Explore teen issues, including new love, jealousy and competition within the context of novel genres. Chick-lit (girlfriend-friend-enemy dramas) and paranormal (science fiction) are popular teen-focused genres. Dystopian futuristic communities, vampires, werewolves and other characters and genres can create ideas. Magical realism, including ghosts, angels and wizards, does not need to resort to stereotype to be effective. Realistic circumstances can evolve to add supernatural elements for effect. For example: John is unpopular at school until his sudden alliance with Mike, star athlete. John is secretly blackmailing Mike to acquire popularity. John is also descended from demons, while Mike has yet to learn of his own lineage and power as an angel. Experiment with different genres, with characters in unusual circumstances and environments, to develop ideas.
Sophisticated 12- to 14-year-old preteens, unprepared for the complexities of young adult novels and too mature for mid-grade novels (novels geared for elementary school-aged children) are in the bridge or in-between demographic known as "tweens." Typically "edgy" and taboo subject matter such as suicide, addiction and graphic sexuality brand the young adult category. However, humor and pop culture such as teen couture, music/technology and peer approval are a trademark of tween material. Brainstorm and create a list of the top teen subjects and construct a separate one for tweens. Free write (write without stopping or editing) on each subject in the voice of the teen and alternately the voice of the tween. Experiment with teen slang to further the tone of the narrative. Crafting free-written monologues, in this exercise, fosters ideas and insights for character development.
Consider an unusual format for your story. Incorporating images integral to the narrative is the foundation of a graphic novel. Author Katherine Arnoldi explores teen pregnancy in her graphic novel "The Amazing True Story of a Teenage Single Mom." Although graphic novelists tend to be writers-illustrators, non-illustrator-writers can also experiment with this form. Alternately, an entire YA novel written in poetic verse presents challenging ideas in language for first-time YA poets wishing to try this format. Interactive electronic novels requiring the reader to interface with technology match well for young adult computer enthusiasts.
Collaborations present a viable option for young adult novelists, although traditionally editors prefer novels written from a single perspective. YA novels with dual and opposing points of view are more frequent and accepted in the YA market. YA authors may choose to write alternate chapters within a collaboration, or one author may write both viewpoints. Explore a trial collaboration with a colleague using short stories, poems or brief writing exercises to see if ideas develop.