Hey, Guidesters!
I’m excited to announce a new program pioneered by Guide Magazine staff Randy Fishell and Laura Samano. They’re happy to see all the young writers on the Talent Showcase and look forward to seeing you all build your skills as writers.

So, drumroll please, allow me to introduce the Writing Coach and Buddy Program. 

As a writing coach, I’m looking forward to rolling out fun initiatives such as restarting the Paragraph Contest (check it out on the Forum), creating monthly posts with writing tips, and commenting on all the new stories you’re writing. Feel free to let me know what writing techniques you’re interested in, and I’ll see if I can post related games, advice, and exercises. 

And for Writing Buddies, I’d initially outlined the idea a few months ago, but it never got off the ground. Now I’d like to re-introduce the idea with a few adjustments. Writing Buddies should take the Young Writer’s Course and get their certificate of completion. They’re encouraged to comment regularly on new stories and participate in writing challenges and events. If you’re interested in being a Writing Buddy, comment below!

I think that’s a wrap on my outline of the new program. 

Now for a spotlight on three awesome sentences I saw on Guide recently.

The familiar bitterness hit her like a car. – DaughteroftheKing

I love the metaphor here, of how the emotion slams into her. Great work, DaughteroftheKing!

The symbols on the scroll were almost identical to those on the medallion, and they seemed to pulse with an ancient rhythm as if they held a heartbeat of their own. — Godisgoodgirl

Nice simile here, Godisgoodgirl. I love how you included strong verbs like “pulse” and compared the scroll’s symbols to a heartbeat. This sentence is very lyrical and has great pacing. 

An old marching song was trapped in my head as I “marched” (it was more of a slow, droopy stumble) toward the lofty peak. – INC

INC, really interesting sentence. It’s cool how you included the character’s perspective to create a bit of humour while explaining the event. 

Well done, writers!  Don’t forget to check out the Young Writers Course, collect your certificate, and keep your eyes peeled for new contests. Happy writing!