{"id":26498,"date":"2026-08-05T22:08:59","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T03:08:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maiglobal.org\/?page_id=26498"},"modified":"2026-08-05T22:34:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T03:34:20","slug":"why-write-for-younger-people-with-ronald-molmisa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/maiglobal.org\/fr\/why-write-for-younger-people-with-ronald-molmisa\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Write for Younger People? with Ronald Molmisa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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From our Resource Library<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Writing for the Younger Generation with Ronald Molmisa<\/strong><\/h2>

Young adult pastor and best-selling author Ronald Molmisa shares the things you need to know about young people\u2014and his top tips for Christian writers who want to reach future generations. <\/em><\/p>

How it all began<\/strong><\/h3>

I’ve been writing books since 2010, when OMF Literature Philippines offered me a chance to write a book on relationships. I was searching for culturally relevant books about teenage relationships during that time, and I had a difficult time finding resources.<\/p>

The Lord impressed me to write a book and publish materials. I started with a seminar. I called it the Lovestruck<\/em> seminar. “Lovestruck” means to be starstruck or starry-eyed about relationships. This approach helped young people connect with the issue. I published the Lovestruck<\/em> books, and they became bestsellers. The first was titled Lovestruck: Love mo Siya, sure ka ba?<\/em> That\u2019s Tagalog for. \u201cDo you love him or her? Are you sure?\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The 1330 window<\/strong><\/h3>

If you know the 1040 window\u2014that’s the latitude, longitude, and geographical window on the globe reached by the gospel\u2014we also have a 1330 window: people who are 13 years old and then up to 30 years old, the so-called younger generation.<\/p>

Young people are more receptive to ideas, especially about the gospel of Christ. They are receptive mainly because they want to learn about what is happening to them.<\/p>

But if they can’t relate to your writing\u2014and that’s the problem with some writers\u2014they won’t read it.<\/p>

If you want to really mold minds, the 1330 window is the period that you really must write things about young people\u2019s experiences, because physiologically their brains are still moldable. There is a part of their brain that has yet to be developed, the prefrontal cortex, which controls emotions and behavior.<\/p>

Writers, if you want to write about a world that is full of hope, you have an audience among young people.<\/p>

Many young people are idealistic. Many are genuinely interested in ideas and initiatives that they believe can change the world. They have this idea that things can change for the better. You can help them achieve that dream and be an agent of social change when you write.<\/p>

Writing is about sharing things your readers care about<\/strong><\/h3>

Writing is all about sharing, and many young people like to have meaningful stories they can identify with.<\/p>

Young people are basically readers and talkers. When I say “talkers,” I mean those who would like to share their experiences\u2014positive or negative\u2014their angst, and their failures. The things they really care about. When you write for young people, make sure that they can identify with what you are writing.<\/p>

Understand what’s happening to young people so that you will know what to write. Simply put, you have to put yourself in their shoes. Young people are not always wrong. They are only different. Many adults fail to understand this because they would like young people to act the way they do. The problem with that mindset is this: You cannot expect them to act like adults, mainly because they still must develop many areas in their lives.<\/p>

So, bear with me. This may sound academic, but I find this necessary so that you can be guided on how to write for young people.<\/p>

Things you need to know about young people<\/strong><\/h3>

Physical Development<\/strong>. There are a lot of changes in the physical body of a growingyoung man or a young woman that could affect his or her self-esteem. Some have problems with pimples, acne, and awkward body growth. I have known some youth that would have large limbs but short legs and have been objects of ridicule.<\/p>

Strong emotions. <\/strong>Many young people suffer from moodiness. In the morning, they would be sad. In the afternoon, they would be happy. And then they would go back again to being sad. It’s normal among adolescents.<\/p>

Romantic relationships.<\/strong> Adolescence is the time when there will be instances that you cannot really prevent them from having teenage or romantic relationships. They are beginning to understand the development of their bodies. They explore.<\/p>

Different maturing rates.<\/strong> If you grow fast, you will be considered for leadership positions. But not all teenage leaders have emotional maturity. In many cases I know, emotional maturity always lags behind physical maturity.<\/p>

If you write books for young people, you must consider issues with physical changes.<\/p>

Cognitive development and abstract concepts<\/strong>. Young people begin to be able to form images in their minds, and understanding abstract concepts, metaphors, as well as their essence and purpose in their lives.<\/p>

Many young people question lessons imparted to them as they process the information they are absorbing from their environment. We should never be surprised or feel intimidated by this, because it is part of their growing up.<\/p>

The main implication for writers is this: Challenge young people to think critically. Teach them not only what to think, but also how to think. Challenge their minds.<\/p>

Pseudo-stupidity. <\/strong>There’s this phenomenon\u2014we call this in psychology “pseudo-stupidity”\u2014that is also part of cognitive development. This is the tendency of many young people to interpret and respond to situations in a much more complex manner than is quote-unquote \u201cwarranted\u201d. In many cases, young people tend to over-analyze situations.<\/p>

So, what’s the implication of this approach in your writing? You must identify the issues surrounding this so that they can find themselves in your writing.<\/p>

Emotional development<\/strong>. Wayne Rice is a veteran youth minister who said, “Adolescents are emotional because they have acquired a new ability to think in a new way. They also have acquired the ability to feel in a new way.”<\/em><\/p>

This is also the reason why they are so attached to romantic stories. The younger generation will always be drawn to love stories.<\/p>

Recognize the emotional characteristics of young people\u2014for example, their emotional rollercoaster. Part of this emotional rollercoaster could be ascribed and attributed to the hormonal changes during puberty. Many adolescents are unskilled at managing their emotional ups and downs. It is important to be emotional when writing for young people.<\/p>

Social development. <\/strong>Many young people experience an increase in the number of friends because they would like to expand their friendships. In many instances, the role of peers or peer groups and their influence would be much stronger compared to, for example, dysfunctional families. The latter pushes young people to find comfort among friends.<\/p>

Many young people need significant support in this area because if their families, parents, churches, and schools do not provide a positive influence, their peers will fill that gap.<\/p>

During this time, young people also have a strong desire to become independent.<\/p>

There may be a lot of conflict with their parents. It is normal, mainly because their parents are now being exposed to their changes.<\/p>

So as a writer, what I do is this: I explain the young people experience. I explain what parents need to know. Many young people really need help in these areas.<\/p>

Spiritual development. <\/strong>As Christians, I hope we understand that many young people often begin to question the faith of their childhood. This questioning is normal because it is connected to their cognitive development.<\/p>

As I mentioned earlier, many young people now seek answers from various sources, including different individuals and personalities, as they try to process everything they have heard. Many of them are adventurous. They\u2019re looking for spiritual models. Capitalize on this period because adolescence is a period of soul searching.<\/p>

As a writer, I always see to it that they listen to the gospel of Christ because I would consider the gospel of Christ the best alternative to their spiritual longings.<\/p>

Their world.<\/strong> Aside from understanding the transitions in different areas of their lives, we must engage with the culture they are in. Part of writing for young people is understanding their world. As Christians, we know the word of God, but as writers, we must also engage their world.<\/p>

One biblical text I find relevant to this discussion is Daniel 1:17: “To these four young men”<\/em>\u2014that would be Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel\u2014”God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.”<\/em><\/p>

What we can glean and what we can see from this example is this: Daniel and his friends not only upheld their spiritual convictions, but they also trained themselves to become wise about their culture. That’s why they were effective in engaging even the king, because they knew what they were saying during their time of captivity.<\/p>

For those of you who have plans to write for the young people, it’s important that you do not only know the word of God. Look for research materials that can complement the message of the Bible. In my books, I follow the research on young adult sexuality conducted by the University of the Philippines, IFES, and read various books and research materials.<\/p>

So how do we define youth culture? Walt Mueller wrote, \u201cThat youth culture nowadays, still, the rate of change is speeding up; it’s not slowing down. When you say it’s speeding up, it is evolving too fast. What’s fashionable now would never be fashionable three weeks from now\u2026Not only are there more voices taking up space in youth culture all the time, but they are also getting louder, more attractive, and more convincing.\u201d<\/p>

When we talk of the youth culture getting louder, many personalities and organizations compete for the ears, eyes, and whole personalities of young people. Part of convincing young people is this: They look for authentic and real examples.<\/p>

Author and reader: connecting lived and learned experiences<\/strong><\/h3>

Your writing is most relevant and effective when you provide illustrations and discussion points that are based on your learned experience, lived experience AND based on young people’s lived and learned experiences.<\/p>

This is the hierarchy of effective writing (from best to worst):<\/p>

  1. The best illustrations connect to the lived and learned experiences of both the author and the young people.<\/li>
  2. The second best is when your learned experience intersects with their lived experience.<\/li>
  3. The third most effective is when your lived experience overlaps their learned experience.<\/li>
  4. The fourth is when both of your learned experiences overlap.<\/li>
  5. The fifth is when the speaker’s lived or learned experiences don’t overlap.<\/li><\/ol>

    Look for this intersection. Live and experience what they live. Learn what they learn.<\/p>

    The I-L-W-U Principles for Writers<\/strong><\/h3>

    1 Immersion<\/strong><\/p>

    You need to hang out with young people to understand them, like Christ identified himself with us. Do not study the young people from afar, because this will not provide you with comprehensive knowledge of their character and day-to-day experiences and issues. Build relationships with them.<\/p>

    2 Listening<\/strong><\/p>

    You must listen.<\/em> The apostle James wrote we must be slow to speak and quick to listen. If you want young people to pay attention to you, you must first listen to them. One way of doing this is focus group discussions. It can be formal and it can be informal. A casual group chat will do. Listen and be acquainted with their language and with their lingo.<\/p>

    3 Watch<\/strong><\/p>

    If you really want to address young people, you need to at least know the movies and the TV shows they watch. You must have an idea about the messages they watch so you can really engage them.<\/p>

    4 Understand<\/strong><\/p>

    You must understand<\/em> them. Understanding youth culture is neither blind tolerance nor endorsement. Adolescence is a period of transition. When you talk of a period of transition, be careful in judging their personality. Some adults are too hasty to generalize the personalities and the behavior of young people. Look beyond the behavior. There will always be a reason why they behave the way they do.<\/p>

    Writing for Young People: Practical Tips<\/strong><\/h2>

    Write with purpose and a message<\/strong><\/h3>

    Write because you have a purpose and a message, because you want to get your message across and have a positive impact on the younger generation, because you love them. When you’re writing, it’s not about monetary compensation\u2014it’s about your life mission to engage the younger generation.<\/p>

    Quantity produces quality<\/strong><\/h3>

    The Bible declares, iron sharpens iron. What\u2019s the iron? This refers to friends who comment on your work or provide helpful feedback. Write regularly. As you do, you will find yourself producing quality materials. I have known a lot of people who achieve quality writing mainly because they have written a lot.<\/p>

    Start small<\/strong><\/h3>

    Many young writers approach me, saying, “Sir Ronald, how do I publish my work?” Many are impatient when it comes to publishing their work. But this advice I would recommend: Start small. Practice what you want to do in the future. Have a blog, write a newsletter, volunteer to write for your church.<\/p>

    Read<\/strong><\/h3>

    You cannot give what you don’t have. I don’t have to explain that. You must read.<\/p>

    Find your niche <\/strong><\/h3>

    Find a place where people can identify you with a certain type of writing. This can also help you identify your true calling as a writer. If there are already good writers on a certain topic, maybe the Lord is telling you to write on another topic.<\/p>

    Your life is your message<\/strong><\/h3>

    Young people look for role models. Young people want to see authentic people who live their lives faithfully and honestly. Integrity in writing matters, especially when you’re a Christian writer. You must show Christ in everything that you do, and your life is your message.<\/p>

    Pray and fast<\/strong><\/h3>

    Passion is my gasoline, my oil, so that I can finish what I started. I pray for great inspiration for a topic that is worthwhile to be written and, of course, I pray for passion. I pray, \u201cLord, give me the topic to write on, and give me the strength so that I can finish this project.\u201d That’s the first thing I do whenever I write books. I sometimes have a fasting season. I fast for what I write.<\/p>

    Know your readers<\/strong><\/h3>

    Your readership will determine your subject\u2014a subject they can identify with. Know their language.<\/p>

    Know the Word of God as well as our world<\/strong><\/h3>

    One author of OMF Philippines once quoted Pastor Willie Garrow, \u201cTo know the world but remain ignorant of God’s word is to have no message. To know God’s word but to be ignorant of our world is to be irrelevant.\u201d<\/p>

    Be organized<\/strong><\/h3>

    Organize your thoughts and your schedule. Have a filing and note-taking system. Your workstation matters. You must be comfortable when you write. Proper lighting and proper ventilation are important.<\/p>

    Be substantial<\/strong><\/h3>

    For my next book, Lovestruck Sweeter Edition<\/em>, I’m processing information from at least 90 married couples I interviewed because I want my book to be grounded on empirical data. You must be substantial, because many works depend only on reflections. If you want to add value, you need to be substantial.<\/p>

    Have fun, as if you\u2019re talking only to your reader<\/strong><\/h3>

    Always have fun. There’s a rule among OMF Philippines authors that whatever you feel, whatever you want to say to the readers, just have fun\u2014of course, without defying proper grammar rules. But as a rule, whenever a reader reads your book, it should feel as if you’re only talking to them.<\/p>

    Have a break between drafts<\/strong><\/h3>

    During my first draft, I don’t edit myself. I just let it flow and pour out all the things that God is telling me. After several weeks or days, return to your work to edit it. Let it simmer first. Take a break. Have a mind rest. Your mind may then be ready for another batch of ideas from God.<\/p>

    Write from your heart<\/strong><\/h3>

    Popular author Jerry B. Jenkins wrote, \u201cIf there are no tears in the writer, there will be no tears in the reader. The emotion conjured in you as you write will be multiplied in the reader.\u201d <\/em>If you cannot feel what you write, don’t expect people to feel what you projected in your writing.<\/p>

    Pray for what\u2019s next<\/strong><\/h3>

    Pray for your next book project and always remember this: Write for the next generation. When I say, \u201cwrite for the next generation,\u201d I hope your writing will be timeless and will not only be relevant to your generation but also to the next generations, for the glory of Christ.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Q&A with Ronald Molmisa<\/strong><\/h2>

    We are writing a book for youth pastors. What do you think should be included? <\/strong><\/h2>

    The first recommendation I would give is to include an introductory chapter on the biblical foundations of youth ministry, specifically for youth pastors. You can also include sections on the relationships between youth ministry pastors and head or senior pastors, the role of youth ministry in relation to parents, and the various aspects of youth ministry. This can include prayer, worship time, fellowship, and possibly a discussion on social engagement. The youth ministry should engage with society in their communities. Evangelism is not only preaching the gospel. It’s also showing the gospel.<\/p>

    How about adapting to the language of the young generation? Would it make our writing palatable?<\/strong><\/h3>

    It is important to know their language. There is a TV program in the Philippines that uses the term “bro,” spelled B-R-O, to refer to Jesus. Some churches found the term offensive because they believe it is irreverent, but I consider it a valuable tool. It really had a following, mainly because people started to appreciate Jesus in many ways. So, my position depends on how you use the term.<\/p>

    What about using popular culture for sermon series and, ultimately, blogs?<\/strong><\/h3>

    You need to begin with common experiences, just like Jesus presented in His parables. He would use examples from the agricultural sector, such as the parable of the sower and the parable of the vineyard, because people have these common experiences. Don\u2019t use popular culture illustrations for the sake of just having one. First know your audience, your readers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Ronald Molmisa <\/em><\/strong>is a Philippine author and pastor. He has served in youth ministry for over 17 years, and is the author of the best-selling relationship book series, Lovestruck.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Related resources<\/strong><\/h2>