I'll have a full review for you down the road, but until then, I wanted to share with you a point from the book's author, Mary Kole.
"You don't have to be edgy to write YA. In fact, that's a huge trap that most aspiring writers of YA fall into. They try on a snarky voice, shoehorn in a paranormal element, and put their character in a dangerous situations -- all because they think that's what's selling right now. But all it does is come off as forced. If you don't have a dark story in you, don't try to write one. Simple as that" (Writing Irresistible Kidlit).
What's your favorite book on the craft of writing?
Have you read a new one recently?
When agents say they are over paranormal, that's exactly why; so much of the same, which I imagine is an attempt to copy successful works that use those elements? Not sure.
ReplyDeleteRight before Nanowrimo 2012 I read Gone Girl. That influenced my story, where I tried to do a thriller angle and ... yeah, I am not meant to write those. I kept writing more of a contemporary family issued YA and tried to wedge those suspense elements in. haha
I agree. You need to find what flows for you as a writer and go with it. We aren't all meant to write in the same style or genre. :) That would be so boring. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteI agree completely with this advice. I especially hate reading books with a snarky voice-they just feel so forced and are getting boring now.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I love fresh, exciting, and new things!
DeleteThere is fabulous truth in that.
ReplyDeleteJust ask John Greene. :-)
OR, Margo Kelly.
xo