Teen Writing Thriving Online

We've been covering the ongoing debate over whether youth are reading less as a result of being "totally wired" for awhile on Ypulse. I just finished reading 363 applications from 13-24 year olds for the Ypulse Youth Advisory Board, and while this group self selected as being interested in writing/blogging, lots and lots of teens listed reading as one of their hobbies. Not only that, but lots of them said they had written their own books "just for fun." (I can feel the winces of struggling adult writers). I also saw the texting acronyms/shorthand creep into writing/spelling, email addresses they might want to change when applying for a real job, the incredible openness/willingness to share incredibly personal struggles, and prolific content creation — multiple blogs, web comics, participation in poetry sites, etc. I was moved by how many teens really, really want to help each other.

I think technology is encouraging teens to write more — even if the way they write when communicating with their friends is crossing over into their formal writing. I stumbled across this article about teens using the internet as a way to get feedback on their writing, which led me to a resource I didn't know about (and will be adding to the Ypulse Directory!). It's called the Young Writers Society. According to the article:

"YWS offers many things. You get a huge support system that is there for you literally 24/7.You have amazing friends. You learn how to write better by critiquing and receiving critiques," said Jennifer Wright, 14, a member and instructor of YWS.

An international forum, Young Writers Society has received acclaim by placing among the Writers' Digest Top 100 Web sites for young writers for the past three years. In addition, the Web site has published an anthology, Young Writers Literary Journal, and hosted occasional weekend radio shows. Such merit is the result of strict maintenance of integrity in conduct and responsibility in giving constructive criticism and advice.

"At YWS, writers can read tips on things from characterization, to how to punctuate their poetry properly. You can post your writing and receive reviews, although we have a strong policy of give-and-get. The rule is that if you would like to post your story/poem, you first have to review at least two things. … This resource has helped me to no end because I can honestly say within a year of being there and posting my own writing I have improved so much. The advice given is unbelievable," said Suzanne Mishkovski, 18, a member and moderator.

The article also mentions Teen Ink, another Ypulse favorite, and another great source for media and marketing professionals to get a feel for what teens want to write about.

Kinda sorta related:

Lerning to spel cud be much kwiker (Media Life Magazine)

And if you missed it awhile back, definitely check out the Pew report on teens, technology and writing.

Categorized under: Education

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