Q: How do you know if you're writing for young adults?
Is the book you're writing a YA, or could the story be told better in an adult novel? Here are three ways to know, according to Bonnie Hearn Hill. Bonnie has helped many writers break into print. Ask her a question, and her favorite one will win a copy of Aries Rising.
- Is your protagonist a teen?
- Have you read YA novels, and are you comfortable with the language and pacing of teen books?
- Do you have a high-concept idea, something that might lend itself to a series?
If so, start researching these books--how many words they contain, what topics have been done and overdone.
ARIES RISING
Love is in the Stars!
Details: It's the first book of the series to publish, with the second (Taurus Eyes) and third (Gemini Night) book out this summer and fall.
When Logan McRae discovers a magical book called Fearless Astrology, all she wants is to change her sucky life. In order to get into the summer writing camp of her dreams, she needs the recommendation of her stubborn and irritable English teacher Mr. Franklin. Logan also has her eye on Nathan, the hottest guy in class. Unfortunately, so does popular, beyond-gorgeous Geneva, editor of the high school paper.
Logan's two best friends, Chili and Paige, are always there to give her the advice she needs. But now that she has Fearless Astrology, Logan discovers a whole new way to overcome her dilemmas-while helping the three of them land
the guys they're crushing on.
When the Gears, a group of boys, starts causing trouble in school and out, she decides to identify them using astrology. Her goal: to impress Mr. Franklin, Nathan, and the kids who believe she is faking her newfound knowledge. The answers are in the stars, all right, but can Logan decipher them before it is too late?
Buy: Star Crossed: Aries Rising
Bonnie poses with hip hop artist B-Smoove (right) and his group. They met when both were being interviewed at a Sacramento television station, and were soon talking about writing and astrology.
Q: What inspired you to write the Star Crossed Series?
Bonnie: An interest in astrology along with her close friendship with Cosmo Magazine Astrologer Hazel Dixon-Cooper inspired the Star Crossed series: Aries Rising, Taurus Eyes, and Gemini Night.
Q: What’s your sign?
Bonnie: I’m a double Gemini, saved by an Aquarius Moon. Air and Fire with very little Earth.
Giveaway:
One copy of Aries Rising to a reader! To enter: Leave a comment telling us your astrology sign, ask Bonnie a question, and/or tell us why you want to win Aries Rising! One entry per relevant comment; multiple entries allowed. Open to US and International Readers. Ends March 31, 2010. Good luck!
There's also a contest for an iPod Touch involved for those who enter. The drawing for the iPod Touch will happen at the end of March, 2010. Those details can be found at MotherofConfusion.com. (iPod Touch is also open to International readers.)
- Be sure to visit Bonnie on her home turf.
- Facebook: Become a fan!
Buy: Star Crossed: Aries Rising
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m a VIRGO. I always liked my sign because it’s a lady/virgin maiden.
My question for Bonnie is: Did you write the series as a whole first and then sell it to a publisher or did you write the first book, sell it, then contract and write the sequels?
I can’t wait to read Aries Rising! It looks fabulous!
I am a Sagittarius. Bonnie, are you superstitious?
I am a Libra. My question for you is: Who are the Gears and what type of trouble do they cause?
Hi, Keira.
Virgo is also usually very organized. They can be critical, especially self-critical, so be good to yourself.
I knew I wanted to write a series, but I wrote only one book. Once the publisher asked for a series, I handed in concepts for the other books. I have a great editor who helped me shape the stories.
Captain,
Not terribly superstitious. I don’t think astrology is about that. It’s about giving us knowledge about ourselves and others so that we can make better decisions. I believe in free will.
I have a lot of Libra writer friends. Libra is an Air sign, as am I (Gemini). Those are the communicators. The other Air sign is Aquarius.
Captain: Sorry. You are a Sadge, not a Libra. These signs are usually laughing; they’re very friendly. I put one in ARIES RISING.
Cello:
The Gears start off with mischief such as streaking the backyard of one of the girls. Then, their threats grow more dangerous. Logan, my protagonist, is challenged to identify them before they strike again. If she is successful, she will win back the credibility she has already lost–and maybe the guy she likes.
I am an Aries and I have to confess that I have not in the past given Astrology a lot of credence. But, even at my ‘senior’ age, I am starting to find it interesting. I also never used to read fiction, but my granddaughter who is in college has gotten me more interested in it. Then meeting Bonnie!!! Well, I guess the rest will be history. We are never too old to learn new things and I am learning tons in Bonnie’s class. ~ Scotti
I’m a Capricorn, us goats are a harworking sort. I have a question. Bonnie, I feel as if there’s an upsurge of reading now, as if kids are realizing- it really is cool to read. What do you think has been one of the contributing factors for this reading trend?
I’m a Gemini. It’s interesting that my sign would be twins because I like so many different things that it can seem as though there’s more than one person stuck in this body! LOL
I’m an Aires and I love it!! I’m headstrong nature, fire, honest, impulsive…etc…etc
Do you believe in astrology or you just find it fun?
I’m a Virgo.
My question for Bonnie…
Why did you choose to write YA Books after writing adult books?
I’m cancer. Is this a way to test out your pickup line?
I am a Cancer. This is the first time I have heard of the author and books and would love a chance to read them. I had not read much YA in the past, until Twilight emerged and started a new reading fad. I am very curious to see if I enjoy other YA books as much as I did Twilight.
I am trying to reply to all of you. Let me know if it works.
Llama–I don’t pick the books. They pick me. This one picked me, and I could tell it only as YA.
Aries Gaby–I believe in it, but I don’t let it rule my life. I believe in free will.
Isabel: I so relate.
Susan: I do think young kids are reading now, and I think it’s because their parents realize how much can be missed when one doesn’t read. Let’s hope it continues.
I’m an Aquarius.
My question for Bonnie:
How do you relax yourself in the process of writing?
I’d love to win Aries Rising because it sounds really interesting!
Hey guys! Hope you liked Aries Rising! Excited for Gemini Night? You can go read the first chapter at The Figment Blog RIGHT NOW. (I’m not even kidding)
http://figment.com/blog/2010/10/star-crossed-gemini-night/
Also, I’m a Gemini so I’m super pumped for this book!