Teenagers and Mature Themes: Navigating Writing and Publishing

Sweetie, you can write absolutely anything you want to write. Getting it published and sold is the tricky part. While teenagers can certainly explore complex and mature themes, it's important to consider the nuances of audience, support, and responsible handling of sensitive material.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Yes, a teenager can write a book involving mostly adult characters and mature themes. There are no formal restrictions preventing young writers from exploring complex subjects or creating narratives centered around adult experiences. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Creativity and Expression

Creativity and Expression: Writing is a form of creative expression, and teens often have unique perspectives that can contribute to discussions on mature themes. If you can imagine and convey these themes authentically, your work can be valuable and meaningful. Teens have a lot to say, and it's important to give them the platform to express themselves.

Target Audience

Audience: It's important to consider the target audience. While a teenager can write about adult themes, they should be aware of how these themes may resonate with readers and how they wish to approach sensitive topics. If the book involves adults and mature themes, consider the maturity level of the intended readers. It's crucial to ensure that the content is appropriate for the audience to avoid any unintended consequences.

Publishing and Self-Publishing

Publishing: If the teen intends to publish their work, they may face challenges depending on the publishers' policies regarding content and age. Some publishers may have guidelines about the themes explored in works by younger authors. Self-publishing can be a viable option, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the market.

If you choose to self-publish, breaking down the process into manageable steps can make it less daunting. Professional guides and checklists can provide valuable support and clarity. After publishing 200 books on Amazon and running 120 million Amazon ads, I discovered the key to successful self-publishing is to break it down into easy-to-follow, bite-sized chunks. You can find this information in my free self-publishing secrets checklist.

Feedback and Guidance

Support and Guidance: It's beneficial for young writers to seek feedback from trusted adults or mentors, particularly when handling mature themes. Feedback from beta readers or an editor can also be invaluable in ensuring that the story is handled thoughtfully and responsibly. This can help avoid any unintended negative consequences, such as offending or upsetting readers.

Age and Maturity

Just because a teen can write about adult characters and themes doesn't mean they need to fully embody the experience. Writing about adult themes doesn't necessarily require the same level of maturity as living through them. However, it's important to approach these themes with sensitivity and accuracy. If you cannot fully grasp the depth and complexity of certain themes, it might be wise to refine your portrayal or seek guidance from experienced writers.

Building Believable Fiction

Suspension of Disbelief: When writing about adult characters and themes in fiction, it's crucial to maintain a sense of suspension of disbelief. Readers will be more willing to engage with your story if they can believe in the characters and their experiences. If a sixteen-year-old tries to write an adult content book, it might be challenging for a reader to fully suspend their disbelief. Would it be believable to you? Or would it come across as a silly regurgitation of what you've seen in TV and movies, or plagiarized from someone else's work?

Success and Growth

Ultimately, as long as the content is appropriate for the intended audience and the story is handled in a responsible way, a teen writer can certainly write about mature themes and adult characters in their book. Publishing is not just about writing the book; it's also about marketing and reaching your audience. Understanding the steps and having the right support can make all the difference.

Teenagers who wish to explore mature themes should consider their reasons for doing so and the potential impact on their audience. By seeking feedback and maintaining a responsible approach, they can contribute meaningful and valuable content to the literary world.

So, go ahead and dream big. Your voice and perspective matter, and with the right support and guidance, you can achieve what you set out to do.