Writing books for teenagers is an interesting job, although it is also quite challenging. It is interesting because you will have to put yourself in the shoes of a teenager and most likely reflect on your teenage years to know how to structure your stories. It is also challenging because you are writing for a group of youngsters who are neither kids nor adults. So, you must balance your content appropriately to suit their age range.
To write a novel for teenagers, you must understand the likes and interests of youngsters within that age range so you can connect with them. Teenagers are interested in books that capture their attention and make them think deeply. The following tips would be of great help to you.
Realistic characters
The characters in any teenage book should have realistic habits and behaviours that can be traceable to existing human beings irrespective of whether the book is fictional or nonfictional. This is because these teenagers can be so curious to the extent of researching on the internet to find out how real the characters in their books are.
Relatable situations
Ensure whatever you are writing about, totally relates to their age range. The content should not be too adult and not too childish. Remember that teenagers are not kids anymore, so their minds have developed to the point where they can easily identify a book as interesting or boring. Also, don’t flood a teenage book with adult stuff like marital problems, conception or child-bearing issues, divorce and other problems that married couples face. Content like that would make them lose interest in your book because it does not relate directly to the daily life of teenagers.
A good dose of humour
While you want to make your teen novel as realistic as possible, there is also the need to infuse some fun into your writing. Teens like to read humorous stories.
Watch your tone
Teen and Young Adult (YA) writers should avoid being too harsh in their writing tone. Your major focus should be on how you can write a good story for your teen audience. Avoid the use of vulgar language and adult-rated or explicit content in your writing.
Always remember the age groups you are writing for and carefully filter and sort through all your ideas so that you would know what is best for them and positively influence, educate and entertain their minds and thought process.
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