Alright everyone. This post is for all you minors out there. (And of course everyone else is still welcome.) For any kid who’s ever had a story wandering around in their head, who’s ever thought of writing a book. You’ve asked yourself the question; “Can I really write and publish a book? I’m not an adult!”
Well, let me stop you right there. YES, YOU CAN! I should know. I did it! There are a lot of teens who have published books.
I understand the thoughts going through your head. Don’t you have to be an adult to publish a book? No one will like my story. I won’t even know where to start. When I first decided I wanted to write a book, I didn’t even think about publishing. Not until I had my first draft done. I have always been an avid reader. I would wander the shelves in my school library, wondering if it was possible to one day write a book as good as the ones I stayed up all night reading. And then when I thought about publishing, everything got more intense. I was a writer. I was going to be an author, and I was bent on making that dream come true.
Here’s the thing, people. There is no law that says minors can’t publish a book. Therefore, no one can really stop you. Keep in mind, there are some self-publishing companies, and I’m sure publishing houses, that require the signature of a guardian in order to publish. But there are also many companies that do not.
Well, the simple answer to this question is YES. Even when others tell you a teenager can’t write a book or say that you’re crazy, put your own goals first. The people saying you’re too young probably haven’t written a book. So who are they to crush your author dreams? There are millions of books with teenage protagonists, and these books are written by adults. So if an adult can write about a teenager, then a teenager can definitely write about a teenager. And anyone else for that matter. And if you’re worried about your story idea already being out there, let me ease your mind. Every story idea comes from some sort of inspiration, something you’ve seen, heard or read before. Still, the story in your head is definitely unique, because no one can ever tell your story the way you want to; the way it NEEDS to be told.
If you are really thinking about writing a book, go for it! The first step to becoming an author is becoming a writer. So write! You can worry about editing, publishing, and marketing later. Just get your story onto paper first, and go from there.
If you have any questions whatsoever, put them in the comments below, or send me an email on the contact page.
Remember, anyone can be a writer, even a teenager. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to telling stories and inspiring other people. All it takes is a little imagination and determination. So if you really want to be an author, whether you already have a story written or just an idea in your head, believe you can do it. It’s not always going to be easy, but it will always be worth it in the end.
So start writing.
-R.E. Klinzing
If you really don’t think a minor can write a book still, check out mine. I started writing it when I was thirteen and published it when I was sixteen. Proof a teenager can write and publish a book:
T.S.O. Bk# 1 Finding Doom
Amelia Zegro wakes up in the hospital with no memory of her tragic accident. She knows it has something to do with her secret life as a teen spy. Known as Agent Z, Amelia works for the Teen Spy Organization (T. S. O). As she tries to work out the sorted details of her lost memory, she is assigned a new and dangerous case, a case that brings her on a collision course with Doom, a notorious criminal with whom she has an ominous connection. As Agent Z uncovers clues about her past, she realizes she has been looking in the wrong direction. She must decide who she can trust and uncover the truth before it’s too late. Can Amelia piece together the details in time to rewrite a wrong and stop Doom from succeeding in his plan?
R.E. KLINZING 