What are appropriate topics for YA or 12-17 stories?

[Michael Angelo Go]

Hey there SVS Forum! So as I shift my gears from kid lit to YA, I have been thinking about some story ideas I could start as I essentially build my portfolio from the ground up. I started out drawing sequential work about children's stories, but then I realized that as I tried to instill an emotional element in some of my pieces, I was inserting topics that no agency would dare to touch. While I could probably just try not to draw these types of stories, I feel like after a year of not working on my portfolio to really reflect on my identity as an illustrator, these gripping subjects are what I find the most appealing. I do love adding lots of cutesy, colorful, and innocent things in my artwork, but like candy they are just immediate gratification for me. Strong emotional pieces, especially those that tend to make people uncomfortable, just seem to be much more satisfying to me long-term, and I feel more confident in keeping them in display in my portfolio.

I am writing a story that I could adapt into a novel, with themes of mental health, trauma, stigma, but also hope. To buffer the impact of these heavy themes, I will be using a lot of allegories, metaphors, and non-literal devices to convey ideas non-directly. Example: depression is said to be an invisible disease. A character in the story might express this through being physically invisible and intangible, like a ghost.

Random fanart in progress. Feel free to offer feedback. Still a WIP.

[Asyas_illos]

@Michael-Angelo-Go congrats on figuring out what direction you want to go in this field. I struggle with this constantly as I love to write for all age groups. But the thing I find difficult is that when you start drifting into that older age group, appealing Illustrative styles become more graphic, as well as infrequent. I think this style is still to cute if you want convey messages as serious as the topics you covered. Maybe for middle grade it’d be ok, I could see this as chapter headers, or visual breaks stuffed in here and there. It also is giving me comic book vibes, think Archie. But I hope keep exploring this style and good luck finding that perfect spot for yourself.

[Asyas_illos]

@Michael-Angelo-Go I’m not sure I actually answered your question I went straight to illustration and I think you wanted writing tips lol. All of topics can be fed to any age group you just hold back a little for younger age groups.

[Melissa_Bailey]

@Michael-Angelo-Go your best bet is to do some research into teen and YA books. Best sellers, classics, and newly published. Read those books. Get to know the market.

Here are a few resources to get you started:

1. Amazon's Teen & Young Adult category -- especially look at best sellers and new releases.

2. Also look at graphic novels -- this might be the niche you fall into with your illustration style and the topics you want to write about.

3. Your library. Many libraries have an online presence, but it's often really helpful to actually talk to a librarian. They are a font of knowledge. However, if your goal is to get work in a different market than where you currently live (for instance, if you want to work with US or UK publishers) then you may want to visit library websites in those countries. Overdrive.com is a great resource too.

4. Blogs. Just make sure they're up to date and reputable, so you're getting accurate information. Here are a few to get you started:

• Allison Tait, published YA author - Industry Insider: Exploring Dark Themes in YA Fiction

• Epic Reads - a blog all about YA books (run by HarperCollins Publishers)

• KidLit.com - a great all-around resource for anyone who works in KidLit

• rektok Ross - run by a published YA author who also recommends other good YA blogs

Hope this helps! Wishing you all the best as you make this transition in styles and genres.

[PenAndrew]

@Melissa_Bailey You are so helpful Melissa.