March is Be An Author Month, and I’m thrilled to partner with Book Creator to inspire students everywhere to share their stories! This year’s theme, “Tell Your Story,” encourages students to embrace their creativity and express their unique perspectives through writing, drawing, video, and more.
We All Dream of Being a Published Author
As a math teacher who has written eight books, I can at least speak for myself that the dream of being published is real, regardless of what you study in college. All of us have probably said at some point, someday I will write a book. Why is that? Maybe because we recognize the power of storytelling. Maybe because we have experiences, ideas, or lessons we want to share. Or maybe because deep down, we know that words, especially written ones, have the ability to make an impact.
Stories shape the way we understand the world. They allow us to connect with others, reflect on our experiences, and leave something behind that lasts beyond us. Research shows that storytelling is fundamental to how we process information and make sense of our lives. Writing is not just about putting words on a page. It helps develop critical thinking, organize thoughts, and communicate complex ideas. Becoming an author is not only about publishing a book. It is about learning how to craft a message that others can understand and connect with.
For students, the process of writing and publishing a book can be transformative. A study from the National Literacy Trust found that students who see themselves as writers are more motivated to write and more confident in their abilities. When students have the opportunity to create and share their own books, they begin to see writing as a tool for self-expression rather than just another assignment.
Students are more engaged when they write for a real audience.
Writing can feel intimidating, but teachers can help students build confidence in their abilities. “Teachers can enhance self-efficacy by providing students with successful writing regulation experiences and promoting positive attitudes by offering choice in writing topics and teaching essential writing skills” (Skar et al., 2023).
Students thrive when they feel ownership over their writing and when they have the opportunity to share their work in meaningful ways.
If writing a book is something many of us dream of, why not help students achieve that dream now? Book Creator makes that possible by providing an easy way for students to publish their work, share their voices, and see themselves as authors. Students do not need to wait until someday. They can start writing today.
#BeAnAuthor Contest
The #BeAnAuthor Contest is a chance for students to become published authors by writing and sharing their personal narratives. Hosted by Book Creator, this competition encourages students to write about their experiences and turn them into digital books that can be shared with a real audience.
The contest is open to students in three age categories. Elementary students ages five to nine, middle school students ages ten to thirteen, and high school students ages fourteen to eighteen can all enter. The competition is designed to celebrate student voices by giving them the tools to craft and publish their stories.
To support students in the writing process, Book Creator provides free teacher guides and student workbooks. These resources help students plan, structure, and refine their narratives before turning them into completed books. A rubric is also available so students can understand how their work will be evaluated before submission.
How to Enter
Students must create their books using Book Creator. Each school can submit up to three entries, which must be submitted by a teacher. Schools are encouraged to hold their own internal competitions to select their best entries before submitting them to the contest. Books should be between five and thirty pages and must be written in English. The deadline for submission is April 5, 2025.
Personal Narrative Writing
The #BeAnAuthor Contest focuses on personal narrative writing, where students share real experiences from their lives in a meaningful way.
Students should:
- Write in first person using “I”
- Focus on one important moment
- Use descriptive details to bring the story to life
- Share thoughts and emotions to connect with readers
- Organize with a clear beginning, middle, and end
Book Creator provides resources to help students craft their narratives and develop their storytelling skills. The goal is for students to see the value in their own experiences and share them in a way that others can relate to and learn from.
What if You Miss the Deadline
Even if the competition has ended, students can still use Book Creator to publish their own books. Writing for an audience helps students become more engaged in the writing process. Whether they are writing personal narratives, informational books, or fictional stories, knowing that their work will be read by others makes the process more meaningful.
Teachers can use Book Creator to help students publish books for a variety of purposes. Students can write and illustrate stories to share with their families. They can collaborate on class books where each student contributes a chapter or a page. Book Creator can also be used to document student learning in digital portfolios.
The #BeAnAuthor Contest is a great opportunity, but it is not the only reason to encourage students to become authors. Whether they are entering a competition or simply sharing their work with classmates and family, students benefit when they see themselves as real writers with stories worth telling.
Why Should Students Write Their Own Books?
Writing assignments often follow a predictable pattern. Students complete an essay or a short story, turn it in, the teacher grades it, and then it disappears into a folder or digital file that no one ever reads again. The process ends there.
When students know that their writing will be published and shared, everything changes. Writing becomes more than a task. It becomes a way to communicate something meaningful.
When students become authors instead of just completing writing assignments, they care more about their work. They develop pride and ownership over what they write. They are more willing to revise and improve their writing because they know someone else will read it. They start to see themselves as people with something to say.
Book Creator makes this process simple. Students can design covers, add images, record audio, and publish their books in a way that feels real. Instead of just turning in another assignment, they are creating something they can share.
Start with a Personal Narrative
Students do not need to write hundreds of pages to be an author. A personal narrative is a great way to begin because it allows students to write about something they have experienced. A personal story gives them confidence in their writing and a natural way to connect with their audience.
Some prompts to help students get started:
- Write about a time you faced a challenge and what you learned
- Describe a moment that made you feel proud
- Tell the story of a time when you had to make a difficult decision
Use Book Creator to Make Writing Feel Real
Once students draft their stories, Book Creator allows them to:
- Design their book covers to give their story an identity
- Add pictures, drawings, and even voice recordings to bring their book to life
- Publish and share their books with classmates, family, or a wider audience
Set Up a Class Book Fair or Publishing Celebration
Students take writing more seriously when they know it will be shared. Hosting a class book fair or virtual publishing event helps students see that their writing matters. Encourage students to read each other’s books, leave feedback, and celebrate their work.
Writing a Book Is Not Just for Someday
Students do not need to wait until they grow up to become real authors. They can write, publish, and share their stories now. When we give them the opportunity to see themselves as writers, they begin to understand the power of their own voices.
Writing should not just be about completing an assignment. It should be about creating something meaningful. Helping students publish their own books can change the way they see themselves and their ability to make an impact.
