Abbie Saunders Defines an Era for Young Readers in the Nonfiction Book, Generation Z

If the goal of good non-fiction is to build a bridge between the author and the reader, and to shuttle important information over it, then it makes perfect sense that the best way to explain different generations and the issues of their time is by chronicling the real, first-hand experiences of those who lived in each.

Abbie Saunders has done exactly that with her latest work of non-fiction, Generation Z (Beech Street Books / Saunders Book Company), an integral entry in a four-part series by the author about some of the generations represented right now in the world: Baby Boomer, Gen X, Gen Z, and Millennial. These works were inspired by conversations that Saunders had with relatives, and the similarities that she found in their life experiences during a certain era. Though the main hurdles of each era may change in shape and form, there are echoes of each in all, and in the way that people confront the challenges they face.

We're delighted to share an informative True Story Nonfiction Interview with the author right here on Open Book, and to learn more about the process of defining and telling the story of these generations of people for young readers.

Open Book:

Tell us about your new book and how it came to be. What made you passionate about the subject matter you're exploring?

Abbie Saunders:

The idea came from a conversation I had with my dad. We usually talk about what it was like for him as a kid growing up in the 70s and 80s, and what he was doing at my age. Then he mentioned how interesting it would be to have books on the generations, and what makes each one unique. It all just fell into place from there, and I started writing a series of books on the four generations for our publishing house Beech Street Books, which I also work for as publishing coordinator. I think I am passionate about this book because it gave me a way to connect with my family and learn more about their lives. The Gen Z title is just one piece of the series, but I also covered Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials. Learning about the people I love and what they experienced growing up has really broadened my perspective. 

OB:

What was your research process like for this book? Did you encounter anything unexpected while you were researching?

AS:

For each book I began with an outline which had the headings for specific chapters, so that helped me have a structure. After I had that established, I began to research on the internet about what times were like for that specific generation, popular trends, artists and political movements. This was a great way of researching, but what really made the books richer were the real-life perspectives of those who came from the generation. I had my grandma Brenda review the Baby Boomer book and my colleague Kristen review the Millennial title. They told me about pieces of history that were important to them during that time, something I would not have known without first person perspectives. 

I think what was unexpected was just how similar our generations are. We all had major historical moments which impacted our lives, and movements we felt passionately about. For my grandma’s generation it was war protests, for mine it is climate change. We are more similar than we think. 

OB:

What do you love about writing nonfiction? What are some of the strengths of the genre, in your opinion?

AS:

Nonfiction has taught me so much, and is so rewarding to read. I feel like I close the book knowing more. Also, it has a chance of grabbing your attention. I know for myself that reading nonfiction as a kid helped me discover my love of history. Going with my dad to the warehouse Saunders Books has, I loved picking up nonfiction books about the history of Europe and Asia and learning something new. 

I love writing nonfiction because I feel like I can be a bridge between the information and the reader. Ever since I was a kid, I have been reiterating what I learned in history classes to my parents because I was so fascinated with the subject matter. It feels exactly like that, like I am just telling a friend about how cool these periods of time were and they can walk away with a bit more knowledge on the subject. I think some of the strengths of nonfiction are the wealth of knowledge you can earn and the chance to find something which piques your interest.

OB:

What does the term creative nonfiction mean to you?

AS:

The term creative nonfiction means the ability to share nonfiction in a unique way.  I think it can be misconstrued a bit because people see creativity and think that we are changing the material. That is not it at all. Creative nonfiction allows us to share real stories and information with a touch of creativity for it to be captivating for readers. I do this in the Gen Z title by showcasing popular toys of the generation in a fun fact box, making the language digestible. Creativity in how we present nonfiction also allows us to open up a dialogue, rather than talking at readers and seeming all knowing. 

OB: 

Did you write this book in the order it appears for readers? If not, how did it come together during the writing process? 

AS:

For the Gen Z title, I was all out of order but it worked out in the end! Gen Z was technically the last title I wrote. I began with the social issues chapter as it intersected with the Millennial title. During my writing, I found that Millennials are extremely passionate about climate change and saving our planet, which has bled into Gen Z. So instead of waiting to finish the Millennial title then adding the points about climate change to the Gen Z title after, I wrote a section right there and then. It continued to go like that as I wrote the Millennial title, especially with the politics and pop culture sections.

I find going in complete order can be tough as my mind just does not work that way. I am sure for some people it does, but I preferred bouncing around from section to section. It is all about what works for you. 

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Abbie Saunders is an award-winning writer from Collingwood, ON. Abbie has written for websites, social media, non-fiction children’s books and magazines. Her experience includes mentoring youth and writing about people, places and everything Canadian.