Lately I’ve been trying to decide whether to write another young adult novel or an adult one. I have a YA novel in progress, but I worry that it doesn’t sound YA enough (whatever that means). Recently though, I decided to just write the damn thing, and not be limited by expectations of what is YA or not YA.
But the debate over YA vs adult fiction is far from over. It was reignited this past week by Dan Brown’s decision to come up with a YA version of one of his novels.
My initial reaction was: you’ve got to be kidding. Here are some links that will let you decide for yourself.
- Do teens really need a special YA version of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code? Many readers who read this book as teens or even preteens don’t agree. And many YA authors are understandably offended at the implication that YA is a dumbing down of adult fiction. What do you think?
- These 11 Tips on Writing from Jandy Nelson, the best-selling YA author of I’ll Give You the Sun, are great tips for all writers. My personal favorite is “curb toward joy.”
- April Henry, bestselling author of mysteries and thrillers for teens and adults, shares 5 Things I’ve Learned Writing Mysteries and Thrillers. Whether you’re writing a YA or an adult mystery you will probably find her advice on such things as how to get out of handcuffs useful.
- Any debate over what teens read should include these 5 Bookish Moments with Jess from Gilmore Girls. Apparently they didn’t need a YA version of Allen Ginsberg’s Howl or Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead.
- Feel ready to roll up your sleeves and write the next great young adult novel? This Random Young Adult Character Generator will help you get started.
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