• Writing with Purpose: An Interview with The Correspondent Evelyn

    Some conversations leave you feeling energized, like you just finished chatting with a best friend over coffee and are now ready to continue all the tasks at hand. That’s how my interview at The Correspondent podcast with Evelyn Corral felt. I would love for you to take a listen to this episode. Whether you’re a writer or pursuing some other calling, you’ll be encouraged to persevere and embrace new beginnings, no matter how small. Some of my favorite takeaways from our chat include the following: Appreciate closed doors since they might be blessings in disguise. Remember we have to start somewhere, no matter how small. Be faithful to your calling.…

  • Writer’s Block: Publishing 101

    As writers, we often share a dream: to see our stories in print. In today’s video, we talk about the basics of publishing: some common publishing vocabulary, types of publishing, the reality of rejection, and what you, as a young writer, can be doing today to prepare to perhaps publish one day. As always, there’s a writing activity for you at the end. Join us on YouTube, and take a moment to comment or share your thoughts on today’s video.

  • Writer’s Block: The Basics of Plot Structure

    A story doesn’t just happen. The writer intentionally crafts it from start to finish–from inciting incident to denouement. In this meeting, we talk about the ten basic plots, the components of plot structure, and an example that helps visualize the whole process. As always, there’s a writing activity at the end to help you practice what you’ve learned. Join us on YouTube, and take a moment to comment or share your thoughts on today’s video.

  • Writer’s Block: Poetry in Everyday Life

    It’s February, a month famous for sharing sweet sentiments, so what better time is there to talk about poetry? Whether you want to craft a ditty for that special someone–or not–everyone can learn to enjoy and even write poetry. Most teens groan when their teacher talks about poetry in English class, but the truth is, we use poetry all the time. It adds beauty and extra dimension to writing, songs, and creative expressions. In this meeting, we’ll talk about the basics of meter, the difference between rhyme and free verse, and some common poetic devices. Then, at the end, I’ll share a writing activity so you can practice being your…

  • How to Avoid Writing Pitfalls

    I’m excited to share this month’s creative writing topic on Writer’s Block, a creative writing club for young writers. There, their, or they’re? Its or it’s? This month, we talk about common writing pitfalls and how to spot them. We also look at what makes a strong opener versus a weak opener for a story and also how to write strong dialogue. Don’t miss the hands-on writing activity at the end! Join us on YouTube, and take a moment to comment or share your thoughts on today’s video. Write on! Kristen

  • The Challenge to Write Simply

    Welcome back to Writer’s Block, a creative writing club designed for young writers. In this month’s meeting, we talk about how less can definitely be more with our writing, but writing simply is much harder than we might think! In today’s video, we talk about ways to write tightly and clear. The writing activity is one you won’t want to miss. Join us on YouTube, and take a moment to comment or share your thoughts on today’s class. Write on! ~ Kristen

  • Calling Teen Writers! There’s a New Club for You

    If you’re a teen writer, this club is for you! This month, I’m launching Writer’s Block, a creative writing club for young writers. Each meeting, we’ll learn about an aspect of the writing craft and have a chance to practice with a writing challenge. At some point, all of us writers deal with the dreaded writer’s block, or creative brain freeze, but we’re not going to let it slow us down. Instead, we’re going to combat it with the best solutions possible: practical skills and lots of practice! Learn more about my vision for this club and how I hope it can be a way to encourage and equip young…