Understanding Audience

Newcastle Herald

Thursday October 16, 2008

By GEORGIA MONAGHAN

WHEN Warners Bay High School students had an opportunity in August to study the work of Australian author Scott Monk, they did not realise that within a short time correspondence would open up between them and the author.

Mr Monk has bridged the generation gap to try to understand the teenage psyche and used his findings to write books that appeal to reluctant teen readers.

The author and journalist has received multiple awards and had one of his young adult novels, Raw, listed for study on the 2001 HSC curriculum.

Mr Monk said that his own teenage experiences had influenced his view of contemporary teenagers and their reactions to other generations.

Like many adults, he admits his teenage years were "comfortable but boring".

He struggled with the same universal issues many teens experience today: peer pressure, difficulties with the opposite sex, family and self-discovery; experiences that inspired him to write about teenage issues.

Mr Monk said that as a teenager he was a reluctant reader but he realised his strength was in writing.

His own reluctance to read inspired him to write books that appealed to teenagers and to make the 'chore' of reading less tedious.

By writing action-packed stories filled with appealing teenage characters and real-life situations, Mr Monk has made a strong connection with his audience and lured them into reading.

"I guess most adults remember what our own teen years were like and try to forget how hard it really was to survive," Mr Monk said.

He believes teenagers are misunderstood to a degree by society, as the media constructs many negative teenage stereotypes that influence people's views.

Mr Monk believes teenagers have the choice not to conform to those stereotypes and that this is a generation "that should be one of the brightest we've ever had".

"Young people can create their own identities," Mr Monk said.

Last month Mr Monk signed a contract for his fifth book and his first adventure story. The novel for teens will be released in late 2009.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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