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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1871-.html
For Authors: August 08, 2007 Issue [#1871]

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For Authors


 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 July issue dealt with writing for children. As a result I received the following comment from Blue Angel Author Icon, "Could you cover how to write good stories for teenagers since this week was for children. If you could, that would be great."

         Therefore, I pulled all the ideas I had and could find about writing for teens.

Viv


Next week's author: terryjroo


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Writing for Teens


         First, we need to recognize that "teens" covers a large range of ages and maturity. We have the "tweens," which incorporates the early years, ages approximately twelve through perhaps fourteen to fifteen. Young adult covers the ages from about fourteen, those more mature, to age nineteen and twenty.

         Different maturity levels require different levels of subject matter, but all books for teens should be well-written about interesting topics.

         The first suggestion I have is to write from inside the mind of a teen the age of your audience. Get to know youngsters the age you want to read your stories and books. Listen to them and really hear them. Teenagers want thought-provoking, attention-grabbing literature. Teens, of all ages, require characters' behavior to be logical. They want well-written fiction and non-fiction. Eric Burdsall, from Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market, wrote, "... think in terms of writing for adults, but about experiences and situations that are relevant or interesting to teenagers."

         The second suggestion, avoid clichés. The dumb jock and the nerdy girl becoming romantically involved is a cliché, as is the strong athlete and the beautiful but dumb cheerleader. Characters need to be three dimensional, not flat. They need to show multiple layers of personality and traits.

         Writing must relate to teens on their own levels without being patronizing or condescending. Writers should avoid trivial and superficial stories, essays, articles, or novels. Teenagers have minds and know how to use them.

         Many writers believe that anything written for a teenager must be dark and dreary. That idea is wrong. Yes, the stories should have depth and meaning. Those for older teens can even be about war and violence, dating relationships, even drugs, sex, and abuse, but handled with honesty on the maturity level of the readers. However, teens, as any readers, need humor. A writer can lighten up and give enjoyment with their words.

         What about love stories for teenagers of all ages? Believe it or not, the most erogenous zone is found between the ears. Graphic details are not needed if an author knows how to set the scene, how to focus on emotions when writing about romance.Eileen Goudge, in the September 2007 The Writer, wrote that love scenes don't need to be explicit in order to deliver. "What they do need is to be emotionally rich in a way that will set the mood and resonate with the reader."

         A final suggestion: just because the world around teens is filled with vulgar speech, actions, and ideas doesn't mean an author needs to increase the level in his stories, essays, poetry, or novels.

         The most important thing an author can do when writing for teens is to write a good story, essay, article, novel.

         The following is a young adult story I wrote.

 Survival at Waterloo Open in new Window. [ASR]
A young survivor discovers a new life amid tragedy.
by Vivian Author Icon



Editor's Picks

Writing from W.Com


 Vacation Open in new Window. [13+]
When the last thing that could come between them was distance...distance did come.
by Lauren K. Pomeroy Author Icon

 Slushies Open in new Window. [13+]
Emily and Jon struggle with concepts of romance stories, and beautiful people.
by LemonPie Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


For Teens:
 
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Become a Youth Writing Group Member Open in new Window. [E]
Come share your writing ideas or get inspiration. Open membership for all young writers.
by Write-fully Loti Author Icon


Contest:
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by A Guest Visitor

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

Words from Our Readers



Ash Author IconMail Icon
         I thought this was a great newsletter. You make some really good points. I have tried to write a couple children's stories, and I had to keep reminding myself-think little kids, think little kids. LOL. Thanks a lot for including my story "Sari's Adventure" in the newsletter under Editor's Picks. I almost died when I saw it in there. ^_^
-jessi

         Thnks. I'm always glad to highlight a person's work, and I'm happy when what I write helps someone.


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kiyasama
         Ooh, great tips, Viv. Just last night I was contemplating beginning a children's short story with illustrations and kept coming up blank. I just didn't know where to begin. This is like a godsent. Thanks for the information!

         I'm glad I could help. It's nice when my timing is good.


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esprit Author IconMail Icon
         Viv, I was so glad to finally see a letter on writing for children, and I believe I will keep the link handy to hand out with my reviews. Reviewing a piece of children's genre is almost as difficult as writing it. Thank you!
         You asked for topic suggestions. I suggest a letter on writing for children more often. No one does it and there are those who only write in that genre.

         I'll try to do a letter about writing for children at least two or three times a year. I'm already accumulating information for the next one.


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Ladyoz Author IconMail Icon
         Thank you for another excellent article and newsletter!

         You are most welcome.

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Thank you for joining me for another issue of For Authors Newsletter.

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