There are levels of stupidity that go far beyond what can be tolerated. Bigotry in any of its foul and disgusting forms is a monster to be contained by any means necessary. Our sisters at Equality Ride have been recently attacked by this rampaging beast as you can see in this article
If this does not enrage you or touch you deeply, then I would be very surprised. I was fuming for quite a time before I could even bring myself to touch my keyboard. Four year old hugs do wonders for taming the fire of fury. I personally reach out to take the hand of these women and ask you consider doing the same. Lend your energy, whatever you can spare, to their struggle, for together we can push back that beast and cast the monster from the lands of our children.
Okay, after a bit of a break from writing to focus on family and recharging my drained creative batteries I return with a new inspiration. The new novel (possibly series) has gripped me so tightly that I am putting aside all other project outside of any editing of the two novels to be published to work on it.
As expected from any who know me, this novel is paranormal fantasy, however it is not a romance or even adult in content. The oldest character (there are 4 protagonists, three girls, 1 boy) is about 16 or 17 and is a lesbian. Yes, I know. This makes marketing this story a hundred times more difficult then it would be already, but to be true to the spirit of this character it is a fact I am not willing or able to change. Is there a market out there for alternative young adult fiction? Maybe. With there be romantic content? No in this one, but maybe sweet romance in the book in the series to cone for her. Am I crazy to even attempt this? Yeah, in all likelihood I am, but what ya gonna do? Give up on a story so lovingly presented to you b by an insistent muse? Not me.
So, there is an update on what has gripped me now and where I will be focusing. My challenge now is finding resources on in what ways (outside of the removal of romantic content) my writing must change for a young adult market. I believe our kids are much smarter then some books make them out to be, so I don’t want to dumb anything down, but I do what to write in a way easy for 8 (my son reads YA so I’ll include as young as him in my thoughts) to what? 16 or 17? That’s a big question for me. Is there a standard age that reads… I figure those are the age ranges that my characters should be.
So yeah, lots of question in my brain on book length, and any standard rules. As badly as I want to get in and get started on the tale, these are question I will have to answer before I can do that. Thanks to all who sent me well wishes during my absence and to any who may have some suggestions of resource, yes, please send them to me. I am driven to begin, but want to me very prepared.
And to all, have a blessed Equinox. Moon
