I get so inspired by some of your guys' blogs. It makes me want to drop everything and write. But when I go to write, I'm stumped, not writer's block, writer's ignorance.
I'm on my second novel. It's going to be a YA book with the teen character from my first novel. If I can't sell the first one, I'll have to change some things, but it will still work.
I'm not on fire about it yet. I think one of the reasons is because I've been away from that age group for so long. I've got a book of teenage slang coming from Amazon, but that's just part of my problem. The whole mentality of teenagers has changed. It was so easy being a teenager back in the dark ages. These days it's like a war out there--teen bullies, teens with guns, teens who have no respect, and those are the nice ones. Now that I think about it, I've just described a lot of adults, especially the ones in politics. I don't want to open that can of snakes.
Regardless, I'm out of touch. I know most teens are decent kids, but even the decent ones are still teens. It comes with a certain amount of giving and getting pain, at least the mental kind. So I'm reading a lot of YA books, or would be if I'd get my hiney in gear. If anyone can recommend any good high school YA books with mean girls, I'd be most thankful for the titles and authors. I need some inspiration I can get my wrap my mind around.
Thank you so much and God bless.
Ooh, YA books are my fave. Some suggestions: Secrets of My Hollywood Life (although, as the title states, they're not the everyday teen's day to day life), Avalon High, Paper Towns, Going Bovine (though the "mean girl" only makes a few appearances, it's just a fabulous book, told in a boy's POV), A Great and Terrible Beauty series...
ReplyDeleteI think there's actually a series called "Mean Girls", but I'm not sure. And while mean girls aren't the focus, you could try Gossip Girl. Some of them get pretty nasty. I actually haven't read them myself, but heard about them from my sister-in-law, whose daughter is already experiencing this nonsense (she's 11) and has been since 2nd grade.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
If you want mean girls, read The Clique novels by Lisi Harrison. I found the first book in the series to be entertaining, with a bit of nastiness on the side, so I started the second one. I couldn't finish it. If all girls were as malicious as the girls in those books, we would all need to take cover.
ReplyDelete~Margaret Rowena
My granddaughter is reading a book titled "The Uglies". I'm not familiar with it myself but from what she described to me, it might be just what you're looking for.
ReplyDeleteThese sound like exactly what I need. You guys are great. I love how we all support each other. Next, I'll be asking you all to write my book. lol.
ReplyDeleteHey, I just stumbled on your blog. I'm an aspiring YA writer, too. There's a non-fiction book called, "Queen Bees and Wannabes." It gives a fabulous portrait of the various teen girl archetypes. As a mom, I also recommend it for parenting tips. Lots of good stuff in there.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on your journey!
A little late on this, but if you're looking for good YA lit, you absolutely must read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Twisted is another by her, which is also great, and gives a male perspective. Young Readers Choice Awards puts out a list every year of about five to seven books, all of which are usually pretty good.
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late, Michelle. Thanks for the tip. I will definitely check it out.
ReplyDelete