The Voices of YA Tag
I've been hoping to do this tag since I first saw it, and some of the folks who have answered it have such awesome answers that I'm afraid of trying it. But I will anyway. Mwah ha ha.
[in radio announcer voice] This tag is created, sponsored by, and brought to you today by Caitlin. Quills and Coffee.
The Rules
1) Thank the person who tagged you2) Link to the original creator
3) Answer the ten questions
4) Tag AT LEAST two other YA writers/bloggers
Thanks to Lisa for tagging me!
THE BEAUTIFUL QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE WRITERS:
#1 - What draws you to YA?
Oh, my. Um. Probably the fact that it's written for my age group? Although I am not at all embarrassed to read a really good middle-grade book. The thing I like most about YA (when it's done well, I mean), is that it can pull off the whole "shades of grey" thing. Where good and evil are not painted with such broad strokes, and redemption and brokenness is a very important factor.
#1 - What draws you to YA?
Oh, my. Um. Probably the fact that it's written for my age group? Although I am not at all embarrassed to read a really good middle-grade book. The thing I like most about YA (when it's done well, I mean), is that it can pull off the whole "shades of grey" thing. Where good and evil are not painted with such broad strokes, and redemption and brokenness is a very important factor.
And also because I just enjoy the characters, because they're usually really well fleshed out.
#2 - Describe your writing process. Do you like outlines and structure, or seeing where the story takes you?
Obviously the fact that I've never actually finished a story is not a problem here, right?
Obviously the fact that I've never actually finished a story is not a problem here, right?
Okay, that's a lie. I have finished a story, I've just never gotten anything more than 5,000 words to a place where they're ready to be read by humans and not just my dragons.
Basically, I get an idea, make up the story in my hand, fall so in love with it that if I were ever to write it down I would die, and then make a million playlists and do it for NaNoWriMo so I can't die. Obviously.
And then editing? So far it's just completely rewriting the whole thing. I'm dead, okay? I am dead.
#3 - How long have you been writing? Where are you in your journey?
I've been writing from the age of four or so. I've finished quite a few first drafts and have a list of twenty or so more that I want to write at some point. So, I'm pretty far along. But not far enough. As a perfectionist, I will probably never be far enough.
#4 - What do you need to write? Coffee? Music?
The special playlists I make for my story, mostly. I need to have silence and no one else in the room, too. And no questions. And my cell phone somewhere I can't reach it.
The special playlists I make for my story, mostly. I need to have silence and no one else in the room, too. And no questions. And my cell phone somewhere I can't reach it.
Yeah.
#5 - If you could offer one piece of advice to another writer (OTHER THAN "don't give up"), what would it be?
You're going to compare your work to other people's. And the thing is, you're always going to think that you're not as good as them. But once upon a time, they were the same as you.
You will one day be better than the writers you read now, if you press on. Always press on. (And yes, I know this is similar to don't give up, but in a different way.)
Another thing I'd say is that characterization is very, very important. NEVER slack off on the characterization just because you want the plot/worldbuilding/etc. to be better.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
#6 - What book still has you reeling from its plot twist? (*no spoilers please*)
Probably Counted Worthy by Leah E. Good. O_O The plot twist! I told my mom (who's not likely to read it) and she was like, "Well, what do you expect?" I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't that.
Or The Girl Who Could See by Kara Swanson. That was a poignant plot twist, y'all. I wanted to start crying.
I would say The Fault in our Stars or Mockingjay but... both of those were spoiled for me. So... yeah.
#7 - What books are you most anticipating this year?
*had a massive list* *can't remember any of them now* Ummmmm.....
Renegades by Marissa Meyer, for sure.
And the Five Poisoned Apples collection.... which hopefully will have my name on the cover ^-^
And Warcross by Marie Lu. I'm reading Legend right now, and it's excellent so far.
And Andora's Folly by Abigayle Claire :)
#8 - In your opinion, what YA book/series has the most unique premise?
The Lunar Chronicles? Probably? I don't read books that are that... unique.
And I love the Dark is Rising series - it's not really YA, but it feels so unique to me. So does Digging in the Stars. (Review is on my Book Reviews page!) It wasn't a great book, but the premise was absolutely amazing! Archaeology in the stars. On another planet. <3
#9 - What is your all-time favourite quote from YA lit?
Oh goodness. Help me. *looks around for help*
From The Warden and the Wolf King: (spoiler free)
He was still. And he was loved.
#10 - What book do you most hope will have a movie adaptation?
The Wingfeather Saga is getting a TV Show, but I'd love it if they could have a full live-action big-budget movie adaption directed by some big person.
Dark Lord of Derkholm would be a fun movie too, I think.
And Tales of Goldstone Wood. My goodness. The special effects of that would be beautiful.
So...
You have learned that I am indecisive and unable to pick what I would want a movie of :)
And that I love books. And writing.
I hope you enjoyed this tag! I tag:
McKayla | Alexa | Catherine |
Have you read any of these books? Which ones? Do you agree with my choices? Is editing just the worst?
~Faith
22 comments
Thanks for tagging me!
ReplyDeleteCatherine
catherinesrebellingmuse.blogspot.com
Cool. I always like reading tags. They really help you get to know the person behind the blog.
ReplyDelete<3
:) Yeah, I like them too!
DeleteSomething tells me that The Warden and the Wolf King quote is going to make me cry. I've just ordered it from the library- so I suppose I'll find out soon.
ReplyDeleteI actually kind of like editing. It's like going from rough sketch to inking with fine detail.
I can guarantee you that not just that quote but the entire book will splinter your heart into a million little pieces.
DeleteI totally agree on characterization. It's sooo important. I've put down really intriguing books just because I couldn't connect with the main character.
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOSH, I haven't seen the cover for Renegades yet, but...AAGH ALL THE PRETTY. SO excited for that book!!
Ooh yes! Tales of Goldstone Wood would be an AWESOME movie or TV show. I would watch it in a heartbeat. ^_^
I know right?! That's why I put it!
DeleteIt looks so nice, doesn't it? Hoping it'll be better than Heartless...
And I really wish they would get really popular like overnight... so then Stengl would have to write more, and we'd have more books AND the chance of a movie.
*screams* Marie Lu is one of my favorite authors!!! I'm super pumped for her and Marissa Meyer's releases later this year, YAY!
ReplyDeletexoxo Abigail Lennah | ups & downs
They both look SO COOL!
DeleteOooh, this was a fun one to read! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteYas! I adore basically all the books you mentioned. :) You have good taste. ;D
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you XD
Deletethis is such a fun tag!
ReplyDeletei've never heard of "the girl who could see" but i really want to read it now. the cover design is great too!
It's really, really good :)
DeleteHow did I miss this? But anyway LOVE YOUR ANSWERS GIRL! :)
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks!
DeleteHow did I miss this? But anyway LOVE YOUR ANSWERS GIRL! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Faith! I loved reading your answers! Thanks for participating =)
ReplyDeleteCaitlin @ Quills & Coffee
www.caitlinlambert.com
Thanks for creating this tag!
DeleteThanks so much for tagging me!
ReplyDeleteSame about the first question! I love the journeys of YA characters; they're so broken and beautiful and human <3
I've read the first in the Wingfeather saga. It's really good!
Alexa
thessalexa.blogspot.com
verbosityreviews.com
They're amazing. And yes, the Wingfeather Saga just keeps getting better!
DeleteHello, friends! Do make yourselves comfortable and stay for a while--I'd love to chat with you! I simply ask that you keep it clean. :)