Young adult fiction has the same genres as the adult fiction market. Historical fiction, romance, mystery and fantasy are popular with this age group. Some writers in these genres are Lois Duncan, Lurlene McDaniel, Christopher Pike and Ann Rinaldi. Some YA fiction deals specifically with issues that confront this age such as, rape, incest, anorexia, drugs, gangs and other dark themes. Popular writers in these darker themes are Lori Halse Anderson, Christopher Pike, Jacylyn Woodson and David Almond. One constant element that runs through all of these novels is the strong development of the characters.
Young adult readers need a quick beginning and a fast-paced plot but above all else are compelling, realistic characters who speak realistic dialogue.
Creating these characters is not an easy task. As in real life, young adults can spot a phony a mile away. A three-dimensional character with a significant problem to be resolved can begin with the characters background.
It is a good idea to have some idea of the kind of characters you envision in your story. It may be a good idea to write a complete biography for your characters. Think about physical attributes that include hair and eyes, color, height and weight, skin color and distinguishing birthmarks. Also consider voice, personality types such as A or B, laugh and speech patterns.
Develop a family history for your characters including parents, grandparents, siblings, step-family and social class. Were there any traumatic events in their family history? War, poverty, abuse, slavery, fire or early or unexpected death are also traumatic issues to complicate life. Also consider family dynamics. Is there sibling rivalry, divorce, a handicapped child, favoritism or job loss? All of these elemeents contribute to the psychological makeup of your character and build background. This is the bedrock of your characters make-up and personality.
To add depth to your character, consider other elements and experiences family life can convey. Is birth order an issue? What about religious convictionns and spiritual beliefs of the family? Along these lines also fall moral beliefs and attitudes. Is your character or their family spiritual or superstitious? Are they realistic or naive and idealistic? Are they patriotic, apolitical or do they live on a kibbutz? All of these factors will add to your characters realism.
Go To Page: 1 2
