I’ve dreamed of writing a book for as long as I can remember, but I never thought it was actually possible.
Teens like me don’t get published.
Until they do. Because I did.
And not because I’m special (seriously, not at all!). It’s because, after writing for several years, I became aware of the strategy for success. I found a community and a mentor, worked as hard as I could, and it eventually paid off.
This is my story.
Young Writers Like You and Me Can Get Published
In lesson #1 of this series (Young Writers, Young Authors) Brett convinced us that young writers actually can get published. The problem is that most are uneducated about the process, or they don’t believe it’s possible. A few years ago, that was me. But if then he explained that if they worked hard and created a concrete strategy, they’d have a real shot at success. [If you missed it, click here to watch video #1.]
And in lesson #2, I share how that happened to me.
I went from being a 13-year-old writer clueless about the publishing process to an 18-year-old landing a book contract from her dream publisher.
And I most sincerely believe this can happen to other young writers.
My story is not a fairytale; it’s a template. It’s an example that other young writers can follow to achieve success in their own writing goals.
In this video Brett and I walk through my whole writing journey – its humble beginnings, my parents’ support, my own insecurity, facing rejection, the part The Rebelution and Do Hard Things University played, what happened the day I got the book contract, and what it feels like to be a young author.
This Video Series is For You If…
You’re a discouraged young writer wondering whether publication is possible.
You’re a hopeful young writer looking for motivation.
You’re passionate about anything (even if it’s not writing) and you’re wondering if it’s realistic for young people to achieve serious success.
But here’s the catch: These video lessons are only free and available to the public until Saturday, July 1. So get watching!
Acccess The Video SeriesClick here to start watching Lesson #2:
Our Hope for This Video
I hope that hearing my story inspires you. I hope it gives you permission to dream again. And I hope it helps you realize that young writers really can become young authors.
You May Also Like:
The Young Writers Guidebook is a collection of advice from young authors. If you’ve ever dreamt of publishing a book as a young person, take this opportunity to learn from those who have gone ahead of you. Click here to learn more.
The WriterScore Assessment is a way to measure your growth and development as a writer in ten different categories. Click here to take the assessment. Once you’ve taken it, share your score and join the discussion in our private Facebook group.
This is great! I’m so proud of you, Jaquelle, and really excited for your book to come out!
YOU’RE great, Jason! Thank you for reading my manuscript and being so supportive. 🙂
Hey Jaquelle, I might go to the Gospel Coalition conference in February. You’re going to be there, right?
It would be really cool if we could meet in person!
Incredible story Jaquelle! I had a little laugh with your way of freaking out.
I loved this Jaquelle. Your story truly is inspiring, and I CANNOT wait to read your book! 🙂
Thank you, Michael! And my dad had a BIG laugh when he watched that part of the interview. 🙂
Thank you so much, friend! Your encouragement means a lot. You don’t even know. 🙂 And I CANNOT wait to share my book!!
Aw, Jason, that would be so cool. But at this point, I’m actually not planning on going to TGC Nat Con this year. It would be way cool if we could meet in person, though. Some day, my friend! It will happen!
Some day over the rainbow. . .Wait. I think that’s actually somewhere. Lol
Ya know, if this meet-up ever happens, I wanna be there too! 😉
Jaquelle should just take the whole team to Australia after she publishes her book!
I feel like we’ve had his conversation before XD
That’s because we have!
lol yes i remember.
Hey, once we do the Young Writer’s Workshop we’ll all be famous authors with all the money in the world to go to Australia!
Haha if you say so 😉
Jason, are you going to the National Conference? That is in April and I think I might be at that one volunteering.
Yeah, that’s the one! I’m not sure if I’m going, but if you go that might change my mind. Are you for sure going to be there?
Jason, I don’t know absolutely that I am going, but I am pretty sure I will be. I just signed up to Volunteer and I have volunteered several times at this conference, so I am considered a core volunteer. So unless for some reason they don’t accept me as a volunteer or something happens to prevent me from going, than I should be there. You should come! It would be awesome to meet you! I met Jaquelle at the last conference. 🙂
Your dad is so funny!
@thetrentblake:disqus have you seen these posts?? Thought they all might interest you if you hadn’t seem them already. =)
Thanks Megan! Actually I have seen them – I’ve just been commenting under the video, rather then under the post.
Are you interested in pursuing writing as well?
haha! Yeah, I figured you had seem them or would soon. 😉
Yes, I’m very interested! It’s not something I’m at a place to pursue more deeply right now; but when I finish school in a couple months I’d love to pursue it more in depth.
Currently it’s just my blog (which has been pretty inconsistent lately), a monthly newspaper article, school work, and free-writing. I’d definitely love to expand that horizon at some point.
You’re far more advanced in the writing process and world than I am though. ;D lol
Then in that case, I would highly recommend you join the FB group and watch the videos while you can. It doesn’t require a huge time commitment and is a great resource! I think you would fit right in!
Either way! =)
Your story is so inspiring @jaquellecrowe:disqus! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Trent!! I might just do that. 😉
You’re welcome, Gabrielle! I’m so happy my story could be encouraging to you. 🙂
@Jaquelle Crowe, thanks so much! I was really inspired by this video. I’m a 15 year old and I have been published in a small homeschooling magazine. I was encouraged that you got published on Therebelution when you were sixteen. I want to be published on Therebelution sometime.
PS: I completely know what you mean by freaking out. I have done it too! 🙂
Haha, yep, the freaking out is real. XD I was actually published in a small homeschooling magazine when I was 15 too. But getting published on TheReb is attainable! Here’s our submission guidelines: http://therebelution.com/submit-content/. =)
Thanks! I have a few ideas for submissions, but first I need to write them and ask my parents!
This is amazing…I have been writing seriously for nearly 4 years now, but I have always thought my Idea of publishing my book set was a joke. I mean say “how many people would want to read a teenagers book?” Then after I’ve watched this I thought a second… Do hard things is one of my favorite books(a teen book) This changes everything is amazing! And the most clear one I should have realized before was that family member of mine published a book two years ago when she was 17… Writing is an art that should be done not just dreamed about. If I am a writer I should stop mopping a saying it isn’t possible and start acting like one.