Getting To Know Teenagers Now by Sydney Salter

Recently, I realized that I couldn't rely as much on my own teenage experiences as a writer because social media and phones have shifted the culture dramatically. I raised two daughters through their teenage years at the beginning of social media culture, but watching my now 17-year-old niece, I see how much has changed. Teens wander a lot less--and parents track their teenagers' movements in a way that makes random wandering less freeing. 

I do believe that novels represent their time periods, as time capsules; even stories that take place in the future or the past focus on something relevant to a modern reader. And that's why I decided to spend more time with teenagers.  

Now I regularly judge debate tournaments (my sister-in-law is a high school debate coach). I have loved getting to know a diverse group of teenagers, some who love wonky politics, others who love to act, and still others who have probably been encouraged to try some public speaking but definitely don't love it.

I love hearing about all the subjects that matter to kids--speeches about why live music matters, Japanese Lolita fashion, trees... And so many speeches about why we should put our phones down and reject social media culture. 

Judging debate has shown me that while I was focusing on the way social media has shifted so much about the teenage years, the teenagers themselves are still unique individuals who have interesting passions, think deeply and see a better future ahead for themselves. 

Stories are time capsules, and as writers we have to remain engaged with people who share the same kinds of experiences as our characters and audience.