Why YA?
By Nina Mansfield
Often, when people hear I’ve written a young adult novel, they say something like: “Ooo, YA is really hot right now.” This statement often carries the implication I chose to write YA because the genre happens to be popular at the moment.
Other times, I’ll get a very different reaction that goes something like this: “Well, I know YA is ‘in’, but…” In the silence I can hear the words, “I don’t read kids books.”
To that I can only say that you’re missing out. YA isn’t just for kids.
But I did have kids—young teens specifically— on the brain when I started writing my debut YA mystery novel, SWIMMING ALONE.
I guess it all goes back to the adage, “write what you know.” And as high school English and Drama teacher, I really got to know teens. And I learned they come in all shapes and sizes. They can be impulsive, reserved, judgmental, accepting, free-spirited, aloof, fun-loving, cautious, passionate, restrained, anxious, unconcerned. And because their brains are still developing and they’re filled with hormones, their personalities are magnified ten-fold. They aren’t quite adults yet, but they really think they are. And while this energy can drive some people crazy, I think it’s kind of magnificent.
As a teacher, I often felt myself stepping back into my teenage shoes—remembering what it was like to fail that quiz, or have that crush, or feel misunderstood. I had to do it to understand my students better. This constant self-reflection came in handy when developing my teen protagonist. No surprise she turned out a lot like a fifteen-year old version of myself: a bit insecure, a bit judgmental, and bit impulsive. She wants to do the right thing, but as far as she’s concerned, adult interference isn’t necessary.
There’s another reason I chose to write YA. I know plenty of adults read YA, and I am one of them. But the truth is, I wrote for young people because it breaks my heart when I hear a one say they don’t like reading. I can’t imagine a life without books. I don’t know if reading saved my life, but it certainly saved my sanity. Pippi Longstocking, Ramona Quimby, Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley Twins… I spent my pre-teen years with these characters. In junior high, thanks to a fantastic teacher, I became hooked on the books of Lois Duncan and Joan Lowery Nixon. Soon after, I started reading Agatha Christie’s mysteries. I remember that feeling of anticipation when I thought I’d figured out the twist in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, followed by a feeling of triumph when I discovered I was right!
Throughout those tumultuous high school years—when I was in a state of constant heart break—I escaped into Brave New World and 1984. Another extraordinary teacher introduced me to Thomas Hardy. I stayed up late with Tess of the d’Urbervilles, and had my heart ripped open by Jude the Obscure. Oh, these folks had it so much harder than I did—and it helped me put my life in perspective.
I want every child to able to escape into a book when real life isn’t going as planned. During my first year teaching, I discovered even the most reluctant reader will keep turning the pages if there’s enough action and suspense. These were the readers I had in mind when I wrote SWIMMING ALONE.
BOOK BLURB:
The Sea Side Strangler is on the loose in Beach Point, where fifteen-year-old Cathy Banks is spending what she thinks will be a wretched summer. Just when she begins to make friends, and even finds a crush to drool over, her new friend Lauren vanishes. When a body surfaces in Beach Point Bay, Cathy is forced to face the question: has the Sea Side Strangler struck again?
SWIMMING ALONE Links
- Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013Y4WE48
- Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/569442
- Fire & Ice: http://www.fireandiceya.com/authors/ninamansfield/swimmingalone.html
BIO:
Nina Mansfield is a Greenwich, Connecticut based writer. Her debut novel, SWIMMING ALONE a YA mystery, was published by Fire & Ice YA in 2015. Her plays have been published and produced throughout United States and internationally. Her graphic novel FAKE ID: BEYOND RECOGNITION, illustrated by Leyla Akdogan, will be out with Plume Snake in 2016. Nina’s short mystery fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and Mysterical-E. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Dramatists Guild.
- My website: http://www.ninamansfield.com
- My blog: http://notevenjoking.ninamansfield.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinaMansfieldWriter
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NinaJMansfield
- Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/ninamwriter/
- Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4279557.Nina_Mansfield
This sounds like a great book, and yes, YA is a very popular genre right now. Thanks for the post!
LikeLike
Thanks skyecatilin! I enjoyed writing this post.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for interacting with us; that means a lot to me.
LikeLike
I love reading YA. I recently was invited to talk about writing to two classes (seniors) ia nearby high school. I had a great time, but I always do best when I make them laugh right off the bat. At first, my being a little old lady puts them off. I learned long ago to make lots of eye contact, ask the most bored looking and the trouble-makers questions about themselves as I’m talking about writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep- I find the best way to get those bored kids engaged it to help them make connections to their own lives.
LikeLike
Nina,
I write YA as well as mysteries and romantic suspense. I read your post with interest, wondering if it would explain why I still write for kids even though mine are well into their adulthood. Could be because I, too, was a high school teacher and enjoyed working with young people.
LikeLike
I think we all still have that teenage somewhere inside us! 😉 Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Great post!
I read YA despite the fact that I haven’t been a young adult for *ahem* quite some time. I love that YA authors offer their readers insight into how tough it can be to save the world/fall in love/simply grow up.
All best,
LikeLike
Thanks, Micki! I think there are a lot “lessons” that even adults can learn from reading YA!
LikeLike
Thank you so much for having me here today! I really enjoyed writing this post.
LikeLike