Young Adult Historical Fiction discussion

Hello! and welcome to a brand new newsletter for Young Adult Historical Fiction. It's something that Tara and I have been wanting to do for quite a bit now and we are really pleased with this newsletter. So we hope you like it!

Thanks for taking a look to see what's happened in the group this month and thanks for making January a really great month. Also, we'd like to give a special welcome to any new members who joined the group this month. We're so glad to have you with us.

Group Reads are currently happening right now. This months group read is Secrets of the Realm by Bev Stout and we've had some really great discussion responses to it. Check out the discussion right here. Also, Bev Stout and her novel, Secrets of the Realm, are this month's featured author and novel so make sure to scroll down and check out her interview with us.

Voting for the February Group Read is currently open right now, as well. So make sure to stop by the poll and vote for the young adult historical fiction group read for February.

New Young Adult Historical Fiction Releases in January, 2014: This month there's two young adult historical fiction releases that we thought you might be interested in and they are Her Dark Curiosity (which is the sequel to one of our previous group reads) and A Mad, Wicked Folly.



Featured Author and Book: January's featured author and book are Bev Stout with her ya historical fiction novel, Secrets of the Realm

Secrets of the Realm


Blamed for her uncle's death, fifteen-year-old Annie is on the run. Knowing the perils she will face on the streets of eighteenth century London, she disguises herself as a boy. Her life on the streets is cut short when she becomes Captain Hawke’s cabin boy.
Not only must Annie work alongside the Realm’s motley crew of outcasts and gentlemen, she must also keep her superstitious shipmates from discovering she is a girl.
Annie vows she will never leave the Realm, where dreams are chased, shattered lives can mend, and secrets are stowed like keepsakes in an old desk drawer. But when her past catches up with her, can she return to the Realm? More importantly, will she have a choice?

Author Interview: Bev Stout was happy to answer some questions regarding Secrets of the Realm. You can check out her answers below.

1) What inspired you to write Secrets of the Realm?

My family. It was my desire to leave something for them to pass down from generation to generation, something they would be proud of. Because the project was so personal, I wanted to do as good a job with it as possible. The historical aspects of the story, the time period, etc., were relentlessly researched. I even walked the decks of a replica of an 18th century sailing ship to get the sensation of what it felt like to live aboard a sailing ship. I was also fortunate to have Anne Day-Jones do the audio version of the book. She was educated in England and did a beautiful job on the audio.

2) Do you see any parts of yourself in your characters?

Like Annie, I don't wear my emotions on my sleeve. I seldom cry from either pain or sorrow. Unlike Annie, however, I am a rule follower and I don't take risks. I identify more with Doc, even Captain Hawke, who both have kept things about themselves hidden away, allowing only a privileged few a glimpse.

3) Are there any projects that you are currently working on? Can you tell us a little about them?

I am currently writing a sequel to Secrets of the Realm. The working title is Return of the Realm. New characters will be introduced. However, members of the Realm's crew will visit the story, as well. I am also working on a contemporary urban fantasy, My Name is Nissa. A young couple find a baby abandoned in their courtyard. The child is either an answer to their prayers, or the beginning of a nightmare, maybe both.

4) How did your interest in writing begin?

My interest in writing began with this project. The character of Annie was always a little voice inside my head, though. Yes, I know that sounds a little freaky, but it's true. When I began writing her story, I was surprised at how much I knew about her, where she lived, what century she was from, her setbacks, her victories, and yes, her true love.

5) What's your favorite moment from Secrets of the Realm?

It is hard narrowing it down to just one moment. Any scene with Annie and Symington together has to be on my list of favorites. Their volatile relationship was fun to write about. I also enjoyed the moments when you learn a little more about the enigmatic Captain Hawke. Also, the special moments Annie shared with Doc and Christopher are also among my favorites.

Thanks so much Bev!

*We are currently looking for any published ya historical fiction authors who would be interested in themselves and their novel being featured in a monthly newsletter. If you would like more details about this or would like to be featured in a newsletter then please message one of the moderators.*

Thanks so much for checking out the January newsletter for Young Adult Historical Fiction. We really hope you enjoyed it, and if you have any suggestions or ideas for it then please don't hesitate to message one of us.

Hope you have a great January!
Tara and Rhaine