Looking at options

Subject: Looking at options Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:05 pm

When I was growing up and in school, there were some amazing books available. I have been reading lately about the proliferation of adult writing, and indeed my first novel was for adults. However, looking at some of the material that I have, and thinking about how much I enjoyed reading novels by some great writers between about age 10 and say 16 or so, I am tempted.

I know that there are a few of you writing for teens and tweens. Any thoughts about that undertaking?

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Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com

Subject: Re: Looking at options Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:08 pm

Well, my approach to writing for teenagers was to put in a lot of stuff they seem to like. Such as sex, violence, chases, and dope.

Ironically, this has led everybody who's seen the book to rule out publishing it as a Y-A title.

Apparently books aren't supposed to offer kids the same stuff they stand in line to buy in the form of video games and rap records.

Go figure.
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Subject: Re: Looking at options Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:13 pm

I am okay with that lin, because I think that books should also offer an escape that life does not otherwise give, so I am happy to leave the very edgy stuff alone for them to read as adults. There's plenty of sex and violence in my adult writing anyway...you know, if I wrote enough for them to want to continue reading my stuff as they grew up or something...
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Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com

Subject: Re: Looking at options Tue Apr 08, 2008 5:45 pm

Ha, Lin.. sounds just like my novel.

I actually wrote In Times of Violence for YA. But as most of my readers have been adults, I've stopped promoting I.T.O.V as a YA novel.
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Heads and Tales out now!
http://www.lulu.com/karina-kantas

Subject: Re: Looking at options Wed Apr 09, 2008 4:14 am

I have been thinking along the same lines, Pam. Only I would like to aim at the just beginning to read set! We need to promote reading to the very young and the tween kids so they keep reading into their adult years, as you suggested. And hopefully they will read US!!
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Zada Connaway
Mother's Journals: parts 1, 2 and 3 ISBN # 1-4241-6969-0

http://www.zadaconnaway.com/

Subject: Re: Looking at options Wed Apr 09, 2008 12:09 pm

Exactly Zada, and having worked with some very reluctant readers the stories have to be really compelling, and even edgy to capture their interest and compete against iPods, Wii, televisions and whatever else draws them in!
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Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com

Subject: Re: Looking at options Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:16 pm

Interesting Karina.

I think I'm on the same route. The main characters are almost all teens, and there are a lot of issues regarding school and parents and such. But the same could be said for "Dune". Not to mention "Romeo and Juliet" "Lord of the Flies", "Dead Poets Society".

I think I will try to get it out as an adult book, and promote the idea that teenagers should read it because the system says they shouldn't. :-)
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Subject: Re: Looking at options Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:17 pm

Good points, Zada. My dream for my series would be something like "what they turn to when they're to old for Harry Potter to be a kick"
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Subject: Re: Looking at options Wed Apr 09, 2008 4:05 pm

Good point Lin, to try and get it published for adults and encourage teens to read it (I know there were several books I snuck off my Dad's shelf when he wasn't looking--I won't tell you which one he noticed because I could lose face here Embarassed

). You could have the best of both worlds that way...look how many adults are reading Harry Potter and these days, as well as the graphic novels. I do know of one writer who has actually had his book "picked up" as part of the required reading in several high school districts. Hmm. Good food for thought.
There we go with the food again! Rolling Eyes

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Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com

Subject: Re: Looking at options Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:08 am

Pam!! I think I have gained 10 pounds since meeting you!! Laughing

We must go on a picnic or something. lol!

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Zada Connaway
Mother's Journals: parts 1, 2 and 3 ISBN # 1-4241-6969-0

http://www.zadaconnaway.com/

Subject: Re: Looking at options Thu Apr 10, 2008 1:02 pm

Zada I am feeling the same way...and smilies of carrots just don't have the same pizzazz as chocolate!

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Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com

Subject: Re: Looking at options Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:09 pm

That's all I need now, for my THOUGHTS to get fat.
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Subject: Re: Looking at options Thu Apr 10, 2008 7:12 pm

lol Lin - here have a carrot if it'll help!

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Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com

Subject: Re: Looking at options Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:49 pm

Sheesh, if we add cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce, we'd have a grand salad! Then our brain wouldn't be too overloaded to explore our options!
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Zada Connaway
Mother's Journals: parts 1, 2 and 3 ISBN # 1-4241-6969-0

http://www.zadaconnaway.com/

Subject: Re: Looking at options Fri Apr 11, 2008 4:11 pm

Yes, but what about the cheese dressing?
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"To Beirut and Back"
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