New adult novels focus on the phase of life when young adults are learning who they are, what they want, and how to navigate the world. A central part of this journey is understanding and accepting one’s body. Many of us have experienced this struggle: feeling insecure about our own reflection in the mirror, striving for an ideal that is often dictated by the media and society.

Authentic Character Development

To credibly depict the journey to body acceptance, it is crucial that the characters are multidimensional and authentic. Here are some approaches I use in my books:

• Past Narratives: I let my characters tell their story. What has led them to their current insecurities? Was it bullying, family pressure, or perhaps a past trauma? These backstories give readers insight into the complexity of self-perception.
• Realistic challenges: Body acceptance is not a linear process. There are setbacks, good days, and bad days. I write scenes in which characters see themselves in the mirror and feel either pride or frustration, depending on their current state.
• Internal Dialogues: The inner thoughts of the characters are a mirror of their journey. Self-doubt, self-criticism, but also moments of self-acceptance and self-love are expressed in these monologues. They are often the key to readers delving deep into the emotional world of the characters.

Empathetic representation

• Diversity of bodies: I make sure to depict a variety of body types. Not every character has the “perfect” body, and that’s a good thing. This reflects reality and shows that beauty and self-worth are multi-faceted.
• Positive portrayal of intimacy: Intimate moments are not just physical acts, but also an opportunity for characters to be vulnerable to themselves and to others. These scenes can show readers that love and attraction go beyond appearance.
• Support through relationships: friends, romantic interests, or mentors play a role in supporting characters on their journey to self-acceptance. These relationships show that acceptance is often a collective process.

Role of the author

As an author, my role is to show readers that life can be lived by one’s own rules, not by society’s standards. Here are some practical ways I do that:

• Putting myself in the characters’ shoes: By bringing in my own experiences and feelings, I can authentically depict the characters’ inner struggles and triumphs.
• Research and empathy: While I may not have personally experienced all of the things my characters have, I do my research and listen to the stories of others to ensure a sensitive and respectful portrayal.
• Convey positive messages: Without sugarcoating reality, I try to convey a message of hope, acceptance, and self-love at the end of my stories.

The journey toward body acceptance in new adult literature is a powerful metaphor for growing up and finding one’s self. By depicting this journey, I hope to offer not only entertaining stories but also comfort and inspiration. Every step my characters take is a step a reader might want to take or is already taking in their own lives.