What voice for serious YA novel?

Skodobah · Jul 24, 2009

Hello!

I tend to write about serious subjects, such as teen alcoholism and illness (fiction), so the voices of my main characters are also serious, although youthful. It seems that most of the YA books I've read run from goofy-happy teenager to grumpy-serious-in-trouble-no-jokes.

Is there a right way and a wrong way to approach the MC voice with subjects such as those mentioned above? Thank you for your wisdom!

- Julie

MissKris · Jul 24, 2009

I've actually read a good number of serious YA with a wry, even witty, voice. Lots of sarcasm in YA - it comes with the territory.

No one can tell you what voice will be perfect for your characters or for you as a writer. Try to be true to your characters and don't worry about what's already out there.

I've read, it feels like, every kind of voice imaginable. And I've liked the majority. Write the voice your story tells you to write.

peachiemkey · Jul 24, 2009

I'm actually doing (or trying to do) what MissKris described. My book covers death, depression and alcoholism among other things, but my MC is very sarcastic and, hopefully, amusing to the reader in certain parts. Her incredibly blunt outlook on the world offers me a lot of chances to make funny "commentary," which you find a lot of in YA. Obviously, when the extremely serious parts come along you can't be making jokes, but outside if those times there's no reason your characters can't have a little fun. You can read the chapter linked to in my sig if you want to get a feel for what I aim for. (oh my, what shameless advertising.)

Danthia · Jul 25, 2009

You don't have to be fluffy and happy to be YA. Plenty of serious voices out there. Be true to your own voice and your story. Teens read a huge variety of things, same as adults.

Stunted · Jul 25, 2009

This doesn't really have to do with voice to much, but while it's true that what you write doesn't have to be happy and fluffy, I, personally, hate it when there's a character in a bad situation--especially a potentially soap-operatic situation like cancer or whatever--and NEVER stops to have a sandwich or go to the movies and spends more time being upset than doing productive things.

So...yeah. A funny tone might help lessen these issues.

lm728 · Jul 25, 2009

I tend to write about serious subjects, such as teen alcoholism and illness (fiction), so the voices of my main characters are also serious, although youthful. It seems that most of the YA books I've read run from goofy-happy teenager to grumpy-serious-in-trouble-no-jokes.

I also tend to write about messed-up MCs. I have no idea what to describe my voice though; that's for my betas to decide.
Looking For Alaska and The Perks of Being a Wallflower are two good examples of unique voices.
I've read books when the MC is naive (Perks) or sarcastic (LFA), and they work just fine. The thing that you have to have to make it work is a distorted/unique view on the situation.

Skodobah · Jul 25, 2009

peachiemkey said:
I'm actually doing (or trying to do) what MissKris described. My book covers death, depression and alcoholism among other things, but my MC is very sarcastic and, hopefully, amusing to the reader in certain parts. Her incredibly blunt outlook on the world offers me a lot of chances to make funny "commentary," which you find a lot of in YA. Obviously, when the extremely serious parts come along you can't be making jokes, but outside if those times there's no reason your characters can't have a little fun. You can read the chapter linked to in my sig if you want to get a feel for what I aim for. (oh my, what shameless advertising.)

I read Chapter 1 and me likey! Very good. I like that. That is what I look for in YA. Thank you.

- Julie

alainn_chaser · Jul 28, 2009

Laurie Halse Anderson is the queen of these kinds of books. Try out Speak or Wintergirls.

Mr Moe · Aug 1, 2009

Why would a serious young adult be any different from writing about an older person who takes him/herself too seriously? Very easy. Take the proverbial stick, shove it up their nether regions, then plant the other end in the mud.

I agree with other posters that serious subject matter doesn't necessarily warrant a serious voice. Have some fun with it. What's a little illness and alcoholism, between friends?

Sincerely,
Mr Moe

What voice for serious YA novel?

Skodobah

I don't dream for nothing!

MissKris

Is the random.

peachiemkey

circuits in the sea

Danthia

Stunted

Ich heiße Superphantastisch!

lm728

i'm baaaacccckkkkkk

Skodobah

I don't dream for nothing!

alainn_chaser

Kweh?

Mr Moe

unpublished writer