Is it YA?

[j2starshine]

Hey guys,

I tried to see if we've already discussed this in the forums. I didn't see it, but then I didn't go too far back either. I was wondering what really makes a book Young Adult.

I've looked at the YA book shelf at the book store and Amazon and I find it swamped with things like Twilight and other books that seem to focus on "relationships" according to teens...and I'm not sure I could...connect to a teen on their level, dealing with the things they are dealing with in our modern day culture when I write epic fantasy...

I've looked over my writing and I've found that most of my protagonist are teenagerish. and I wonder if I should be focusing on YA category, but I don't feel confident in connecting with teens. I had a bad experience at my old job working with at-risk youth and it kind of shattered my confidence. so...I don't know if I can connect on the level they are...besides...they are all taller than me. jk anyways...

If the protagonist is a teen is it considered YA? Are there adult books about teens? Is it more the R rated content that makes the book "adult"?

anyways, I thought I'd throw this out there and see what ya'll thought.

thanks!
j2

[morganlbusse]

Hey j2starshine,
Here is an article that talks about what the characteristics of MG and YA are. Hope this helps

www.novelrocket.com/2012/02/are-you-writing-mg-or-ya.html?m=1

[Kessie]

About the only difference I've noticed between YA and adult is that the protagonist is a teenager. Adults and teens alike deal with bullies, cliques, not belonging, and parents they don't get along with. Add in the whole "waaah I have magical powers, too!" and you have a whole new level of the misunderstood teen.

I think that's why X-men appeals to teenagers. Their powers break through in puberty and it's a great metaphor for everything you feel at that age.

[j2starshine]

thanks, I did click onto the original interview and I felt a little more assured when R.J went into the YA themes being universal...