As a writer, you probably have a clear vision for the type of audience that you want to target with your novel. However, sometimes your work might take on a tone or style that aligns with a completely different demographic, and that demographic may be Young Adult (YA). This can be confusing and even irritating, especially when you aim for a more mature or diverse set of readers. Thankfully, this article will delve into the reasons behind why your novel might exude YA vibes, even when it's not your intended genre. By understanding these factors, you can better navigate writing a story that aligns with a different set of readers. Plus, you can refine your writing to align more closely with your desired audience, rather than with the Young Adult (YA) genre. Let's explore the intriguing elements that might be making your writing sound YA.
Use Of Clichés
No one likes clichés, especially not readers. However, lots of teen or Young Adult stories utilize clichés to captivate an audience. Therefore, if your story incorporates lots of clichés then it may inadvertently appeal it a Young Adult audience. This is because YA literature often relies on clichéd tropes that resonate with teens or younger readers. When clichés are prominently featured in your story, such as the classic "chosen one" story or the love triangle subplot, it usually creates a sense of predictability and simplicity that is often a characteristic of YA fiction. So, even though clichés can be comforting and relatable for YA readers, when rely on them too much and include too many clichés, your story may appear less mature than you intended it to be.
Teen References
Most YA novels are full of teen references since they are for teen readers and describe teen characters. However, since teen references lend a youthful energy to a story, they can unintentionally make your book sound like it is a young adult. But what are teen references? These teen references can range from a variety of topics, such as pop culture mentions and slang to the characters' behaviors and concerns. Incorporating elements like high school dynamics, first love, or coming-of-age themes can inadvertently evoke the feeling that you are reading a teen novel.
Too Much Slang
Relating to the previous point, if your story has too much slang, especially Gen-Z or social media-focused slang then it may sound like Young Adult. Lots of YA writers use teen-centered slang to engage their readers and make their stories sound more realistic. Therefore, when you include lots of slang in your own book (even if it is an adult story), it may sound YA. As a result, it is important to evaluate the amount of slang you are writing into your story. Slang can evoke a sense of realism and it can be a great way to add personality to your characters, but you have to ensure that you don't overdo it. In general, when writing a story that isn't YA, striking a balance with slang ensures that your story maintains its intended tone and audience.
Happy Ending
Not every story ends happily...yet this motif is not shown in most Young Adult novels. YA literature frequently emphasizes themes of hope, resilience, and the potential for positive change, which typically lends itself to an optimistic ending. This is because lots of teen readers tend to gravitate towards stories that offer a sense of closure, where characters overcome obstacles and find happiness. This focus on positivity and resolution can give your narrative an uplifting tone that may make it sound YA. So, if your story is not intended to be Young Adult and still includes a happy ending, it may align with the YA genre. However, it is super important to note that this doesn't mean your story can't have a happy ending. An adult-centered story can totally still have a happy ending even if it's not meant to be Young Adult. However, you must recognize that happy endings, coupled with teen themes can make your narrative sound YA.
Fast Plot
A fast-paced plot is one element that can definitely make your story sound Young Adult because it mirrors the energetic and action-packed style often found in YA novels. YA readers tend to enjoy stories that move quickly, keeping them constantly engaged and excited. When your narrative progresses quickly, with rapid plot developments and dynamic scenes, it can emit the sense of urgency and immediacy that is characteristic of many YA stories. Therefore, if you don't want your story to sound too YA consider looking into the pace of your plot.
I can only imagine how upsetting it would be to have your novel portrayed as being YA when you didn't intent you story to be. However by understanding that slang, a fast-paced plot, and a happy ending, among other elements, contribute to YA you can address any unintended categorization.