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| yourbrainatwork.org |
The precise subjects and age ranges that justify a Young Adult classification can vary depending on who you ask. But, it's safe to say that the Sleuths on this site are a bit older than the target YA age range (for the record--and this may sound coincidental--we're all celebrating our 21st birthdays this year). Lately, I've been thinking about the ways I tap into the memories and emotions of my own teenage experiences (just a few years ago, really...yes, really) and channel those thoughts into my writing with hopes of touching today's youth.
I write darker things, so I find myself accessing the painful, angsty memories most often. When it comes to character emotions, that tactic is effective, though sometimes uncomfortable. Seriously, who REALLY wants to go back to high school, even if it's just in your memory? Obviously, that's not enough, because things do change, and unless I want to write a series of period pieces set in the [actual year/decade redacted], I need to do an accuracy check with some modern teens. And I do. With interesting revelations...
Timeless YA Attributes:
- First love hasn't changed much over the years.
- Neither has being an outsider.
- Parents still don't know anything (until they do)
- Tech is so very important. "No one talks on the phone anymore," says my high school senior sister via text.
- The internet makes being mean a superpower.
- The world feels more dangerous (things like school shootings have more relevance when you actually go to a school everyday).
*Sorry Middle Grade sleuths, just speaking from my own experience here.
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