Good dialogue for teenage characters

Greetings everyone.

I am working on a novel where two of the main characters are teenage girls. However, I stumble where I'm supposed to write dialogue. How do I do this?

Now I know this is going to sound weird, but I barely spoke to anyone when I was a teenager, and I wonder how much of the conversation I have now resembles what teenage girls would talk about (I'm 29 years old and hang around with burly Guinness-drinking graduate students, and girls who like to DIY).

Books about teenage psychology are only vaguely helpful.

Concerning the novel, it is a literary one, not chick-lit, and it is not aimed at teenagers. The main character is an outcast controlled by her manipulative father, and just doesn`t get teenage girl magazines. The other is popular, smart and sporty, but I do not want her to be the cheerleading cliché.

What is your advice for writing teenage girl dialogue that does not sound like two Barbie dolls shopping? Especially, what would differentiate teenage dialogue from adult dialogue? One thing I know is that (most?) teenagers do not get irony.

Thank you for your help,

Zoe

I would highly recommend reading some YA novels or watching some teen movies...or go to your local mall or teen hangout and observe...just don't be creepy about it.

~Holly~

Pick up some teen magazines.  Look on the websites and twitterpation.

If I was going to do teenaged boys, I'd see how they talk these days on skateboard mags

There is an excellent book out there called "1001 Questions"  I use it for a lot of my characters.  It seems to really allow you to dig down deep into into personalities.

But how does that help you get realistic dialogue.

I see a lot of this "interview your characters": stuff and always advise writers against it.   The idea of asking 1001 questions of characters is implausible, and generally something people do because they're afraid to start writing.   Knowing what color underwear they have doesn't really help you know them.  Generally, writers know who their characters are, or find out as the story progresses, either in their mind or on paper.  

I agree in some regard.  If a writer solely uses this book, then the character can become two-dimensional.  But, in the context of the story, a few questions about a characters psyche might help.  Thanks for the comments.

I know how you feel.  I am trying to write a story about a teenage boy.  But, I was so isolated as a child, that I don't even know what it's like to be 13.  I was teased a lot.  I have finally found that my real voice comes from the pain I felt at that age.  If all else fails, write about your isolation, and maybe else will come pouring through.  Good Luck!

Have you tried writing boys instead. . Just as an experiment.  It may free up something inside of you.  By the way, I am new to this site.  How in the hell do make friends.  As of now I,'m Friendless :( .

Try bathing more frequently.

Seriously,  what you might try is pushing the friend button for other members who sound like your cup of tea.  

Checkmate.

My Work: http://dubbedpublications.com/mattgannon/