The "Write" Stuff!

Young authors help each other hone their skills in writers' camp.

In San Marcos, Texas, I met with a group of young authors every afternoon for two weeks for Young Writers Camp. The camp was held at Texas State University by the Central Texas Writing Project.

During the camp, we learned about different kinds of writing like poetry, essay, short story, and so on. We had an assignment everyday to practice our skills, and an hour to work on our big project.

My favorite assignment to pick out a picture from an old magazine and write a funny poem about it. One day we tie-dyed T-shirts to show how plain things look without adjectives, and how beautiful they looked with them. Our teacher was a great instructor, and she really helped us understand the whole writing process. 

At the end of each day, we had “author’s chair." This was a chance for everyone to read their writing aloud to the group. Sometimes, it was hard for the author to hear the comments that the other writers would bring up. The points were valid, but some things were said that hurt feelings. It all helped us to improve our work. We said some good things also, but we weren’t trying to just be nice. We wanted to make useful comments. The most important thing I learned at camp was to always be confident in your writing, and to believe in yourself.

On the last day of camp, all of our families came for the Young Writers Café to hear us read one of our pieces in the anthology we published. When it got to my turn, I was really nervous, but I did a good job. So did everyone else. I really enjoyed it. I made some great friends, and plan to go back next summer. 

—Maya Fleming

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Maya Fleming (second from left in the back row) with her fellow authors at Young Writers' Workshop in San Marcos, Texas. Photo Courtesy Maya Fleming.

Comments

[Kid reporter Danielle A.]

Hi Maya,

I enjoyed your story! That sounds like so much fun. I'm going to check into that sort of thing here in New jersey where I live.
I bet everything you learned will also help you in school next year too!

Danielle A.

[Diane O.]

Hi, Maya

I really enjoyed your story here. I was so glad you came to our camp this year. Thank you so much for sharing.

[megan]

I like wirtting a lot!! I think you sould read more.