They always say, "Read in your genre," meaning whatever it is you're writing, then you'd better read copious amounts of that same kind of book, so you can be up on the hip-happening stuff that's current today.
I've been reading a lot of YA stuff, but I finally realized I've been off in sub-genre-land. I've been reading paranormal, dystopian, fantasy which all are now young adult sub-genres. I'm writing YA Contemporary. You know, real life stuff. No Vampires--sparkly or otherwise. No Werewolves who take off their shirts every other second--wait, that's the movie version (that's what I've heard anyway). Not even any Shapeshifters ala Kiersten White.
Hopefully, I haven't lost you, but there really were novels written before Twilight's Edward came on the scene. Stories about real (fake) people who live in real (fake) worlds. That's what I'm writing.
I went to the library to find those kinds of books and just stared at the shelves, stymied as to what to choose. I had printed a list, but none of the books on the list were there. It seemed like every one I picked up contained fantasy elements or over-the-top teen angst or other unmentionables that I have no interest in reading.
I did the only thing I could do...grabbed all the Janette Rallison's I could find that I don't already own and off I went.
If you have any other reading suggestions IN MY GENRE, please share. And hurry before gruesome creatures from the underworld start cropping up at Ideal High. [reference to my novel]
(And yes, I know Janette has those Fairy Godmother novels, but most of what she writes seems to be the real (fake) world stuff. And BTW, I'm really enjoying Just One Wish.)
10 comments:
Oh- I love Janette's books, leaves me with a smile. I also love hearing my 17yo laugh as she reads. Sorry I have a hard time finding YA that are filled with "real" people and are "clean" but not preachy. I'd love some suggestions too.
Read "Being Sixteen" and "Swoon at your own risk" and enjoyed them both.
I love YA contemporary, too. That's what I'm currently writing.
I totally understand! I've gotten a bit sick of all the fantasy/paranormal, to be honest.I'll let you know if I read anything different/good.
Are you on Goodreads? It's a place to find books that others are reading or have read and what they thought of them.
OH! I've got some suggestions- author Gene Stratton-Porter and her books 'Freckles' and 'Girl of the Limberlost' are YA but 'The Keeper of the Bees' is also excellent. Of course she is not a contemporary author.
Happy Reading:)
http://nicolemariewhite.blogspot.com
"Bright Blue Miracle" I loved it. Deals with things teens find so hard to discuss. (visit my blog and see a whole list on one of the back pages. Maybe you'll find what you're looking for there. :)
It helps when you write all kinds of fiction. Finding something that is in one of your genres isn't so hard. The trick is to be reading the right genre when you get back to working on that particular book.
Found you from the Challenge. Welcome! I love following writerly blogs! Looking forward to your posts.
KarenG
Hi! Thanks for following my blog during the A-Z Challenge. It's a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to reading your future posts. Right now I'm actually reading outside of my genre to further develop my writing muscles. There's much to be gained from inside and outside genre reading.
Great post!
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