Too young to write?

by Mark Rudd
4th January 2012

Here's one that has bothered me for a long time... I am writing (as I always am) a children's fantasy novel that I hope to submit to an agent this year. It's a fairly dark, spooky story in a magical setting, starring an ordinary girl. I only have one problem with it...

I'm only 21.

Is that enough life experience to be writing anything? Can a person's style be sufficiently mature by that age? Will an agent look at the DOB and dismiss the submission? I'd appreciate some thoughts on this!

Replies

I don't see that age should be an issue. You speak about life experience which I'm sure is appropriate for some subject matter but if you waited for the life experience to write fantasy books surely you would never get there. Fantasy, in my eyes, is more about imagination and creativity both not relevant to age at all. I can understand your concerns but I think if your work is good enough they won't see your DOB.

Dive in! Write what you love!

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Emma
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Emma Dickson
17/01/2012

P.S took a look at your work, we have similar tastes. It's something I'd pick at Waterstones

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Lily
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Lily Dooner
16/01/2012

Hey I'm fifteen years old and completed my first novel last year at fourteen and have spent lots of my time emailing agents like the posssessed, being young isn't a problem, you have a right to imagination and brilliance at your chosen proffession. Do not question your right to that! And good luck! Keep going!

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Lily
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Lily Dooner
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