Flopping around like a fish (AKA Switching up the Genres)
I’m a young adult author. Well, that’s not true. I’m a middle aged woman, but I WRITE Young adult books. This puzzles a lot of people. “Really?” they say, “What have you gotten published?”
So I rattle off my three pub credits to date: Last Winter Red, A Dystopian from the Make Believe Anthology; Connect the Dots, a Contemporary Romance from the For the Love of Christmas Anthology; and Jack and Jill Volume One, Sweet Romance.
“But those aren’t young adult.”
Yeah, I know.
That sort of happened by accident. I wrote and submitted “adult” works for two separate anthologies, and ended up getting published in both, and Jack and Jill is a sequel that will probably have 6 little brothers and sisters. J
So, what do I like more? YA or Adult?
I prefer young adult – by a mile. Adult characters are just not… well… fun. Do you know what I mean?
Adults have lives and responsibilities… they just can’t go running into the woods chasing deer. They might get hurt and then they couldn’t work. They can’t make a silly decision because they have to be “grown up.” Ugh! Grown- ups are so frustrating to write!!!
I’d much rather deal with a middle-grade or teen character… someone who is fresh, developing, and does not have the weight of the world on their shoulders. The opportunities for an author with a younger character are limitless… where adults you need to have at least a “little” maturity to make them realistic.
After dwelling in the adult world for a while, I’ve found my teen characters both lively and refreshing, but I still love the quirky romantic entanglement I’ve woven for Jack and Jill!
Diversity.
For me, I think it makes a better author.
What do you think?
***
Jennifer Eaton lives on the East Coast USA with her husband, three boys, and a pepped up poodle. She hosts an interactive website www.jennifermeaton.com aimed at making all writers the best they can be.
Jack and Jill Volume One: Jill stumbles back into the dating world after twelve years of motherhood. But things have changed a lot since the last time she dated. Jack and Jill stories follow the challenges of a woman holding on to traditional values in a world that has evolved without her. Now that she has found the man of her dreams, will Jill be able to hold on to him without compromising what she believes in?
Enclosure links:
Jennifer Eaton Photograph, http://jennifermeaton.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/j-taylor-fix-crop-white.jpg
Jack and Jill Volume One cover, http://jennifermeaton.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/jack-jill-volume-one-cover.jpg?w=615
Purchase links
SMP eBook Store: http://www.stillmomentspublishing.com/p/ebook-store.html
SMP Library: http://www.stillmomentspublishing.com/2013/01/jack-jill-volume-one.html
CreateSpace POD: https://www.createspace.com/4136009
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B3YWNFW
Amazon Print:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/277179
Goodreads (for reviews): http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17266748-jack-jill-volume-one
Contact Links:
Twitter: @jennifermeaton
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5832197.Jennifer_M_Eaton
February 6th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
Thanks so much for being here today, Jennifer. Your stuff is so much fun to read, as always. I loved the post as young adult is my heartbeat, too!
February 6th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Nothing wrong with a little flopping around IMO. Honing our craft is what it’s all about, & if that includes a few of our non-normal genre publications, then so be it!
Congrats on those pubs. 🙂
February 8th, 2013 at 7:58 pm
Thanks Terri!
February 6th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
I think diversity is great. It’s great to branch out and write in different genres, perfect your craft. ~brooke
February 8th, 2013 at 8:00 pm
It’s good and bad. Sometimes I have to watch to make sure my voices are consistent — keeps me on my toes!!
February 7th, 2013 at 12:04 am
Nice interview. Jack and Jill sounds very intriguing. I love romances.
February 8th, 2013 at 8:01 pm
Awe thanks. If you pick it up, I hope you love it!
February 7th, 2013 at 10:37 am
I do too, Char. Young adult ones the most! 🙂
February 7th, 2013 at 11:57 pm
I agree completely, being an adult is not as much fun as being young. 🙂
February 8th, 2013 at 7:58 pm
You’re dern skippy!
February 8th, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Thanks for having me Julie!