I know, right? by
hermione of vulcan
on 2012-11-27 22:15:00 UTC
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The formula for the average teen novel:
A teenage girl, who claims to be an social outcast and doesn't think she's pretty (and almost invariably complains about her chest).
Her nemesis, miss evil popular cheerleader.
A super awesome hot guy who is like, totally the sweetest and most perfect guy EVER.
Assorted BFFs.
An extremely stereotypical high school, where the cliques are easily defined and labeled.
A life changing event, like moving to a new school.
Some drama, as ultra perfect guy seems completely out of reach due to plot related circumstances/being of a different social status. This makes up most of the plot. BFFs may console her, the nemesis will try to steal the guy or upset her life in some other way.
Some big event, like a party or a dance. Heroine dresses up in an overdescrbed outfit that makes her look gorgeous. Plot is coming to a climax--heroine, aided by this outfit and maybe by some friends, gives the nemesis her due, gets with the perfect guy, and might resolve the rest of the plot while she's at it. Guy and girl kiss with long sappy description, and book ends.
This is all done from first person.
I have to admit, I read the occasional teen novel. Some of them are well written, and both the hero and heroine are developed, interesting characters. Then it's just a good romance. And even the other kind can be fun to read just because. I indulge my idiotic girly side every once in a while.
Although in general, I dislike teen romance. Lord of the Rings for the win!
Oh, good Lord, I didn't realize you meant THAT... by
SpecstacularSC
on 2012-11-27 19:35:00 UTC
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Oh shit, you were talking worse things...
I have no words, truly. I don't have much place to talk, being a guy, but I definitely know the feeling.
Actually, I think what saved me was that some of the earliest books I read were old Calvin and Hobbes comic books my dad used to own. They were so ridiculous that when I saw the similar plots used later as serious things, it turned me off that story and soared my poor eyes.
Writing those plots in a joking fashion like I do also helped, because I know better than to take my comedy writing seriously.
Oh, definitely. by
firemagic
on 2012-11-27 19:21:00 UTC
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When I head to the bookstore, almost every single YA novel will involve a romance subplot. I mostly have to stick to adult fiction (or head to the children's section - I'm pretty sure that last time I went, that's where, say, the So You Want To Be A Wizard novels were.) One of my friends has a litmus test where if a teen novel mentions anything resembling romance on the back cover/inside flap or in the first chapter, then she's not going to get it.