7 Elements Found in Today's Young Adult Fiction Books

LAS CRUCES, NM, January 04, 2013 (Press-News.org) Most young adult (YA) books can be improved simply by following certain rules, industry experts suggest.

"Past generations that grew up with the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew would hardly recognize--and would probably be shocked by--today's young adult fiction," says L.A. Miller, author of the science-fiction and fantasy YA book series the Quests of Shadowind, which includes "Sky Shifter," "The Grounding Stone," and "Veil." "The world of young adult fiction has completely and inalterably changed. It's become much more diverse, far-reaching, and adult-like, as well as edgier and richer."

Young adult fiction--also known as YA fiction, young adult literature, and juvenile fiction--are written, published, and marketed to readers between the ages of twelve and eighteen, according to the American Library Association (ALA).

Quests of Shadowind is the story of a group of teens who are abducted to an alien world called Shadowind, which is inhabited by ghostly creatures, cyborg animals, and virtual humans--a land where anything is possible, including being downloaded into a cryptic, evil role-playing game. In order to survive, the youths band together as they search for a way back home.

"It is very clear, from sales figures and best-seller lists, that today's teens want to read books that offer complex plots and feature recognizable, same-aged characters that cope with conflicts, life struggles, and obstacles," says Mr. Miller. "It's not surprising that authors choose to write about issues that are important and familiar to teens such as commitment, friendship, family values, romance, morals, and many others--even if their books deal with vampires or dystopian futures."

L.A. Miller offers some key suggestions for writing fiction books for a young adult audience:

* Come up with an overall plot and characters that will be both engaging and interesting.
* Build a unique world.
* Choose characters close to the target readers' ages.
* Use a lot of dialogue.
* Make the story as realistic as possible, even it's set in a fantasy or science fiction universe.
* Include plenty of action and exciting adventures.
* Incorporate, but not too blatantly, positive messages and life lessons.

"There's a special kind of joy in writing for young people, and hopefully that will come through and excite and inspire them to enjoy reading and help them grow into terrific adults," says Mr. Miller. "By incorporating the right elements, anyone can create a YA book that will do just that."

L.A. Miller has been writing for more than forty years. His backgrounds in science fiction, astronomy, technology, and classic literature inform his work, which has included novels, short stories, and music. He is the owner of Wood n Nails Music and lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with his wife and two dogs. He is the author of the Quests of Shadowind series, which includes "Sky Shifter," "The Grounding Stone," and "Veil."

For more information contact L.A. Miller at qosauthor@gmail.com or visit www.QuestsofShadowind.com.

"Sky Shifter," "The Grounding Stone," and "Veil" are available Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.