Encouraging adolescents to envision themselves as writers, this book provides 24 step-by-step exercises to help them discover their writing style, explore new types of writing, experiment with genres, and evaluate their own work. The book also provides pragmatic information about the day-to-day realities of becoming a writer: finding the right publishers, preparing manuscripts for submission, getting paid, linking up with the writing community, and getting support form parents, teachers, and friends. A practical guide to starting and maintaining a writing career, the book presents suggestions and success stories from other young writers, proving that it is possible to be a real writer at any age. Chapters in the book are: (1) The Land of the Imagination; (2) Identifying the Writer Within; (3) Learning about Genres; (4) Playing with Your Imagination; (5) Finding the Right Publishers; (6) Preparing Your Manuscript; (7) Your Money and Your Publishing Rights; and (8) Connecting with the Writing Community. An index is included. (RS)