When coming up with young adult content, a writer should be both prepared to travel back in time and think like a sixteen-year-old teenager and at the same time maintain a creative and straightforward mindset. A writer should think and write as if they are enamored and very afraid of the world so that they may catch the attention of the young reader. However, most writers make mistakes by assuming the readers have the concentration and imagination of full-grown adults which may result in the failure of the book. The article will highlight some of the common mistakes a writer should avoid when coming up with young adult novels.
1. Never rely on an elaborate plot to feel memorable
A writer has to ensure that the plot never outplays the written contents of the book. The plot has to bring a thirst to the reader to ensure they develop an interest in reading the book. A writer does not have to explain the contents of the book fully to the reader. The writing ability of the reader has to speak for itself in the way in which it captures the attention of the young adult readers. The content a writer develops should always be balanced to ensure the book in interesting to the young adults.
2. Avoid book reviews and book reports
Originality is a very essential tool when it comes to writing. According to Jessica Eaton, an informative essay outline writer, a writer should stay clear of book reviews and book reports of other writers when they are coming up with content for young adult novels. Book reviews and reports tend to affect the ability of the writer to come up with original content and most of the writing they develop tends to be similar to those of previously written novels. Young adults have an affinity to new and different content that they have never come across since they like exploring new avenues.
3. Forgetting support characters
Writers should ensure there is a balance between the main and supporting characters. Though a novel may revolve around two characters, the supporting characters play an important role as well. They usually provide more information and opportunities for the reader to have a better connection to the story. Supporting characters should be given enough attention and not just pop up in the plot whenever required because at times they may be the ones that make the story interesting. If you’re not sure where to start with a character, you could look to things like the Myers-Briggs personalities and figure out which one they are (or, even, which one they need to be for the purpose of your story). Once you know which type your character is, you can then write them based on this – for example, an INTP Character can help when it comes to things like problem-solving and thinking on the spot but, on the flip side, they can buckle under pressure and shut down emotionally, amongst other things.
4. Wrong use of slang
A writer is under no obligation to use any current slang so that they may feel relatable to the young adults they are targeting as their audience. A writer needs to use Standard English and avoid slang words that are temporary and slightly trendy. Writers should ensure they come up with content that can stand the test of time and remain relevant for a longer period. Frequent use of slang may not resonate well with some young adults and some may miss the meaning of some words which can make them lose interest in reading the book.
5. Unrealistic situations
Writers should ensure that the novels they come up with portray the real situations in the lives of young adults. For example, romantic novels often contain situations where the characters end up in a pretty place with the protagonist and the lover being swept off their feet by love. However, young adult relationships are different from this in that in most relationships the protagonist often takes the lover out for a snack. In general, the novel has to be very realistic and relate to the real-life situations of young adults.
6. Bad endings
Most of the novels written rarely have happy endings. Young adult novels have a wide range of how they should end because most teenagers try to apply what they read in a book into real life. Writers in this case have to be very conscious and write endings that will most probably be to the benefit of the young adults rather than hurt them and destroy their lives.
In conclusion, writing novels for young adults is very sensitive. A writer has to draw the attention of the young group while still making sure the novels make a positive impact on their lives. Authors need to stay clear of book reviews and book reports from other novels so that it does not affect their work. Endings in novels should not be sad or suicidal as most teenagers tend to apply what they read in their actual lives.
I never thought about the mistakes made when writing young adult novels. I agree with all of your points.