The Embodiment of YA Horror – Keeping it Real
Feb 25, 2019 18:06:54 GMT -5
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Post by lauraperkins on Feb 25, 2019 18:06:54 GMT -5
Hi all. I’m Laura Perkins, a freelance editor, workshop presenter, and author (under the name Mercy Hollow) specializing in fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, horror, young adult, middle grade, and other speculative fiction. You can find me at www.lauraperkinsediting.com or www.mercyhollow.com.
What makes a story YA?
The age of the main character(s) is a big factor in YA, but another big determinant is voice.
What is voice? It’s the unique qualities a writer brings to a story or series. It can be conveyed in dialogue, actions, speech and thought patterns of the characters and the narrator. It is a fluid beast that when it’s missing or typical the book often falls flat. When the voice is strong readers are willing to dive off a cliff with a character or be entertained by them painting a wall beige.
YA is voice and then some. There are different ways to strengthen your voice in your writing and things to avoid.
Clichés – Avoid them, in any writing, but especially in YA. If the cliché is in phrases used, actions taken, or plot lines, be willing to examine new ways of approaching the issue. YA is a place to let your character’s wild side and impulses free. They do and say the unexpected. Let your character’s quirks fly.
Moving the story forward – One thing teens do is act. They drive their lives. Whether it’s to the top, into the clouds, or into the ground – they make the story happen. If you have things ‘happening’ to your characters, look at their goals, wants, motivations, fears, and let those drive their actions, reactions, and the story.
Dialogue and author intrusion – Keep it real. The moment it feels like an adult trying to be a teen your readers will peace out. And when it feels like the characters make choices or have reactions for plot or lessons to learn the book gets put down. Look at phrasing, speech patterns, and word choice.
• Do they fit the age and environment of the character and the voice of the character?
• Are the characters’ voices unique?
• Can you tell who is speaking if you only read the dialogue?
• Do messages from the author slip in to tell the reader information or teach them something?
• Is the dialogue in complete sentences or does it have a more realistic, choppy, or patterned way of speech?
• Do you know your character’s world?
• Have you researched their hobbies, their environment, what effects them on a daily and life basis? Details are important.
Know your audience – Who is the story for? Figure out the age range target of your story. Younger readers often read characters a few years older than themselves. What types of readers is your story geared toward? Dark? Light? Plot heavy? Character driven? Etc. Knowing your audience can shape your tone, your darkness level, how graphic you go, and the language and content level. It’s also very important in pitching and marketing your story. The better you know your 'ideal reader' the easier you can get your story into their hands. YA readers are smart. They often devour books and series. Knowing your audience aids in writing to them not at them. Trust your readers.
YA is a great genre with unique freedoms, excitement, issues, and emotions that can get tamed in adult fiction. So jump into the mayhem of quirks and impulses of YA and go for it.
Post questions you have about writing YA or short excepts you want help or feedback on, and let’s get those voices to shine or tarnish, depending on your character.
What makes a story YA?
The age of the main character(s) is a big factor in YA, but another big determinant is voice.
What is voice? It’s the unique qualities a writer brings to a story or series. It can be conveyed in dialogue, actions, speech and thought patterns of the characters and the narrator. It is a fluid beast that when it’s missing or typical the book often falls flat. When the voice is strong readers are willing to dive off a cliff with a character or be entertained by them painting a wall beige.
YA is voice and then some. There are different ways to strengthen your voice in your writing and things to avoid.
Clichés – Avoid them, in any writing, but especially in YA. If the cliché is in phrases used, actions taken, or plot lines, be willing to examine new ways of approaching the issue. YA is a place to let your character’s wild side and impulses free. They do and say the unexpected. Let your character’s quirks fly.
Moving the story forward – One thing teens do is act. They drive their lives. Whether it’s to the top, into the clouds, or into the ground – they make the story happen. If you have things ‘happening’ to your characters, look at their goals, wants, motivations, fears, and let those drive their actions, reactions, and the story.
Dialogue and author intrusion – Keep it real. The moment it feels like an adult trying to be a teen your readers will peace out. And when it feels like the characters make choices or have reactions for plot or lessons to learn the book gets put down. Look at phrasing, speech patterns, and word choice.
• Do they fit the age and environment of the character and the voice of the character?
• Are the characters’ voices unique?
• Can you tell who is speaking if you only read the dialogue?
• Do messages from the author slip in to tell the reader information or teach them something?
• Is the dialogue in complete sentences or does it have a more realistic, choppy, or patterned way of speech?
• Do you know your character’s world?
• Have you researched their hobbies, their environment, what effects them on a daily and life basis? Details are important.
Know your audience – Who is the story for? Figure out the age range target of your story. Younger readers often read characters a few years older than themselves. What types of readers is your story geared toward? Dark? Light? Plot heavy? Character driven? Etc. Knowing your audience can shape your tone, your darkness level, how graphic you go, and the language and content level. It’s also very important in pitching and marketing your story. The better you know your 'ideal reader' the easier you can get your story into their hands. YA readers are smart. They often devour books and series. Knowing your audience aids in writing to them not at them. Trust your readers.
YA is a great genre with unique freedoms, excitement, issues, and emotions that can get tamed in adult fiction. So jump into the mayhem of quirks and impulses of YA and go for it.
Post questions you have about writing YA or short excepts you want help or feedback on, and let’s get those voices to shine or tarnish, depending on your character.