I spent Monday working in a high school. My job takes me to various public schools, but I spend most of my time in elementary schools. Even though I currently live with a teen, it is always good to hang out with real teens. To see them in action, to listen to them talk, to be reminded who my ideal YA readers are.
If you write for young people, there is an excellent chance that at some point you will be interacting with your readers.
We can’t always predict what your readers will ask (see Suzanne’s post), but you have to be ready for as many possibilities as you can anticipate. I’ve set WIPs aside because I realized I didn’t want to have to represent–or defend–a particular topic or issue.
May I suggest a Meet Your Reader Test? Some questions to think about:
- Do you want to talk face to face about your topic/theme?
- Does the topic thrill you?
- Are you an expert?
- Do you have more to say on the subject than you could ever fit within the confines of a book?
- Does the story lead you places you want to be?
- Are you ready to face any controversies that could arise from a discussion about your book?
- Can you calmly discuss opposing views?
Yes? Well then, write on!
Sarah Tomp
WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK
Writing on the sidewalk 
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