I can't help but sigh heavily when I see yet another article complaining about YA (young adult fiction). People blast Twilight all the time, and critics seem to love to rip into the Harry Potter series. There is no series that they won't harp on for being shallow or badly written, as long as it's YA.

Even better, when I tell people what I write, I often recieve strange looks, and questions like, "Why would you write books for teenager? You're not a teenager."

That's a real face-palm moment, right there.

Or I get the same sort of question asked in a different way. "You're older now, why don't you write adult books?"

Who then, is going to write teen books? Are they picturing a factory of teens, all slaving over computers, manufacturing YA books for all the stores? Where do they think YA is actually coming from? And why is it that I read reviews like, "This book is really great, don't let the "YA" label scare you off. It's very well written."

This is when I start pulling all my hair out.

It's Not Just the Books:

But wait, it isn't just YA books under attack, it's teenagers too. Society doesn't take them seriously. They tell them they are "hysterical" or stupid for liking certain bands or shows. They assume that teens need to be "rescued" from YA books and "given some culture", and fear that they are somehow being brainwashed.

Quick! Sneak into their houses at night and replace Twilight with Catcher in the Rye! Save them from themselves!

Isn't it Enough?

Isn't it enough that you are reading? You're not slouched on the couch watching Jersey Shore and The Desperate Housewives. You're reading is that great?

It is great.

And you're passionate. It doesn't matter what you're passionate about: One Direction, Twilight, Percy Jackson, Dr. Who, The Avengers. You are full of passion and energy, so don't let anyone make you feel crappy for that.

And if you want to, you can channel that passion and that energy to do amazing things.

As a teen, have you been made to feel bad about your passions? What do you think about people hating on teen fiction? What's your favourite YA book/series?

Every Sunday I do a live chat with five other YA authors, and this Sunday we are talking about teen fiction, and how a lot of people don't take it seriously. We would love your opinion, or any questions you might have, or if you have something you'd like us to talk about during the chat. Post anything you like in the comment section below!