Tori Jackson. Newspapers. Grade 12, Age 17. Gold Medal, Painting.
This month, Ned Vizzini explains how to get your writing out in the world and begin developing a professional identity.
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Siaree Asked:
I read in April 2011’s Ask A Writer (Getting Your First Story Published) that when you were in high school you wrote short pieces for the New York Press. I have been looking for a newspaper that publishes high school student work. If you could give me some advice on how to make this happen, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!
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Sophie Friedman-Pappas. Uncertainty. 2011 Gold Medal, Painting.
Sophie Friedman-Pappas applied her Award-winning artistic skills to a fascinating internship this fall. Teen artists and writers take note: According to Sophie, an internship can deepen your creative perspective! Read on to learn about Sophie’s approach to art and her internship at New York City’s Educational Alliance.
When did you first become interested in art and painting? Growing up, I was exposed to art galleries and openings because my mother was a painter. Due to my early experiences with the art world, my work originally consisted of drawings of fairies and dragons.
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Photo Credit: John Sigmund
We had the absolute pleasure of meeting Janet Tan, a teacher at the Hong Kong International School (HKIS), in our office two weeks ago. Janet joined the High School Humanities team at HKIS in 2000, and our TAG (Teacher Advisory Group) Team this year. She conducts workshops for schools and at conferences, and consults in schools in Southeast Asia. For the past 25 years, Janet has co-directed the East Asia Writing Project with her colleague and friend Judith Pearce.
In the following interview, Janet talks about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and shares her experience and advice.
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Tyler Paige. Characters Stereotyped With Typefaces. Grade 12, Age 18. 2011 American Visions Medal, Design.
In this month’s Ask Ned, Ned explains how to write dialogue for a screenplay.
Bruce Asked:
I started my first screenplay and I seem to be stuck on a problem with it. After writing a scene, I reread it and the dialogue sounds flat and artificial. How do you write dialogue that is natural and conversational? Thanks.
Ned Answered:
There are different considerations when you’re writing dialogue for prose or screen. In a book (or short story), you have more of a chance to do “natural and conversational” dialogue. You can have characters say, “Hey.” “Hey.” “Yeah. So… what’s up?” “I dunno… I’m good.” There’s room for that kind of realism and readers can even be charmed by it.
But in a movie, it’s a no-no. Movies don’t have “natural and conversational” dialogue. Read More
Carolyn Kettig. Zeus. Grade 10, Age 15. 2011 Gold Medal, Photography.
In this month’s Ask Ned, Ned explains how to bring a story to life on film or television.
Reyna Asked:
I’ve always written short stories with the hope of bringing them to life in an actual television series or making a movie based on my work. Do you have any advice or insight for a writer who wants to see their work on the screen?
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Madison Koczo. Mannequins. Grade 11, Age 16. 2011 Gold Medal, Mixed Media.
In this month’s Ask Ned, Ned explains how to handle self-doubt and negative criticism.
Maddie Asked:
I’m 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. Reading and writing have made a tremendous impact on my life, so much that I want to become an author and possibly an editor for a publishing company. Recently my teachers have been complaining about my writing skills. Normally I take criticism very well, but it’s just a little disheartening when you build yourself up just so someone can bring you down. Do you ever feel disheartened or have doubts about your writing skills?
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