When does a young adult book turn into a book for adults? Just by chance the subject came up reading the New York Times Book Section this past weekend. (Published: July 5, 2012). Kristin Cashore answered questions in By the Book interview:
“Kristin Cashore is an American fantasy author, whose debut novel, Graceling, was published in October 2008. The book has been nominated for the Andre Norton and William C. Morris awards, and is held in over 1000 libraries.”
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“What’s your favorite literary genre? Any guilty pleasures?
My favorite genre is Beautifully Written Books of Any Genre. Could we make that a genre? (Also, I love mysteries. A character in “Bitterblue” is obliquely named after Lord Peter Wimsey.)
What makes a great young adult book — as opposed to a great book for full-fledged adults?”
And this last question sparked me to write this blog.
Why did this subject intrigue me?
The book that has been on my dream publication list for more than a decade is Starstruck Girl. My book is in the genre of young-adult contemporary fiction. Yet, as I am in the revise stage, I am beginning to see that my book can become what is known as adult fiction. My protagonist grows up in my book and is faced with hard core decisions. On top of that she is searching for her James Bondish actor father, who’d ran out on her when she was 10-years old.
“Okay,” I’d said to myself, why am I feeling the need to swing Starsruck Girl into adult fiction.
I’m not sure how to answer my own question at this writing. I shall resolve this dilemma; somehow. But I do believe Amanda Dunne will lead the way.
I enjoyed reading the article! Very interesting topic and personal for me as an author. My fourth novel, Purple Phantoms, received a five-star book review from Readers Favorite. What interested me was the reviewer said: "Purple Phantoms" is a brilliant book that young adults and adult readers will adore. That means it is for both audiences...Julius Thompson, www.jtwrites.com
ReplyDeleteHello Julius Thompson: Thank you so much for your comments on my post. Now I'm thinking Starstruck Girl may just go Adult. I did do a post about your book, Purple Phantoms on my Google+ page by quoting your five-star review with the tag line, "a brilliant book that young adults and adult readers will adore. It just says it all.
DeleteI wonder how you found my Blog. You have inspired me to do more blogging.
Nanette
Hi Nanette, this is my first time writing a young adult novel and I was searching as many blogs on the topic. I put in "Young Adult Blogs" and your blog came up along with other blogs. Thank you for the support. I need as much help in marketing Purple Phantoms as I can get. God Bless, Julius.
ReplyDeleteHi Julius,
ReplyDeleteAmazing. My blog came up. That's an encouraging sign to blog on. "Purple Phantoms" has a five-star review. You've got a lot going for you since you have been published. If I can blog more about your book let me know. I've got a book in the wings where music and sports plays into my plot. So maybe I can do a bog about sports as a topic that is marketable. Fit your book into the blog. Let me know.
My husband just watched a ballgame. My husband is my sports inspiration.
In case you've got an iPad or happen to touch one, I've just published an iBook. "The Myth of Cyber City." It's in the iBookstore. Apple. Text and Illustrations. A step, I figure.
Anyway, let me know whatever.
Thank you,
Best,
Nanette
Hi Nanete, that would be a great topic: Sports as a topic in a blog. It's different and you will get attention...Julius
ReplyDeleteHi Julius,
DeleteGood to see you.
I've been trying to get all my WIP's finished. The mention of sports was for OLIVER PINDAR. It's the retelling of Orpheus, but I've got him in the 21st century. I had to have him play soccer.
I am on many social networks but last few days, in country, no WiFi. Best to concentrate on STARSTRUCK GIRL.
Hope all is going well with your YA book. And all your writing and research.
Did you ever get a chance to check out THE MYTH OF CYBER CITY? FREE in the ibookstore.
Keep me posted.
Nanette