Blog Post
New Teen Nonfiction: This is NOT a Writing Manual, by Kerri Majors
by krayla
Kerri Majors was once a teen writer, fantasizing about the day when her book would be published. She'd be featured on "Oprah," and smile politely to her friends with a hidden smirk of pride. But one day she realized that writing was not what she had expected: it really was difficult to face the naysayers and her more successful friends, and she really did need to find a job in addition to her first calling.
Majors has come a long way since then, and her new memoir serves as inspiration to passionate young adult writers with a dream. This is Not a Writing Manual exposes the harsh realities as well as the glorious triumphs that Majors faced as an emerging writer. She does not impose strict grammar rules or stiff writing advice. She simply writes honestly, providing "therapy for writers."
Kerri Majors is best known for her creation of YARN, an online writing magazine for teens. She loves reading YA novels, identifies herself as a California girl, and lives in Massachusetts with her family. To learn more about Kerri, visit her website.
Blog Post
Meet “It’s All Write!” Judge #3: Roland Smith
by krayla
Roland Smith is a prolific author of teen and youth fiction as well as youth nonfiction. He started writing on a typewriter when he was just five years old in Portland, Oregon. In college he stumbled across the opportunity to work at a children’s zoo, which opened his eyes to the beauty of nature and wildlife. As an animal keeper he traveled the world and worked with animals for over 20 years! He now writes full time, and still expresses his interest in animals through his nonfiction books for children.
Smith just published the fourth book in his I, Q mystery series, I,Q: The Alamo in July 2013. He is well known for his novel Peak, which won the National Outdoor Book Award in 2007, several state awards, and was listed on ALA’s 2008 Best Books for Young Adults.
If you would like to find out more about Roland Smith, visit his website or his blog.
Stay tuned for the rest of the “It’s All Write!” judges in forthcoming blog posts!
Blog Post
Meet “It’s All Write!” Judge #2: Rebecca Donovan
by krayla
Rebecca Donovan started writing when she was trapped inside during a blizzard, and is still loving it years later. She is best known for writing the bestselling “Breathing” series, including Reason to Breathe, which she originally self-published online. Donovan is not only #15 Most Popular Teen Author, but also #81 Most Popular Author overall on Amazon.com. She has a massive online fanbase and contributes regularly to her personal blog.
Before becoming an author, Donovan majored in psychology with a minor in sociology. She’s a devoted optimist and loves attending concerts whenever she can. To find out more about Rebecca Donovan, check out her website.
Stay tuned for the rest of the “It’s All Write!” judges in forthcoming blog posts!
Blog Post
Meet “It’s All Write!” Judge #1: Carrie Ryan
by krayla
The “It’s All Write!” Teen Short Story Contest has officially begun, so it’s time to introduce our phenomenal panel of judges!
Carrie Ryan, bestselling author of the “Forest of Hands and Teeth” series, loves to write fiction for young adults. In addition to her popular book series, she has written two short stories set in the zombie-ridden world of “Forest of Hands and Teeth” and has contributed to several anthologies. Keep an eye out for the “Forest of Hands and Teeth” movie, which is currently in the pre-production stage.
Carrie is a true Renaissance woman: she has lived in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Massachusetts. She has played multiple sports including soccer, field hockey, cheerleading, lacrosse, hiking, and cycling. Growing up, Carrie also showed her leadership skills through student government and a local renovation project. After moving on to become a litigator, she now writes full time.
To learn more about Carrie Ryan and her thoughts on writing and life, visit her website and her blog.
Stay tuned for the rest of the “It’s All Write!” judges in forthcoming blog posts!
Blog Post
2014 Kick Off: "It's All Write!" Teen Short Story Contest
by krayla
Become A Short Story Ninja!
Calling all teen writers in grades 6-12, AADL is now officially accepting submissions for the 2014 "It's All Write!" Teen Short Story Contest!
Here are the steps you need to take in order to achieve Ultimate Short Story Ninja Status:
1. Read the guidelines
2. Write a story! (Need some help? Check out these writing resources and inspiration)
3. Check the guidelines
4. E-mail your story to allwrite@aadl.org
5. Receive an e-mail confirming your submission
6. Achieve Ultimate Short Story Ninja Status!
What makes it so "ultimate?" By entering the contest, you could be the winner of fabulous cash prizes of up to $250! Plus all winners and finalists will be published in the official contest booklet, and all writers can meet Kelly Barson, author of 45 Pounds (More or Less) at the awards ceremony on May 10!
Please e-mail allwrite@aadl.org or call the Youth Desk at 734-327-8301 with any questions! Submissions will be accepted Jan. 27 through Mar. 14. Happy writing!
Blog Post
Writing Inspiration for Teens
by krayla
Working on or even just thinking about writing a short story for the “It’s All Write!” Teen Short Story Contest but need some inspiration? AADL has a lot of books with authors’ thoughts on writing:
King of the mild frontier: an ill-advised autobiography comes directly from Chris Crutcher, author of Deadline and Athletic Shorts: Six Short Stories (providing fuel for the movie Angus). He shares details of his difficult childhood as well as the cathartic effects of writing.
Hole in my life by Jack Gantos combines harsh truths with aspiring hope. He discusses his 15 months in federal prison and how he turned his life around through writing and attending college. Gantos is well-known for Dead End in Norvelt, Rotten Ralph, and the Joey Pigza series.
Still need more inspiration? Check out this list of inspirational books with writing prompts and other teens’ stories. In honor of yesterday’s “John Green Day” at Mental Floss, you can read some of his quotes on writing.
Blog Post
"It's All Write!" Teen Short Story Contest 2014
by krayla
Do you like to write? Do you have an idea that needs to get out of your head, or something already written that could use some editing? Then prepare for the 22nd annual "It's All Write!" Teen Short Story Contest, which will begin accepting submissions on January 27!
Students in grades 6-12 may submit a short story according to the 2014 guidelines from Monday, January 27 through Friday, March 14. Click here to learn more about the contest and view previous contest winners. Judges will choose the top three stories from each category (grades 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12) to receive cash prizes totaling $1500. Stay tuned to find out who will be on this year's panel of judges!
The speaker for this year's final awards ceremony on May 10 will be Michigan author K.A. Barson! She recently published the popular book, "45 Pounds (More or Less)."
We look forward to reading your story! For inspiration and ideas, check out the writing resources guide for teens.
Blog Post
Letters about Literature National Contest
by krayla
Have you ever read a book that changed you or your outlook on life? Do you ever wish that you could tell the author of that book how much they influenced you? The Library of Michigan has just announced that it is taking submissions for the statewide and national Letters about Literature contest for grades 4 through 12. Readers should write a letter to a favorite author explaining how a book changed them.
The Library of Michigan will be accepting submissions until December 10 for grades 9-12, and January 10 for grades 4-8.
To submit your letter, you will need to attach a Literature Entry Coupon, found here on the Library of Michigan website.
Want some inspiration? Check out the award-winning letters from last year’s contest and AADL's books for kids on writing.
Blog Post
Happy Summer! It's time for the 8th Annual LEGO Contest!
by erin
Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 8, 2013! Preschoolers, Kids, Teens & Adults are all invited to enter this year's LEGO contest. The top winners receive custom made LEGO Trophies, medals and Target Gift Cards. Like in 2012 the contest will be at the Kensington Court Hotel (@ Briarwood Mall). Everyone is invited to come and view the entries between 6:00-8:00PM. For all the details and full guidelines for participants see the 2013 LEGO Contest Guidelines. If you're planning to enter and have your eyes on the prize here's a tip: look closely at the photos of projects that have won in past years - what did they do that caught the judge's eye? Good luck!
Blog Post
Winners of the 2013 AADL Short Story Wrting Contest for Grades 3-5!
by Bertha
Writers were recognized for their creativity and encouraged to keep writing at a packed house 'Awards Celebration',
with plenty of wit and enthusiasm from guest author, Shutta Crum.
99 submissions were received this year, our first year for Grades 3-5, with stories coming in from 20 different schools,
including home schooled writers.
Click here for writing resources for grades K-5.
Congratulations to the winners in each grade:
5th Grade: 1st Place - Pastel's Journey by Ashlee Freeman
2nd Place - The Boulder Block by Krishna Davis
3rd Place - Sallie Sweetwater and the Nebraska Disaster by Jenna Allman
4th Grade: 1st Place - A Weird Day at the Science Museum by Arjun Purohit
2nd Place - Winston and His Ears by Abby Dobson
3rd Place - Blueberry Girl by Anabellee Jones
3rd Grade: 1st Place - My Secret by Emma Crownover
2nd Place - The Story of the Talking Hamster by Alma Moga
3rd Place - Allians-A True Story by Mohammed Hamoud
We hope all of you continue to write many, many more stories!