I've endorsed writing books off and on for several years.
This is the first time I want to endorse a press.
Cottonwood Press specializes in making boring subjects
interesting for kids. To show me, they mailed me three
different books, so I could get a flavor of their efforts.
Don't know if they recognized I was a sucker for helping
teens, but I was sold after reading their works.

No, this isn't a paid endorsement. I don't have a contract
with them. They haven't purchased advertising through me.

I know teachers and parents who struggle teaching kids the
wonders of writing. I know kids who say parents and teachers
don't have a clue. I think Cottonwood Press provides the
bridge between the two. Let me show you why.

SEIZE THE STORY - A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write
By Victoria Hanley

This book takes the mechanics of writing a story and breaks
it down into the same concepts as adult books - creating
characters, beginnings, dialogue, showing and telling,
plotting, conflict, middles and endings. So what's new?
It's written lighthearted in a language that is simple to
digest - downright interesting. It has lots of examples
and exercises like the one of perspective. The young writer
looks at the world through the eyes and ears of other people
like a good friend, someone you admire, someone you dislike,
someone wise, someone younger, or someone old and sick.
Frankly, this book ought to be used to teach new adult
writers. It's plain, clear and to the point.

UNJOURNALING - By Dawn DiPrince and Cheryl Miller Thurston

Here you find 200 writing prompts for young writers. For
instance:

180. Write a news paragraph that includes the words
cantaloupe, toothpaste, guitar, flashlight, flip flops.

151. Madison is so happy. In one paragraph, show that she
is happy, but don't use the word happy or even a synonym
for happy.

148. Write a paragraph or sentence about celebrating a
holiday. Use exactly 100 letters.

They not only help you think creatively, but they make
you study structure and tight writing. Again, adults
could use this book and make strides in their writing habits.

WILD INK - How to Write Fiction for Young Adults
By Victoria Hanley

Marvelous, marvelous material in this book. I've never
quite understood the line between youth and adult - that
magic slice of life publishers label Young Adult. But this
book defines it so well, and teaches you how to incorporate
the characteristics into your story writing. For instance,
in a section entitled Breakdown/Breakthrough, the author
recognizes that everyone goes through terrible times. Then
suddenly there's the AHA moment when the sun breaks through
or the mystery is solved. Teens thrive on this concept.

The book even goes into submitting manuscripts and getting
published. Chapter Eight is so cool with "Words of Wisdom
from Authors" where published YA authors discuss their
experiences with writing and publishing the genre.

    Hope