Megan Lovegrove and Louise Bedwell are the young authors of “Teenagers Explained – A Manual for Parents “
1. How did you start doing what you do?
Well we were both quite good at English in school before hearing about the chance to write the book so that’s why we were interested when we heard about the competition. We entered as a pair, having to send off a writing sample before getting an interview. After that we had to submit a lot more writing before finding out that we’d won! That’s how it all started.
2. Who supported you along the way?
Our parents were very supportive of course, although I think they were just interested in finding out what we had to say about them! Our friends were also very supportive,especially as they all allowed themselves to be interviewed and quoted for the book.
3. What were the high points?
Aside from the fact we’d managed to get our own book published at the age of 16/17? Probably the publicity. The book got more recognition than any of us could have imagined so the publicity side of things went a bit crazy. Within the space of 4 days, we’d done 30+interviews, radio and tv, and appeared in many magazines. It was tiring but very good fun.
4. What were the low points?
Probably when writing the book, we’d both got very stressed and tired and we started to argue a bit. It was to be expected I think, as we wrote and edited a whole book by ourselves, so by spending so much time together constantly working on the book we were bound to bicker.
5. Have you had any negative reactions? How did you deal with them?
Actually I’m very happy to say the reaction has pretty much been all positive. I think we’d be able to deal with criticism well though, as long as it’s constructive!
6. How have other young people reacted to you?
Our friends all think it’s so cool. They also really like the idea of the actual book as they think it would help their own relationship with their parents – more than a few have asked for a copy for themselves!
7. What have you learnt about yourself through the process?
How much we’re capable of I think. If anyone had told us this time last year we’d soon write a whole book by ourselves, we would’ve thought they were crazy. It really shows that if you push yourself, how much you can achieve. Of course, we’ve also learnt that we’re amazing writers 
7. What skills/abilities have you developed along the way?
I’d say quite a few. Aside from the obvious writing and editing skills, we’ve learnt a lot about how to manage being thrown into completely new situations (for example, we were given 5 minutes notice before having to debate with Eastern European parents on BBC radio!) and of course how to be professional, keep going when you’re tired and how to deal with different people. The whole process has been such a huge learning experience for us.
8. What advice would you have for other young people?
Work hard and take every opportunity that comes your way, because chances are not going to come knocking at your door. Even if they may seem small, you never know how big the consequences will be 
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