Writers strive to meet their readers’ needs, concerns, and questions. To accomplish this, the writer explores what matters before addressing those challenges. One way to focus on a specific audience is to explore the generational sweet spot for their age group. Discover the cultural differences, victories, and problems that make the generations distinct.
The following list of characteristics will help you develop content for the different age groups
The Greatest Generation: born 1901-1924
This generation experienced the Great Depression and World War II. Some remember World War I. They understand the sacrifices of being denied basic needs and surviving a world war(s). By necessity, they watched every penny, worked hard, were patriotic, and motivated in whatever they set out to do.
The Silent Generation: born 1925-1945
These people are also referred to as “Radio Babies” and “Traditionalists.” Many also lived through the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. Hard work and traditional values help shape this generation. They practice determination, money management, providing for unseen expenses, pride themselves in the workplace, and grew up without technology.
The Baby Boomer Generation: born 1946-1964
These are the children of The Greatest Generation and The Silent Generation. Their name came from the surge of births after World War II. The phrase “economically influential generation” is due to the prosperity and national hope of a better world after the Great Depression and World War II. Topics of interest are health, wills, investments, taxes, and sometimes a hint of entitlement.
Generation X: born 1965-1979
Generation X experienced debt and rising costs. Saving for their children’s education and retirement are a concern. They trekked through highs and lows of interest rates and adjusted their financial spending. Stress is a common trait. This generation has been referred to as the “Lost Generation” due to increased divorces, single parenting, and loneliness.
Millennials: born 1980-1994
The people who fall within the millennial group are so named because of the approaching new millennium. They rely on technology—their phones are vital. To date, this is the largest population in American history. They step into life with more debt than the previous generations, often living from one paycheck to the next.
Generation Z: born 1995-2012
These young people lived through the pandemic and are a little uncertain about the future. Generation Z is “racially and ethnically diverse.” They are retirement minded after seeing the results of the pandemic.
Generation Alpha: born 2013–2025 (2029)
The Generation Alpha group grow up in a digital world. They learn through a wealth of online information at their fingertips. The world is moving ahead at a fast pace with continuous changes and updates.
If your characters live in a country other than the US, the generation’s birth years experiences may not be the same. Those traits that make people unique apply in other countries. Research carefully then write to readers’ needs.
What other challenges warrant a writer’s attention when focused on reader’s needs, concerns or questions?
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn. or her website: diannmills.com
The Conversation
Helpful and informative, DiAnn-thank you.
What a terrific list to share, DiAnn. Thank you! My parents were part of the Greatest Generation, born in 1912 and 1913. When I wrote my Great Depression era series, I was able to draw on them.
DiAnn, thank you for interesting and helpful facts.