This is a short list of resources, but I sincerely hope that it is of use to you.
The online platforms listed are Christian-based. If you are a non-believer, you can still participate. Please, check them out before completely crossing them off your list. You may find a resource on there that you love.
FREE
1. Story Embers (storyembers.org)
Story Embers is a Christian platform dedicated to helping you write great Christian stories. They have a blog with nonfiction articles, stories, and poems. Use the articles to learn more about how to write well. Read the stories and poems in your free time -- good writers are also good readers. Besides, some of this stuff is by young writers like you. Why not check it out?
Story Embers also offers a small variety of free guides to help you improve your writing.
2. The Rebelution (therebelution.com)
The Rebelution stemmed from Alex and Brett Harris' book Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations. It is a non-fiction platform, and is Christian based. The articles reflect that clearly. It isn't so much place to go for writing resources, but it is a wonderful place if you have faith questions. If you have written an article on a topic that they cover, you are invited to submit it to the Rebelution. Be sure to read their writer guidelines very carefully for the best chance of acceptance!
3. The Young Writer (theyoungwriter.com)
The Young Writer was co-founded by Brett Harris (yes, the same guy from the Rebelution) and Jaquelle Ferris. Yes, it is faith-based, but don't let that turn you off right away if you are a non-believer. These are great people. Check out their site here before you write them off.
The Young Writer blog is chock full of great writing craft articles, right at your fingertips!
You can download the Young Writer Guidebook by Brett Harris, or check out the free video series Young Writer Revolution. They also have a Parent Critique Guide. You can see all of these resources here.
The Young Writer also has some stuff that you do have to pay a fee for, but we'll get to that in the next section.
3. Kingdom Pen (kingdompen.org)
Kingdom Pen is a great resource for young writers (again, it is Christian oriented, but you do not have to be a Christian to participate), with stories, poems, and non-fiction articles on writing. This may sound a lot like Story Embers. It would seem that they get that response often, because they have a post called "What’s The Difference Between Kingdom Pen & Story Embers?" Read the comments below the article to get an even fuller picture.
Something I find exciting is the fact that Kingdom Pen accepts submissions! I will definitely be sending them my work soon.
Kingdom Pen has a Resource Page compiled of all sorts of things writer-related, services to help you launch your own author website, great books for helping you improve you craft, etc.
Online Courses ($ required)
The Young Writer's Workshop is part of The Young Writer. It does cost money, but I am convinced that it is well worth it. There is a waiting list you can sign up for. The next enrolment period is January 17-25 (2024).
*ATTENTION HOMESCHOOLERS* The Academic Track is worth one high school credit. How awesome is that?!
Inside The Young Writer's Workshop, you gain access to a whole pile of amazing resources. They are listed on this page, along with all the rest of the information you may need.
The Academic Track costs $55/mo.
The Standard Track costs $40/mo.
They also have a pay-what-you-can policy to help families who are struggling and cannot afford to pay full price.
Story Embers has a few writing courses available under the name "Story Embers Academy." There is one course free, but the others are quite expensive. They could very well be worth the money. I cannot say, as I have not used any of them. Here they are, listed by title and price. You can also find this information here.
7 Day Mindset Challenge - FREE
The Breakthrough Course - $25
The Authentic Characters Course - $147
The Engaging Plots Course - $175
The Resonant Themes Course - $197
The Riveting Revisions Course - $247
I would peruse the Story Embers site, reading content, to help you decide if these courses would be a good fit for you. Talk to your parents as well.
Books
1. Writer to Writer: From Think to Ink - Gail Carson Levine
Writer to Writer is a quick look at how to write stories, and a few forms of poetry. It isn't super in depth, but good for someone starting out. You can find it on Amazon.
2. Publish Your Book: Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author - Patricia Fry
I cannot guarantee that all of the examples in this book and the following book are amazing, in fact, some of them I really do not like, but Patricia Fry does have a lot to teach. If you are looking for more in-depth teaching, this might just be the book for you.
If you are interested in self-publishing, the author talks a bit about that as well.
You can get this book on Amazon. Or you can buy it directly from Patricia Fry.
3. Promote Your Book: Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author - Patricia Fry
This is a companion book that fits very nicely with Publish Your Book: Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. I picked these two up cheap at a library book sale a while back. I was a bit skeptical, but I actually learned a lot from them. They are packed full of useful information. I have read them cover-to-cover (okay, so I skipped the index. I won't tell if you don't!), and am finishing up what I think is my second trip through them.
You can find Promote Your Book on Amazon, or purchase it directly from Patricia Fry herself.
When I am shopping for books on Amazon, I often buy used ones, if they are cheaper. Some of the books above are currently listed for ridiculous prices on there if you buy new, but there are likely some decent used copies available for purchase as well.
Another option is to check and see if your library system has a copy of the book you are interested in. This is definitely cheaper. I do it all the time. Usually when I buy a book, I have read it and determined that it is one I would like to add to my bookshelves.