empowering young writers online

You’re Blowing Me Away

March 18, 2014

with your awesomeness!

wolfI just finished posting Mikaela’s heartwarming true story and imaginative fantasy (see previous post for links to these) when I found this incredible poem, Wolf, submitted by Neve. I love how Neve contrasts how we typically feel about wolves with how she views them. It’s informative and poetic all at the same time.

Then, I was just getting ready to post that when I found the second chapter of Flight, Neve’s beautifully descriptive fantasy.

You know what? The writers at All Write with Me ROCK!!

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Different Genres, Same Author

Different genres (types) of writing call for different styles. Today, Mikaela submitted a true story, My New Friend, and Chapter Four of her ongoing fantasy, The Magic Sword of Trestia. Follow both links to see how Mikaela adjusts her tone, style and tempo for each situation. Thanks for showing us how it’s done, Mikaela!

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Let’s Welcome Our Newest Writer!

March 17, 2014

welcomeWhat’s the best way to welcome our newest writer? By reading and commenting on this new, ongoing story, Flight. I know you’re going to love it. Neve includes excellent descriptions with plenty of action, mystery and rising tension. Awesome job, Neve! I’m so glad you found us and can’t wait to see what happens next. 

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More Auras

March 10, 2014

rainbowChapter 2 of Elsy’s Auras provides some answers, but, like any great story, these answers lead to more questions, more mystery and more adventure. Go read it now. You’ll be glad you did.

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Another Group Project

March 6, 2014

octopusMikaela has started a new story under Fantasy Group Projects which I’ve cleverly called Fantasy #2. There are sailors and shipwrecks and whirlpools and mermaids. And if that’s not enough to get you excited, there’s also an evil emperor octopus. I know Mikaela would love someone to jump in and continue this story. Why not you?

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We’re Starting a Book Club!

March 4, 2014

new w stars

book stackMikaela asked if she could start a book club here on All Write with Me and I think it’s an excellent idea. Writing inspiration often comes from reading great books. Also, there’s no better way to find out what works (or doesn’t work) than by discussing what you like (or don’t like) about a book and why you liked it (or didn’t) with others.

So, if you’d like to discuss books with other site visitors, go to the new Book Club section. You’ll find it listed over there on the right, below the Group Projects section.

Mikaela would like to start off the club with The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis. Click on this link to read the book on your computer (it’s free).

If you’d like to discuss a different book, just let me know and I’ll add it to the list under the Book Club section.

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World-wide Celebration of E-books

March 1, 2014

Read an Ebook Week 2014Thousands of authors, publishers and retailers are offering free and discounted e-books to spread the joy of e-reading – including me.

From March 2 through March 8 you can buy e-book editions of Swept Up and No Ordinary Lizard for half the regular price. You can read these books on your computer, phone, tablet or any e-reading device you have for $1.50. And you can download the books to as many devices as you’d like.

 To get yours, ask your parents if it’s okay. Then, have them select this link and enter REW50 into the coupon code box.

 I hope you enjoy the books and I’d love to hear what you think of them!

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There’s More!

February 26, 2014

In Chapter Three of The Magic Sword of Trestia, Gemla sets off to save her kingdom (and possibly the world) from the evil Blizzara. She’s bringing some interesting and loyal characters with her on this quest which is good because I’m betting it’s not going to be easy to fight Blizzara.

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The Magic Sword of Trestia

February 25, 2014

swordI’m happy to announce a brand-new ongoing story I know you’ll enjoy. Mikaela’s The Magic Sword of Trestia is filled with good and evil forces, hope and battles, royalty and servants. There’s also magic and elves. Follow the link to read the first two chapters. You’ll be glad you did.

Awesome job, Mikaela. Your imagination soars!

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The Fantasy Continues

February 24, 2014

elfEdwinn and Halo are off to see the elves. Read Mikaela’s latest addition to the Fantasy Group Project to find out why.

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Lovin’ These Fantasies and You Will Too

February 23, 2014

Elsy is off to a fantastic start on her story Auras. In Chapter 1, she launches her group of characters into a unique and mystifying adventure. I guarantee that if you read this, you’ll be begging Elsy to continue this story as soon as possible!

In the Fantasy Group Project, Elsy picks up where Mikaela left off, which is good because I think Edwinn’s going to need all the help he can get with this quest.

Thanks for sharing, Elsy. Now, why don’t you go write some more? Please? I’m begging you!begging2

 

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Two New Submissions You Need to Read Right Now

February 22, 2014

guy downElsy starts Auras with just enough information and background on her seven main characters to make them captivating. She’s given all seven characters well-defined personalities and talents and they all come from different countries. She’s got something special in mind for these characters and I can’t wait to see where this story is heading.

Mikaela added to the Fantasy Group Project by letting Edwinn’s best friend provide some answers regarding those strange stones. She’s also set Edwinn on what is sure to be an exciting and dangerous quest.

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Summer Camp and Wizards (but not in the same place)

February 19, 2014

squirrelIf you like summer camp, cute animals and clever alliteration (who doesn’t?), you’re going to love Mikaela’s The Story of Sammi Squirrel at Summer Camp.

Mikaela also added to the Fantasy Group Projects story, giving Edwinn a best friend who is also a wizard (and who wouldn’t want a best friend who is also a wizard?) We now have six writers working on this project. You (yes, you!) need to be the seventh. So go on, read what’s there then add your imagination to this ongoing story (unless, of course, you’re one of the six, in which case, you can still continue the story, you just wouldn’t be the seventh writer because it’s not fair to count you twice!)

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Four Great Poems

February 18, 2014

poodleMikaela’s poems are sure to make you smile or grin or laugh right out loud. Probably all three.

I know you’ll love the one about a poodle named Sir Doodle, or the baker who gambles with a duke, or the girl who loves her ponytail. Again, probably all three.

And her advice for a mailman is probably going to make your head spin, but in a good way.

Select the links to read these hilarious poems. They’re going to brighten your day. They brightened mine.

My Poodle

The King’s Mercy

My Ponytail

Words of Advice (if you are a mailman)

Mikaela, I think you might be the next Shel Silverstein! I’m so impressed. Thanks for sharing!

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Facing Fears with Hooves

horseWhen Anne, age 12, submitted her story, Facing Fears with Hooves, to All Write with Me, she included a note saying she hopes you enjoy it. I think you will. I did. Not only is this story beautifully written, but it also includes an inspirational message.

You’ll love her main character and you’ll be happy when she overcomes her understandable fears. Making readers care about your characters and what happens to them guarantees a great story. Anne has done that with this story and I’m glad I can share it with you here.

As always, be sure to let Anne know what you think by posting your comments in the “Leave a reply” box at the bottom of her story’s page. I’m certain she worked hard on this and would love to know what you think of it!

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Great Examples

February 10, 2014

yummy_tnIn Chapter Two of Marked Five, Elsy has given us two great examples: First, an effective way of introducing a new character and second, how to make sure readers keep reading.

Elsy used a list of what Ashley cares about to give us a window into this character’s personality.  This list is perfect because it includes three things that are specific and relatable.

To make sure readers keep reading, Elsy planted a very effective seed of worry at the end of the chapter. She provided just enough details to spark curiosity while still keeping plenty of questions for readers to wonder about.

Elsy also added to the Historical Fiction and Realistic Fiction group projects.

Thanks for sharing, Elsy!

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Awesome Additions!

January 19, 2014

I Love to Write DayI’m happy to share with you two new poems: Last Night by Bfoot and A Gecko by Shiloh313. Both are fantastic and powerful.

Bfoot continued the Mystery Group Project and the Fantasy Group Project.

Be sure to check out these latest additions. I’m sure both writers would love to know what you think!

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A New Story Begins

January 3, 2014

Follow the link, Marked Five, to read the prologue and first chapter of Elsy’s story. I’m impressed with this submission because Elsy has created a situation and characters I’m sure you will relate to. Her descriptions are effective and her writing is clear, well-organized, easy to follow, and very entertaining.

Elsy would like everyone to know that although this set-up sounds like domestic fiction, she’s planning to add elements of fantasy and adventure.

Thanks for sharing, Elsy. I’m proud to add Marked Five to the All Write with Me library!

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Another Lesson for Show, Don’t Tell

December 21, 2013

scary sea creatureWith Scary Sea Creature, Anne shares another example of how she changed a flat, telling sentence into a vivid picture.

Actually, Anne’s description of the sea creature was much scarier than this picture. Unfortunately, I don’t draw, so it was the best I could do with clip art.

I liked how Anne described the creature and also included a clear description of her main character’s reaction and response. Thanks for showing us how this is done, Anne!

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Fantasy Story Continues

December 19, 2013

mysterious stonesIf you’ve been reading this group story, you’ve got to be wondering what that stone is. Elsy, a talented new writer on the site, gives us the answer in her imaginative addition to the Fantasy Story. 

I like how Elsy brought in a character mentioned in the beginning of the story to help explain what’s going on now. This is an excellent example of building on what came before to keep cranking up the tension.

I also like how she used descriptive detail to make us feel like we’re experiencing what Edwinn is going through.

Fantastic job, Elsy, and welcome to All Write with Me!

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New Writer Shares Writing Assignment

December 5, 2013

rainSee how Anne, age 12, pulls readers in by changing a “telling” sentence into a “showing” scene. It certainly worked for me! Anne’s strong verbs (pelted, squeezed, escape) and powerful images (gloomy darkness, fuzzy pink blanket) made me feel like I was right there with her.

Follow the link Camping Trip: Show Don’t Tell to see how this writer turned “telling” into “showing.” Then let Anne know if it worked for you too by leaving her a comment.

Excellent example of turning a drab sentence into a feeling moment, Anne. Welcome to the site!

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Welcome Cassandra!

December 4, 2013

miraclesOnce again, I’m impressed by the talent of a young writer. To see how this writer makes readers care about her characters, read Cassandra’s Miracles. Cassandra’s characters work because she shows us different sides of them: what makes them great and what makes them less than great. This not only makes her characters more real, but it also practically guarantees that most readers will recognize some part of themselves inside these characters. And that’s what makes us care.

Great job, Cassandra, and welcome to the site!

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Kid-friendly Writing Rubrics

November 22, 2013

kids zoneIntroducing kid-friendly writing rubrics and checklists based on the Common Core Standards. For 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Right here, right now. 

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Welcome New Writer

July 25, 2013

pencilMegan N. shared her talent on All Write with Me today and I’m so glad she did. She’s been busy, too. Read her additions to the site by clicking on the following links – also, let her know what you think by posting a comment, or two, or three.

Better yet, let her know what you think, then add your own imagination to the Group Projects stories – everyone’s additions are welcome, including and especially yours.

Welcome, Megan. I admire your imagination and am so happy you found us!

P.S. This is not really a picture of Megan’s pencil. I’m sure she doesn’t bite hers. I picked this image because I’m assuming that if she does use pencils, she uses them until they’re gone. Like this one.

Now, on to the links:

For Plots – great ideas

Group Projects

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Science Fiction Story Continues

July 2, 2013

Bfoot takes the Science Fiction Group Project to a new planet. Read about the trouble they find here then feel free to take the story further by posting your addition. Instructions on how to add to Group Projects are here. Have fun!

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