Teen Novel: Tips On Writing It

Have a question? Agree, disagree,
with me? Leave me your opinion.

There is a question that must be
answered by you. The question?
What are teens reading, interested
in?

"I don't know, or know if I can
find out." You looked around the
room.

Ask family members. A reliable
source is friends with teens.

Young Adult readers, as they are
known, like most genres.

The age group starts at twelve,
and ends at eighteen.

During the middle of the
adolescent years, teens explore
adult novels. Still, they read
Young Adult novels that interest
them, or pertain to their problems,
concerns.

Visit the library. Discover the
books, novels, teens, Young
Adults, are interested in.

Check-out several. Get a feel
for the tone, style, of different
books for teens.

Write the publishers about books
that appeal to you. Be sure
to include a self-addressed stamped
envelope. Request writer's guidelines.

Try re-writing the plot, structure,
and change the characters. Create a
new book. Decide on an idea, problem,
to write about.

Bring the same creativity, passion,
as you would to any writing project.

Sprinkle-in slang words if you're
sure they are necessary, needed .

Paragraphs for teen novels are
small. Expand information about
characters. Give details that
bring characters to life, and teens
can picture in their minds.

Provide an interesting setting with
believable characters.

No character is perfect. A
character isn't all bad, or without
faults. There are consequences,
punishment, for mistakes.

Stir-in plenty of conflict, issues.
A character succeeds, but another
problem rolls up.

Avoid graphic details of sex and
violence. Pour in suspense and action.

It's important to enjoy writing about
the topic, and pick a writing idea with
mass appeal.

Title For A Story: How?

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with me? Leave me your opinion.

Right Title

The right title grabs the reader's
attention. It's the title's job.

Titles ask questions, throw-
out statements, and enlighten
readers with information.

Story Title

I'm going to discuss how
to title your story, fiction.
It has to spark an interest
for the reader.

The goal is to keep the
title within the three-to-five
word range. One or two
word titles are effective too.

Creative Titles

Titles must be creative.

"How do I pick the right
title?" You asked.

The title does more than
hint at what the story is
about. The title sums-up
your story.

The title involves joy, sorrow,
hate, or sadness. Likewise,
the title should fit the genre.
A thriller, for example, requires
a different title than one for
a Western.

Adapt the title to your
story.

"I don't get it." You shared.

How To Pick The Right Title?

Sit down. Read through your
story slowly. Jot down words
that describe it.

Which words, combination of
words, best describe your story?
Select words to stir-up the reader,
and display your creativity to an
editor.

You want readers to say, Hmm.
What's that about? Or, it sounds
like I'll enjoy reading the story.

Title Example

Let's look at a title for a story
about a character who claims
someone is following him or
her. A few friends of the
character trailed him/her
to catch the alleged stalker.

Friends weren't able to
catch, see, him or her.

"Who wanted to do that,
and why?" One friend
asked.

Is the character making it up?
The character wants more
attention from someone?
Possibly, the character is
insane.

Possible Titles

What is the best title?

1. Followed

or

In The Shadows

2. Stalked

or

Is Someone Looking?

3. Dark

or

When Darkness Descends

Pick the best title from the
examples above. On a scale
of one to three, pick the best
titles. One is the best suited
title, and three the least suited
for the story.

Best Titles

I'll select what titles are
best as well.

1. In The Shadows

2. When Darkness Descends

3. Is Someone Looking?

Did your choices match
mine? What were your
selections?

Reasons For My Choices

My story is a mystery, possible
thriller. So, my title has to
reflect it.

My title choices are eye
catching enough to grab
the reader's attention, and
show my creativity to an
editor. I want the title to
ignite fear, concern.

My titles meet the three-
to-five word criteria.

Conclusion

Use these easy steps
to write eye catching
titles.

Note

I welcome differing
opinions.