7 writing tips for students entering the First Page writing challenge — from writers who know what it takes
Each year, CBC Books asks students to give us a glimpse of the great Canadian novel of the future for the First Page student writing challenge. Students are challenged to write the first page of a book set 150 years in the future, with the protagonist facing an issue that's topical now and set the scene for how it's all playing out in a century and a half.
This year's competition is open until Feb. 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET and it will be judged by Basil Sylvester.
If you're looking to enter the First Page this year, we've got some writing advice for you from former readers and winners.
First, read!
Michael Hutchinson says: "First, read! When you read, you consume sentences that you like and don't like, paragraphs you like and don't like and dialogue that you like and don't like. When you read, what you are really doing is filling the palette inside your head with 'colours' to use when you sit down to write.
When you read, what you are really doing is filling the palette inside your head with 'colours' to use when you sit down to write.- Michael Hutchinson
"Second, writers write! So, put on a timer and sit down to write every day or every second day, whatever you choose. Doesn't matter if it's a journal entry, poetry or a story. But when that timer is on, you write. When you get good at that, then try to increase the length of time or frequency that the timer is on.
"Third, every good writer has an editor. Find someone who knows you and what you are trying to do with your writing. An editor will be your first audience and they will tell you if that character needs to be fleshed out more, if there are links missing in your chain of logic, or if you've written something that doesn't quite come alive in their head. If you engage these three pieces of advice, you can improve your writing. And that will improve your life."
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Michael Hutchinson's Mighty Muskrats Mystery series reflects diversity within Indigenous communities
Michael Hutchinson was a reader for the 2023 First Page student writing challenge.
Hutchinson is a novelist and member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation. He currently lives in Manitoba and works as the Communications Manager for the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre. He is the author of The Mighty Muskrats Mystery series, which includes the books The Case of Windy Lake, The Case of the Missing Auntie, The Case of the Burgled Bundle and The Case of the Rigged Race.
Act even when you're scared
Kern Carter says: "Keep a learning mindset. Writing well is really hard, and the only way to get better is to keep learning. So listen to teachers, practice — write as much as you can, read a lot of books and articles, and find other ways to learn the craft. I watch YouTube videos and listen to podcasts.
Act even when you're scared or feel you're not ready.- Kern Carter
"Act even when you're scared or feel you're not ready. Feeling like you're not good enough is something that stops a lot of writers from sharing their stories. It's ok to feel fear, but take the step anyway. Putting your work out to the public takes courage, and the more times you do it, the more confident you become."
Kern Carter was a reader for the 2023 First Page student writing challenge.
Carter is a Toronto author and freelance writer. His other books include the novella Thoughts of a Fractured Soul, the novel Beauty Scars and the YA novels And Then There Was Us and Boys and Girls Screaming. He was named one of CBC Books' Black writers to watch in 2023.
Be passionate
Deborah Falaye says: "Hone your craft. One of the first pieces of advice I received when I started writing was not to be afraid of revisions because that's where the real story is. Anyone can write a story, but to make it compelling, you have to know how to revise and polish your work. The good thing is there are so many resources out there available for writers and just dedicating enough time to learn and improve your craft really goes a long way.
Be passionate about the story you want to tell. I think the most compelling narratives come from passion.- Deborah Falaye
"Be passionate about the story you want to tell. I think the most compelling narratives come from passion. As a reader, that's when you can easily feel the author's excitement for the story and the emotions behind every word they've written on the page."
Deborah Falaye was a reader for the 2023 First Page student writing challenge.
Falaye is a Nigerian Canadian YA author based in Toronto. She grew up in Lagos. Her debut novel, Blood Scion was published in 2022 and was influenced by Yoruba culture. Blood Scion was named one of the best Canadian YA books of 2022 by CBC Books and was on the Canada Reads 2023 longlist. Falaye was named a Black writer to watch in 2023.
Be versatile
Andre Fenton says: "Be versatile, try new things, take risks. The words will always land on the page. Worst case scenario: you get to try again. Writing is problem solving, every page is a puzzle piece, if you spend enough time with your stories, the answers will come."
Be versatile, try new things, take risks. The words will always land on the page. Worst case scenario: you get to try again.- Andre Fenton
Andre Fenton was a reader for the 2023 First Page student writing challenge.
Fenton is an African Nova Scotian author, spoken word artist and arts educator who has represented Halifax at seven national poetry festivals across Canada. He was the 2015 recipient of The Spirit of The Slam Award. Andre is an author of the YA novels, Worthy of Love, which won bronze in The Coast Best of, and Annaka, a finalist for the 2021 Ann Connor Brimer Award. His most recent YA book is The Summer Between Us.
LISTEN | Andre Fenton on Information Morning:
Avoid the clichés
Caryn Lix says: "Make sure you know and avoid the clichés and conventions — e.g. the main character wakes up and looks in the mirror.
Make sure you know and avoid the clichés and conventions.- Caryn Lix
"Consider your goals in writing. Do you want to make lots of money writing popular books or are you thinking of more of a side career? Both are valid, but the journey is different."
Caryn Lix was a reader for the 2023 First Page student writing challenge.
Lix is a YA fantasy writer based in Alberta. She is the author of the Sanctuary sci-fi YA series, which includes the books Sanctuary, Containment and Salvation.
Take your craft seriously
Courtney Summers says: "Writing requires both hubris and humility, so hold fast to that part of yourself that believes your stories are worth telling, but never think you're so good at telling them that you can't ever improve. Take your craft seriously and treat it with respect. If you give the writing everything you've got, with each new work you'll find you have more of everything to give."
Take your craft seriously and treat it with respect.- Courtney Summers
Courtney Summers was the judge of the 2023 First Page student writing challenge.
Summers is the New York Times bestselling author of several novels for young adults, including Cracked Up to Be, All the Rage, Sadie and I'm the Girl.
Give yourself plenty of time to revise
Christian A. Yiouroukis says: "One suggestion I have for students is to give yourself plenty of time to revise. I would suggest to come back to your draft multiple times with fresh eyes. The 400-word limit really forces you to make every word count. Ask yourself, 'Does the word or phrase say what I want it to?'"
Give yourself plenty of time to revise. I would suggest to come back to your draft multiple times with fresh eyes.- Christian A. Yiourioukis
Christian A. Yiouroukis was the winner of the 2023 First Page student writing challenge in the Grades 7 to 9 category.
Yiouroukis is a young writer from Oshawa, Ont. His story Where the Maple Leaf Grows won the 2023 First Page student writing challenge in the Grades 7 to 9 category.
