One of the more challenging aspects of blogging for writers is the wide audience you find yourself talking to. Even if you focus specifically on teen writers, none of the advice doled out is one-size-fits all.

Not only does every writer have their own style and their own work habits, but few of us find ourselves in the same place on the journey. And when a blogger comes along and gives a piece of advice, there is this assumption that the reader is in just the right place to receive and apply that wisdom.

Mostly, I want to acknowledge that we all find ourselves in different places and it’s okay if a tool handed to you by someone more experienced doesn’t work in your hand. It’s also okay for it not to work now, but to work later.

There are so many different stops on the epic journey of the writer, and it’s good to take stock every now and then, reminding yourself that each bend in the road, each hill and valley have a purpose. We do well when we understand exactly where we’re at. It helps to set our priorities and expectations.

So! Let’s talk about what that looks like. Where might you find yourself on this journey, and which tasks should take priority at each stop.

Curious

Maybe you’re just testing the waters of this whole writing thing. You like the idea of being an author, maybe, or you’re an ardent book lover. Both of these are fantastic starting places. It’s where most of us begin. Maybe you’re not quite sure if you love words or not, but someone’s told you you’re awfully good at storytelling. A teacher or a parent. A friend. And the possibilities make you curious. Curious is a fantastic trait for an author and it is a great place to find yourself.

Priorities: At this early stage, your job is to indulge your curiosity. Read a lot. Troll libraries and bookstores. Figure out what you like and don’t. Look up authors who interest you and read about their lives, their work habits, their journeys to publication.

Right now, don’t worry about the rules. When you write for yourself, write about things that interest you. Journal if you can, about the things you see and feel, the things that lift you up and the things that break you. In this way, you’re planting words as seeds, and if curiosity is to shift into something more, these seeds will likely be the first indicators. They’ll sprout and rise and, like green shoots needing water, they’ll beg for more of your attention.

Noodling

Perhaps curiosity has shifted into practice. You like this writing thing but you’re not sure where to go with it. Is it a hobby or a career goal? Will you write poetry or stories? Will you leave fiction behind altogether and try journalism? Can you possibly do it all?

Basically, you’re noodling around. Giving things a go, writing here and there. Maybe entering a few writing contests at school or in the community. It’s still new and exciting but with the awareness that hard work will be required.

Priorities: Consider reading more widely than you have in the past. Step out of your comfort zone and try different genres and authors. Be intentional about this, and as you find new things to like, give thought to why you like it and what it has in common with everything else you’ve loved. How is it different? Be a thoughtful reader. If you don’t enjoy a book, make yourself answer why.

This is a good time to seek out some writer friends. Not necessarily for feedback, but for community. For bouncing around ideas. For encouragement.

Check your local library for writing groups or classes. Your school may also have resources like this. There are always online options, but clear all that with a parent please.

In pursuit

For some, their writing journey ends before it ever reaches this point. And that is perfectly okay. Writing stories is a commitment, and if your excitement is deflated in the curiosity or noodling stage, you likely weren’t long for this road. Rest assured, there are other paths out there waiting for you. Growing is all about trying new things and seeing what sticks.

But, if curiosity has turned into noodling and noodling into pursuit, you are likely hungry for more than green sprigs shooting out of the dirt. You want to try your hand at storytelling. And to do that, you need some direction.

Priorities: This particular bend in the road is very exciting. Storytelling is new and shiny, but careful. The wrong bit of feedback, some negative input at the wrong time, a pessimistic friend or loved one, and all your bright ideas may suddenly feel tainted

This first story of yours is all about staying passionate long enough to see it through. I don’t recommend seeking out a lot of feedback just yet. Instead, divide your time between writing and learning.

Find a craft book or a writing class to take. Set about learning the rules of storytelling and try to apply what you learn as you go. To grow your familiarity with different writing tools, seek out writing prompts and make writing practice a habit.

When you hit a snag in your story, don’t quit. Ask for help. You can do that by joining a writing group–in person or online–or you can ask your questions here on the blog. If you’re looking for a community of teen writers, check out the Go Teen Writers Community Facebook group.

The process of growing an idea into a full-fledged story does so much for you as a writer. It grows your skills and your confidence. And it teaches you perseverance. Something you will need if you’re to go any farther.

Second thoughts

Maybe you’ve finished at least one draft of your project or you’ve made enough progress to know it’s not the idea you’re ready pursue. Perhaps you’ve started a second and third project, attempting to sort through the pangs of creativity to find an idea you simply must write.

Maybe you’re just not sure anymore. This writing thing is hard. It takes a lot of time and you have other interests.

Or, maybe you love writing but you can only see all the things your stories lack. You feel like an impostor or an under-qualified job applicant. You have a head full of sparkling ideas but you can’t ever paint them as you see them. It feels futile.

It’s possible you’re very good at the discipline of writing, at the craft, but it’s chasing down ideas that you struggle with. Where do these authors come up with such things?

Truth? We all cycle through this stage. Even those of us with books on the shelf. Rest assured, you’re in good company.

Priorities: This is a particularly tricky bend in the road. Some of us may need the freedom to take a break here. To step back from the page before deciding how to proceed.

Others may need a kick in the pants. Some motivation. A hearty back slap and a shove forward. Hopefully you’ve collected a few writer pals along the way and you can lean into them for strength and encouragement. If not, make that a priority now.

If you’re in it for the long haul and the doubts are simply doing what doubts do, creeping in, be encouraged. Our skills rarely grow as quickly as our ability to spot a good story on the shelf. We’re always trying to be as good as that polished hardcover we adore. But it takes time.

And honestly, it’s never, ever wrong to have second thoughts about writing. It’s healthy. Pursuing any craft means sacrificing time you could be doing something else. Decisions like that deserve to undergo constant scrutiny. And if you’re meant to continue on, trust me, the scrutiny won’t kill the passion.

Self-editing

I can’t begin to guess how many projects you’ll start, stop, abandon, or finish drafting before you give editing a go. It varies from writer to writer. But editing is distinctly different from drafting and new skills are needed.

Priorities: If you didn’t make the decision before this point, you need to decide just who you’re editing this thing for. Is it solely for you? Or are you hoping to get this project published? If so, you need to start researching what’s generally expected of the kind of book you’re writing.

You need to start looking into genre conventions and ensuring you have a grasp on story structure. As you go through your manuscript, you need to major in showing and not telling. Your character development is going to be crucial as is pacing and voice. Grammar and punctuation are important as well.

And while you’re not going to tackle these things all in one pass, you want to begin pursuing knowledge about how to grow your craft in each of these areas. Realizing that not every tool will be for you, seek out books, lectures, podcasts, blogs, and classes on editing. Sort through what you learn and apply what fits.

Seek out critique partners or beta readers. Read up on giving and taking criticism and feedback. Learn to distinguish between good advice and bad, helpful words and misguided ones. Work on taking the good critiques and editing your work accordingly. This will polish your manuscript and prepare you for edits with an industry professional.

Excelling at this stage is key. Books are made or tossed in the editing process. Yes, it takes time and dedication. Lots of trial and error, but you can absolutely learn. It’s not rocket science and there’s so much free help out there these days.

Pursuing Publication

You have a completed manuscript now. You’ve worked hard and it’s as good as you can possibly make it. Congratulations, friend. Few will make it to this point.

Priorities: Time to learn about the business side of the industry. Do you want to pursue self-publication or are you hoping to go the traditional route? Regardless, there is a lot to learn.

For those going the traditional route, you’re going to want to start researching agents and submission guidelines. For those self-pubbing you’re going to want relentlessly research editors for hire and other publishing professionals who excel at what they do and can be contracted.

You may start taking your manuscript to conferences to pitch it to editors and agents. You might find online contests specifically for the unpublished author. These are fun ways to celebrate reaching a very high mountaintop. Enjoy researching the industry and, instead of letting it overwhelm you, be excited at the possibilities. Truly. Celebrate this moment.

In conclusion

There are other bends in the road, other dips and climbs, other pitfalls, but my guess is if you’re reading this blog, you’re not far from one of the places I’ve mentioned. We work hard here at Go Teen Writers to provide tools for every stage of the writing life, but it’s up to you to know where you are and how to choose your tools accordingly.

So tell me! Where do you find yourself right now? What do you see as your number one priority?

Shannon Dittemore is an author and speaker. Her books include the Angel Eyes trilogy, a supernatural foray into the realm of angels and demons, as well as the fantastical adventure novel Winter, White and Wicked. Its sequel, Rebel, Brave and Brutal is due out January 10, 2023.

Shannon’s stories feature strong female leads grappling with fear and faith as they venture into the wilds of the unknown. She’s often wondered if she’s writing her own quest for bravery again and again.

It’s a choice she values highly. Bravery. And she’s never more inspired than when young people ball up their fist and punch fear in the face.

To that end, Shannon takes great joy in working with young writers, both in person and online at Go Teen Writers, an instructional blog recognized by Writer’s Digest four years running as a “101 Best Websites for Writers” selection.

For more about Shannon and her books, please visit her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.