YA Authors Panel

Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a YA Authors Panel hosted by a writing group I belong to. I met and talked with Young Adult authors, Nicole Zoltack, Jennifer R. Hubbard, John Evans and Alissa Grosso. All of them had inspiring insights into the world of writing for teens, most that I agree with as well.

One of the most important things about writing for young adults is to write in their voice. For instance, when I write, I allow the voice of the character to fully dictate their actions and dialogue. I never try to “talk down” to a teen level; however, I present the story through a teen’s eyes. It doesn’t matter if I would personally do the complete opposite in the same given situation, I have to stay completely true to that character’s voice. Voice is so vital in YA.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to write so that the teen feels it is easy to place themselves in the protagonist’s shoes. Have them feel hope for your character, empathy, have them grieve right alongside them. Knowing teenagers, they fully immerse themselves in a story and often feel like they personally know the characters, like they are lifelong friends. Give readers someone they would want to root for.

Lastly, I believe that YA authors need to be truthful in their writing. Adolescence is not by any means a glamorous time of one’s life, but it is, however, a transitional period in which people must cope with facing reality, discovering their personal identity, finding first love, driving a car, fitting in, getting their first jobs, and often learning that the world is a much bigger and scarier place than they ever realized. For all these reasons and more, I LOVE writing about and for young and new adults.

~M. McKnight

Starting from Scratch

Just when you think you’re finished (You’ve written and edited an entire full-length novel!), then you start thinking about what’s next: the next novel. While I have an idea for a sequel to my finished first manuscript, I’ve decided for now to work on another new concept. I have my characters, plot, and even some scenes outlined, but for some reason I can’t find the proper motivation to begin actually writing.

I’ve tried writing several scenes throughout the beginning of the story, thinking I can piece them all together with transitions later on; however, that’s not the way I typically write. I like to work in consecutive order, from beginning to end. This way, I don’t have to go back and make a lot of edits once all the details are in place; I’ll already know the details of what’s happened and how to better use them for what’s still to come. All writers have different approaches; this is just mine.

I also feel as though I have to ‘get to know’ my main players in the story. Sure I’ve created them and all the quirks in their personalities, but as I start to write, those names on the page slowly become actual people. This goes along with the wonderful quote from Mr. Hemingway in my last post. I agree with him 100% and I strive to acheive this with my characters.

I guess I just have to start slowly and I’m sure before I know it, the creative juices will start a-churnin’. Although a new blank Word document can be really intimidating, I’m excited to begin this new journey. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot along the way, not only about writing and from what my characters reveal to me, but also new things about myself.

Happy Reading and Writing!

MMcKnight