jj
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« on: June 20, 2012, 06:00:32 AM » |
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I'm thinking of having a go at writing a YA novel. I understand there are certain expected conventions, so before I start I figure I ought to know more or less what they are. Is first person present tense acceptable?
Thanks!
JJ
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Falen
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« Reply #1 on: June 20, 2012, 08:07:27 AM » |
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There's no genre conventions like that in YA. You can pretty much do whatever you want. Your focus just really has to be on adolescence and your MC needs to be a teen. That's about it.  |
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AnyaHarker
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« Reply #2 on: June 20, 2012, 08:48:26 AM » |
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Also, one of the main inciting actions has to happen fairly early on. Since, apparently, the backstory I have in mine is too slow.  |
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Falen
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« Reply #3 on: June 20, 2012, 10:41:46 AM » |
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Also, one of the main inciting actions has to happen fairly early on. I think that's the current trend for most commercial fiction right now. I, personally, like a bit of a build up |
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AnyaHarker
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« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2012, 10:44:11 AM » |
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Also, one of the main inciting actions has to happen fairly early on. I think that's the current trend for most commercial fiction right now. I, personally, like a bit of a build up So do I. I dislike this trend of backstory = bad. |
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MaryL
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« Reply #5 on: June 20, 2012, 12:48:10 PM » |
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The main thing about YA is that you need to read a lot of it first. Read the ones coming out right now. Be sure to read debut authors, not established ones because the rules are different on a second book. Seriously. I don't think I could have sold my Poe-based gothic as a debut--too much description and rule breaking. Debut YA novels are curious things...
Protag us usually 18 or under. The readership is 12 yr old and up depending on the book. No topic is taboo.
Good luck!
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SHATTERED SOULS (Penguin) available now. ASHES ON THE WAVES (Penguin) June 2013 FRAGILE SPIRITS (Penguin) 2014 THE UNDERVEIL SERIES (Entangled Publishing) Book 1-2014 Website: http://www.marylindsey.com |
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jj
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« Reply #6 on: June 20, 2012, 01:17:33 PM » |
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Thanks all. MaryL, if you had to recommend 3 debut YA books I should read, and only 3, what would they be?
JJ
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Falen
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« Reply #7 on: June 20, 2012, 01:56:11 PM » |
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Hah! Tough question for Mary there! I'm interested to see what she chooses... |
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Tabris
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« Reply #8 on: June 20, 2012, 02:57:24 PM » |
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Thanks all. MaryL, if you had to recommend 3 debut YA books I should read, and only 3, what would they be?
JJ
I think you should read Shattered Souls, by Mary Lindsey.  |
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MaryL
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« Reply #9 on: June 20, 2012, 05:22:04 PM » |
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Thanks all. MaryL, if you had to recommend 3 debut YA books I should read, and only 3, what would they be?
JJ
It would depend on the genre the author intends to write.  (How's that for a cop out? Many of my friends write YA, so I don't want to offend anyone by actually answering.) |
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SHATTERED SOULS (Penguin) available now. ASHES ON THE WAVES (Penguin) June 2013 FRAGILE SPIRITS (Penguin) 2014 THE UNDERVEIL SERIES (Entangled Publishing) Book 1-2014 Website: http://www.marylindsey.com |
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MrsMcDowell
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« Reply #10 on: June 22, 2012, 07:01:16 PM » |
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I got my inspiration for my YA novel from Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers series. She's an excellent writer.
I used some of her techniques for YA (including a "sex" scene that ALMOST happens), and my editor went crazy over it.
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Author of: The Cure Series | Whiskey Creek Press Healer | CreateSpace The Death of Me | Irish Anonymous "Impossible love with real characters..." I rant, I write, I live here: www.amycroall.blogspot.com |
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Careyrox
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« Reply #11 on: June 24, 2012, 01:13:14 PM » |
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A a teacher of 14 year olds, I could give you a list as long as my arm...or longer. Here are my faves" Fantasy: Hush Hush series (LOVE) Shiver (trilogy) Fallen series Wake (trilogy) Sci Fi/Dystopian: Hunger Games (of course) Shipbreaker Matched Maze Runner trilogy Gone series Future of Us Delirium Realistic: 13 Reasons Why Messed Up If I Stay Perfect Chemistry (trilogy) Speak Wintergirls Looking for Alaska Before I Fall need more? Let me know! These are what all my kids are reading right now. |
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HFulcher
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« Reply #12 on: June 28, 2012, 02:12:11 PM » |
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Wikipedia actually has a nice little article on YA literature. As always, I wouldn't take it as gospel truth  , but it hits a lot of the basic common elements. Beyond that as basic info, what the others have said seems right. I also benefited from simply reading critiques of YA books and writing by various authors and agents on the web. If you look through the agencies in querytracker you'll find that often the agents may have blogs or links to article about the craft. Along the way you can find some nice tips, both about the craft and what particular agents like.  |
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