The way the YA genre has exploded in recent years has been quite the phenomenon. Luckily for me, it's what I've always written (before I knew what "YA" even was). Well, other than that one unfortunate attempt at writing an adult fiction novel. With the knowledge I have now, I know I could go back and make it a much better book. Maybe someday. But my passion is YA, and for now, I'm sticking with it.
In any genre, there will be books that don't live up to your hopes, and others that far exceed them. In my opinion, the best books are the ones that you are dying to finish so you can find out what happens, and yet simultaneously wish could go on forever because you love it so much. One of the most interesting (and sometimes frustrating) aspects of the publishing industry is that different people can and do have completely different reactions to the same book.
What I'm interested in hearing today is why YOU love YA? (Assuming that you do...) What makes YA something you want to write or read? What sets YA apart from other genres in your opinion?
8 comments:
I blogged about my reason's last week. It's a little to complex to explain here.
http://www.stinalindenblatt.com/2011/04/why-do-you.html
I've been reading more romantic suspense lately because I wanted to try writing it. But it just doesn't have the same appeal to me. There's something about the voice and raw emotion of YA that rocks over all other genres. ;)
I love the in-the-moment vulnerability of teen life. It's such a learning stage, when accountability is low and expectations/dreams high. I love the hope of having your whole life ahead of you. That's why it's so easy to believe YA characters.
Because I'm still a teen at heart. I don't think I'll ever grow up. =)
- The fast pacing
- The lack of graphic sex scenes (usually)
- The lack of frequent language
- The innocence of the characters; they're not wordly-wise or cynical yet. They still have hope that everything will turn out okay.
- And because I'm only 20 and much closer in age to teens! :) :)
(One of these days I shall post a comment without using bullet points or numbered points, haha.)
For me it's all about discovery, and doing things for the first time.
That's what I love about it.
YA is so full of life and learning what life is about. I remember thinking I knew everything all the time, until I learned something new and realized I didn't. It's that moment of newness that makes me love it.
I definitely love the characters. I love that they can be just as smart and savvy and mean as adults, but it's just a hair more dramatic and fresh and everything is experienced for the first time. It's just a beautiful, desperate, scary age to capture on the page. That alone makes it interesting even before the story is created.
I love YA because there is so much natural conflict for the "coming-of-age" character. So much possibility. Oh, and what's better than first love?
Yep. YA can be amazing to write and read.
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