Ever since readers everywhere started the now-famous “Team Edward/Team Jacob” argument, it seems as if love triangles are everywhere in young adult fiction. I’ve seen a lot of informal recent polls about this trend, and while some readers remain firmly against love triangles, one answer I see a lot is “I like love triangles—if they’re … [Read more…]
Like all fiction, there are very distinct trends in YA, and even if you aren’t interested in “writing to” any particular trend, it’s important to know what’s trending at any given time. So here’s a breakdown of what’s currently hot in YA fiction: 1) Dystopian — Right now, dystopian is probably the hottest trend in … [Read more…]
When I read a book that I feel is extraordinary and, judging by reader reviews, I’m not alone in feeling that way, I find it very helpful to pick the book apart—deconstruct it—and try and figure out why it worked so well for me, personally, but also for so many other readers. Just this week … [Read more…]
So, you’re writing a Young Adult manuscript–maybe you’re just starting out, or maybe you’ve got several completed manuscripts under your belt. Maybe you’re looking for an agent. Or maybe you’ve already got an agent, and you’re looking to network with kidlit professionals. You know there must be resources out there to help you on the … [Read more…]
If you are writing young adult fiction, you’ve probably gotten at least one of those reviews–you know, the ones that tally up how many “bad words” you used, scolded you for the sensuality level, and pointed out any references to drinking, drugs, or anything else they consider too “edgy” for teens. So….what is too edgy … [Read more…]