The #Voices of YA Tag

Zane from Simple Impossibilities (a super awesome blog) did this blog tag the other day and left it open for anyone to consider themselves tagged. 😉 It’s been a little while since I’ve done one of these, so I decided to pick it up. Thanks, Zane! (Caitlin Lambert originally created this tag here.)

Rules

• Thank the person who tagged you

• Link to the original creator

• Answer the ten questions

• Tag at LEAST two other YA writers/bloggers

• Share with the hashtag #VoicesofYA (if you’re into that sort of thing…)

All right, all the Q and A coming right up.

About the Writers

What draws you to YA?

To tell the truth, I actually probably read and write more MG fiction than YA (*grins*), but do enjoy the genre quite a bit. I tried to look up the definition of YA fiction and the answer is basically “teenager books”. I like the spunky, original feel of these types of books, and it’s especially fun that they deal with deep themes but are cleaner than adult books. 😉 I’m currently working on a novel for older teenagers.

(The thing that does pull me away from this genre though is when there is too much attitude and drama and inappropriate romance…)

Describe your writing process. Do you like outlines and structure, or seeing where the story takes you?

Ooooo!!! That question. The answer is twofold (use that word whenever you can, y’all)–yes and no. I’m a plantser, which means I like seeing where the story takes me and having a plan. With my short stories especially, I know the main character, a few side characters, and the opening scene when I first start out. Partway through I know what the end scene will be and hopefully what my main thrust of the story is. I find writing almost as delightfully suspenseful as reading!

With longer stories like the novel I’m working on right now, I need a slightly tighter plan to keep my words from dissolving into a messy pile. I start out with a simple outline of the eight major plot points (a.k.a. The Important Stuff). If I’m shooting for a certain word count, I write out the number of plot points and a little description of each scene. (Below is a sneak peek of my plot for “Kiera”. All things are subject to change and copyrighted by Me.)

How long have you been writing? Where are you in your journey?

I’ve been writing since age six, but as far as seriously writing? The last five years probably. 😉 In my journey I am just discovering how to structure, write longer works, bring in side plots, and develop deep, lovable characters. (I just published my second book which is also super exciting.) 😀

What do you need to write? Coffee? Music?

I actually don’t like having either while I write. 😛 I prefer using a computer with a good keyboard or my Dana Alphasmart. I also love scribbling in notebooks especially when brainstorming since it gets my creative juices flowing! If I’m having writer’s blocks, I like switching between formats just to see if that helps shake things up.

Snacks, good company, a quiet place, tea, and stormy weather are helpful to my inspiration. 😉

If you could offer one piece of advice to another writer (OTHER THAN “don’t give up”), what would it be?

God gave you five senses–use ’em! Whatever you focus on when reading or thinking about a memory, use that to bring the scene alive to me. What do you notice first when you walk into a room? The rich, delicious smell? The softness of the carpet? The sound of soft music? What do your eyes pick out as important to the people living there or what’s about to happen. (If you were Sherlock Holmes, how would you draw your deductions?) Use these amazing tools to your advantage, writer!

About the Books

What book still has you reeling from its plot twist? (*no spoilers please*)

Well, I just finished At Home in Mitford ( ❤ ) which isn’t hugely suspenseful. The best plot twist I’ve read in awhile is actually from a MG book Henry and the Chalk Dragon. It still astonishes me with the hilarious and surprising ending. 😀

What books are you most anticipating for this year?

September 5th my younger sisters and I get a new adventure to share! ❤ (Told you I read a lot of middle grade. 😀 )

I have very mixed feelings about this series, but the fifth book ended on a very unfair cliffhanger that I hope I survive. (*is probably going to read this* *is slightly mad Fitz is not on the cover* *also does not recommend the series* *but read my reviews on Goodreads to get the full picture of my opinion*)

Another in the Vintage Jane Austen series! This is a reimagining of Pride & Prejudice by one of my favorite authors. 😉

And I usually find out about new releases like a week before they come out, so I’m sure there are plenty more lovelies I’m looking forward to but don’t know about yet. (If that makes any sense at all.)

In your opinion, which YA book/series has the most unique premise?

*cudgels brain*

If you’ve never read this, don’t read any synopses ever! Just go into it blind and enjoy. ❤ It’s pretty unique. 😉 (I reviewed it here.)

Just looking at the cover, you can tell this is unique. I promise it’s not creepy, but it is more on the fantasy/sci-fi side of things.

Word War II as you’ve never heard it before! This book (with some whiteout) is one of my absolute favorites. 😉 (Read my fangirl-y review here.)

What is your all-time favorite quote from YA lit (I know, I’m cruel)?

It’s probably from The Book Thief, but I have a few others I like. 😀

“Wouldn’t it be strange, she thought, to have a blue sky? But she liked the way it looked. It would be beautiful – a blue sky.”
― Jeanne DuPrau, The City of Ember

“But if a man truly loved you, he would see the beauty that lies much deeper than those scars.”
― Sarah Holman, Waltz into the Waves: A Cinderella Story

What book do you most hope will have a movie adaptation?

❤ ❤ ❤ I even have the actors picked out! NOTHING must be changed though, and the author should be involved. 😀

So, I answered the questions which means tagging is next on the agenda. Therefore, I tag…

Maggie Joy from My Attic Corner

Paul Willis from Project Blank Page

And anyone else who would like to grab this! If you don’t have the time or the blog to answer all of these questions, you can answer them in comments. I’d love to see your answers! 😉