Stacy's Mom

In most stories there’s an arc, or as I like to call it, The Something Build Up, The Something, and the Something Aftermath. Usually the arc involves an internal or external conflict with the main character, or, when the protagonist Learns An Important Lesson.

I capitalized, because the trick is not sounding condescending. The best fiction gives a sly wink to the reader as in I know that YOU know what’s going to happen, but the poor schmuck in this book that's about to get whacked doesn't without making said schmuck seem too silly or stupid.

I think this is true for all fiction, but perhaps even more so with young adult fiction. I’m about done with another YA book, and this concept has been on my mind. Most of the conflict for this age group revolves around the young person thinking he or she has it all figured out, but then…whack. Gentleness is especially important here, both for the young readers, but also for older readers remembering their own childhood.

For example, in an episode of (geek alert) Star Trek Next Generation, Wesley (a child prodigy) believes he can master a complex and forbidden aviation move that has been banned because it is dangerous. He does it anyway and someone is killed. Afterwards Wesley is still surprised he couldn't do it, yet ashamed at his part in his friend's death. The writer masterfully illustrates youthful bravado without making Wesley seem ugly.

There was a song out a few years ago by Fountains of Wayne that perhaps does this even better. I love this song because it’s funny and poignant at the same time; the lyrics reflect amusement at the over confidence of youth, but at the same time are fondly reminiscent.

I get the feeling that someone in that band was once in love with Stacy’s mom…

Stacy's Mom

Stacy, can I come over after school?
We can hang around by the pool
Did your mom get back from her business trip?
Is she there, or is she trying to give me the slip?

You know, I'm not the little boy that I used to be
I'm all grown up now, baby can't you see

Stacy, do you remember when I mowed your lawn?
Your mom came out with just a towel on
I could tell she liked me from the way she stared
And the way she said, "You missed a spot over there"

And I know that you think it's just a fantasy
But since your dad walked out, your mom could use a guy like me

Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want and I've waited for so long
Stacy, can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong but I'm in love with Stacy's mom

Book Review & What Is Young Adult Fiction, Anyway?

I’ve been reading The Den of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. I’ve finished two of the books so I’m doing a review now. I like them. But I don’t love them. I’ve spent a large part of the weekend trying to analyze why.

Ms. Atwater-Rhodes tells a good story. Her vampire world is unique. I even like the characters. But I didn’t fall in love with these books. Which has caused me to contemplate just what is young adult literature? The most common definition is that the protagonist is a young person. Wow. That covers a lot of ground.

I read a lot of what would be classified as YA, because I need to for my career since I write a lot within that genre, but also because I love to read it. For me, I’ve discovered the following dividing line: there seems to be YA books that are written as if the protagonists really are teens, and those that are written as if the teen is an adult in teen clothing.

NOTE: Not all teens are “typical” teens. ;-)

The Den of Shadows would be the first category; these teens are teens. Vampire teens yes, but their focus seems to be finding friends, getting a mate, wedging themselves into the correct clique, getting even when someone has wronged them, fighting with parents. I think the Artimis Fowl books by Eoin Colfer are also this variety. These are excellent, fun, books, but I didn’t fall in love with these, either. The main teen, Artimis, is brilliant, but what is he doing mostly? Trying to prove himself by getting away with stuff his parents don’t know about, and often is involved in petty fights with his friends.

The other YA is very different. In these books teens behave more like adults and are dealing with adult problems. Twilight is this variety. Belle, in many respects, IS the adult in her family; her mother is flighty, and even her father who is more stable, needs to have his dinner made for him. She isn’t concerned about fitting in with other teens. The Harry Potter books fall into this realm. Even though Harry does have some normal teen problems, the main focus of the story is not trying to impress his parents (dead), and he certainly doesn’t care what his adoptive parents think. Cornelia Funke's Inkheart books I would place here, too; Meggie does not behave like a typical teen. Her relationship with her father is more like a friend. And her biggest problems are not teen ones.

I’ve read that middle grade books deal with internal family strife while true YA should be external to the family struggles, and perhaps this is some of the difference I’m seeing. The best YA, in my opinion, does deal with some teen problems yet blends in adult concerns as well, hence the mass appeal of books such as HP…kids AND adults find themselves within the pages and both groups love them.

I’m still figuring all of this out. And to be clear, I don't think either variety is right or wrong, better or worse. I can see why teens would like to read stories in which teens act like teens.

All I know is what I like to write. And to read.