Replay Guest Post and Giveaway

Today we have Keira Lea, author of Replay, guest posting about why she writes YA. Keira Lea released her debut novel in April 2011. She is a devoted fan of the TV show FRINGE, a card-carrying member of the Apple cult, and a mother to two human children and three feline ones. She is working on a sequel to Replay.

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Why I YA by Keira Lee


This is my confession: I stole the title of this post from fellow YA writer Demetra Brodsky's blog. Like Demetra, the YA writers I know feel this "why" is crucial. We don't write for young adults because we think it's easier than writing for other age groups. (I would argue it's more difficult.) We don't write YA because someone told us it's an easy way to break into the publishing scene. (It's not.) We don't even do it because it appears that everyone who publishes paranormal YA becomes an overnight success. (They don't.)


I think most authors who write for young adults do it because they love to read YA books. Big shocker, I know. This is an important point, though, because YA is not a genre. It's an age range, a mindset, a crucial point in time. Even though a writer would not dream of writing romance books without reading them, I think people assume writing YA romance—or any other genre—doesn't require the same dedication. If you've been a teen, you should be able to tell stories for teens, right? Not so fast.


The teens I know are particularly discerning readers. To meet their expectations, you have to tell a great story in an engaging way. You can't hide behind ornate prose. You have to write an emotionally honest story. And you have to do it with respect for your readers. Adults who remember their own teen years should know the fastest way to alienate teens is to talk down to them.


I spend the majority of my reading time with YA books because I love them. I write YA because I want to create stories other people will love. That is why I YA.


Thanks for being with us today. Kiera is offering a e-book of Replay to one of my readers.

How to enter the giveaway:

Comment on the guest post with your e-mail address.

To see more of Kiera go to Bookish Delights where she will be stopping by tomorrow.

Categories: giveaway, Guest Post