This is a first of a periodic series that I’ll be featuring on the blog this year.
Since I write primarily young-adult fiction, I thought it might be fun to revisit my own life during this time period. I’ve kept a journal since I was five years old (seriously) and I’ve uncovered some interesting artifacts from high school during the recent holiday visit to my parent’s house.
It’s funny because there are some things that never change for teens. Case in point, the “getting to know you” game boys and girls play. The medium may change (paper to email to text), but the content seems timeless.
Here’s an actual letter I received from a boy when I was a freshman in high school:
“Dearest Karen
You seem like a pretty nice young lady so far. I want you to know that what Ike has told me about you has made me very interested in you. So when you write back tell me a little about yourself. But first, I’m going to tell you a little bit about myself.
I’m Joseph. Age: 16. Sign: Cancer. Favorite Hobbies: Playing basketball, playing football, riding horses, hunting, talking to beautiful ladies. Birthday: July 7th. Oh, I also like to play my saxophone.
What I see in a girl: Intelligence, a good personality, good looks. That’s about it.
So when you write back, you tell me something about yourself. And give me a picture!
Love always,
Joseph, a.k.a J-Man #20″
I’ve journaled since I was about 5 too. Very sweet flashback. Wonder where ole’ Joseph is now.
Actually I saw him recently at our high school reunion. He went to the NFL and played for a few years and now he’s an assistant coach at a college in Alabama.
No love connection back then but I do remember he was a sweet teenage boy.
Oh, Karen! This is soooo priceless! Yep, please, make a regular! That is so sweet and humorous all at once.
It reminds me of Stephanie Mackler, who uses her high school diaries for inspiration and to capture the voice she had as a teenager.
She read an excerpt a conference. Twas funny too.
Will we have another treat next Friday? :D
Hi Nathalie!
I have a few more letters from boys that I will definitely share. I’m still thinking sharing about the diary entries—they are so cringe-worthy, LOL.
You’re right, things don’t change, just the medium. I didn’t keep my teen diaries, but I wish I had. Maybe I would have if I knew that I would end up as YA writer.