By: Sophie Winters

Writing Young Adult (YA) fiction requires a particular skill set, distinct from that of adult thrillers or other genres. As Lee Matthew Goldberg notes, writing for teens involves a unique set of responsibilities and considerations that are important for connecting with the target audience. In his latest work, Miles in Time, Goldberg takes on the challenge of crafting a compelling YA time-travel mystery that blends adventure with deeper emotional and personal growth. His approach to writing a YA novel is grounded in a thoughtful understanding of the genre and the age group he aims to reach.

The Importance of Audience

One of the first things Goldberg emphasizes when it comes to writing YA is the importance of understanding the audience. While adults do enjoy YA fiction, the primary readers are teens—impressionable, curious, and still in the process of discovering themselves. This reality influences every aspect of the story, from the characters’ actions to the language used in the narrative. For Goldberg, the stakes are particularly high because the characters in YA novels can often serve as role models, and their decisions and behavior might have a significant influence on readers.

This sense of responsibility is especially evident in Miles in Time, where the protagonist, Miles Hardy, is a young detective on a quest to solve the mystery of his brother’s death, using a time machine that allows him to travel back a week in time. But beyond the time-traveling mystery at the heart of the book, Miles is dealing with his own personal issues—his growing feelings for Maisie, his crush, and his confusion about his own sexuality. Goldberg deftly handles these themes, ensuring they are woven into the narrative without overshadowing the central plot.

The balance between Miles’ quest to save his brother and his personal growth allows the reader to connect with him not only as a detective but also as a teen navigating complex emotions. Goldberg’s choice to include Miles’ struggles with his sexuality without making it the defining aspect of his character or the story itself reflects a considered and nuanced approach to writing YA. By not making Miles’ sexuality the focal point of the series, Goldberg creates a character that readers can relate to—whether they are grappling with similar issues or simply navigating the ups and downs of adolescence.

Creating Relatable Characters

One of the most crucial aspects of YA fiction is creating characters that are relatable to the target age group. Teens are at a stage in life where they are discovering their identities, confronting personal challenges, and coming to terms with who they are. As Goldberg explains, teens are often in a delicate place emotionally, and their experiences in literature can shape their perceptions of themselves and the world. Therefore, writing relatable characters is key to fostering empathy and engagement.

Miles Hardy, the protagonist of Miles in Time, is a strong example of this kind of character. He is an amateur detective with a big task ahead of him—solving the mystery of his brother Simon’s murder. But Miles is also dealing with much more personal issues. He is shy and uncertain about how to talk to Maisie, the girl he likes, and he’s beginning to question his sexuality. Goldberg doesn’t make these aspects of Miles’ life the central conflict of the book, but rather treats them as part of his overall journey. As Miles progresses through the story, the reader watches him grow from a wallflower into a more confident and capable individual.

This character arc is especially important in YA because it mirrors the real-life experiences of many readers. Many teens can relate to feeling uncertain about their identity or struggling with how to navigate complex emotions. By making these struggles an integral part of Miles’ character development, Goldberg creates a narrative that is both engaging and emotionally meaningful.

Navigating Complex Themes

Miles in Time isn’t just a time-travel mystery. It’s a story about family, self-discovery, and the personal growth that comes from facing both external challenges and internal conflicts. As Goldberg mentions, writing YA requires careful consideration of the themes and messages that will resonate with the audience. While some YA books tackle heavy topics like mental health, addiction, or grief, Miles in Time focuses more on emotional resilience and the power of family bonds.

The central mystery of the book—Miles’ quest to find out who killed his brother Simon—is engaging and suspenseful, but it also serves as a backdrop for deeper emotional exploration. The time-travel aspect adds an extra layer of complexity, allowing Miles to not only solve the mystery of his brother’s death but also to learn more about himself and his family’s past. This exploration of family dynamics is another element that distinguishes Miles in Time within the YA genre.

For instance, the relationship between Miles and his brother Simon is pivotal. Miles’ determination to save Simon, even if it means risking everything, highlights the strength of sibling bonds and the lengths we’ll go to for the people we care about. However, the more Miles delves into the mystery, the more he learns about his family’s hidden secrets—about Simon’s genius, his troubled past, and the dark forces that might have contributed to his death. In this way, the novel also addresses the idea of legacy and the impact of family history on an individual’s future.

The Challenge of Writing YA

Writing YA isn’t just about creating relatable characters and addressing teen emotions. It also comes with the challenge of balancing the story’s complexity with the accessibility needed for younger readers. As Goldberg points out, one of the key differences between writing YA and writing adult thrillers is the way in which the themes and narrative are presented. In YA, the writing needs to be clear, engaging, and age-appropriate while still maintaining depth and meaning.

For Goldberg, this challenge is particularly important in Miles in Time, as he wants to ensure that the story is exciting and full of mystery without overwhelming the reader with adult themes or complex language. The key is to create a sense of excitement and suspense while still allowing the characters to grow emotionally and personally. By keeping the stakes high and the characters relatable, Goldberg aims to make Miles in Time appealing to both teen readers and adults who enjoy a good mystery.

Looking Ahead: The Sequel

The journey doesn’t end with Miles in Time. Goldberg has planned a sequel, Time Fixers, in which Miles travels further into the past to address challenges in his mother’s life. The continuation of the series offers the potential for more character development and exploration of time-travel themes.

For readers who enjoyed the first book and connected with Miles’ journey, the sequel provides an opportunity to continue exploring the complex dynamics of family, identity, and self-discovery. As Goldberg prepares to release the next installment, Miles in Time stands as an example of how YA fiction can be both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

Order Miles in Time Now and Preorder Time Fixers

Don’t miss out on this intriguing YA time-travel mystery series! Order Miles in Time: A YA Time Travel Mystery by Lee Matthew Goldberg now on Amazon and follow Miles Hardy’s journey to solve his brother’s murder across time. Plus, get ready for the sequel, Time Fixers—preorder it today and join Miles as he travels back to 1999 to help his mother confront her past trauma. Miles in Time is available now, and Time Fixers will be released on June 3, 2025! Order Miles in Time on Amazon | Preorder Time Fixers on Amazon.