How to win a creative writing competition

I’ve judged a lot of competitions for young writers, and the following advice may give you the chance of winning one.

●Cut your first paragraph.

It’s amazing how many stories are improved by simply covering up the first paragraph. You may just want to warm up. 【小题1】 Well, that information is not as important as you think. It can wait.

●Keep it simple.

【小题2】 Writers in the older age groups try to show how well they can use fancy words. The younger writers are better at telling a story. Which do you think is more important? If you’re in the older age group category, you might find it a tricky question. It isn’t. 【小题3】 All those fancy words, complicated constructions... cut them.

●【小题4】

If you want to write about Harry Potter, or a footballer or celebrity, adjust it. Change the name. Change the situation. Make your own character and try exaggerating an aspect of the personality to make your point striking.

●Write an ending.

The great film director Alexander Mackendrick said, “If you’ve got a beginning, but you don’t yet have an end, then you’re wrong.” I suggest you come up with your ending first. 【小题5】