to bounce some ideas off of and this looked like the place to go. So, about me- Working mom trying to complete my first novel manuscript by the end of the year. It's something I've always wanted to do but felt like I never had the time...well now I'm making the time. I'm working on a YA fantasy novel with a coming-of-age theme and strong female characters. (basically the same style books I read when growing up lol) Anyway, I'm one of those plan-it-all-out first writers, so I was hoping to find a place to brainstorm new ideas and test old ones. I'm looking forward to chatting with you all.
Anything by Tamora Pierce, especially the Song of the Lioness quartet Harry Potter The Heir series by Cinda Williams Chima Chronicles of Narnia Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull The Tapestry series by Henry Neff Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede All of Rick Riordan's gods series (Greek, Egyptian, and Norse books) ...and more, but those are some of my top favorites.
I'm new here myself. But I can give you some advice to start with... Keep your book under 90,000 words. Evidently it is VERY difficult to find a publisher if your book is too large. My novel was originally 195,000 words. When I presented it to my agent she freaked. I had to spend many painful months editing out half of what I spent over a year writing.
Another newbie welcoming newbies! As a former middle school teacher, books with strong female leads coming of age and becoming strong (and independent) are ALWAYS welcomed in a classroom! What age group are you writing for?
Well my protaganist is 17, so probably 8th-11th grade ish...and of course those adults like me who still enjoy YA, lol.
I feel like Young Adult should just be labeled 13+ or something similar to that. There are children in middle school with a better vocabulary than some adults.
Awesome, kids read "up" so you're aiming for the right audience with a protagonist of that age. I love YA because it has a lot of reader-making power which goes unrecognized.
Also new to this. Also looking for people to brainstorm ideas with! I hope this forum works out for us all! Just reading through your posts, I have to say those are the types of books I love. More recently you have the likes of the Hunger Games and Divergent. Young strong female lead basically taking over the world. Always a favourite of mine!
