C. T. Suddeth

1. Think Like a Teen: more than POV, be a teen while you write
2. Find the “Emotional Truth” of the Teenage Experience: most teens have similar problems, goals etc.
3. A Good Pop-Culture Reference Goes a Long Way: music, TV shows etc. (might have made-up names)
4. Get Input From Real Teenagers: co-writer, beta reader, critique
5. Use Slang Words at Your Own Risk: slang mutates quickly
6. Keep It Moving: keep it simple & stay on the plot
7. It’s Okay for YA To Get Dark: nothing is off limits anymore
8. Find the Kernel of Hope: even with a sad ending, leave a way out
9. 

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