One of the most difficult problems with writing contemporary YA is the lack of stakes

Your character wants something, but if they don't get it, what happens? In a contemporary YA novel, usually the answer is, "Nothing." Like seriously, they're teens--what goal could they have that would entail major consequences? Sure, they might want to get into a good college (as in my novel) or get with that guy/girl or become captain of the debate te…