Young Adult Books

Writing a story--any story--is like piecing together a puzzle. I dabbled in journalism a while back, and one of the things I loved about writing articles was viewing them as puzzles. Each of the elements--the quotes, the facts, the background research--was a puzzle piece. All I had to do was fit them together to form a compelling story. It's the greatest feeling when all your work finally fits so seamlessly together. There's lots of fun in getting there too.Writing fiction is a lot like that. The elements may be different, but the hunt for that finished puzzle is the same. The outline of your story--should you choose to do one--is like when you first open that puzzle box and dump all the pieces onto the floor. You survey all the pieces and get a good look at what you're dealing with. Once that's done, you sit at your computer and start piecing it together, keystroke by keystroke.The way we usually do puzzles is by identifying different areas of the puzzle, and the similar pieces that link together in each area. For example, when we were kids we looked for the blue pieces of the sky or the red pieces of a barn. Here are a few of the areas you should identify when it comes to the puzzle that is your project. The BeginningThe first--and arguably most important--pieces fit into place here. This is where you have to know the point in your story where the actions start. A rule of thumb (not coined by me!) is to "start the story as close as possible to the end." Basically this means: don't waste time. Start fast and keep the story moving so you keep your readers turning the page. Without this key piece of the puzzle, you may be lost before you even began. Character WantsOnce you've started your puzzle, this is where it begins to take shape. Always ask yourself: what does my character want? What are his or her intentions? These pieces are what drive the plot of your story. They are the pieces that the readers latch onto in order to follow along. When you've fit them together, it is smooth sailing. A good character sketch should get you on the right track. Those pieces are key to fitting together the pieces of the next section of the puzzle.Obstacles and AchievementsSo, if you know what your character wants, you can piece together his or her character arc. The rising action of the story is usually a series of obstacles and achievements. How your character overcomes each obstacle is determined by what he or she wants. For example, if your heroine is on a course to rescue her true love who has been kidnapped by a psychotic human-gargoyle hybrid, she might stop at nothing to save him, including putting her own life on the line. It's your job to set up the stumbling blocks and then use your character's motives and desires to have her make decisions that get her closer to where she wants to be (or even have her tragically fail).SubplotsThese are those tricky pieces that you very much want to fit somewhere, but on the surface they just don't seem to have a place. It takes a lot of skill and patience to make these pieces fit. Pay careful attention to these pieces because they can either turn your puzzle into a masterpiece or a muddled mess. On the other hand, don't spend too much time of them, because it is your main pieces that need the most focus.Climax and EndingThese are likely the pieces you've had set aside from the very beginning. You know where they go. You've known all along what they look like down to the very last line. These pieces should fit easily into place, but be careful: it's easy to get lazy here, to just jam them in the last remaining open spots. Take great care to make sure your climax and ending are the best they can be, that they do actually fit. Don't make them too abrupt, but don't draw them out for too long. You'll know when it feels right and when it doesn't. When it's finally done right, it's all the more satisfying.YAtopia is a blog with ten writers talking about MG, YA, and NA books, writing, publishing, and

Criminal by Terra Elan McVoy Nikki’s life is far from perfect, but at least she has Dee. Her friends tell her that Dee is no good, but Nikki can’t imagine herself without him. He’s hot, he’s dangerous, he has her initials tattooed over his heart, and she loves him more than anything. There’s nothing Nikki wouldn’t do for Dee. Absolutely nothing. So when Dee pulls Nikki into a crime—a crime that ends in murder—Nikki tells herself that it’s all for true love. Nothing can break them apart. Not the police. Not the arrest that lands Nikki in jail. Not even the investigators who want her to testify against him. But what if Dee had motives that Nikki knew nothing about? Nikki’s love for Dee is supposed to be unconditional…but even true love has a limit. And Nikki just might have reached hers.  Add on Goodreads Terra Elan McVoy is the author of Pure, Friends With Boys, Criminal, After the Kiss, and The Summer of Firsts and Lasts. When Terra is not reading or writing, she likes to do a lot of crafty things (especially with paper and photography) and cook or bake, preferably for friends. She is also currently Program Director of the Decatur Book Festival, and occasionally teaches creative writing classes to young people at Little Shop of Stories. Find Terra on the web at her website, Twitter, and Facebook. And follow along with the rest of the blog tour as well: May 07 | http://kellyvision.wordpress.com/ | @khager May 08 | http://readnowsleeplater.com/ | @frootjoos May 09 | http://hobbitsies.net/ | @hobbitsies May 10 | http://tableforseven-julie.blogspot.com/ | @aprilmom00 May 11 | http://www.alexalovesbooks.com/ | @alexalovesbooks May 13 | http://fictionfolio.com/ | @TaraMQ May 16 | http://www.intothehallofbooks.com/ | @bookwormasheley May 17 | http://www.areadersadventure.com/ | @readeradventure May 20 | https://andiabcs.wordpress.com/ | @andi_s13 May 21 | http://ratherbereadingblog.com/ | @readinggals May 22 | http://thebookcellarx.com | @thebookcellarx May 23 | http://www.ramblingsofabooknerd.com/ | @sarabooknerd May 24 | http://thegrownupya.wordpress.com/ | @grownupya May 28 | http://chickloveslit.com/ | @shanynlee May 29 | http://www.bookswithcass.com/ | @bookswithcass May 31 | http://thecompulsivereader.com/ | @compelledtoread And now there is a super awesome giveaway running for the tour as well – enter below. a Rafflecopter giveaway Related posts: Girl Meets Boy Tour: Guest Post + Giveaway Near Witch Rap + Giveaway + Mini Interview with Victoria Schwab Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett Tour: Review, Guest Post + Giveaway

Mindy Raf is running a super fun blog tour – each stop on the tour is featuring a different fun fact about the book trailer. The super fun The Symptoms of My Insanity fact for today is: The voice over actor (Branson Reese) is holding a copy of the ARC of The Symptoms of My Insanity which has the original cover. We had to make sure Branson was holding book at an angle where it didn’t show, but if you look closely you can still spot it. Now make sure to go watch the trailer and see if you can spot the old cover ;) About Symptoms of My Insanity: A laugh-out-loud, bittersweet debut full of wit, wisdom, heart, and a hilarious, unforgettable heroine. When you’re a hypochondriac, there are a million different things that could be wrong with you, but for Izzy, focusing on what could be wrong might be keeping her from dealing with what’s really wrong. I almost raised my hand, but what would I say? “Mr. Bayer, may I please be excused? I’m not totally positive, but I think I might have cancer.” No way. Then everyone at school would know, and they would treat me differently, and I would be known as “Izzy, that poor girl who diagnosed herself with breast cancer during biology.” But Izzy’s sense of humor can only get her so far when suddenly her best friend appears to have undergone a personality transplant, her mother’s health takes a turn for the worse, and her beautiful maybe-boyfriend is going all hot and cold. Izzy thinks she’s preparing for the worst-case scenario, but when the worst-case scenario actually hits, it’s a different story altogether—and there’s no tidy list of symptoms to help her through the insanity. Also make sure to find Mindy Raf on the web at her website, Twitter, and Facebook. Related posts: The Symptoms of My Insanity Tour : Mindy Raf’s Writing Soundtrack Book Trailer: The Survivors – Our Love for Cole Trailer Book Trailer: Hooked by Liz Fichera

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting On Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you are looking forward to! A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard Coming July 23, 2013 from Harper Teen Following an all-out battle with the walking Dead, the Spirit Hunters have fled Philadelphia, leaving Eleanor alone to cope with the devastating aftermath. But there’s more trouble ahead—the evil necromancer Marcus has returned, and his diabolical advances have Eleanor escaping to Paris to seek the help of Joseph, Jie, and the infuriatingly handsome Daniel once again. When she arrives, however, she finds a whole new darkness lurking in this City of Light. As harrowing events unfold, Eleanor is forced to make a deadly decision that will mean life or death for everyone. I am so excited to see where Eleanor’s story will go next! I really loved book one so I’m excited for the sequel :) What are you guys waiting on? Related posts: Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard Book Review Waiting on Wednesday (135) – Innocent Darkness by Suzanne LaZear Waiting on Wednesday (94) – Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Time After Time (Time Between Us, #2) by Tamara Ireland Stone To be published: October 8, 2013 by Disney-Hyperion Calling Anna and Bennett’s romance long distance is an understatement: she’s from 1995 Chicago and he’s a time traveler from 2012 San Francisco. The two of them never should have met, but they did. They fell in love, even though they knew they shouldn't. And they found a way to stay together, against all odds. It’s not a perfect arrangement, though, with Bennett unable to stay in the past for more than brief visits, skipping out on big chunks of his present in order to be with Anna in hers. They each are confident that they’ll find a way to make things work...until Bennett witnesses a single event he never should have seen (and certainly never expected to). Will the decisions he makes from that point on cement a future he doesn't want? Told from Bennett’s point of view, Time After Time will satisfy readers looking for a fresh, exciting, and beautifully-written love story, both those who are eager to find out what’s next for Time Between Us's Anna and Bennett and those discovering their story for the first time. [goodreads] I read & loved Time Between Us last year, so of course I am anxious to read the follow up to Anna & Bennett's story! With this being my first dose of time traveling in a book, I was very intrigued and want more of it. 1995 was such a great year musically, and Stone did a fabulous job highlighting some of my favorite tunes from that era. Aside from the great musicality choices, I was very invested in the love story between these two characters. I am so eager to find out what happens next. And the bonus, it's told from Bennett's POV! "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Wicked Magic by Sandra MaderaPublished Date: July 2012Publisher: SelfGenre: YA fantasyThe Story: After a time of peace, Willow's world is turned on its side when Nalin is captured and taken into the Underworld.Just when Willow and Nalin were ready to bind their life forces in a marriage ceremony, their time of peace has ended.Willow finds out a secret that is both the cause of their union and exile. Daphne, Nalin’s evil sister, has gathered a group of powerful allies in her quest to regain the Ljósálfar kingdom and overthrow their newly formed government. Hoping to separate Willow and Nalin forever, Daphne casts her brother into the darkest and deadliest realm imaginable... Hades.However, Daphne never expected Willow to delve into the depths of hell to reunite with her lost love and try to set things right. Rules have been broken... Deals have been made... How much is Willow willing to risk to save Nalin’s soul?My Review: I enjoyed this book! This is such a different twist on elves and the rest of the fantasy world. Willow learns that she isn't a normal elf. I don't want to reveal much on that! Sandra Madera's writing is easy to follow, and it flows real well! I love reading books where I'm transported to other worlds, even if they tend to dip into the human realm too! Sandra has a vivid imagination, and it shows through her writing. You are able to picture what Willow looks like, and those around her. You're also able to see the different realms she enters, even the darkest of Hades! Definitely a good read!

The Redemption of Callie and Kayden by Jessica SorensenPublisher: SpherePublication Date: August 6, 2013Goodreads I Author Website I Pre-OrderThe dark secret Kayden has kept hidden for years is out. Worse, he's facing charges for battery. The only way he stands a chance against the charges is if Callie speaks up, something he'll never ask her to do.Callie knows Kayden is going back to his dark place and desperately wants to save him. But saving him means admitting her secrets aloud. Callie and Kayden are stronger than they think, especially when they're together. Together they move forward, face their demons, and finally start to heal from their traumatic pasts.While I didn't exactly fawn over this series in my review of The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden last week, I have to admit that it was an enjoyable romance and a nice light read while I trudge through Single-ville for the time being. And although my TBR pile is ridiculously high, I feel like The Coincidence left Callie and Kayden's story unfinished - and I need some closure. Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine.

You guys, I am thrilled to have Kristen Kittscher on my blog today for her upcoming release, The Wig in the Window! I’ve been excited for The Wig in the Window for years – and I do mean years! Ever since I saw the Publisher’s Marketplace announcement. And release day is almost here – finally! Although I’m sure it’s seemed like longer for Kristen, hah! Also, be sure to check back next month for my review of The Wig in the Window – and if you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for the Debut Author Challenge newsletter! I’ll be featuring Kristen and giving away a copy of The Wig in the Window! Anyway, without further ado, here’s a guest post from Kristen all about her cover! Which is awesome, FYI. Goodreads | Amazon | Indiebound Best friends and seventh graders Sophie Young and Grace Yang have made a game out of spying on their neighbors. On one of their midnight stakeouts, they witness a terrifying, bloody scene at the home of their bizarre middle-school counselor, Dr. Charlotte Agford (aka Dr. Awkward). At least, they think they do. The truth is that Dr. Agford was only making her famous pickled beets! But when Dr. Agford begins acting even weirder than usual, Sophie and Grace become convinced that she’s hiding something—and they’re determined to find out what it is. Soon the girls are breaking secret codes, being followed by a strange blue car, and tailing strangers with unibrows and Texas accents. But as their investigation heats up, Sophie and Grace start to crack under the pressure. They might solve their case, but will their friendship survive? Perfect for fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Wig in the Window is a smart, funny middle-grade mystery with a REAR WINDOW twist. – Goodreads Kristen Kittscher, author of The Wig in the Window I’m so delighted to be kicking off my first guest post on the blog tour for The Wig in the Window with Hobbitsies! Given the prying nature of my enterprising tween sleuths, Young & Yang, I thought it would be fun to take you behind-the-scenes for some top secret investigations into how a manuscript is turned into a real, live book. If we’re going undercover, perhaps the cover is the best place to start? While the cover is really up to the publisher at the end of the day, my editors, Rosemary Brosnan and Andrea Martin, asked for some early input: did I have any strong feelings? Any dislikes? Specific thoughts? I did have a few thoughts—and as you’ll see, to my delight they very much took them into account. Here’s a peek at our correspondence (don’t you feel sneaky? Well, they did give permission—but let’s pretend we’ve been riffling through desks. Maybe we’re even about to get caught?) Snippets from my first email (to which I attached this poster of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window): –I think the Chapter 2 “Rear Window” scene and the Wig in the Window scene are ripe with possibility and perhaps, combination. The nighttime scene is more evocative than the daytime, in my opinion. –I hate the color pink and am generally not seeing this book as appealing to girly-girls, for lack of a better word. –If Young & Yang are both pictured, it is important to me that they have equal status, i.e. no Grace hiding behind Sophie’s shoulder. There are few enough characters of color represented in the mainstream, and it is powerful for kids to see someone like themselves represented. I finished by offering to send pictures of the place that inspired “Luna Vista.” Click the image to view full size Associate Editor Andrea Martin’s reply: I totally agree with all your points. Sophie and Grace are equals and they should be represented as such if they’re on the jacket. A pink girly cover wouldn’t do…and it would completely miss the readership for this book. You know, it would be wonderful if you could send along some pictures of “Luna Vista” and the types of houses that Sophie and Grace would li

You guys, I just recently gobbled up Kindness For Weakness by Shawn Goodman which really hit my intellectual sweet spots. I mean, I started this book the same day that I DNFed a contemporary book and basically read all of Kindness For Weakness in a single sitting – including about 88% of the book while I was on the exercise bike. Goodman’s book has a stellar main character and then actually made me think deeply about issues in our society AND made me want to read this classic Jack London book that kept getting shout outs. Y’all, this quiet book was such a great read. I am totally about to get gushy on you all. James lives in upstate NY – near SUNY Fredonia (shout out SUNY system) with his bartender mom and abusive stepdad Ron. He is only 15 and fairly quiet and contemplative. He’s also a bit scrawny, in comparison with his brother Louis. Louis moved out as soon as he could and has all this money because he’s a drug dealer. So anyways, Louis convinces James to do him a favor and deliver the goods to his clients. Unfortunately, while making a delivery, James, who is not very good at dealing drugs gets caught by the police. As he doesn’t have a good lawyer, he ends up sent to juvie for a year, and so Kindness For Weakness is about James’s time in juvie. It’s a quiet sort of book, but one that just worked so well for me. As a character, James made me SO sad. Well, no. His circumstances made me sad. Here’s a kid that does not have much good in his life, except for a caring teacher who gives him great books to read. But, I mean, come on he never goes home because he doesn’t want to get hit. His brother uses him for selfish ends. He has no friends and is envious of the nerdy kids because at least they have a bond. He’s so lonely. And misguided. And ugh you guys can I just adopt this kid? For real. Anyways, he goes to juvie and you know, starts lifting weights and exercising. You can see him really change, but I am not so sure the change is for the good. Actually, Kindness For Weakness really made me think about some in depth themes and society. I KNOW. I mean, I use my brain while I read, but rarely do I ponder the book and what it might be saying about society. Personally, I read Kindness For Weakness as a book that seemed to say incarceration for kids doesn’t work. I mean, we see James go into prison as a kind soul and a good person, who then ends up having to use violence to get kids to leave him alone. I don’t think he would have been in that situation had he not been in prison. We also see him really start to get angry. Same thing with his friend, Freddie. Like, the environment is very homophobia and just not at all kind to kids or helpful for rehabilitation. We see some of the kids go in and out of prison without ever changing. And, it seems that all the hope is beaten out of these kids, both figuratively and literally. Man, just thinking about it, I am sad. ALSO. This book would pair so well with Monster by Walter Dean Myers. Then, another great thing that Kindness For Weakness does is examine masculinty. James often ponders what it means to be a man. He wonders what is weakness and what is strength. He thinks about it in the context of various males in his life – from his fellow convicts to his teachers to his brother to the corrections officers. It’s very interesting to me – we see guys who are very violent and using that violence to get what they want. Then we see men who don’t do that, but who think and act in a peaceful sort of way. As I was reading, I found myself thinking this book would go so great with the documentary Tough Guise, as both really discuss images of masculinity and how our society defines it. In case you are dense, I will spell it out for you. I loved Shawn Goodman’s Kindness For Weakness. It actually came as a surprise for me, because I was expecting an okay read that I would devour and for

Title: Branded Author: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki Release Date: June 28, 2013 Genre: Mature Young Adult, Dystopian Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours Book Description: Twenty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to