Melissa Walker writes a Guest Post for Deko and Posh

By Melissa Walker, melissacwalker.com, iheartdaily.com

Since my parents first started asking me to tell stories about my day at the
dinner table (which was when I was around 3), I’ve wanted to be a writer.
I spent high school and college writing for my yearbook and then the school
newspaper, and one summer I applied for an internship at a magazine in
New York. I can’t believe I got it, but I did. And once I’d seen that life—
among great writers, amazing photographers, fabulously dressed editors
—I knew I wanted in.

After college, and a year of waiting tables (which was totally fun), I
landed my first magazine job and I never looked back. Then, a few years
ago, while working as Features Editor at ELLEgirl magazine, I got the idea
for my first book: Violet on the Runway. It’s about a gawky, awkward
high school senior who gets discovered by a model scout and brought
into the crazy-intense New York City fashion world.

Now, my fourth book for teens, Lovestruck Summer, is about to be
released, and I’m still writing for magazines too. I love both!

If you’re interested in becoming a writer, here’s my two cents:

1. Blog! Keep you deepest, darkest secrets in a paper journal, but practice
your writing online and you’ll have a sample to show when you’re ready
to be published. You can write about anything—books you love, America’s
Next Top Model, what you did on a Saturday—just practice crafting your
own polished style.

2. Get in touch with your local paper. Lots of people want to hear teenage
voices, and if you show that you’re serious about writing, there are
definitely editors who will give you assignments. Maybe you’ll cover events
at your high school, or even write an opinions piece about something going
on in your town. Have an idea, and get in touch! It’s a great place to
start.

Bio: Melissa Walker (melissacwalker.com) is a former magazine editor
and the author of four young adult books and the co-founder of iheartdaily.com.
She is also a member of the amazing teen online book club, readergirlz.com.

Thank you, Melissa...we love your books and we love your style!!