The Power of Words: Encouraging Young People to Write Stories
As a published author, people often ask me how I got started writing. My answer always takes me back to my childhood, when the seeds of storytelling were first planted in my heart. At nine years old, I had a head full of ideas and a stack of loose-leaf paper where my stories lived. My mom and teachers saw potential in what I wrote, even though those early tales were exactly what you’d expect from a child of that age. What mattered most was that they treated me as though I were a brilliant author. Their encouragement gave me confidence, and with that confidence, I believed I had the ability to write.
That belief stuck with me through the years, and it shaped my life. I still remember my seventh-grade English teacher who unlocked the magic of storytelling in ways I’d never experienced before. She introduced me to the beauty of a short story—its structure, its depth, and its ability to transport both writer and reader to another world. Inspired, I began crafting my own short stories. Little did I know, many of those stories would eventually grow into the novels I share with my readers today.
I even wrote my first “novel” in second grade—a four-chapter epic that I was so proud of at the time. It may not have been prize-worthy, but it was the foundation of what I do now. Writing became not just a hobby, but a part of who I am.
How to Encourage Young Writers
Encouraging young people to write isn’t just about telling them they’re good at it. It’s about creating an environment where they feel safe to express themselves, explore their creativity, and discover their unique voice. Here are a few ways to nurture a budding storyteller:
1. Praise Effort Over Perfection
Children’s early stories will often be raw, full of imagination but lacking polish. That’s okay! Celebrate their creativity and effort rather than focusing on technicalities. When they feel supported, they’ll keep writing.
2. Provide Writing Tools and Opportunities
Give them a notebook, a computer, or even an app designed for young writers. Encourage them to write about their favorite topics or create stories inspired by their experiences.
3. Read and Share Stories Together
Expose them to a variety of books and stories, from picture books to short stories to novels. Discuss what they liked and didn’t like about the characters and plots. This fosters critical thinking and inspires their own ideas.
4. Create Fun Writing Challenges
Use prompts, contests, or group storytelling games to make writing fun. Let them collaborate with friends or family to create something unique together.
5. Model the Value of Writing
Share your own writing journey with them. Let them see how it’s been an integral part of your life and how it can help them, too.
The Psychological Benefits of Writing
Writing isn’t just about creating stories; it’s a powerful tool for emotional and psychological well-being. In my own life, writing has been a built-in counselor. When I’ve gone through difficult times, putting my thoughts and emotions on paper has given me clarity and peace. Writing allows us to:
• Process Emotions: Sometimes, it’s easier to write about what we feel than to say it out loud. Writing can provide a safe space to explore emotions and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.
• Build Confidence: Writing a story, no matter how short or simple, is an accomplishment. That sense of achievement can boost self-esteem and show young writers that they have the power to create.
• Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Crafting a story often involves resolving conflicts or dilemmas. This skill translates into real-life problem-solving abilities.
• Reduce Stress: Writing can serve as an escape, a chance to dive into another world when reality feels overwhelming. It’s a therapeutic outlet that helps reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Writing Stories: A Lifetime of Benefits
The beauty of writing is that its benefits don’t stop in childhood. Whether it’s journaling, crafting fiction, or even writing professionally, storytelling has a way of enriching our lives. It sharpens our communication skills, deepens our empathy, and reminds us of the power of human connection. Through words, we leave a legacy, capturing the essence of who we are for future generations.
Encouraging young people to write isn’t just about helping them become authors; it’s about giving them a lifelong tool for growth, expression, and healing. You never know—your words of encouragement today might be the spark that lights a future career, just as my mom and teachers lit that spark in me.
So, let’s nurture the storytellers of tomorrow. Let’s give them the tools, the encouragement, and the confidence to write their hearts out. Because in every child is a story worth telling, and who knows? They might just grow up to write the next great novel—or at the very least, discover the power and joy of putting pen to paper.
Here’s to the next generation of writers!