\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1496-.html
Short Stories: January 24, 2007 Issue [#1496]

Newsletter Header
Short Stories


 This week:
  Edited by: Vivian Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

         The November 26 newsletter discussed writing for children. I promised then I'd cover writing for teens, and the time has finally arrived. I don't claim to know all there is about the subject, but perhaps my suggestions will help trigger more writers for this group.

Viv


Next week's editor will be darkin


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B07K6Z2ZBF
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99


Letter from the editor

Writing for Teens - A Trip into Imagination


         Writing for teens is different than writing for children or adults – what a minute! That statement is not true. Except for possible topics and making sure the reading level is correct, good writing is good writing. No reader likes bad writing. The difference is teenagers will tell you when they find something boring, loudly.

         Teenagers expect much in what they read. They do not accept anything boring. What they read has to have action, things have to happen immediately. They will not wait for something interesting to arrive; they want it NOW. Yes, teens are often more demanding that adult readers.

         Using flashbacks should be used seldom and only in short, vivid scenes. In fact, all stories should be written in vivid scenes.

         The main characters should be close to the ages of the selected audience, because teenagers better identify with characters close to their own ages, perhaps a bit older, but not much. According to Claire Carmichael in “Writing for Teens and Writing for Adults,” Adult readers, having lived longer, have experienced life more extensively and can empathize with a wider age range.

         Short stories for teenagers should draw on feelings, issues, and conflicts between teens and their peers and with family members. The writings might show how teens handle tough topics and conflicts, even everyday problems. Any moral message needs to be subtle enough that readers don’t feel they are being beaten over the head.

         One thing a writer for teens needs, if not a teenager, is imagination so that she can pretend to be a teenager and “see” a story from a teenager’s perspective. Mridu Khullar, in “Writing for Teens, states: “When writing for teenagers, you’ve got to be one. You’ve got to think like a thirteen-year-old trying to figure out if the guy she’s crushing on really likes her or not.” What may not seem important for an adult is for that thirteen-year-old.” She adds later in the article that a writer must have the mind-set of a teenager and be capable of the thought processes of one to be successful writing for the teen audience.

         Therefore, to write for teens, go back in your imagination to when you were a teen. Remember the pain, the struggles as they appeared then, not as they seem now. Become a teenager the age of your audience before putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

         I tried to follow my own advice in my stories for teenagers.

 The Prom Open in new Window. (ASR)
All the talk revolved around the prom
#831121 by Vivian Author IconMail Icon

 Survival at Waterloo Open in new Window. (ASR)
A young survivor discovers a new life amid tragedy.
#613575 by Vivian Author IconMail Icon



Editor's Picks

Items from W.Com


         I wanted stories by teens or stories for teens to highlight this issue. undocked22 helped me once again to find some of the works.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1069763 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1007482 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1202950 by Not Available.

 The Runaways Open in new Window. (13+)
An interesting tale of two teens.
#1192597 by Saxman Author IconMail Icon

 Short Stories Open in new Window. (E)
A collection of short stories.
#1203046 by Ellen Hanson Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#751618 by Not Available.

 In Love and War Open in new Window. (13+)
Two teens face the reality of being torn apart by war. Please Rate &review
#657365 by Rica Author IconMail Icon

 Stories Open in new Window. (13+)
My Stories
#205037 by balloonknot Author IconMail Icon


 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B07K6Z2ZBF
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99


Ask & Answer

Words from Our Readers


         I appreciate the wonderful feeback. Thanks for the kind comments.

Janet Author IconMail Icon
         Fine work, Vivian; you always put together a nice issue with interesting, helpful topics and good choice of other members stories.
         Keep Writing!


Moody Blue: Needs an Upgrade Author IconMail Icon
         Great Newletter as always, Viv. I hope you and Robert have a joyous and blessed New Year. Get well soon my friend.


spazmom Author IconMail Icon
         Thanks for the great job, Viv. And thanks for using my story...grin. ;)


kiyasama
         Another wonderful newsletter, Viv! I've read some of the stories you've highlighted and must agree that they do well to represent the season in their respective ways. Thank you for the plug of my c-notes as well. I really appreciate it. Have yourself a great New Year!

         I hope each and everyone of you have a marvelous 2007.


Until next time, I hope you have interesting stories to read and write.

Sig by Damiana

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B01MQP5740
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1496-.html