So I thought it'd be fun to explore what aspects of the teenage years we, as YA writers, should be thankful for.
Fashion: What more could we want as writers to dress up a scene than a group of characters in totally contrasting colors and styles? Talk about your arena for conflict. Prom scenes, a night party on the beach, or the notorious school uniforms (& the choice of attire while out of those uniforms) can add interest and intrigue to a scene, chapter, or novel as a whole.
Teen slang: Let’s assume a writer has studied the lingo of a diverse group of teens. Used properly, this element can take an average manuscript to new heights. It can explore ethnic and financial backgrounds, and even character insecurities. The youthful spirit can literally breathe off the pages.
Those AWKWARD moments: Um, yeah. This is when it's good to already be out of the teenage years. Although major Hotheads to those successful teen authors out there, I can't imagine writing about those years while living through them. Phew... But as difficult as some of those moments may be, as writers they are our pot of gold. The awkward kissing scene or the dark argument between a teen and a parent. Then there are the embarrassing moments where the girl discovers in front of the entire student body that her boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend. And what about when the mean kids set up the poor girl and spill pig's blood all over her? (Poor Carrie...)
Friendships: So much information about a character can be exposed through the teenage friendships we create. These relationships can be used for both inner and outer growth. Sometimes they can make us laugh, while other times they make us cry and even explore our own pasts. I believe this is one of the most powerful aspects of writing YA and what makes it unique.
So today, let’s just be thankful for the diversity during those teenage years and what it gives us as writers. Can you add to our list?
Great lists. Gotta love teens for all of their never ending inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAwesome list!
ReplyDeleteWell...not sure about generalizations, but in my current dystopian WIP she knocks him out, he tases her before the first kiss, that she uses as a ploy to get close enough to steal something very personal from him. THAT's awkward.
ReplyDeleteHow about adding to the list that first love and first lost love? Man, was that hard. The plight of the teen years is a gold mine, isn't it. Loved the post.
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