As we a just getting back to "normal" with book festivals, book signings, and school visits, I thought I'd take the opportunity to share some of the questions and answers that I, along with a kid lit panel of greats such as Jodi Meadows (The Orphan Queen series) and Noniqua Ramos (Beauty Woke) answered for prospective writers at the Rocktown Authorfest in April of this year.
How do you as an adult create stories that are appropriate, authentic, and engaging for
children and teens? Can you discuss content and themes?
VOICE - pictures
PB – a title comes to mind. If I pursue it, it’s usually rhyming. Fantasy.
MG/YA – My characters come first. I think about them for a while, and then I start writing.
I am a PANSTER not a PLOTTER.
Let’s talk about love, sex, and violence in young adult novels. How explicit should scenes be?
Sex scenes in my YA novels are sensual, but not sexual. I describe the character’s feelings,
but not their actions, unless it’s a kiss.
My battle scenes are not gory, though there is some blood.
How do an illustrator and writer collaborate to create a picture book?
When you write a picture book, you must leave room for the illustrator, as it’s a collaborative effort.
If you must, you can use an ART NOTE, but only for something unique that the
illustrator wouldn’t understand.
Typically, with traditional publishers you do not have any say in the illustrations.
Since picture books rely on adults to read them to your intended audience do you
have to think about the “reader” differently?
Yes, picture books should be layered. Interest for both children and adults who read.
Perspective shift: What are some tips for adults to craft authentic young adult characters?
I don’t generally switch POV’s. Usually I writer in first person, unless in MG where
I might do every other chapter from 2 different characters.
Tropes? Good or bad? What tropes appear in your books? Why did you choose to
include them?
Twins – mystery within the context of the story – kickass girl protagonists – love interest that
isn’t main part of the story. Independent girl characters. Sarcastic humor.
To what extent do popular culture, the latest trends, and best sellers influence your work?
Ignore trends because what’s hot today will be rejected a year from now.
What are resources you use to hone your craft? What resources do you recommend to
prepub authors?
Writers Helping Writers – Writer’s Thesaurus’s. – Critique Groups –Writing Seminars
Hope that answered some of your questions.
I've just been invited to participate in Rocktown Authorfest again in 2023. Looking forward to it. Met my new critique group through this wonderful event.
