Meet 18 YO Actor - Writer - Netflix Lover: JUSTINE WINANS

Welcome to We Hear YA! 

Connecting YA Writers with their Teen Audience.

TODAY! Blast off in a YA time machine with JUSTINE WINANS, who's taking us from the age of 15 to the ripe, young age of 18, to see how (dramatically?) her mindset has shifted over this time frame. 

Justine Winans  is a senior in high school, where she studies Performing Arts in a half-day college preparatory program, along with regular, less-exciting academic classes. When she is not at rehearsal for a play, she can probably be found writing, reading, or watching Netflix. She definitely watches too much TV, and makes references to a variety of movies that most people her age don't understand. Although currently living in Northeast Ohio with her family, she's hoping to continue her studies out-of-state in the fall.

Okay @JustineWinans, We Hear YA! has our seat belt fastened.

Q: Most YA characters are 16/17. So between 16/17  to 18 - What differences have you noticed in your choices, mentality, personality, etc?

To be honest, there's not much difference in personality. To me, the biggest difference between 16/17 and 18 is that the whole Holy shit, I have to do adult things is thrust onto you. Most other changes stem from that. 

When you are 16, sure, you have your dreams, but everything seems farther away. You focus more on the little things. What is happening now. One stupid test or date or premiere of a TV show...it matters. You also rely more on your family, even though they probably annoy the hell out of you. You care about everything. But when you get to be eighteen, you have to start worrying about different things, and making that transition into independence (for the most part). Filling out college applications, scholarship applications, financial aid documents (which is excruciating), figuring out where you're going to live. When you are 16, money issues are of the wow, I need to buy books or movie tickets or new mascara. 

At 18, it's more along the lines of wow, I'm going to be drowning in debt for the rest of my life. I better teach myself to like ramen noodles. I recently starting thinking of all the things I have to do for myself, which is new and crazy. Or even that I'll need to buy a bunch of things I currently share with my mom and/or sister because I'll be off on my own soon. It's the age of being overwhelmed, that's for sure. But I also think that it's around the time you are able to see the bigger picture, and be a little (little) more realistic. 

Also, and this is something that I think plenty of writers might overlook, but relationships with family and friends are one of the biggest things that changed for me. When you're sixteen and all angsty and whatnot, it's so easy to get annoyed with your family and definitely prefer to hang out with friends. I'm not saying that now, at eighteen, my family doesn't get on my nerves, because they do, but knowing that I'll be leaving soon has me wanting to spend more time with them. I enjoy shopping with my mom, and have even declined invitations to hang out with friends because my family had something planned (not all the time, but occasionally). I mean, believe it or not, some of us teenagers actually have good relationships with our parents! 

When it comes to friends, at 16, they are more of a main focus. Not just best friends, but all of your peers. But when you get close to leaving high school, you realize how much bullshit other kids will give you, and it's hard to deal with that. It's easier to see who your real friends are, and that anyone else isn't worth your time. Which is fine, because, as you constantly remind yourself, you're leaving soon anyway.

Q: How do you communicate with your friends? Phone calls ever? Text? Twitter? FB? And how has this changed for you in the past 3 years, since you were 15?

The only time I call my friends now is if someone is driving and can't text. Really, we rarely talk on the phone. I know some people in relationships who do, often, but I'm not one for phone conversations if I can avoid them. Although I'm a person who prefers to speak face-to-face (is it just me, or does everyone always seem angry or annoyed in texts if they don't overuse smiley faces and exclamation points?). texts are definitely a go-to. Snapchat has also gotten pretty big lately, which is great for minor cases of blackmail, if that's ever needed. I still sent texts when I was 15, although I believe Facebook was much more popular at the time. Another difference is that, through websites like Facebook or GroupMe (group texting app) or Skype, it's easy to talk to friends that don't live near you. Or even friends you've never actually met in person. As far as Twitter, there's a few comments made, but it definitely wouldn't be a first-choice for communication.

Q: How have your concerns about the future changed over the past 3 years? 

When I was fifteen, I sort of had an idea of what I wanted to do, but I always had so much time that I didn't really have to think about it. Mostly, the plan outline was pretty much do well in school so you can go to college. Of course. Whatever. No big deal. But your senior year of high school is basically plan out the rest of your life and make choices that will affect your entire future, don't screw up. On top of school, and homework, and rehearsals or practices, possibly a social life. All you really want to do is hide in your bedroom and binge-watch Netflix or sleep for more than five hours, but hey. 

There is so much pressure. Pressure to, if you don't know what you want to do with your life, figure it out. Now. Or, if you are like me and know exactly what you want to do, convince your parents that majoring in theatre is not an awful idea. (And, if you want to go into the arts, people will be condescending to you and try to convince you otherwise. Both family members and not. It's annoying, but so very true. Because adults will ask you where you are going to college (even in the fall when you've hardly applied yet) and they will ask you your major. When you say "theatre" or "acting", they will give you that "oh." and then go on about how their kid is going to be a chemical engineer or something.) But, you also tend to focus on what you want more. Did anyone manage to convince me that going across the country to study acting was a bad idea? No, of course not. And nobody could either. But financial concerns are DEFINITELY amplified. I sort of went into this before, but it isn't until you really start worrying about college and independence that you realize how screwed you are financially. Some teens are in a pretty good spot, but there aren't many that can afford $50,000 a year. There's a lot of cringing. So much cringing. Three years ago, I thought paying four bucks for candy at the movie theater was ridiculous. Hah.

Q: What do you think most people may have forgotten about being 18?  

I think a big thing that is missing is having passion for something. People tend to remember that 18-year-olds are delusional and hopeful and self-serving and, oh boy, are we. But I think a lot of that stems from being passionate about something. Maybe it is not everyone, but I really don't see it enough with characters. And I don't just mean a kid who has a hobby. I mean a real passion. I fell in love with acting, and I really can't imagine doing much else with my life. It's what I'm choosing to study and eventually turn into a career. Because, at 18, we have dreams and as crazy as they are, we believe with all of our beings that they will come true. There seems to be endless possibilities, and no matter what other people say, you truly think you can do something great. Maybe that is delusional, but it's also a beautiful feeling. In a strange way, it sort of feels like your life is just beginning now, and as incredibly stressful as that is, you know that you're going to do something with it.

Q: As an 18 year old - do you read YA, New adult, Adult? What types of books interest you most and why?

I read YA. That's pretty much all I read, although there are a few exceptions. I feel like I should probably start given NA a try, although it seems harder to find books in that category. Maybe it isn't marketed as much? Maybe it's just because I'm a Young Adult enthusiast? I'm not sure. But, regardless, I've been reading YA for many years, and I'll probably keep reading it for many years to come. When it comes to genre, I read books all across the board. Genre doesn't matter to me. I care about characters, I want to be able to connect with them, which leads to why voice is also a biggie. But the most important thing is a book that draws me in. I want to be able to escape into the pages. I also tend to love the darker side of YA more. I like messed-up characters and brutally honest writing. And I'm a sucker for a good villain. I want more villains (or antiheroes) that are evil, but do it with some class, and/or have some redeemable qualities. Like, if anyone knows of or has a YA with a character like Pierre Despereaux (Psych) or Francis Underwood (House of Cards) PLEASE pass word to me.

Thank you Justine for the tour! 

BTW Y'all - JUSTINE was also in this year's Pitch Wars by @BrendaDrake. GO TEAM PITCH WARS! GO 18 yr old ROCK STARS! Hunt her down @JustineWinans

To keep up on teen life, follow We Hear Ya! @WeHear_Ya - Thanks all.

Business Owner * Image Changer * Millennial to watch - MEGAN GRASSELL

Welcome to We Hear YA! 

Connecting YA Writers with their Teen Audience.

Today: GET READY TO BE WOWED! By Yellowberry company owner, 19 year old  - Megan Grassell!

@Megrassell began her own company @Yellowberrybras at age 17, and today she is on Yahoo! Style's list of Millenials to watch in 2015! 

The idea for Yellowberry first came to Megan when she saw her 13 year old sister try on a "leopard push-up bra that was as empty and as fake as the ad on the wall beside her." 

“Mary Margaret, you can't wear that!” Megan whispered. A mere week later, Megan decided “I’m going to make my own bras for girls.”

Hooray for you Megan!

We Hear YA! is thrilled to share this determined teen's hopes and insights...

Hello Megan!

Q: You were 17 when you started Yellowberry - can you walk us through the mental hopes and fears as you began your own company at such a young age? 

When I first started, I literally could not stop thinking about my idea, brand, and vision for the company.  What made me the most excited however was that I gained so much confidence in what I knew and wanted for Yellowberry.  Each time I would reach out to someone who had started a company or been a success in the business world, I felt as though I always left our meetings with yes more knowledge, but also an even more solidified view of what I had already created.  That was really neat, because I learned my skills are really in the branding area, which is what I love the most!

Q: What are some of the specific pressures society puts on teens these days?

I think that each and every day we as teens are flooded with images of girls who are stunning and flawless.  In that way, it’s really hard to try to measure up.  I know that when I scroll through instagram for example, or any social media really, it’s so easy to literally side-by-side compare yourself to models and actresses.  However, as I’ve moved forward with his company, I’ve learned that it’s really just not fair to do that.  I have come to terms with the fact that I will never be size 2, nor be 6 feet tall.  And that is OK!

As for a specific example, I don’t really have one. But sometimes after enough small things stack up, you realize that you need to just be you, do you, and be comfortable in your own skin.

POET * ACTIVIST * BELIEVER - AMANDA GORMAN

Welcome to We Hear YA! 

Connecting YA Writers with their Teen Audience.

Today: PLEASE CREATE A THUNDEROUS DRUM ROLL OF A WELCOME FOR... Teen poet, activist, and believer in CHANGE - Amanda Gorman!

@AmandaSCGorman is a 16 year-old writer, activist, United Nations Delegate, Harry Potter fan - AND - the 1st EVER LA Youth Poet Laureate.

Words like - Authentic & Revolutionary - simply skim the surface in describing this fierce, young lady. And We Hear YA! is thrilled to share her insights on what it means to be a teen today...

Hello Amanda!

Q: Congrats on becoming the 1st LA Youth Poet Laureate! When will your first poetry book come out? And what aspects of life most fuel your 'voice'? 

Thanks! My poetry book will be published in 2015, around June, and there will be a large book sale at the next Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Performance.

My emotions definitely affect my voice and the subjects I discuss in my poetry. My observances or sensations that I experience can jolt any inspiration—a newspaper, a conversation, a word. All those reactions settle in the back of my mind and when I’m ready I sit down and write about the ones that seem most urgent.

Q: Voice is essential for YA Books - teens must connect with the voice of the narrator. What types of voices do you connect with most?  

I connect most with voices that are authentic. It’s easy these days for authors to follow a cookie-cutter, generic voice in the hope of gaining the same success of other popular writers. However, books hold a lot of power when they follow the true voice of the author and the characters involved. When a voice is authentic and real, when it is unafraid to cut against the grain, when it can leap off the page, that’s when I’m hypnotized by books. I don’t love them because of their similarities. I love them because of the author’s courage to be different, to be bold.

Q: I read on your Twitter feed that you’ve taken part in your school's nonviolent teen protests against police brutality. As a teen, can you share how these recent, violent events have affected your hopes and fears?

Like many people I was deeply affected by the police brutality inflicted within our nation. All in all Mike Brown, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and so many other faceless, voiceless victims exhibit that we need more peace, unity, and tolerance within our communities. The recent violent events did heighten my fears for any man, woman, boy, or girl, walking the streets who may be seen as dangerous because of the color of their skin. However, these tragic occasions of police brutality have just fueled me further to work for peace and justice. I am now more dedicated than ever to try to change communities, and I’m glad that others feel the same way. In this time of darkness, that brings me hope.

Welcome to We Hear YA! 

Connecting YA Writers with their Teen Audience.

On this blog I'll be interviewing teens about their POVs on tons of topics - including books and school and life and what's got them fired up. I'll also spotlight new books by YA authors, and toss in some celebrity teen coverage. 

FOR OUR FIRST INTERVIEW... I am beyond stoked to chat with the unique and brilliant - Tallia Storm.

WELCOME TALLIA!

Tallia Storm is a 16-year-old Scottish R&B / soul singer from Glasgow. After leaving her demo CD with Sir Elton John's partner in a hotel restaurant, her life changed forever. 

Sir Elton John called within 24 hours and invited her to open his football stadium concert in Scotland at just 13 years old - how amazing! 

Recently, Tallia signed a global record deal with Virgin Records, and she signed a two-book deal with Scholastic UK that will publish in September 2015. 

WAY TO GO TALLIA! Follow her: @Tallia_Storm

Now on to the Q & A:

FIRST OFF...

Tallia, congrats on the book deal. WHOOT! Can you please share what your book-to-be is about...

Well, essentially it will be a fictional tale based on my own experiences. It will follow the fictional heroine Storm Hall as she sets out to make a name for herself in music and naturally like any other teenager, the reader will follow all the ups and downs and drama's of being a teenager and let's face it - there's plenty of them.

Q: What role do you feel music plays in a teen's life today?

I think music has always played a role in one's life. For example, the music I have listened to has shaped who I am as an artist today. I think we use music as our emotional crutch to get us through everyday life. When we're feeling sad, it's like this self harm mechanic comes in and we start playing all the sad songs in the world - just add to our pain. I mean why do we do that - but we do right? But when we're feeling elated or excited, we pick our favourite most upbeat song and boom - we're dancing on the clouds, overcome in bass, the drive of the song - the music becomes a drug and we get lost in the melody. It's kind of extremes I guess. 

I think teens are also very fickle when it comes to music - they can love a song for it's drive and not necessarily the lyrics but the beat is so good they don't care or the opposite is that  they become addicted to the story in the lyrics, the journey that artist has had, the message they are portraying. Many teens can take solace, hope, ambition, passion and much more from lyrics but we suit ourselves. I think the access to music now because of the internet is incredible as I have grown up with my parents extensive jazz, R&B, hip hop and soul collections - now you can get everything at the click of a button and I think that choice is everything. 

However, I think teenagers today are looking for substance with music artists, sure we can get access to dance and EDM music and its great, but when it comes to building that relationship with your audience and the artist, they want to see the journey, the origins, the substance, less of the manufactured pop product. I think - actually hope, when you can deliver that you can grow with your audience and have more longevity than that overnight dance record that ruled the summer sound for a season yet has no ownership from the artist and is forgotten by Christmas. 

 Welcome to... We Hear YA! 

Q: What's - We Hear YA!?

A collaborative space where YA writers connect with their teen audience (and vice versa!) 

On this blog, I'll be interviewing teens about their POVs on tons of topics, including books and school and what's got them fired up. I'll also spotlight new books by YA authors, and toss in some celebrity teen coverage. 


A quick but about me... 

I'm a novel writer, entertainment reporter, actor, and creative junkie. My hope for this blog is to combine my passion for learning more about people with my daily determination to become the most gripping and honest YA author possible. 

SO STAY TUNED. And please... add a comment about what you would like to see covered here.  

Thanks! Smiles, Kelly