Read Stories | Submit Your Story
About DEBUT WRITERS
The DEBUT WRITERS program is meant to be source of inspiration and a celebration of the next generation of debut writers. That’s a big word for first time writers! I am dedicating this section to supporting and publishing DEBUT WRITERS.
Congratulations and welcome—all writers were once just like you, Debut Writers. Of course, there are rules for getting your story accepted—aren’t there always—but let’s talk about the non-rule part first.
WRITING:
If you have story you’ve been thinking about, write it, BUT (this is so necessary) wait a week before sending it in. Read it every other day, maybe changing a word or two. For example, instead of FROG, make it a GREEN FROG. The next time, how about a WET GREEN FROG, finally, a MAD WET GREEN FROG. Hmm, I wonder what made it mad, and what it is going to do about it? I think I’ll get ready to run!
If you don’t have a story, look at pictures and begin to think about a story—still can’t think of a good one? Start by writing what you see in the picture. The important thing is to write. Write every day. Even if it is just a little.
Here’s my favorite idea for the-I-can’t-think-of-a-story problem: take a story, maybe like The Emperor’s New Clothes, and tell it in your own words—no copying please. Pretty soon you’ll begin to understand how to create a story.
EDITING:
Right before you get ready to submit (send) your story, read it out loud to Mom, or Dad, or Grandma, or the family dog. Did you stumble? Experienced writers know that means something’s wrong. See if you can find it. If you can’t figure it out, underline it. Maybe I’ll figure it out.
Finally, and this is important, have someone check your story for spelling and a little bit of grammar. These are important, important, important (rats!) parts of writing, but I will only be able to comment on the writing.
ROTTEN RULES:
- With each story, you must submit the Writer’s Number (you got that at the book reading). Otherwise, I’ll be reading 1,000,000 lovely stories a month! If you lost it, let me know and I’ll assign you a new one—just promise not to lose it!
- EACH STORY MUST BE ONLY ONE PAGE- DOUBLE SPACED, FONT SIZE 12. Although, I might not notice if it is three or four lines too long.
- You can submit up to three stories with your Writer’s Number, but only one story a month.
- You’ll need to submit an email address if you want my comments. I promise I’ll never, ever give your email address to anyone.
- Then, I will publish it on this website! Your friends, family, even our mythical Mad Wet Green Frog can go and read it—forever. Only your first name and age needs to appear with the story.
- If you use up all three stories, you must attend another event, or set one up—whining at Jeri Howitt will probably get you at least one more.
ROTTEN ROTTEN RULES:
- Jeri Howitt reserves the right to decide who will be posted at the website.
- Jeri Howitt will not be held liable for anything stemming from the publication of stories on her website.
- Jeri Howitt will not be held liable for any comments and suggestions she makes about submitted writing.
- Jeri Howitt will never steal an idea.
- Jeri Howitt will never share your personal information with anyone.
