Cecilia asked Jennifer A. Nielsen:

Hello Ms. Nielsen! I am currently writing a book, and I feel people and publishers will dislike my writing. I feel my vocabulary hasn't grown enough yet to write a book. I also feel that people will automatically underestimate my story because I am a kid. What should I do?

Jennifer A. Nielsen Hi Cecilia - Congrats on writing a book - that's awesome! It's not a problem that you're a young writer. There are many young authors who have created amazing stories, so rather than worry what others think, don't underestimate yourself! It doesn't matter if others dislike your writing. What matters is that you love your work, because if you love it, then your enthusiasm will keep you working in the story to make it better and better. And you'll never get everyone's approval, so in the end, your own opinion is the only one that counts. Finally, a strong vocabulary isn't necessarily the mark of great writing. A strong writer's voice is far more important. So trust yourself, constantly look for ways to make your writing better, and recognize that you are literally the only person in the universe who can write your idea the way you imagine it, so if you don't write your story, no one ever will. And that matters.

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