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Hi, Esperance,

Thanks for posting. Congratulations on starting a book! It’s an exciting enterprise!

I’m afraid I’ve had to make it my policy not to read other people’s work. I get so many requests that I would be doing someone else’s writing, and neglecting my own, which is what I do for a living. I suggest that you choose someone you trust — a parent, aunt or uncle, or cousin, or a trusted teacher — and ask for advice there.

I do offer basic advice, though. The main thing is planning. You can’t say anything properly unless you plan it carefully first. That’s my secret. I never put down a single word until my story is well-planned. Yes, you can make changes, even add and subtact people and events. But your basic story and setting and characters must be solid before you start. And you need always to be writing toward your ending. Basically the rule is to know what you’re going to write about, and then write it!

Good luck to you, Esperance!                                                                —–Gordon Korman—–