Struggling To Get Into The Mind of A Sixteen Year Old

It's time for another installment of the Insecure Writer's Group, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh. To learn more about this fabulous membership click on his name.

This month I've had a heck of a time completing chapter three of my new YA novel. The words just aren't coming. In the past, whenever I've been blocked, it was due to writing myself into a corner. Essentially, I didn't know where I wanted my characters to go. This time around, I took measures to prevent this from happening again. I outlined the story and completed an extensive character sketch. Despite my efforts, I'm still struggling to get into the head of my sixteen-year old main character.

In chapters one and two, it took me forever to capture her voice. Thanks to feedback from members of my writer's group, I finally did it. Three is tough because I'm introducing new characters. My MC, who is an urban girl, is experiencing a rodeo for the first time as well. I keep asking myself how a teen would react to this, what would go through her head. I should know since I have three of them running around my house. Yet, I keep drawing a blank. I even went as far as asking my kids for feedback, but they gave me that lights are on but nobody's home look, which didn't help. I've read several YA books, so what gives?????

I'm beginning to think my muse took a permanent coffee break. Have any of you had similar experiences? If so, I'd welcome any and all feedback on how to get my muse to return to her day job. Until next time my friends, happy writing.

Signed, sincerely frustrated.

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