Writing

My Path to Becoming a Published Teen Writer

By on November 7th, 2023

A National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) Experience

This blog was written by Joi T., 12th grade Florida Virtual School Flex student in Miami

“You can make anything by writing.” – C.S. Lewis

As I began my journey to become a teen author, I imagined new worlds, exciting adventures, and a story my peers could relate to. I loved seeing myself in the characters I read and watching how they could overcome any conflict that arose in their lives. However, I felt like I was not always represented by those characters. So, when I was invited to participate last year in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) by my Florida Virtual School (FLVS) English teacher, I was ecstatic.

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Young Author Sets Sights on Political Service

By on August 6th, 2020

Did you know that 97 percent of people who start to write a book never finish it? Out of every 1,000 people who set out to do so, less than 30 will complete the task. Well, we’d like to introduce you to someone who not only wrote a book—he had it published while in 8th grade.

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Connecting through Creative Writing Club

By on May 13th, 2019

This post was written by Lia, a student in the FLVS Creative Writing Club.

The Creative Writing Club is a place where students of Florida Virtual School (FLVS) can come together and appreciate the joys of writing. Being in virtual school, it can be hard to connect with other students, let alone find anyone who is interested in the same things as yourself.

This is where clubs have a huge role. They allow for students to connect in ways that would have been impossible on their own. The Creative Writing Club is only one of the FLVS clubs that do this. With more than 300 students, the Creative Writing Club is a popular choice for many students looking for a club. Continue reading



The Close of a Chapter: Plugging into the Virtual Community

By on May 19th, 2017

This post was written by Olivia, a student in the FLVS Creative Writing Club.

FLVS ClubsAs I near the end of my high school career, I can’t help but think about all of the wonderful memories and lifelong friends that I have made through FLVS.

As a writer, I have been able to thrive in clubs like Creative Writing Club, News in a Click and NEHS. I have participated in Poetry Read-Ins, Shakespeare Festivals and Celebrate Literacy Month. I have also had the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with immensely talented writers and highlight student work through Open Mics. These experiences have greatly enriched my writing and provided inspiration that I will carry with me when I go to college.

In my final [Creative Writing Club] blog post, I wanted to remind you of the power of plugging into our virtual community. By getting involved in FLVS clubs and activities, you are introduced to a world of inspiration. Continue reading


Be Careful With Your Words

By on April 27th, 2017

This poem was written by Mary-Kelly, a student in the FLVS Creative Writing Club.

Words have power

Creative Writing Club students have been scribbling away all month for National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo).

With a goal of writing 30 poems in 30 days, the club aims to get students’ creative juices flowing through frequent writing exercises. As club sponsor Mrs. Emery says, “Some prompts will speak to you, and some will not. Some poems will be keepers, but most will not.”

In the spirit of sharing and a love of poetry, students have been responding to writing prompts and supporting each other’s work. Continue reading


Why Libraries Still Matter

By on April 11th, 2017

Blog_LibrariesAs a young girl, I always enjoyed visiting my local library.

My librarian, Mrs. Ferris, knew me by name and greeted me with a loving smile. She always had recommendations for great books, from beautiful Caldecott Medal picture books to the latest Newberry Award winners. She knew just the right stories that would captivate me for hours, keeping me up well past my bedtime as I read by the light of a flashlight under my covers.

In the days before the internet became a household staple, the library was my go-to source for answers about life’s most pressing questions. Even with nothing but that clunky card catalog of old, Mrs. Ferris could find resources to answer my many questions within minutes of me asking them. I wanted to know everything there was to know about kangaroos? Got it. Pompeii? Easy. The Holocaust? Let’s try reading Number the Stars and go from there. Continue reading


Meet Cristi, Founder of Tallahassee Teen Magazine

By on March 13th, 2017

Christi McKeeFLVS student Cristi McKee has been a member of the Creative Writing Club since 2012 and is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Tallahassee Teen Magazine.

In a recent interview with club students, she answered questions about her experiences as an intern with Tallahassee Woman Magazine.

What motivated you to found Tallahassee Teen Magazine?

I always wanted to inspire teens through writing, but I never could figure out how – until December 2015.

I took my love for writing and approached a local magazine and their publisher, Tallahassee Woman Magazine and Kim Rosier, and told them that I was interested in starting a magazine for teenagers that would be filled with inspirational, encouraging content while also celebrating local teen’s accomplishments. Soon after, Tallahassee Teen Magazine was founded courtesy of Tallahassee Woman Magazine. Continue reading


My Writing Timeline

By on March 8th, 2017

This post was written by Natalie, a student in the FLVS Creative Writing Club.

Blog_Creative_WritingWhen I was much, much younger, I saw writing as a chore. There’s not a lot a 7-year-old girl being homeschooled in southwest Florida had to write about, and I certainly didn’t do much of it.

As I grew older, the process of writing morphed from a chore into a helpful emotional outlet and then into a hobby. Although I’ve never been a serious, hardcore dedicated writer, I can say that writing definitely should be credited for its impact in my life.

The earliest I can remember writing would be in my tween years. As most people behave when going through that time in their lives, I could get quite emotional and crave an outlet to vent my frustrations or just write a poem expressing my honest feelings.

I read a ton of books back then and can attribute a lot of my literacy skills to my reading. I kept diary after diary for a few years and grew my writing skills without even realizing it. Writing about anything going on in my life made me think about events and interactions more deeply than I ever had before. Continue reading