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When I was introduced to TeenInk, I thought I would
never be published because I was competing with teenagers nationwide. Well, two years later after being
published six times, my writing confidence has been boosted greatly. I would not be the writer I am today if
it hadn't been for TeenInk.
I remember when I was given my first assignment to write a piece for
TeenInk, then The 21st Century. I spent days brainstorming about a topic. I was inspired by a recent loss,
and decided to write about it. I poured everything I had into that story, and it paid off. The next month I
opened the new issue and saw my name in print. I was ecstatic, and couldn't believe I was one of the first at
my school to be published. That was when my writing turned into a snowball that kept getting larger and
larger. My desire to write grew tremendously as I continued to send articles.
Although getting
published in TeenInk is extremely exciting, I find just as much enjoyment reading the articles by other
writers. There aren't any other publications that talk about the things I deal with every day. TeenInk gives
me relief from the boring, political magazines that cannot communicate with me at all. The movie reviews,
CD reviews and surveys in TeenInk offer a variety of opinions from people like me across the entire
country.
I think TeenInk is important to any young adult looking to improve their writing, as well
as those who like to read great stories. TeenInk has made a huge impact on my life and writing career. I
hope everyone given the chance to read this outstanding magazine will jump at the opportunity. I wouldn't be
who I am today without TeenInk.
I enjoy your website, it's a really cool spot. I have
read a lot of the things there and find it really lets teens speak their minds. There should be more sites like
TeenInk.com. I enjoy writing and reading about teenage life. I am grateful for your site and hope it is here
for awhile. Thank you.
We are in the process of
adding new features and lots more material to our site. Be sure to check it out
in the months to come.
I would just like to say "Congratulations!"
for an outstanding job publishing a wonderful magazine for teens.
I was introduced to TeenInk my
freshman year. At first I was hesitant, fearing it would be like every other teen magazine which, in my
opinion, are all a bunch of junk. The message they send is that you have to be skinny, beautiful and have all
the latest clothes to be cool.
When I began reading TeenInk, I found it was the total opposite. It lets
teenagers express their opinions on anything they feel strongly about and show their writing talents. No
matter who you are or what you look like, you can be published in this awesome magazine.
My
favorite section has got to be the poetry, where teens get the chance to really express
themselves.
Many articles in the last few months have dealt with violence in schools. I would like to
know why violence that occurred in a small town with mainly white kids has everyone in an uproar. I know
many kids who bring guns and other weapons to school every day and I'm scared to go, but does anyone
care? No, because it happens so often here it's not a big story the media can exploit.
Believe me,
I'm not trying to make light of horrible situations, but when is everyone going to start paying attention to
the real problems and not just the big stories they can make money from? It's because as long as they
pretend it only happens once in a while in little towns, they can pretend it's under control. I am so angry
that the people in my town are ignored because no one wants to hear about another gang fight in a big town.
Something needs to be done about violent acts everywhere, not just the ones the media chooses to focus on.
I have read the last few issues of TeenInk and am very impressed.
I like the idea of gathering teens' stories and experiences into one magazine and providing it to their peers
across America. TeenInk is very good at generating thoughts and emotions. I enjoy the magazine very much
and anxiously await upcoming issues.
Coming to bookstores in September, look for the TeenInk book - a collection of pieces you'll love.
You can find us on amazon.com.
I think it is wonderful that you give teens a chance
to speak their minds in so many ways. I especially enjoy the reviews, though unfortunately it seems only
popular and current albums, movies and books are reviewed. I would appreciate less recent or
non-mainstream material.
We do
print many older reviews, including a "Metropolis" (1927) review this month. We can only
publish what we receive - so write reviews of older works and send them in!
Every month, I look forward to reading your magazine.
TeenInk is a great way to see what teenagers all over the country are doing and thinking. Even though
TeenInk is fine the way it is, I have a few suggestions to make it even better.
First, I suggest an
advice column where teens can write about their problems anonymously. This way, they can get advice
without feeling uncomfortable. Then, other teens can write in and offer advice.
My other
suggestion is better pictures. I don't want to sound mean, but 50 pictures of flowers is too many for me. I
would like to see more pictures of different places around the country. You could dedicate a part of the
magazine to pictures of landmarks or famous places. Those who take the pictures could also include a
description.
We've considered an advice
column, but feel that our monthly magazine would create too much of a timelag for responses to be
meaningful. We'll consider it for our website. We need more of you to send us pictures
- so get that camera out this summer and send us your best.
I really enjoy reading TeenInk. It gives kids a chance to
get published and be proud of themselves. This magazine inspires us to write and realize our potential.
Before I read this magazine I had no real reason to try my best with my writing because after it was
graded, it was finished. Publishing adds an extra step to writing and improves our skills. Thank you for
keeping this magazine interesting with all the articles you chose.
I enjoy TeenInk very much. I first read it last year for an English project, but I still love
reading your publication. I appreciate that it respects students and publishes their poems, essays and
pictures in an organized way. It is always wonderful to read the ideas that students my age come up with
and see their talents. I am enlightened every time I open TeenInk.
I wanted to write to thank you for
publishing such a great magazine. I recently had a story
published, and will continue to submit articles. I think it's
great there is a magazine for and by teenagers that focuses on
the issues concerning us today. It's always helpful to look at
stories written by other teenagers that deal with situations
similar to our own. It's nice to know you're not alone.
I have always liked to read, and when my English
teacher introduced us to this magazine, I knew it would be
something I liked. I have found other teen magazines shallow;
you really focus on important issues. Since the articles are
written by teenagers, it really gives us a chance to express
how we feel about certain things. Teenagers don't always have
this chance, so I thank you for giving that
to us!
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By Sammy B., Palmyra, PA
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