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Writing Tips
Interested in submitting your work? Try these suggestions to help get
your thoughts flowing and on their way to being published in Teen Ink. Keep in mind that we receive more poetry than any other type
of writing, which means your chances of being published with a single
poetry submission are much less than if you submit in any other category.
Reviews: Book, Movie, Music & College
Interviews
Community Service
Environment
Feedback
General Writing Tips
Reviews
We're always looking for well-written
reviews of books, music, movies, television shows, websites, video games
and other products (such as sneakers, discmans, cameras and backpacks).
When writing a review, concentrate on exactly what you liked or didn't
like. Give examples of strengths and weaknesses, be descriptive
and provide background information on an author, director, actor or
musician, if possible. Find professional reviews in magazines or
newspapers and see how reviewers tackle their topic, but be sure to
express your own voice in your review. Plagiarism is a serious offense.
Grammar Hint for Reviews: When describing
a book, movie, album or anything else, use the present tense.
Book Reviews
Discuss an author's
technique, strengths and weaknesses instead of focusing on the plot.
Does the story flow? Is there a strong sense of character and place? Did
you stay up until dawn to finish it? Is it good reading for teenagers?
What impact did it have on you and why? If you've read other books by
the same author, discuss how this book compares.
Movie Reviews
Think of the major
Oscar categories and consider the performances, costuming, music,
lighting and setting. Do these elements work together? Did some hold up
while others didn't? If the movie is based on a book, discuss whether
one is better than the other and why. If the movie is a sequel or a
remake, compare the film to its original.
Remember that a well-written movie review
should discuss strengths and weaknesses, and not simply be a rehash of
the entire plot. Some readers may not have seen a movie yet, so don't
give away an exciting scene or the ending!
Music Reviews
Consider an album's
overall tone and message. Does the artist or band fit into a category or
do they do their own thing? What is the music's appeal? There's no need
to review every song on the album; if a few are similar, discuss their
themes and why you think they're emphasized. If there are wildly
different songs, compare and contrast the style and artist's handling of
the variety. If you're familiar with the artist or band, discuss how the
album compares with previous albums.
College Reviews
Begin by providing
an overview of the college, including location, size and a description
of the campus and/or dorm life. Think about all aspects of your college
visit. What academic, athletic and extracurricular programs are
available? What are the students like? What makes the college different
from others? Every school has strengths and weaknesses. Be objective.
Consider what the school has to offer and who might enjoy or benefit the
most from attending there.
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Interviews
Discover more about the life and history
of family members, friends, neighbors or anyone else who interests you!
Learn about different professions, lifestyles and backgrounds.
Submitting an interview not only gives you a chance to be published in
Teen Ink, but also automatically enters you in our Interview
Contest.
Who to interview
Everyone has a
story; it's up to you to get it! Remember, you don't have to interview a
famous person to win. Interview a grandparent or neighbor, or ask your
parents, teachers or friends to introduce you to someone interesting.
Then do your research - find out as much about your subject as possible
before the interview. This way you'll know what kinds of questions to
ask and be a better interviewer.
How to interview
Have a set of questions ready before you
begin. If you plan to use a tape recorder, get permission first. Ask
thought-provoking questions and don't settle for one-word answers. Draw
the details out with follow-up questions. Be curious! If you learn
something interesting during the interview, don't be afraid
to steer off-course. Let the interview follow its own natural
progression.
Writing up the interview
You can
talk for as long as you want, but when writing up the interview try to
keep it between 500 and 2,500 words. Begin with an introductory
paragraph explaining who you interviewed, why and what conclusions you
have drawn from your discussion. Use a
Question and Answer format and make sure the answers are accurate
quotations. Edit out ramblings and extra words. If possible, put a face
with the name and include a photograph of the person you interviewed.
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Community Service
More teenagers than ever before are involved in community service.
Here's your chance to share your experiences with teens across the
country. Submitting an essay describing your volunteer work not only
gives you a chance to be published in Teen Ink, but also automatically
makes you eligible for our annual Community Service Awards.
What to say
Your essay can be about a one-time experience or an ongoing activity.
Elaborate on an especially compelling moment or simply describe what you
do to help others. Give details of your experience, both in terms of the
volunteer work and its effect on you personally. Why did you begin
volunteering? What impact did you have? How did the experience change
you or others? What did you learn?
If you are writing about a particular
issue or organization, give background information. Tell your peers
about the cause or organization. Let them know why it is important or
meaningful to you. Also, be descriptive and give examples of your
experience. How did you feel on your first day? What was it like to meet
new people and learn new things? Make your story as compelling as
possible. Remember: what you write may inspire other teens to get
involved!
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Environment
Are you barred from your favorite beaches
by signs warning of toxic waters? Do you watch the trash go by as you
cruise the highway? Are you overwhelmed by how many people there are
running around this little planet? Submitting an environmental piece not
only gives you a chance to be published in Teen Ink, but also might make
you eligible for our annual Environmental Solutions Contest.
Be creative. Write a descriptive essay or
poem. Use your imagination and write about any aspect of the
environment, including its relationship with humans. Did you spend a
favorite afternoon hiking in the woods? What did the birds sound like?
How did the sun feel?
Write an educational piece. Recall an encounter with nature that affected you. Remember how close
that whale came? It was beautiful! But then you found out its breeding
grounds and future are in danger. Write about your experience and how
it changed your outlook on life and the environment.
Offer a solution. Have an idea on
how to save the world? Every month Teen Ink chooses an
Environmental Solutions winner and awards the author $25. Your solution
may be practical, impractical or a dream. Any idea will be considered.
Be sure to do your research. Talk to
your science teacher or environment club advisor. Look for information
online or at the library. Don't be afraid to give details, but make sure
all your facts are correct.
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Feedback
Providing good feedback is like writing a good review. You
should think about exactly what you liked and disliked,
and not just whether you liked it or not. If someone likes your
poem or disagrees with your view, don't you want to know why? Be
specific in your feedback, even cite specific sentences or passages.
Give reasons for your opinion. Use examples and relate your own
experiences if it will make your point stronger. If a story reminds you of
something that happened in your life, talk about it. If a poem touches
you in some way, describe how and why. Keep in mind there is a teen like
you behind each piece of artwork and writing, so be fair and
considerate.
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General Writing Tips
Getting started
Brainstorm for ideas and make an outline of what
you want to say. Remember who your audience is and write for it. Get
your ideas and main points down. There's plenty of time for revising and
polishing.
Writing your piece
You've heard it before: every piece of
writing needs a beginning, a middle and an end. Is your first sentence
an attention getter? Is the body of the piece tight and coherent? Is
your ending balanced with the rest of the piece? Did you get all your
points across? Does your writing read the way you want it to?
Watch out for redundancies or obvious
statements. Don't be afraid to get rid of excess adjectives, entire
sentences or paragraphs (scary thought, but you can do it!). Ask someone
else to read your writing to see if it makes sense to them and to check
for errors.
Revise, revise, revise
You've got something that resembles an
article or a story. Now find a red pen and read it out loud like you've
never seen it before. Make sure your verbs are active, not passive;
check for flow, clarity, sentence structure, smooth transitions between
paragraphs, tense consistency and spelling errors.
Showtime
You've written, proofed, corrected, proofed and proofed
again. Now it's time to let your polished piece shine. Follow our submission guidelines and
send your work to Teen Ink. Congratulations on all your hard work,
and good luck!
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