Writing for children and YA/teenagers
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For the benefit of those who came to my talk on writing for children and teenagers at York Festival of Writing, 2014. It will not make much sense if you weren't there, though you may find some useful tips at the end.
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Writing for children and YA/teenagers
- 1. Writing for Children and Teenagers with Nicola Morgan
- 3. Ruthlessly honest, expert advice “The tutor I wish I’d had” – Joanne Harris “Pure gold” – Carole Blake “Essential” – Merric Davidson www.nicolamorgan.com @NicolaMorgan Facebook: NicolaMorganAuthor
- 4. 1. Know the age of your reader – and main character
- 5. 2. Understand the safety-net factor
- 6. 3. Set up MC’s problem in the first chapter
- 7. 4. Don’t hang about and don’t overdo the back-story
- 8. 5. Read and research your intended age group – be an expert (on the books and the readers)
- 9. Picture books • Domestic themes of early childhood; char child can identify with • Avoid rhyme • Adults must enjoy reading it too • No danger so no need for safety net • Pictures: only if illustrator; otherwise may include instructions
- 11. 5-7 / 6-8 / 7-9 • Huge variety – increasing language complexity/vocab • Subj-matter: inward-looking, personal, family/school • Often moral message but do NOT focus on it – focus on telling story • Careful of: danger, fear, introducing things parents might not like
- 14. 8-10 / 9-11 / 10-12 - MG • Look at lists produced by different pubs • Massive diff between 8 and 12 • MC has more responsibility • Now includes fantasy & historical; wider world; less introspective; more fear • Challenge: exciting story WITHOUT adult solution – mob phones, bedtimes, social services….
- 15. 10-12 or 12+/YA? • Essential differences • Bookshops • 10yo is VERY different from a teenager • Parents’/relatives’ expectations/rights
- 16. 12+ (teen/YA) • Consider teenage brains • Extremes • Lack of protection • How different from adult novel? • Boundaries? Safety-net? • Don’t: teen slang, preach, talk down • Do: move fast, take to edge, be believable • “context within which to think”
- 17. Practical tips for all: • Read current fiction of genre you’re aiming at • Careful when remembering books you liked as child • Keep (reasonably) up to date with young people • If don’t know which age to aim at, start writing • Do not patronise or over-explain • Know, like and respect your readers • Get rid of the adults! • Keep story moving fast – drip-feed description
- 18. Also: • Follow the Awfully Big Blog Adventure blog • Join SCBWI? • When you get a publishing contract ask to join the Scattered Authors Society • And the Society of Authors • Connect and engage with children’s authors – we’re very welcoming!
- 19. Good luck and work hard! For this presentation and much more, visit: www.nicolmorgan.com (Copyright © Nicola Morgan 2014)