Essence

I would like to write a novel that captures the essence of the time we are living in. I will write it from the POV of some one who is growing up in the late nineties, early two thousands. I would really appreciate some opinions on what is unique about the past decade. What kind of view point do north americans apporach the world with these days? The way inventions have influenced society (eg. internet.) Are we more cautious about the environment because of the problems we are facing? What trends stand out? What about the media's influence on the youth? There's a whole bunch of things in the past few years that I think stand out, but I want to know what stands out the most so I can form a theme.

Thanks,

Nessa

Check out VH1's I love the 90's. It's sure to spark some nostalgia.

Vanessa -

It is always best to form your themes from your own personal passion and/or world view - rather than to form it by other people's views.

You should be exploring what interests YOU and communicating a message or moral that YOU believe in.

I agree with SimonSays. It's what you think and feel about the times we live in that matters. This is sort of the point of writing such a book.

SimonSays and Jamesaritchie get my vote.

I think "The Wonder Years" is a good example of how it can be done.

It is not about the big things, it is about what a kid does not understand about his father who is concerned with "more important" things than the kid.

It is about a boy and a girl circling the dance floor trying to figure out how to talk to each other.

All the "big pictures" are there, but so unobtrusive that you don't really notice them.