I prefer to write for ages 8 to 18 because it’s a rich time of life that is full of so many ups and downs, trials and victories. The teenage years in particular are ripe with possibilities for conflict, which is central to any story.

I do want to point out that writing for kids and teens is not easier than writing for adults. And it’s not about teaching them a lesson.

People who write for kids and teens typically adore stories, respect children of all ages, and have child-like voices inside them that cannot be silenced.

I got the idea for Pure when I heard an interview with Maureen McTeer on CBC radio. She had published a book about the ethical and legal implications of genetic technologies. The interviewer asked something like, “How would a teen feel to have been genetically ‘arranged’ by his or her parents?” With that one question, an idea for a novel for teens began to grow.

I began to ask “what if” questions: What if parents could genetically choose a child—ensure she grew up unusually smart, healthy, or attractive? How would a teenager react to the news that her parents had genetically enhanced her? What if that genetic enhancement came with unexpected physical and social consequences?

Today’s teens will have to face some sticky ethical questions in their lifetimes. Who has a right to determine a person’s genetic make-up? And how will we treat our genetic underclass?

Pure explores these questions, and more.

Thanks to Air Productions for creating the trailer, and to Kevin MacLeod for the music. Enjoy!

1. Ask yourself what is the problem? State it clearly. Write it down.
2. Ask yourself what information, if any, you need to solve the problem. Do the necessary research.
3. Wait for the answer, and trust that it will come. Try not to think about it. Go on to other tasks (menial tasks work well).

This technique may sound too simple, but the hardest part is trusting that it will work. Our subconscious minds are powerful tools. How often I forget to use it.