Dianne Said:

Val wants to write a book. Help...please?

We Answered:

You don't seem like a jerk! I would suggest first that you place your dreams of writing a best seller and garnering a movie deal on the "back burner" and concentrate instead upon actually creating a complete novel. (Forget your anger at Stephenie Meyer for her good fortune; millions of young readers clearly believe that her stories are worthy of purchasing, and Hollywood has obviously made millions in producing the movie based upon "Twilight".) Much of what transpires in the literary world is dependent upon timing; with such series as "Twilight" and "Harry Potter", for instance, originality is also a key to the authors' successes. In your case, the obstacle to your achieving a finished novel is yourself, you must concede. (I have written two novels of Atlantis -- self-published.) Here is what I think that you need to do: Decide exactly which of your concepts seems most compelling and conducive to your completing it; make a detailed outline of the plot so that you know how the story will conclude, what its climax will be, and how the denouement will proceed. I think that if you take the time and make the effort to plan your proposed novel in its entirety, you will be then be more likely to write it. Don't be so anxious to be published; it is a very very difficult to realize that dream. What you really require at this juncture is experience! Remember, publishing companies exist to make money; regardless how admiring of your writing abilities your high school friends and teachers may be, it is not so likely that publishing companies will be fighting to buy your book. Don't be in such a hurry, either. Take the time to become proficient, to develop your vocabulary and style. Go to college if you can in order to perfect your writing abilities. Whatever your future, good luck!

Judy Said:

I want to be an advertising copywriter. Does anyone have any advice on how to get into that business?

We Answered:

You could start getting an internship at advertising firms and work your way up

Kristen Said:

Which topic sounds the best for my website? ?

We Answered:

If you could find a way to make a page dedicated to young authors who roleplay that they are kids who make money in an unusual business, I think it would be "the perfect storm".

Marilyn Said:

I need helpful ideas/tips on becoming a good story-teller, a script writer, a screewriter.?

We Answered:

This might sound strange but believe me, it works. Try writing clear, concise directions from point A to point B. This prepares you for writing plot lines.

The next step is to take a character and describe them. Not only looks but personality. Then take another character and do the same only this time, include this character's opinion of the first character and why. Then go back and do the the same to the first character. Develop all your characters this way.

Then write a setting. Give time, place and scenery. If one or more of the characters live in the setting, give their location especially in relationship to one another.

Try writing a scene where only two of the characters interact, such as a husband wife, mother and child, father and child, or two friends or enemies. Try to make the conversation believable.

Keep exposition to an absolute minimum. If the character can tell it, let them tell it. The rule here is :Don't tell, show. Keep your voice out of it as much as you can.

You can work on your story in any order. Just keep everything well ordered. As far as plot is concerned, first consider your audience. Action is usually preferred rather than conversation and conversation rather than exposition.

This will get you started. Best of luck.