Aspiring YA Novelists discussion

Is anybody else in the group (besides me) working on a piece of writing? Poem, novel, short-story, etc.

Yes, I have a novel ready to publish and I just finished a novella this weekend. Now on to editing that!

Rachel wrote: "Yes, I have a novel ready to publish and I just finished a novella this weekend. Now on to editing that!"

Wow, congratulations. What is your novel about? Is there a publication date?

It's a young adult fiction novel about spirits that play fate with human lives. I'm self publishing, so hoping that it will be published in a couple of months. I'm putting huge amounts of effort in to get it as amazing as possible. :)

Rachel wrote: "It's a young adult fiction novel about spirits that play fate with human lives. I'm self publishing, so hoping that it will be published in a couple of months. I'm putting huge amounts of effort in..."

Cool. I just started writing a ya dystopian novel. I am in the beginning stage of it, but it's coming along nicely.

Fantastic! Keep at it and make sure to keep learning. That's what really helped me so far.

Rachel wrote: "Fantastic! Keep at it and make sure to keep learning. That's what really helped me so far."

I will! Thanks for the advice :D

To those that are published. I don't know if my writing is good enough to be published. At what point did you know, and how did you improve?

Desiree wrote: "To those that are published. I don't know if my writing is good enough to be published. At what point did you know, and how did you improve?"

You just have a few people read it and make edits for grammatical mistakes. And give you a few suggestions. That's all you really can do. I must add I am not published, but I wanna be lol.

Greensparksjp wrote: "Desiree wrote: "To those that are published. I don't know if my writing is good enough to be published. At what point did you know, and how did you improve?"

You just have a few people read it and..." That does help thank you. I have had betas and I usually get pretty decent reviews. I guess I just need confidence to follow through. Thank you.

No problem :) glad I could help.

Desiree wrote: "To those that are published. I don't know if my writing is good enough to be published. At what point did you know, and how did you improve?"

Desiree, I would also make sure you put a lot of effort into learning how to write. Layout, consistency, grammar and spelling is really key to having a good piece of writing.

Also make sure that the people who read it are not family and friends, but honest reviewers as sometimes people are biased or don't want to hurt your feelings.

Another thing that is key, is to pay an editor to look over your MS for you. They are brilliant at seeing errors and making great changes because they're not close to the story.

Hope this helps. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

I'm not published yet, but I've been writing for over ten years and have a diploma in creative writing where I learnt a huge amount. I'm just about to self publish my book.

Rachel x

Well, I finished and published my first book back in October, but I just finished doing big editing to it. I plan to get the new version out soon. I have the second book already done, but I have to edit that as well. Plus I'm working on a paranormal YA that is still in the early stages. I have to say by far editing is the worst part of writing. Anyone else agree lol?

Inda wrote: "Well, I finished and published my first book back in October, but I just finished doing big editing to it. I plan to get the new version out soon. I have the second book already done, but I have to..."


Finished writing my 6 book series almost 2 years ago...Still editing the 1st (Can't afford a professional editor. I don't even know where to begin)

I've sadly never finished anything longer than a short story, but I'm always working on one novel or another. This year I am resolved to finish a novel, at least a first draft any way. My problem is that I am a perfectionist and can't accept that the first draft won't be perfect. I often give up because I don't think my writing is good enough.

however, I am currently working on a novel that I really like, and I'm really confident about what I've written so far. I'm pretty sure I can finish it this year, hopefully even before summer. I'm almost finished the fourth chapter (plus a prologue) which I know isn't much, but it's a start, and I've had a beta reader look at the first three chapters and she couldn't find much wrong with it, so I know I'm on the right track (she was published too). I sadly haven't been working on it much lately because I guess I can see it as perfect as long as it's in my head. I'm still afraid that it won't be good I suppose. I have a very strong inner editor (I want to be an editor one day, so that kind of backfires on my own writing)

I also have another two book series in mind that I've sort of done the beginning of an outline for as well as the prologue and starting the first chapter, and I'm really excited to write this book as well. However, I'm going to try to focus on the other one just to make sure that I finish it. I can't wait to start working on these though (however, it's a tricky subject, so once again I'm terrified to do it wrong).

I've also finished a few short stories, and some of my writing can be found on Wattpad (though neither of the above novels are posted online). I've never actually attempted to publish something, though I REALLY want to

sorry if that was too long.

Inda wrote: "Hey guys I just wrote a post on my blog about how to write and what I do. I thought this might help some you who have questions. Here's the link to the blog post,http://indaherwoodbooks.wordpress.c..."

Thank you :D

Editing is not easy, but the more I do it, the better I get and the easier it gets x

I just loathe how long it takes lol.

Inda wrote: "I just loathe how long it takes lol."

Yes, it's a long process, but I do get an editor after I've done it. Also the more and more you write, the less editing it will need.

True.

I just started the sequel to my book today. It's going well. Only 7 pages in, but the story is all ready to go. I'm excited to finally have a little time to write.

Lisa wrote: "I just started the sequel to my book today. It's going well. Only 7 pages in, but the story is all ready to go. I'm excited to finally have a little time to write."

that's fun! Do you use a full outline or do you 'pants' it?

The main events are in my head and the rest happens when I go to write.

I am working on my very first MS. It is a YA dystopian story, and I am having such an amazing time with it! I must be in the honey moon stage of writing. Thank you for the links and the information posted...it will be needed!

Lisa wrote: "The main events are in my head and the rest happens when I go to write."

Me too, Lisa, I love to flow write, it always surprises me :)

Loury, that's fantastic! I always feel like that on the first draft. It's exciting and fun. Keep at it x

Loury, I'm writing a yA dystopian too! It is so much fun, transferring a world you crafted in your mind to paper fpr the world to experience.

I've written 30 pages so far in the past 2 days. My wrist wants to fall off, but my brain is pushing forward!

Lisa wrote: "I've written 30 pages so far in the past 2 days. My wrist wants to fall off, but my brain is pushing forward!"

Wow, well done, Lisa, that's really good going!

:)

Right now it's flowing! It's my last day of spring break, so I kind of have to get a lot done. After that it will be harder to find time to write!

Lisa wrote: "Right now it's flowing! It's my last day of spring break, so I kind of have to get a lot done. After that it will be harder to find time to write!"

Brilliant! It's great that you've been able to really knuckle down. I must get on with my short story series. I work so hoping to get one short story done a week. :)

Good luck! I'm a teacher, so I never have time either.

Lisa wrote: "Good luck! I'm a teacher, so I never have time either."

Thank you, you too! I bet being a teacher is time consuming. Have fun and let us know when you're done. :)

Alright guys, I really need your help. I'm planning my 5th book and I really want to find a title. Here's a little embarrassingly terrible overview in case it sparks any ideas in those awesome heads of yours:

Jenna is the MC and she's kind of sarcastic and funny (think Julia in Meant to Be). She is in love with her best friend Paul and thinks there might actually be a chance for something to happen between them but at some point they kiss and he realizes it was a mistake and makes it clear nothing is going to happen between them. Their friendship kind of dribbles off after that and Jenna becomes friends with this guy named Charlie and eventually they fall in love. Ooh, also she's a really hardworking student but her suppressed dream is to go to Alaska. Charlie helps her realize that dream and she finally follows it. Basically the theme will be Follow your gut and the right person will follow it with you. It's supposed to be a YA Romantic Comedy thing and she's clumsy and likes big words.

So basically I need a title. I'm thinking it might have a funny word in it, like "canoodle" or "cantankerous" or "epitome." Maybe something like "The Epitome of ____"? I was thinking maybe "The Epitome of Everything" but I would really love any other suggestion. If it's cute or funny or quirky that would be perfect. If anyone can give me any suggestions at all, I will seriously love you forever.

Thank you so much to whoever tries to help! It's much appreciated!

I have a polished draft of a dystopian YA novel (105,000 words) that is reminiscent of "Hunger Games," "1984," and "The Road." I need YA dystopian beta readers. Your help would be most appreciated!

I have a full day dedicated to writing today!

That's awesome Lis!

Lisa wrote: "I have a full day dedicated to writing today!"

that's great! hope it goes well!

Thanks! I'm 47 pages in. It was so nice to have a full day of uninterrupted, writing time and watch the story flow and evolve!

How is everyone else's writing going so far?

My writing is coming along slowly. I am finding that I tend to edit too much as I write the story down. I never knew that I could be a perfectionist. I never have been before! I am discovering new things about me during this writing process.

I just finished my 2nd YA Contemporary thriller. I wrote a YA Dystopian as my first novel, but never really got anywhere publishing-wise.

I don't have the money for an editor and I do YA reviews, so if anyone would be interested in becoming a critique partner with me, just let me know! :)

So many people have finished books! that's amazing. I'm still working on the plot, I don't feel confident enough to write it yet which is kind of silly since if I don't do any work I can't get any better haha

Justine wrote: "I just finished my 2nd YA Contemporary thriller. I wrote a YA Dystopian as my first novel, but never really got anywhere publishing-wise.

I don't have the money for an editor and I do YA reviews, ..."
Justine, what is a critique partner?

Camila, it is basically when two or three authors exchange work for feedback. So, instead of paying for an editor with money, you are basically paying for an editor by editing.

Justine wrote: "Camila, it is basically when two or three authors exchange work for feedback. So, instead of paying for an editor with money, you are basically paying for an editor by editing."

Oh, I see! That's a great idea, I wonder how much experience it would be necessary to do it, to be able to see another person writing with a critical eye.

I think that really any feedback can be helpful, as for me, it's so easy to miss things in your own writing.

Justine, If that is the case then I am always available to read any work. I read every day and have a pretty good sense of things but I am no professional. That happens to me too, sometimes the story is very clear in my head but not so much in my writing, I get really exited and miss a few things here and there. Having a pair of fresh eyes can be very helpful.

Well, if you would be interested in exchanging work, message me and I can give you my email. I'm not a professional either, but I do book reviews, so I should be of some help!

I've just started writing a fantasy book about the god's of old and the heroes of myth as mortal beings that live among humans

I've got three books going at the moment. I have a YA stand alone, the third and final book to my Separate Ways series, and a YA paranormal romance in the works. All I can say is pray for me lol.