Forums/ advice for young writers

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Not sure where to post this so will post in a few sections. Does anyone have any idea where young writers (13 years old) can go for writing advice, to send their stories, of young writers' forums etc. This is for my friend's daughter who is an aspiring author and who recently sent me a couple of her stories to read (I am a primary school teacher and nothing to do with writing, publishing or journalism).

She is a lovely girl and I would love to be able to offer her some ideas of where to go next as well as encouraging her. Her school teachers have also been impressed with her writing but as far as I know, have not given many ideas of where to go next.

Thanks in advance

The Usbourne young writers award happens every year. It's closed at the moment but worth keeping an eye on for 2011: www.usborne.com/youngwritersaward/

Her local library should have details of any writing competitions for children/teens, national and local. But at the moment I'd be inclined to encourage her to write for the sake of it, for its own enjoyment. If kids get into submitting to awards too early then get nowhere it can dent their confidence, even if they are really good.
She could try writing for First news or Puffin Club newsletters, or suggest a column to a teen mag.

Not sure where you live, but this guy runs brilliant creative writing courses for teenagers. My DS has been on 3 or 4 of them and had a great time, and made some really good friends that he is still in touch with several years on.

I will pass all this info on to my friend for her daughter. Thanks so much