writing a novel about teenagers but for adults?
I want to write a story about a teenager and a young kid, but it is hard making it not seem like it is written for readers of those ages. Any suggestions?
- Todd K
Tags: Adults, Teenager, Teenagers, Writing A Novel
February 8th, 2009 at 5:26 am
I would say put urself in the teen’s shoes.
Its better if you can get a teenager to talk to you about the topic you are gonna write the story about.
Try to make it sophisticated but bear it in mind that it is a teen you are riting about. If you are a teen, write like a teen, reflect yourself into it only that u have to use more sophisticated words.
If you are an adult, try looking back over ur teen years or talk about teens.
Use the media, internet to get examples to build up on ur story.
Write it in pieces and then put them together for a final draft.
These help me while i write stories and so far they have been a success…..hope they r of sum use 2 u 2!
February 9th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I think the best thing to do is:
1. Ask what the purpose of the novel is.
2. If the novel is “for adults”, perhaps you should consider making it about a the teenager’s feelings towards an adult. I think it should be oriented to criticize or critique the way adults may talk or treat their teenage kids.
3. Get examples on the position of the main characters of your novel. For example, if you are a teenager, question yourself about your opinion on how adults treat teenagers, problems between families, etc. Ask may your teenage or younger siblings (if you have any) or maybe your friends about this too. Then question the viewpoint of the adults on the situation. This way, you’ll be able to realistically portray the feelings and perspectives of the two groups of characters.
4. Have a peek (don’t read everything!!) into the kind of novels that appeal to adults and that are normally written for adults. Then turn your writing techniques into something like that, and try to make it mature, so the first impression of your book is that it’s made for adults.
I hope you find these suggestions useful! Good luck!
MollyWobblesSrz
February 13th, 2009 at 1:01 am
Write it like you’re speaking to an adult. You can write any topic for any age group, as long as you keep your audience in mind while you do it. One major difference in the way teenagers and adults speak is their references to pop culture- teenagers are much more up-to-date on what’s “cool” than adults, so you wouldn’t want to talk about the new 50 Cent album unless you’re going to explain who that is and why his album is relevant.