Finding Your Voice: Tips for High Schoolers Who Want to Write

By Anya Prasanna

Writing can feel like a mountain—intimidating at first, with blank pages towering over you—but every great writer starts somewhere. Whether you dream of novels, poetry, essays, or even journalism, the good news is that you can start today. Here are some tips and strategies to help high schoolers find their voice and fall in love with writing.

1. Write Every Day (Even a Little)

The most important habit is consistency. Don’t worry about perfection; even 10–15 minutes of writing each day helps build rhythm and confidence. Keep a small notebook, a phone journal, or a Google Doc where you jot ideas, dialogue snippets, or random thoughts. Over time, these small pieces turn into something bigger.

2. Read Like a Writer

Reading widely is the best way to understand how stories work. Don’t limit yourself to novels—read poetry, short stories, articles, and even fanfiction. Pay attention to how authors use words, build tension, or create characters. Ask yourself: Why did this sentence grab me? Why did this character feel real?

3. Experiment With Styles and Genres

Don’t box yourself in. Try writing sci-fi, fantasy, realistic fiction, personal essays, or scripts. One day, write a poem about a rainy afternoon; the next, a short story set in the future. Experimenting allows you to discover what you enjoy and helps your style evolve naturally.

4. Embrace Imperfection

Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect—it doesn’t even have to be good. The key is to get ideas onto the page without judgment. Editing comes later. Many writers call this the “messy first draft” stage, and it’s where creativity flows most freely.

5. Observe the World Around You

Great writing starts with noticing details. Listen to conversations, notice body language, observe nature, or think about moments that made you feel something deeply. Small details often make stories come alive.

6. Join a Community

Writing is more fun when shared. Join a school club, a local writing workshop, or an online community. Sharing your work and receiving feedback helps you grow, improves your confidence, and exposes you to new ideas.

7. Keep a “Story Bank”

Collect ideas, prompts, and interesting observations in one place. You never know when a single line or an image could spark a full story. The key is to have a personal library of inspiration ready whenever creativity strikes.

8. Set Goals and Celebrate Milestones

Even small goals help you stay motivated. Finish a short story this month, submit a poem to a contest, or start a blog. Celebrate the wins, no matter the size—it builds momentum and makes writing feel rewarding.

9. Read About Writing

Books and articles about writing craft can be surprisingly motivating. Consider classics like On Writing by Stephen King, or Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. These books remind you that every writer struggles, and that persistence pays off.

10. Remember: Your Voice Matters

No one else can tell your story the way you do. Don’t compare yourself to famous authors. Your perspective, your experiences, and your thoughts are unique—and that’s what makes your writing compelling.

Final Thought: Writing isn’t about perfection or talent—it’s about curiosity, courage, and practice. Start small, explore freely, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Your stories, essays, poems, or scripts are waiting to be written—and the world is ready to hear them.