empowering young writers online

Make Some History

historyElsy started a new historical fiction group project by setting up a mysterious situation. Who knows what’s going to happen next? Maybe you. Sure, why not? Anyone can decide, so why not you? Click on Historical Fiction #2 and make some history.

penguin-with-booksAre you looking for some fantasy? Magic? Mystery? Great characters and exciting situations? I hope so because you’ve just found it, all right here and all thanks to Elsy, who’s apparently just as busy writing as Neve. Impressive and inspiring. I’m so glad you’ve all found the site and continue to share your writing and imaginations here.

So let’s get to it. Here’s some brief descriptions and the links to Elsy’s latest submissions:

In Chapter 7 of St. Charles Academy, the girls get their dorm assignments. Click the link to find out why Savannah is not happy about hers.

Read Chapter 9 of Marked Five and meet the new character who might change everything.

Then check out Elsy’s newest story, K.M.A., to see how she sets up an interesting, surprising situation in just a few words of dialogue and a great ending line that’s guaranteed to make you want more.

kid at computer cuteThis clip art is what I imagine Neve looks like when she’s writing – I have no idea what she really looks like but I’m betting she attacks her computer like this. She’s been busy!

If you love/need/have to write, chances are you have characters talking in your head all the time. I think most writers do. Today, Neve has shared several characters that fill her mind and you’ll be glad she did. Because they’re hilarious. For a good time and a good laugh, check out The Secret Life of Ninjaz. And please, do Neve and me a favor by leaving a comment. I love the way she’s telling this story and I’d love to know what you think. I’m sure Neve would love to know, too. She’d also like you to answer a poll on which character you like best. Follow the link and you’ll find the poll.

If you’re in the mood for something scary, check out The Hellcreature, also submitted by Neve. It amazes me that Neve submitted such completely different stories with completely different tones on the same day. The Ninjaz will make you laugh; the Hellcreature will make you shiver. That’s the power of words, y’all!

And if that isn’t enough, Neve also added to the Humor Group Project by answering what IT is.

Thanks, Neve, for giving us so many great things to read today!

It’s been awhile…

purplepheonixPurplepheonix, one of the very first to share his stories on All Write with Me, showed up yesterday to continue the first Adventure story in Group Projects.

Welcome back, Purplepheonix. I’m happy to see/read you here.

Add to the Adventure

TeamworkAnonymous started a new adventure under Group Projects~Stories. Click on Adventure #3, read the beginning, then decide what happens next. Remember, anyone can continue group projects stories. I think it should be you.

Elsy cranks up the trouble and mystery in two of her ongoing stories.

In Chapter 8 of Marked Five, we learn why being one of the chosen isn’t necessarily a good thing.

In the next installment of Now What? the ghost who’s been stuck haunting Kia’s room has found an unexpected way out.

suggestion_box2For the writing contest, Elsy suggested adding a requirement for the entries. For example, all entries could have the same theme or start with the same sentence or include the same character. I think this is a great idea. Let me know what you think.

kid writing & computerLots of great writing to share today!

First up, Elsy shares Chapter 4 of Marcia. This story is an excellent example of using Voice. Voice comes from the words and tone and style you choose for your story. It also includes the details, descriptions, actions, and emotions you choose to share. Make these choices based on how your narrator tells the story and your readers get to know your narrator. In Marcia, Elsy does a great job of letting her narrator’s attitude come shining through. This is the opening sentence of Chapter 4: “It was… breathtaking? Awesome? Enchanting? I could go on for hours, but I won’t because there is slightly more to say here.” Actually, there’s a lot more to say here and you should go read it.

Next up, Ink Wolf wrote Chapter 2 of Misty Island. I love Ink Wolf’s wild imagination and I know you will, too. Ink Wolf comes up with the most incredible characters in this story and shares just the right amount of imaginative details to make them unique, interesting, and fun. Ink Wolf is also very good at showing characters’ personalities through the way they talk.

And last but not least, Ink Wolf shares Hunter’s Adventure. This is a complete short story with action and adventure, told through the eyes of a kitten.

Enjoy!

welcome_green_1Please help me welcome our newest writer, Bunnie, by reading and commenting on her story, The Wind. I’m so glad you found us, Bunnie. I love your story and can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Mikaela posted Chapter Three of Annavava. Follow the link for lots of magical surprises.

ghostRead the latest submission of Elsy’s Now What? to find out who else lives in Kia’s new house. Go on. You’re going to love it!

bookMikaela has adapted her story, The Twilight Hero, into a play. I’m excited that she’s sharing both versions on All Write with Me because this is a great opportunity to see the differences in formatting.

Read the story version here and the play version herestage

Writing plays can be challenging because you have to let your audience know everything they need to know through your characters’ dialogue and actions. I think Mikaela has done a fantastic job. Let her know what you think by leaving her a comment.

fireIn Chapter Two of Trilogy, Elsy reveals some startling facts about her characters.

6th grade rocksNot just for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades anymore! The site now includes kid-friendly writing rubrics and checklists for 6th grade. Based on the Common Core Standards. Free. Easy to use. Complete. Get yours here.

quotation marksYay! Elsy continued St. Charles Academy with Chapter 6, “Enforced Bonding.” This chapter is a great example of using dialogue to make readers love your characters. It also reveals new and surprising information.

The Trilogy Begins

mystery storyElsy shared Chapter 1 of her Trilogy. I’m sure you’ll love the characters in this story and there’s plenty of unanswered questions to keep you reading more. My favorite part is the way she ended the chapter with a few words of dialogue that sum up what happened while also deepening the mystery and creating concern for her main character.

Book Report

A Question of YamsRead Mikaela’s report on A Question of Yams here. It sounds like a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mikaela!

teamwork clipartNeve has risen to the challenge and continued the group poem, Unicorn, with two awesome verses. Follow the link to see how she did it.

birthday-partyAwhile ago, Elsy asked for suggestions on how we might celebrate the site’s birthday, which is February 4. Mikaela responded by suggesting a writing contest. I’d like to know how everyone feels about this idea. Feel free to comment below.

If you’re looking for an action-packed story, follow the link to The Twilight Hero. Mikaela starts this story with a serious bang. There’s also death, destruction and some blood so if you’re not into that sort of thing, you may want to skip this one.

swordShe’s also submitted Chapter 6 of The Magic Sword of Trestia.

unicornMikaela added two verses to the group poem, Unicorn. Follow the link and read the poem out loud to hear its rhythm, tone and pacing. Then, consider writing the next verse. Remember, anyone can add to group poems. Excellent job, Mikaela!

Infinity and Auras

infinity with auras colorsinfinity with auras colors

 

infinity with auras colors

As Neve continues Infinity, we learn a little more about Adreada’s tragic past.

In Elsy’s Auras, the gang finds a mysterious warning waiting for them at Rainbow’s End.

 

In Chapter 7 of Elsy’s Marked Five, Mr. Wickener shares surprising news about the groups’ powers.

reader pollElsy wants to know which power you prefer. Let her know what you think by responding to her poll at the end of the chapter.

writing girlNeve started a new story, Infinity, by setting up her main character with this awesomely mysterious message: “And yet, one single star will change the course of history forever.”

She also continued Hunger (well-written, entertaining and exciting, but also frightening and gruesome, so you should skip this if stories give you nightmares) and added another verse to the group poem, Unicorn. As always, Neve’s beautifully descriptive language is sure to paint detailed images inside your mind.

Elsy started another great story called Now What? filled with characters you’ll love right from the start. She also continued Marcia with Chapter 3: Laughter and Tears. This story always makes me laugh but this time it also warmed my heart. Looks like Marcia has a bigger heart than she cares to admit and is starting to care about James and Lera.

Elsy shared Chapter 6 of her ongoing fantasy, Marked Five. Follow the link to see which member of the group has gained the most control of his or her special powers.

birthday-partyElsy would also like to do something special on All Write with Me to celebrate the site’s birthday, which is February 4. If you have any ideas for what we could do, comment below or reply to Elsy’s original comment here (you’ll have to scroll down to find it – look for the date: May 20).

Trista and Mikaela created a new poll for their story, War of the Two Worlds. Follow the link to read the story and cast your vote.

Welcome New Writer

welcomeTrista, a new writer on the site, teamed up with Mikaela to write the entertaining ongoing story, War of the Two Worlds. In this first chapter, you’ll meet Daniel, a 16-year-old boy, and Fyre, a sprite from another planet who has some awesome powers.

Welcome, Trista. I’m happy you’re here. Mikaela, I’m glad you found a writing partner and that you’re sharing your story on the site. I’m looking forward to whatever happens next. You both have great imaginations!

the hobbit book coverFollow this link, The Hobbit Book Report, to read an example of a well-written book report, written by Mikaela. This report provides plenty of clear, concise details about The Hobbit without spoiling the story. Mikaela also shares what she liked about the book and why. And, as an added bonus, she also provides a link where you can read the book online, for free. Sweet!

 

readingToday I get to share the beginning of the site’s first trilogy, written by Elsy. She hasn’t decided on a title yet, so for now, you’ll find it by following the link, Trilogy.

Trilogies are three separate stories that all work together to tell another, overall story. Each of the three stories solves one or more of the problems that are in the way of solving the biggest problem, which isn’t solved until the end of the trilogy. Think of it as smaller stories inside one bigger story. It takes a lot of planning but I’m confident Elsy can do it!

She’s also written Chapter Two of Marcia, where you’ll get the first hint of what’s going on with this winged, magic-filled character.