How to Write a Young Adult Novel
Ditch the idea that young adult is a genre., Don’t make the mistake of thinking that young adult novels are easier to write., Stop dumbing down your writing., Tackle dark, serious, or edgy topics., Don’t just make things up.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Ditch the idea that young adult is a genre.
Although bookstores and publishers use the phrase young adult as a marketing category, it is not necessarily a genre.
A young adult novel could represent any genre such as science fiction, mystery, horror, romance, historical fiction, or fantasy.This is one aspect of writing young adult fiction that many authors find appealing.
You are not restricted to one specific genre, and instead can write books in different genres or books that cross genres. -
Step 2: Don’t make the mistake of thinking that young adult novels are easier to write.
Writing any type of book requires hard work, and young adult novels are no exception.
Many writers have also reported that these books can be more challenging to write because young adults can be picky readers and are looking for very authentic and original stories.Writing a young adult novel can be especially difficult if you are no longer considered a young adult.
It’s hard to find a voice and adopt a tone that young adults can relate to.
Also, keep in mind that many novels that end up being marketed as young adult books or are popular among young adults, were not necessarily written with that intent., Unfortunately, some people believe that young adults novels are watered down or dumbed down versions of adult fiction.
Just because the protagonist in the novel is a young adult does not mean you should feel like you are writing for children.While your prose and the quality of your writing should be engaging, your readers don't want something simplistic.
Young adults want to be treated like adults and you may alienate your audience if you use writing that is too simple or childish.
Also, remember that many adults read and enjoy books that fall in the young adult category.
Think about how many adults read series such as Harry Potter or the Hunger Games.
If your writing and content are too basic and elementary, you will lose this group as potential readers. , Many people mistakenly assume that young adult novels should be light and breezy, with no exploration of difficult subject matter.
Successful young adult authors, however, are ones willing to address and examine how serious issues in our society affect young adults.These topics may include, but are not limited to: abuse, sex, gender identity, drugs, rape, incest, suicide, racism, discrimination, violence, and genocide. , While creativity is encouraged in young adult fiction, don’t assume you can make things up and get away with it.
If you are talking about or referring to real people, places, events, or products, you need to do your homework.Young adults are savvy readers and can easily sniff out uninformed and inaccurate descriptions, opinions, and details.
For example, if you are writing a book that talks about video game culture, get the details about the games and the culture of this community right. -
Step 3: Stop dumbing down your writing.
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Step 4: Tackle dark
-
Step 5: serious
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Step 6: or edgy topics.
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Step 7: Don’t just make things up.
Detailed Guide
Although bookstores and publishers use the phrase young adult as a marketing category, it is not necessarily a genre.
A young adult novel could represent any genre such as science fiction, mystery, horror, romance, historical fiction, or fantasy.This is one aspect of writing young adult fiction that many authors find appealing.
You are not restricted to one specific genre, and instead can write books in different genres or books that cross genres.
Writing any type of book requires hard work, and young adult novels are no exception.
Many writers have also reported that these books can be more challenging to write because young adults can be picky readers and are looking for very authentic and original stories.Writing a young adult novel can be especially difficult if you are no longer considered a young adult.
It’s hard to find a voice and adopt a tone that young adults can relate to.
Also, keep in mind that many novels that end up being marketed as young adult books or are popular among young adults, were not necessarily written with that intent., Unfortunately, some people believe that young adults novels are watered down or dumbed down versions of adult fiction.
Just because the protagonist in the novel is a young adult does not mean you should feel like you are writing for children.While your prose and the quality of your writing should be engaging, your readers don't want something simplistic.
Young adults want to be treated like adults and you may alienate your audience if you use writing that is too simple or childish.
Also, remember that many adults read and enjoy books that fall in the young adult category.
Think about how many adults read series such as Harry Potter or the Hunger Games.
If your writing and content are too basic and elementary, you will lose this group as potential readers. , Many people mistakenly assume that young adult novels should be light and breezy, with no exploration of difficult subject matter.
Successful young adult authors, however, are ones willing to address and examine how serious issues in our society affect young adults.These topics may include, but are not limited to: abuse, sex, gender identity, drugs, rape, incest, suicide, racism, discrimination, violence, and genocide. , While creativity is encouraged in young adult fiction, don’t assume you can make things up and get away with it.
If you are talking about or referring to real people, places, events, or products, you need to do your homework.Young adults are savvy readers and can easily sniff out uninformed and inaccurate descriptions, opinions, and details.
For example, if you are writing a book that talks about video game culture, get the details about the games and the culture of this community right.
About the Author
Marie Baker
A seasoned expert in lifestyle and practical guides, Marie Baker combines 3 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Marie's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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