Solving the Problem
I've called for added diversity to the young adult fiction genre on several accounts in order to escape these redundant plots that cash in on franchising the same old stuff disguised under new names. But if nobody wants to fix it, I guess it's up to the ones complaining to. I mean, it makes sense; if you want to see something materialized in the world, be the one to put it out there. So in tangible form, I propose to just make a new story and get it enough endorsement that it can actually catch wind and gain audience publicity. A new angle to approach it by (say, a child-author perhaps? I'm sure television interview shows would just gobble that up for ratings. Someone who writes for young adults and actually happens to be a young adult themselves--what a concept! Right? Who better to know the audience? I'm tired of old middle-aged mothers sitting in their offices thinking they can construct what kids need to read. Sorry, not sorry). And like I said before, if you want something to exist, you have to create it yourself. So what I'm proposing is to pursue my artistic hobbies and try to push my author-presence out there more than I already have. I've already had some manuscripts drafted and multiple works either finished or in progress, so half the work's already done. I've also done extensive research on how to get published without sacrificing my vision in some corporate trade-off. I'd love to divulge in all the extra details of the actual stories being composed, but I don't want to overstep any self-copyright infringement rules that might exist. But for now, rest assured, I'm already making progress moves on my solution. Stay determined out there, folks!
Wow Simoli, that is very impressive! I read your previous posts on the dilemma of not having any new ideas in the young adult literature genre and I very much agree with the need you identified. That is really awesome that you are already on your way to helping solve the problem with your own abilities. Way to take things into your own hands to get things done!
ReplyDeleteSimoli, I love this idea. Ever since Susanne Collins wrote the Hunger Games series, I feel like there have been dozens upon dozens of "young adult" movies and books that are just awkward combinations of Hunger Games and Twilight, written by, as you said, middle aged women who are out of touch with the youth. The fact that all of these stories follow the same cookie cutter plot and still make money hand over fist has been a long standing pet peeve of mine. It's always some weird dystopia that doesn't make sense, a female protagonist choosing between two male characters vying for her attention, the protagonist questions the sinister overlords, and then a series of poorly written action sequences that only serve to further the shoe-horned love plots. I think I just described at least 5 of last year's major films with that. Any diversity or new ideas in this genre would completely revitalize it, and it would be much needed. Go for it.
ReplyDeleteSimoli,
ReplyDeleteEven though its not in my interests, this is a great idea and is backed up very well. The fact that youve already began trying to solve this is a great. The fact that this need exists is too bad and the point that JT mentioned above really brings out how major it is. Great work with this topic!
YES GIRL. JUST YES.
ReplyDeleteSome might consider writing while keeping your customer base in mind 'soulless' or 'selling out', but I think it's very smart. Artists have to make a living somehow, after all! In the visual art medium, artists sell fanart of popular TV shows and comics to sell to a wider audience and pay their bills.
I think this is a wonderful idea since you're pushing yourself through a hobby (perhaps a passion?). Nanowrimo is coming up too, which is a great way to stay both motivated and timely with writing, if you have the time to spare.