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Writing for Young Adults
This can be a challenging genre. Young Adults are likely to read anything from Harry Potter to War and Peace.
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Sandy Fussell's School Handout Tips
Sandy Fussell
Sandy Fussell, author of the CBCA-shortlisted POLAR BOY and the popular Samurai Kids series, is well-organised when it comes to author talks, promotion and school visits. Here are two ideas from Sandy that might help you plan what to take to schools and/or literary luncheons: an Introduction Envelope and a Classroom Booklet. . . . keep reading
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Getting Serious about Series
Felicity Pulman
There's no doubt in the world that series have always been popular with children. Here's a tip for new writers: look around for publishers of series who accept mss from a variety of authors. Read the series, check the publisher's requirements and see if you can write something that 'fits'. BUT... give enough thought to what your series is about, and how it will end. I wish someone had told me that before I wrote the Shalott trilogy, which was really a lesson in how NOT to write a series! Read more... . . . keep reading
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THE SHALOTT TRILOGY -
Turning History and Legend into Fiction for Teenagers
Felicity Pulman
The idea for the Shalott novels came to me from Tennyson's poem. It raised so many questions: who was the Lady of Shalott? Why was there a curse on her? Why, when she saw Sir Lancelot and left the tower, did she have to die? After that came the 'what if' questions that authors so often ask themselves, the first one being: what if it were possible to go back in time and change a legend (or history)? . . . keep reading
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Why and For Whom Do Authors Write?
Felicity Pulman
I was recently part of a panel of writers discussing the topic: How do writers know what will appeal to teenage readers? How do they create worlds that will entice the young to read and treasure their stories? As part of an online children's writers' festival, I also addressed the question: Why should authors labour over a novel when students' hearts and minds are elsewhere? . . . keep reading
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Pandemic Swine & Fiction Prediction in Novels
Hazel Edwards
In my novel 'Outback Ferals' (the ferals were the pigs, not the locals!) infection details were carefully researched with quarantine authorities. The implications of a pandemic threat were woven into the plot. My facts were right, but the story about Kyle the young undercover, eco- scientist sleuth was fiction. Why is my fiction prediction becoming nightly news? . . . keep reading
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Creating Characters for a Young Adult Series
Doris Stutley interviewed by Marg McAlister
Doris Stutley has written and published three books of a planned 8-book crime fiction series for young adults. The first three books of the "Operation" series are Operation Foxtrot Five; Operation Delta Bravo, and Operation Alpha Papa (published by Lothian). Much of the success of the series can be attributed to the well-drawn characters, whose personalities and adventures hold great appeal for the young adult readership. . . . keep reading
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Issues in Youth Literature
by Susanne Gervay
At a time when technological communication is growing, many find communication hard. Young people are searching for meaning in our democratic world. The search for identity is recognized in powerful youth literature. . . . keep reading
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When New York Came Calling
by Kerri Lane
I'd been following a young literary agent in The States for some time. I was watching what she was doing, who she was selling to and what she was selling, and had decided I wanted to be in her stable. . . . keep reading
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Ann Harth
