On teen authors

8 comments on “On teen authors”

1. Robert J. Wiersema says:
   July 21st, 2009 at 9:23 am

   Given the sheer number of adult writers who are most likely not ready to write anything worth reading, does it really matter?

2. Furious D says:
   July 21st, 2009 at 4:14 pm

   I have to admit that a modern teenager that finishes reading a book is a pretty incredible feat, but I would hope that the publishers would be a little more rational when it comes to the ones that write a book.

3. Citizen Reader says:
   July 22nd, 2009 at 6:33 pm

   Today I got an email advertising a new series of teen memoirs: “These powerful, true memoirs are written by talented teen
   writers, not by celebrities or adults reflecting on their
   youth. This series is all about real teens, still in the
   moment, writing about their real experiences. We invite you
   to read these fresh, authentic voices as they share
   intimate details about personal struggles that will
   fascinate all teens.” Oh, god, teens still in the moment. Not having to be a teen around other teens in the moment is one of the reasons I’m glad every day that I’m done with high school forever.

4. Aspiring teen authore says:
   August 1st, 2009 at 8:00 pm

   I believe that publishers should take teen writers seriously. Most adults who write books aren’t all that great and teens like to read books that are realistic. Teen authors are something to be appreciated, most teens don’t read. We should celebrate those who actually take the time to write books. It’s difficult work for all ages and just because we’re younger it certainly doesn’t mean we know less. Although Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series has gotten it great with teens, when you really analyze it, it is poorly written. There isn’t a very good plot. So understand that you were all teens once, and adults are just teens who decided to publish later in life.

5. Kelly says:
   August 1st, 2009 at 8:50 pm

   I am a teen author, and I am all for publishing a young author’s work if it is good enough! Turning a blind eye to the work we do is wrong, unless it really is terrible. My friends and I are all authors in high school, and I am continually astounded by the sheer talent they possess. Keep in mind that an adult will have a day at work and then head home, calling it good for the evening. A student, on the other hand, has to keep up with insane amounts of homework if he/she wishes to be taken seriously. On top of that, an idea for a story is more difficult to ignore than a migraine for an author, and if you forget it, it’s gone. My friends and I frequently end up calling each other long past midnight for help with word choices, and our classes start at half past seven in the morning. As I have begun to look at publishers, my hopes are dwindling; don’t get me wrong, I see how many adults can easily dismiss the idea of a decent young writer. It is simple to say that we are just kids and have no real experience in anything other than texting and saying “like” between every word, but those of us who aspire to be something are truly offended when adults give us the run through about how we aren’t old enough to understand the world, much less enough to write about such deep things as love. Believe me, we know much more than you think, and we gladly write about it. Is it really so much to ask for a publisher to hear our voices?

6. Alicia says:
   April 17th, 2010 at 4:11 pm

   I’m a teenager, and I believe that a teenage author who has produced work worthy of publication shouldn’t be turned down just because of his or her age. Not all teenagers can write well yet, but some can and they should be able to have their work published. Not all teenagers are shallow and silly.

7. George says:
   April 17th, 2010 at 5:10 pm

   Point taken Alicia! Thanks for commenting.

8. Tina says:
   May 17th, 2011 at 8:45 pm

   Publishers want the next great thing and they’re trying something bold–teen writers!
   The fact is that we, the teen writers, know what other teenagers want to read about. A publisher isn’t going to publish something that isn’t good or doesn’t spark their interest whether it be an adult or a teenager. I’m currently working on my first novel that I’ve spent nearly a year and a half on. Why is it any different what the age is of the author? Whether eighteen and fresh out of high school or twenty-eight with a kid and a college degree, if the manuscript is polished and written well, why should it matter?

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