This guide for teen writers features a lively layout with b&w photos and cartoons, decorated boxes, and movie notes about films based on books, along with book synopses, writing exercises,
and author profiles. The book explains different educational and career paths for writers, emphasizing the importance of reading widely. Separate chapters are devoted to fiction and nonfiction
techniques, poetry, and songwriting. There is also material on connecting with other writers through online and in-person critique groups, with ideas on how to respond to criticism. A chapter
on writing about difficult subjects gives real-life examples of how young writers approach topics like sexual orientation and drug abuse. Unfortunately, the chapter on publishing and marketing
doesn't mention electronic publishing or zines. The book's final chapter on contests, awards, and grants tells how to avoid scams and gives a list of web sites for legitimate contests and
awards. Schwartz has taught programs for teens on writing and getting published. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
