giving some advice on writing. I wasn't ever bored reading this and I honestly really enjoyed it. Like I said, this book motivated me to get back into writing. I really recommend this book to anyone looking to get serious about writing. I'm definitely looking forward to the next books in the series, especially the ones focused on writing prompts and publishing.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 20, 2012 Bh Larsen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I had an opportunity to preview this book. I found it to be well written, full of great information, and easy to follow. The advice which Michael Kalmbach gives teenagers is practical and he provides examples that relate to the current teenage culture. I am looking forward to giving a copy to a teenage family member who is into writing stories and poetry.

1 like · like · see review

Feb 22, 2013 G.K. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Forget the fact that this says 'teens' in the title. The writing advice given in here is really beneficial to anyone from kids, to teens, to adults.

I really wasn't planning on writing a review of this., but after reading it, I feel like I have to tell people about this. I normally don't read how-to books, but this was free, and I have been writing short stories since I was a little kid, so I though, what the heck? I'll try it.

I was surprised how full of useful information this book was. I have...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 15, 2013 Melody Armstrong rated it 5 of 5 stars

What were the main themes of the book? How well did the author execute these themes? Writing and expanding your imagination. And yes, the author did a wonderful job at executing these themes. Being in my final year at uni (creative writing), most of the pointers in this book are spot on.

Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - "Some of the most fascinating story ideas come from
something ordinary." I completely agree with this and it is how we use our imagination to create something be...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 19, 2012 Adam Ortyl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Yes. This works. The long and short of it is if you are a teen, or an adult who is a beginner to writing, this would be a great first resource.

Why should you read it? WAFT does something very well: It knows its audience. The conversational tone makes it easy to read, and easy to digest. This is presented as a textbook of sorts, which I always assume to be dry, but that isn't the case here. It doesn't read like a text book, it is smooth like suede.

What will you get out of it> A LOT. If you ar...more Yes. This works. The long and short of it is if you are a teen, or an adult who is a beginner to writing, this would be a great first resource.

Why should you read it? WAFT does something very well: It knows its audience. The conversational tone makes it easy to read, and easy to digest. This is presented as a textbook of sorts, which I always assume to be dry, but that isn't the case here. It doesn't read like a text book, it is smooth like suede.

What will you get out of it> A LOT. If you are expecting just lists of what to do and what not to do you will be pleasantly surprised. Granted, all of that good information is here, but where WAFT really shines is with the activities. The book is chock-full of them - you should really plan to read with blank notebook and a pencil ready (though it is not required).

Why is this good specifically for teens? Why not just... 'Writing Advice for People'? That is a good question, and the answer is that this advice would be beneficial to any beginner no matter the age. The author knows his audience. This book is practical. This book is accessible. You are not going to sit there and say 'well I just read the chapter and I understand the words but what the heck does it all mean?'. No. You are going to understand what was presented in this book.

Alright Jerk - if you like the book so much, then why is it only 4 stars? I get asked this question all the time by myself in my reviews. The truth is that it is just the nature of the beast. I like to reserve 5 stars for books that can't be beat. This book is great, don't get me wrong, but the subject matter is huge and I just get the feeling of it being incomplete, or just scratching the surface. Maybe that is the goal for the book, or maybe once the others in the series come out I'll have a different opinion. But for now I would rank this book a very good 4. It accomplishes what it sets out to do.

The all important questions: Do you recommend it? I know you have to ask... but were you reading the review? c'mon! Of course I recommend the book. Can you guess to whom I would? You've got it. Teens and beginning writers of all ages. Duh!(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 23, 2012 Lynn Kelley rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'd recommend this for any beginning writers, from bright middle schoolers up through adults, not just teens, although the common sense advice the author offers, like goal setting, is geared specifically for teenagers. This book is easy to understand and explains the basics every good story needs. Kalmbach knows his stuff and covers pretty much all aspects of a writer's life. He walks the reader through the various steps required to complete that first short story or novel, starting with the ide...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 12, 2012 David rated it 5 of 5 stars

Writing Advice for Teens ~ Creating Stories is Author Mike Kalmbach’s latest venture (or should I say adventure) into the writing realm. Creating Stories is his first book in the Writing for Teens series. So far in his young career, Kalmbach has completed one novel (working on his second), mentored new writers, has done some freelance editing, leads a writers’ group, created the Rochester Writers Collaborative and started WritAnon, an online writing community. I’m guessing ADHD may have played a...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 27, 2012 Sarah (TotalTeenFiction) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, young-adult, review-copy, own, on-the-blog

Full review here: http://totalteenfiction.blogspot.co.u...

I was sent a copy of this book by the author after I expressed interest in the book on Goodreads. I, myself, am a writer so I was really excited to get a look at this book! I've been writing seriously since I was about 19 and reading this book made me realise how much I could have used this when I was a teen.

The book provides writing tips on everything from writer's block and dealing with distractions, to how long your book should be and...more Full review here: http://totalteenfiction.blogspot.co.u...

I was sent a copy of this book by the author after I expressed interest in the book on Goodreads. I, myself, am a writer so I was really excited to get a look at this book! I've been writing seriously since I was about 19 and reading this book made me realise how much I could have used this when I was a teen.

The book provides writing tips on everything from writer's block and dealing with distractions, to how long your book should be and how to create interesting characters. This book is tailored towards teens and provides age approriate advice. An example of this is some really great tips on what school subjects and extra curricular activities would be handy for aspiring writers. The book also focusses on distractions that would be a problem for teens, and how to fit in writing around things like school and homework. The author also provides references to books such as Harry Potter, which helps make the advice relatable to the target audience.

Overall, though, the writing advice in this book would be useful to anyone. There are lots of exercices placed throughout the book designed to spark ideas. I found myself learning an awful lot about things I've been doing wrong and finding some new things I can't wait to try out! The book is easy to read - not at all intimidating or wordy. There's a glossary of words at the back and any important information is displayed in boxes on the page, making it easy to pick out any key points.

I'm very much someone who has to work hard at writing - it doesn't come naturally to me as it does with some people. This book made me feel like that wasn't a problem at all and had great advice about how I can work towards the goal of becoming a writer. I found it to be very encouraging whilst at the same time preparing the reader for the difficulties of writing and getting published. The tone was friendly and I really enjoyed reading it.

If you're an aspiring writer (old or young!) then there's an awful lot to be learnt from this book - I'd highly recommend it!(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 16, 2013 Ravina Andrea Kurian rated it 4 of 5 stars

I studied writing so many years ago, guides like these were hard to come by. This guide is simple, to the point and is a soft kick in the you know where to get you going. The writer states it's just for teens but my book club members and I are confident that it will be a handy tool for any writer that is starting out.

What I did feel tad bit annoying was that several bits were repeated at least three times. But then again, the target audience for this book may see these as more necessary than I...more

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Apr 30, 2012 C.G. Worrell rated it 5 of 5 stars

In “Writing Advice for Teens: Creating Stories,” author Mike Kalmbach has crafted a guide chock full of humor, practical examples, and useful exercises. Its goal is to give teens the tools they need to tap into their creativity, get their ideas on paper, and flesh them out. His approach isn’t preachy or dry; it feels more like a casual, friendly conversation. There are precious few guides like this for the teen audience, so Mr. Kalmbach’s latest book represents a godsend for kids with the writin...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 15, 2013 Bob & Eliza Richardson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cover - Loved the depiction that one seeks calm place to write or churn out ideas for a story.

Formatting / Appearance - There were no issues at all. Loved the hyperlinks at the beginning.

Content - Mike Kalmbach's writing is to the point and simple. Considering that the target audience is teenagers, I liked the way he kept each page relevant and motivational.

What I liked - He has written in the book as though answering the questions of a teenager who is sitting in front of him. His tips aren't...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 22, 2012 Josie Ann rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Get rid of all your writing books, because this is the only one you’ll ever need; well, this and the other books in the series! There were so many things that were touched on in this book, and it made so much sense after I read it. For example, saving your work daily, via emailing it to yourself or saving it to a flash drive as opposed to depending solely on the file saved to your computer. There were exercises, tips on battling writer’s block (yes, it does exist), and even a character sheet tha...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 30, 2012 Danielle Allen rated it 5 of 5 stars

The first book in Mike Kalmbach’s planned “Writing Advice For Teens” series is helpful, practical, and easy to read. Advice is presented in a clear and informative way, without ever talking down to the target teen audience, and still remaining light and fun so that the reader never feels bogged down.
If you are an adult writer looking for some helpful basics, don’t let the “teen” label turn you away. As a freelance writer, I found this book gave me helpful reminders while also learning new stylis...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 05, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I selected Writing Advice for Teens: Creating Stories by Mike Kalmbach out of the many books on Goodreads' First Reads list. I chose it as a possible teaching resource for junior high and high school teachers. Upon reading it, I found that it is not only a helpful guide for teen writers, but any writer that has another job or is just starting out. I learned after receiving the book, that the author is a local man from Minnesota.

I like how the book is organized, very simple and logical. It starts...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 29, 2012 Alison Kemper rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lucky me! I got to read an early version of Writing Advice for Teens. As usual, Mike Kalmbach does a fantastic job of meshing serious subject matter with just the right amount of humor. WA4T would make an excellent textbook for creative writing classes--teachers will love the easy-to-follow lessons, and students will enjoy the fun writing prompts and character worksheets.

1 like · like · see review

Sep 06, 2012 Marcusbran rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a great book. I am getting started writing fiction again after a 20 year hiatus, and even then I wasn't too dedicated. This book was perfect for me and where I am at.

Great advice that has helped me strengthen my last short story considerably!

Thanks! I look forward to others in the series.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 14, 2012 Karen Rock marked it as to-read

Looking forward to finding ways to help my students craft fiction stories

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May 27, 2012 Halita Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mr. Kalmbach definately gives you advice in how to write and how to come up with plots, ideas as well as characters. He covers things like Character Development, Plot and structures. This book would definately be an asset to anyone trying to write a book and get published.

1 like · like · see review

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About Mike Kalmbach

Mike Kalmbach grew up in a forest near Lake Michigan. Spending his summers chasing wizards and battling evil ogres, Mike has always had a creative mind. He'll often share stories from his past, and some of them are even true.

After time dragged him from childhood, Mike moved into freelance editing, helping other authors improve dozens of stories. During the daylight hours, he writes software to hel...more

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