When I was 13, I had no idea how to be a writer.
Well, that’s not quite accurate. I was writing at the time, so technically I was a writer. But I didn’t know how to grow as a writer.
I didn’t know where to find motivation.
I didn’t have a strategy for success.
I didn’t have a mentor.
I didn’t have a writing community.
I hadn’t developed solid writing habits.
I was undisciplined and regularly suffered from writer’s block.
But worse: I wasn’t even aware of any of this.
It’s only in hindsight that I can now look back and see my weaknesses as a young writer.
Yet I can’t help thinking… “If only I knew these things at the time! If I’d been able to see my shortcomings earlier, I could have fixed them so much sooner.”
If only the WriterScore had existed back then.
What Is the WriterScore?
The WriterScore is a tool Brett Harris and I created to help young writers measure their growth and development. The WriterScore assesses your strengths and weaknesses in ten categories. Those categories are:
- Consistency
- Motivation
- Writing Habits
- Content
- Platform
- Strategy
- Mentorship
- Learning
- Community
- Family Support
Based on your age and your answers, you’ll get a numerical score that reveals where you’re at on your writing journey.
Maybe you’re a Dreamer (Score 1-29) … you want to be a writer or you’re just getting started and you’re eager to learn and grow.
Maybe you’re a Starter (Score 30-59) … you’re a serious writer with some good habits and goals but you’re unclear how to figure out and pursue the next steps.
Maybe you’re a Planner (Score 60-89) … you’re well on your way to success but there are still a few holes in your plans and you’re missing key tools to achieve your goals.
Maybe you’re an Achiever (Score 90+) … you’ve completed major writing projects, you have clearly defined goals and solid writing habits, but you want to keep improving your craft.
Wherever you’re at, the WriterScore is here to help you figure that out.
Who Is the WriterScore For?
The WriterScore is for young writers who are passionate about writing and convinced that this is the path for them.
But it’s also for the young people who are wondering what their passion or path even is and asking if writing might be it.
This assessment will be revealing and clarifying for them.
While it’s designed for young writers, older writers will definitely benefit from it too.
Parents and teachers might also find it a helpful resource for the young writers they know.
Basically, if you are any kind of writer (or know any kind of writer), the WriterScore is for you!
My Journey Through the WriterScore
I recently did some calculations to figure out where I’ve been on the WriterScore.
When I was 11, before I started my blog and took writing seriously, my WriterScore was 22.
When I was 16, before I started building a platform, it was 43.
When I was 17, before I had a strategy for success, it was 70.
Today my score is over 100.
That’s because I’ve been slowly shoring up on my weaknesses and building on my strengths.
No matter what your score, please don’t be discouraged with where you are, disappointed you aren’t further along. Be encouraged by this. You now have access to knowledge you never had before. Use this to empower yourself to move forward.
We want you to take the insights you learn from the WriterScore and ask yourself two questions:
- What am I already excelling at that I can keep doing?
- What can I do better?
And then we want you to apply those insights and grow as a writer.
The WriterScore is a resource to help you know where you’re at, so you can know what to do.
Take the WriterScore Now
Hundreds of other young writers have already completed the assessment and found clarity on what to do next!
