<p>I can definately relate with a son who will be graduating in June looking forward to pursuing an engineering degree. One thing that I did was encourage (and by encourage, I really mean force) him to take the creative writing elective this year that his HS offers to juniors and seniors. It’s only a minor, meets twice a cycle…and while it meant giving up a couple of free periods…even he admits that it’s been a great opportunity for him to flex his writing muscles. From my own experience, writing is all about confidence…and as with all things, confidence comes from practice. Any writer…be it of the professional or the “just for fun” sort will tell you that the only way to feel comfortable with the process of writing is to write…every day. I would also suggest that he journal. Most boys will cringe at the thought…but as a parent I’m not above the well-placed bribe. Journal for a week and I’ll throw you some gas money. Journal for a month and I’ll get you that video game that you want. The hope is that they’ll start out writing for the “prize”…but continue for the personal satisfaction they get as writing becomes less of a burden and more or a personal expression.</p>