Someday You'll Write

Drawing from a lifetime of writing experience, Elizabeth Yates shares her thoughts with young writers: On inspiration "If an idea seizes you--and that is a form of inspiration for the writer--see how you can make it serve your purpose at the time, and decide where you want to go with it."

On persistence "If your heart is really set on what you are doing, you will find the time and the place and the persistence within your own self to do it."

On the opinions of others "Writing never appears to be work, or serious, except to the writer, and you might just as well get used to that attitude now and come to terms with it."

Miss Yates gives practical answers to writers' questions: How will I know when I'm ready to write? How can I keep my reader interested? What about stories that are true? How can I keep going?

Elizabeth Yates wanted to be a writer before she knew how to read, and she persisted in following her dream. Over a long and fruitful career, she has received many awards, including the Newbery Medal for Amos Fortune, Free Man, and the Pettee Medal from the University of New Hampshire for distinguished service to the state.