Spicing up your YA Contemporary

Lmc71775 said:

other then, cheating, killing, rape, incest (which isn't in this book, but my last one) mental illness, abuse (all of them) and social issues (bullying, peer pressure) drugs, alcohol...and umm? What else is there in YA contemporary to spice it up?

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I'm not sure what exactly you mean by "spice" and I'm not sure that's really what you want to do.

I'm interpretting the question to mean what will make the story more interesting to readers. And if that is true, I think you are approaching the issue from the wrong direction.

I wouldn't try to add "spice" through "spicy" content.

I'd focus on telling the story with strong, multi-layered, compelling characters. Nothing will make a book more interesting than a well-told story, with compelling characters. Compelling conflicts or interesting subplots are also more effective at improving a book than adding "spicy" content.

Adding "spice" to improve a book seems the wrong approach.

If I've misread your question, maybe you should try asking it again, with more explanation of your goal.

~suki

I have to agree with suki.

If you're looking for extraneous factors to add depth or intrigue to a novel, then you need to examine your core story; it may not be strong enough to sustain a novel-length plot.

I like a well written complex character better than a spicy plot. Many times plots with all of those topics you mentioned just make me feel like the author chose the topic "just cuz" to make it more exciting.

If you are bored, then something is not working. And subplot should flow naturally, not be chosen for "spice."

It may be time to re-evaluate your plot and characters. Or it may just be you've hit a place where you're frustrated or losing faith and you need to push through, or even take a break if that's how you cope with doubt/frustration.

But adding "spice" rarely works to make a story overall more effective.

~suki

Focus on your characters. If you have strong characters, with unique personalities, you shouldn't get bored (and neither will your readers).

But I suppose you could always throw in a natural disaster or an alien invasion.

Lmc71775 said:

I don't know...I thought my characters were strong, but I guess not strong enough to keep this reader interested.

I did two paranormals before this and didn't have this problem. Had other writer ruts, but not this. Is it because it's contemporary? Maybe it's the drama? I really rather it be a thriller, mystery then a love drama.

Is this all because of genre? (Just thinking out loud here)

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These are questions only you can answer. And it's fine if you decide realistic fiction isn't working for you and change your story. But in any story, of any genre, it's usually the characters and conflicts that pull the story along. So, if you do decide to stick with it, think about why you are bored. What about the story or characters is boring you.

~suki

Thanks! And good luck to you!

~suki