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July 2013 Writing Show Recap: Hearts and Minds: Exploring YA Fiction at the Source

In its second turn at The Camel, the JRW Writing Show this past Thursday, July 25th, featured a two-part look at the booming YA genre. Panelists Lana Krumwiede, author of the middle grade award-winning novel Freakling; and Lucinda Whitehurst, lower school librarian for St. Christopher’s School both offered their unique insights into YA literature. Valley Haggard moderated the discussion.

The panelists tackled the definition of Young Adult, or YA. Lana commented that the label can mean different things depending on location, e.g. library vs. bookstore. Lucinda and Lana offered a guideline of YA as being for ages 12 and up and middle grade ages 7-11, though Lucinda added that the lines between them are fluid. Lana and Lucinda both discussed the age of the protagonist and how that influences the age of the audience.
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JRW ED / Uncategorized, Writing Show recaps / Annesha Sengupta, Cassie Womack, Lana Krumwiede, Lucinda Whitehurst, the Podium Foundation, the writing show, valley haggard, YA Fiction, Youth Advisory Board /

July 2013 Writing Show: Hearts and Minds: Exploring YA Fiction at the Source

The Writing Show

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Recap

by Sheri Blume

Description

Is YA your genre of choice, or are you considering it? One of the hottest markets in publishing, young adult fiction has specific challenges. What makes good YA and how is it different than adult fiction? Who better to ask than the target audience themselves—and an author and librarian who have successfully reached young adult readers?

James River Writer’s Writing Show for July 2013, Hearts and Minds: Exploring YA Fiction at the Source featured children’s librarian Lucinda Whitehurst and Lana Krumwiede, author of Freakling. Moderator Valley Haggard, founder of Richmond Young Writers, guided the discussion about what works, what doesn’t, and the trends and whether you should follow them.

The second half of the program highlighted a panel of teens, including some of JRW’s Youth Advisory Board members. Chico Payne, Cassie Womack, and Madeleine Jordon-Lord. The students talked about their pet peeves and what their favorite authors get right. Annesha Sengupta and Gbari Garrett read a few excerpts from their own work. The program concluded with questions from the audience.

JRW ED / Focus on Students, Uncategorized, Writing Show descriptions / 2013, Annesha Sengupta, Cassie Womack, Lana Krumwiede, Lucinda Whitehurst, the Podium Foundation, the writing show, valley haggard, Writing Show, YA Fiction, Youth Advisory Board /