Bree Bender is a writer, teacher, and book lover. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When Bree isn’t writing, she can be found watching the rain, drinking a really good cup of coffee, or wrangling in her three kids. 
Are you interested in writing for children or young adults, but don’t know where to start? Below is a list of my favorite resources that have helped me navigate the unforgettable world of writing for young audiences. I’ve posted these under the “Resources for Writers” tab at the top of the page for easy access.… Continue reading Resources for Writers
Last night, I was having a conversation with my oldest child about what it means to have courage. One of his teachers defined it as going up against an external force that could hurt you, but you do it anyway. While that definition isn’t wrong, it doesn’t cover the full meaning of the word courage.… Continue reading Writing Prompt: Courage
For this week’s writing prompt, I want you to think about your dream career. What do you want to do with your life? I know. That’s a big question and we don’t always have the answer, but I want you to take a minute to think about it. If you could choose any career, what… Continue reading Writing Prompt: Career Day
For today’s writing prompt, I want you to think about sensory details and how we use them in writing. For this prompt, I want you to make or simply think about your favorite food or meal. Write a list and answer the following questions: What do you see? Note colors and textures. Is there steam?… Continue reading Writing Prompt: Sensory Details
Since it is National Poetry month, I wanted to do something a little different today. Below is a quote from Mary Oliver. Read it and think about it. What does it mean to you? How do you interpret it? What does it make you think of? Once you’ve examined the quote, I want you to… Continue reading Writing Prompt: Mary Oliver
For today’s writing prompt, I want you to create a school, but not just any school. You’re going to create a unique setting where a novel can take place. It can be a school of magic, a school for superheroes or creatures or something entirely different. The choice is yours. Be creative. What classes will… Continue reading Writing Prompt: Schools of Fiction
When I first started posting writing prompts and resources, it was at the beginning of the pandemic. Oregon had decided to close schools for the foreseeable future and we didn’t know when that would end. Last week, it was announced that Oregon schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year. Students have… Continue reading Updates
I was recently watching the original Jumanji and it gave me the idea for today’s prompt. Instead of the imaginary world spilling into ours, I want you to imagine you’ve been sucked into your favorite movie or book. What do you do first? Do you help the protagonist or do you team up with the… Continue reading Writing Prompt: Portal Magic
For tonight’s writing prompt, I want you take a few moments and think about your future. Don’t write yet, just think. What does your future look like to you? What career do you want to have? What college or trade school do you want to attend? Do you buy that Dalmatian you’ve always wanted? Are… Continue reading Writing Prompt: The Future
Today, I was thinking about everyone who has inspired me or helped me through a difficult time. From teachers, to authors, to everyday people I’ve met throughout my life. I thought about everything I would say to them if/when I get the chance and it led me to today’s writing prompt. I want you to… Continue reading Writing Prompt: Thank You Notes