ACTION PLAN:

• Make a list: brainstorm subjects to write about. Include topics like: time periods (i.e. grade school, high school, college, etc.), special events (graduations, competitions, marriage, childbirth, etc.), firsts (i.e. first date, first kiss, first time in a plane, etc.), places you've been (i.e. houses you lived in, vacations you've taken, etc.), and family members (i.e. favorite aunt, closest cousin, etc.). The list can be endless. Come up with 30 topics.
• Choose a subject: pick a topic from your list you feel passionate about. Perhaps your happiest experience or the worst or the funniest or the scariest.
• Write it down: Describe details. Use dialogue. Convey feelings and emotions you were experiencing at the time. Relive the story as you write. This is your first draft. Don't worry about editing or getting it just right. Let the words flow.

  TIP: If you can't remember certain facts, leave it blank and make a note to fill in later.

  TIP: Imagine you are writing a letter to a friend and tell him/her all about it. This will keep you writing naturally. You won't find yourself trying to be a writer, but rather you'll just write.

• Read & revise: read through what you wrote, fill in the blanks and revise where necessary. Does the wording make sense? Is there some kind of a conflict that gets resolved? Was there a lesson learned?
• Re-read & revise again: put finishing touches on it. Check for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

  TIP: Have someone else proofread your story for you. You've probably read it so many times at this point, you may find yourself overlooking typos. A fresh set of eyes will catch them.

• Submit your story: using the Story Submission Form, copy and paste your story into the appropriate space and submit.