My novel is considered young adult, which means I wrote it with teens in mind. That can't be done if you have no understanding of or relationships with teens. I taught highschool math for a while at a tutoring center, and I loved it because I love math AND because I love working with teenagers!
My students ranged from kids who were struggling in a particular subject, to kids trying to get ahead of their grade, to kids prepping for the SAT. It was loads of fun getting to know them and seeing them grow academically. But since I taught mostly math, I didn't discuss reading or writing with too many of my students.
Now that I've been writing, I'm getting to see that side of teens. I've had some amazing conversations with teens in my homeschool group about books. I've been reading blogs by teens who are book addicts and aspiring authors. I am completely amazed by the number of teens who want to become writers!
When I was in high school, most of my friends were avid readers, but I couldn't name a single one who wanted to write. Much less any who were actively writing a book. Now maybe they were like me, keeping the desire a secret, locked away in their heart for "some day." But they certainly weren't telling people, much less posting blogs about it and letting the world read samples of their writing.
I am just so PROUD that the next generation is getting a grip early in their lives on what they wan to do. And the self-confidence they show, and the ambition...it's awesome! There will be a day, in the not so distant future, that MY KIDS may be reading books published by those same teen authors I'm getting to know. That is the coolest thought :).
4 comments:
I know what you mean. I'm SO blessed to have tons of friends that share writing aspirations with me. Our homeschool group is starting up a writing/reading club, and two of my friends and I are leading it. It's just awesome to be able to email our stories to each other, to edit them, comment on them, talk about them, and build each other up.
Hannah
That is so cool, Hannah. I'll have to say, homeschooling seems to foster writing, and I didn't have that experience growing up.
And being able to email back and forth and edit right on the computer helps a lot.
I have enjoyed blogging because it has been so much fun to come across so many writers!
In the past, I have always told mysel that I was writing a story, not a book because it helps to give me the freedom to finish things-when they need to be finished.
But I think I am going to start a novel!
Yeah, I feel really blessed by it. I remember hating homeschooling when I was younger...but now I LOVE it.
Yes, that's a big help. It's so wonderful to have people who support you.
Hannah
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