Welcome to Society of Young Inklings!
YOUR INKLINGS CERTIFICATE!
Just in case you haven’t printed it yet, here is your official certificate. We are thrilled to have you as part of our community, and can’t wait to hear the big ideas you have to share.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN INKLING?
FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY
Poke around on our site. Seek adventure in the world around you. Soak up experiences and transform them into stories.
One of our favorite authors, Kate DiCamillo, says: “There is no right or wrong way to tell a story. You have to find your own way. You can get your idea from listening, looking, or imagining. Stories are everywhere.”
What stories are floating around in your mind today? Even if you only have a flicker of an idea just now, that’s okay. Follow it! You never know where it may lead you.
We always learn a ton about writing and storytelling by talking to creative pros. That’s why we talk shop with authors monthly on our Ink Splat. Each month, these talented, insightful authors pull back the curtain for us and share their experiences, strategies and tools.
As a Chameleon, we think you’ll like this Ink Splat in particular, a lively interview with author, David Butler, about his book, The Kidnap Plot.
INKLINGS PLAY
SPILL SOME INK MINI BOOK
Games are more fun when they stretch us. At SYI, we're not interested in perfection. We're interested in your potential!
Play your way past perfect as you put together this mini book. It's a bit of a puzzle, but the video will guide you step-by-step. It shouldn't take more than ten minutes to make, and when you're done, you'll have a pocket-sized book to take with you for writing prompts on the go.
You'll Need:
- a printer
- the interior page of the book, printed double-sided
- the cover, printed on thick paper
- one piece of regular white paper and (if possible) one piece of white card stock
- scissors
- double-sided tape or reliable glue
Instructions:
Print page one, and then feed the page through your printer again to print the second side. Make sure to feed the page correctly, so that neither page is upside down.
2. Download and print the cover.
If possible, use card stock or thick paper for the cover.
3. Fold, cut, and assemble the interior pages.
If you're feeling puzzled, or you just want step-by-step instructions, watch the video.
4. Make sure the folds line up so the pages turn properly.
You will likely have to fold some pages the opposite way before taping the interior pages to the cover.
5. Use your tape or glue to attach the interior pages to the cover.
The pages that are supposed to be attached are labeled.
How'd you do?
(Gold star if you stared your perfectionist in the face along the way and kept on going!)
spill your ideas onto the page
Don’t let your Spill Some Ink book go to waste! Flip to a page and try out a prompt. Remember, writing sessions don’t have to be long to be creative.
Whether you’re writing prompts, poems, stories, or working on a novel, what’s most important is writing regularly. Keep drafting playful with some of these tricks designed especially for Chameleons who like to try out a variety of styles.
Drafting Strategies:
Sketch a Storyboard
Use a Timer or Hourglass
Create a Shared Game Board
Learn, Learn, Learn
As a Chameleon, you have a lot of strengths, and you always love to switch things up.
Why not put your talents to exceptional use in the Idea Storm? This mini-course will help you brew up a storm of ideas for your next project. Not only will we have a blast brainstorming, but we’ll also help you shape those ideas into an excellent story idea.
–Lauren Crawford, Inklings Book 2017
your voice matters
You’ve got big ideas to share, and we want to read them!
Society of Young Inklings has small, medium and large publication opportunities, so you’ll definitely find one that’s perfect for you, right where you are.
Ink Splat Challenges
Each month, our guest author throws down a writing dare, and it’s up to our Inklings to meet the challenge. Will you be the next Inkling featured on our blog? Submit your most imaginative, most lively, most well-crafted short piece of writing, and the chances are high.
Inklings Book Contest
Are you ready to enter an international writing contest? 3rd-9th grade writers are invited to submit stories and poems for this annual contest, one of the highlights of our Inklings year. Remember, as a Society member, you receive a full editorial letter, no matter what. It’s a win-win!
Your Name in Ink Editorial Program
If you’ve dreamed of seeing your name on the spine of a book, Your Name in Ink is for you. In this program, you’re mentored through a full editorial revision. You’ll end up with a beautifully printed or published book available through independent bookstores and other retailers.
INKLINGS CONNECT
Are you an incoming high school freshman, sophomore, or junior?
If you are, and you've ever dreamed of writing and publishing a book, check out our Spotlight Ink Publishing Program. The next cohort begins in June 2026!
Where should you start?
We know! There's so much goodness to explore. Bookmark this page, becaue you can always come back and explore further.
For now, we suggest:
Step One: Put together your Spill Some Ink Book.
Step Two: Flip to your favorite page and try a drafting sprint.
Step Three: Submit your Spill Some Ink story or poem by emailing submit@younginklings.org. You never know, you might be published on our site!
P.S. We're here for you! You can always email with ideas or questions: info@younginklings.org.