What’s the hardest part of writing YA fiction?
Up until 2014 I had never read a young adult novel. My focus up to that time was on romance. Since I hadn’t read a lot of YA stories, I wasn’t sure if the story I wanted to tell would be something the YA readers would be interested in. I read about 10 YA stories to see what the top books in the genre were writing about. I found it an interesting mix of fantasy, action and many times magic. I really enjoy writing stories with fantasy and paranormal elements so that is where I began with my YA story ideas. I love telling a good story and one of the most important things to remember in my opinion, especially in YA, is to keep things moving.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve written for many years, primarily romance. However, I was intrigued with the YA market and decided to try my hand at writing in that genre. My first book in the Time Runner series is “Time Chaser”, a novella centered around 14 year old William Remington. Unbeknownst to William, his parents are time travelers. His story about being pulled through time picks up where his parent’s story left off 11 years before. For me, writing is an adventure. I start off with a story idea in mind and it changes, sometimes drastically, along the way.
Have you found any clever ways to market your books to YA readers?
I market primarily using Facebook ads and also Goodreads. I do paperback giveaways on Goodreads every month. I also have ongoing ads through Goodreads that put my books in front of readers.
What YA books have had the greatest influence on your writing?
Some of the books I read to get a handle on what’s popular in YA are Lori Brighton, The Mind Readers. Ransom Riggs, Ms. Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Chanda Hahn, Unenchanted. Amber Argyle, Witch Song. Christie Anderson, Deep Blue Secret.
Author Bio: Grace Brannigan lives in the Catskill Mountains of New York and enjoys writing in various genre and also pursues many types of creative art. Besides her young adult time travel series, she writes romance, fantasy, children’s picture books, Mandala art books and coloring books. Some of her hand-dyed silk art has been photographed and used in her children’s picture books.
Author Website: www.GraceBrannigan.com
Twitter: @GBranniganWritr
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