This is a guest post by Emlyn
Chand, author of Farsighted
I am 26-years-old, and I <3 YA
books. Now here I sit on the cusp of my big debut as a published author
(squeal), but it probably never would have happened if I hadn’t found my
affinity for YA.
In fact, the first novel I wrote was
multicultural literary fiction— it’s never going to be published. I wrote lit
fic, because I was trying to prove something to myself, to the world, to
somebody. But the book didn’t encapsulate who I am or what makes me a strong
writer. So naturally, the story fell flat.
I have no idea what made me decide to write
YA the second time around. I even remember trying to avoid it. I spent months
trying to convince myself that Farsighted was too
ambitious of a project. I was this close to writing a historical fiction novel
instead. I’m glad I didn’t listen to my inner worrywart, because writing Farsighted is the best thing I’ve ever done.
When you find that genre that speaks to you
and allows you to speak through it, don’t let that go!
Now I’d like to share 10 reasons why I love
writing YA. It’s okay if YA isn’t your genre du jour, but
don’t force yourself to write something just because the genre is popular or
well-respected. Write what your heart wants to write, and the rest will turn
out okay.
I write YA because...
1. I wish I had a chance to
do my teen years over again. To live them more fully. Writing
about teens gives me the chance to do so vicariously.
2. YA is a broad
genre. The sky’s the limit. I can write a dystopic novel this
year and a romance or mystery next year. YA is not confined by specific plot
conventions like other genres. It’s more focused on the characters.
3. YA has a broad readership. The primary audience is, of course, teens. But younger kids also enjoy reading
about what the big kids are doing, and adults like reliving their glory days
too.
4. The language is fun and
approachable. Sure, you could write literary YA, but the candid
and easy-to-read style of YA is part of its appeal.
5. First person POV is where
it’s at. YA doesn't have to be told in the first
person viewpoint, but a lot of it is. Adult literature sticks more to the third
person. I love writing in first person. It’s easier for me to develop a
character that way, and I enjoy the writing process more.
6. The characters are
sympathetic. It’s easier to forgive the misdeeds of someone
who’s “just a kid,” making it easier for readers and writers alike to identify
with YA characters.
7. The characters can change
and grow. They aren’t yet set in their ways. Growth is an
expected part of teendom, and it’s wonderful helping your characters achieve that
potential.
8. The readers of YA are
incredibly devoted. If they like what you’ve written, they will
tell the world. Can you think of any books that have a greater cult following
than Twilight, Harry Potter, and Hunger Games? Because I can’t.
9. YA readers WANT to enjoy
books.They’re not looking to tear a book apart and flesh out
all of its flaws. They are willing to overlook weaknesses within a book and
focus on what they love about it. Their pleasure in reading is free and much
more pure.
10. It’s what I most enjoy
reading Write what you love to read. Don’t force yourself to
write a romance if writing sexually suggestive scenes makes you uncomfortable.
Don’t write literary fiction as a way to show off your intellect. Write what
you want to write. Write was fits your talents and enthusiasm. That’s your best
chance at success (no matter how you define the term).
Blog
Tour Notes
THE
BOOK Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see”
things others can’t. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to
suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take
on destiny and demand it reconsider. Get your copy today by visiting http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WXFG54/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=novelpubli-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B005WXFG54 Amazon.com’s Kindle store or the eBook
retailer of your choice. The paperback edition will be available on November 24
(for the author’s birthday).
THE
GIVEAWAYS Win 1 of 10 autographed copies of Farsighted before its paperback release by entering http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12368215-farsighted the giveaway on GoodReads. Perhaps you’d
like http://www.emlynchand.com/postcard/ an autographed postcard from the author you can request one on her site.
THE
AUTHOR Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell
stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her
left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in
Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves
to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb.
Visit http://www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t
forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!
MORE FUN There's more fun below. Watch the live action Farsighted book trailer and take
the quiz to find out which character is most like you!
Hi, Jeanz. Thank you so much for having me on your beautiful blog today :-D
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