Differences in Approach When Writing for Young Adults vs Adults

Author, instructor, director, and screenwriter John Henry Davis believes young adult and adult writing most differ in the language and pacing. YA writing may use simpler words and diction, while adult novels can use more complicated words or sentence structure. In YA stories, Davis says it’s important to keep the emotional life of the character at the forefront. Each chapter should address the stakes, problems, or difficulties the character is facing or experiencing. In adult fiction, it’s not as necessary to have constant drama. Authors can spend more time with description or evolving a slow relationship. In YA, this might happen more quickly.

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