It
encompasses the transition between adolescence and true adulthood. Protagonists
generally fall between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six—though exceptions
may apply—and they’re often portrayed experiencing: college, living away from
home for the first time, military deployment, apprenticeships, a first steady
job, a first serious relationship, etc.
2.
New Adult: Genre or Category? I view it as a category of
literature—meaning, it gives readers content expectations, but it doesn’t
dictate genre-based criteria.
In
other words, when I pick up an NA novel, I know what stage of life the main
character is in. If I want to know more, I look to the genre, i.e. romance will
have a centralized love story, science fiction will have imaginative (though
scientifically plausible) elements, etc.
3.
What made you want to write for NA? I’ve been writing NA-type stories since 2007. (I say NA-type, because “New Adult” wasn’t
coined by St. Martin’s until 2009.) Back then, I didn’t realize there was
such a stigma against college-aged characters in the publishing world. I just
wanted to write a story that straddled the line between newfound freedom and
consequence. The possibilities seemed endless.
4. What do
you see for the future of NA? I
definitely foresee more genre diversity, especially with speculative works.
5. What do
you love most about writing NA? Right
now, the NA community is my favorite part—especially those of us who’ve been
fighting to legitimize the category for years. We’re such a tight knit, yet
welcoming group. It’s great having that kind of support.
6. What NA
books would you recommend to readers? I
still consider Easy by Tammara Webber
a pretty iconic NA read, as far as contemporary goes. On the spec. side, you
might consider reading Lynn Rush’s Violet
Midnight series.
7.
What writing tips would you give to aspiring writers? Don’t stop—and what I mean by that is don’t stop writing;
don’t stop reading; don’t stop learning; don’t stop questioning; don’t stop
trying; don’t stop pushing; don’t stop growing; don’t stop sharing; don’t stop
dreaming; and hey, if you’re in a singing mood, don’t stop believin’. ;)
8.
Would you like to share something about your book? Sure! Here’s a little about my NA paranormal romance, STRENGTH
(Mark of Nexus #1):
“When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, she’s stunned. Wallace Blake is everything she’s ever wanted in a man—except he can’t touch her. His uncontrollable strength, a so-called gift from his bloodline, makes every interaction dangerous. And with a secret, supernatural war brewing among his kind, there’s no time to work it out. To keep Wallace in her life, Rena will have to risk a whole lot more than her heart.”
“When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, she’s stunned. Wallace Blake is everything she’s ever wanted in a man—except he can’t touch her. His uncontrollable strength, a so-called gift from his bloodline, makes every interaction dangerous. And with a secret, supernatural war brewing among his kind, there’s no time to work it out. To keep Wallace in her life, Rena will have to risk a whole lot more than her heart.”
9.
What gave you the idea for your book? STRENGTH—and
ultimately, the whole Mark of Nexus series—started as a "what if"
scenario. What if a unique, supernatural race lived among us? What if there
was more than one? How would the world stay in balance?
I listened to music while I plotted out a few points, and the 2005 Five for Five cover of "All I Know" came on. Wow. The lyrics—especially the first few lines about bruising each other—really struck me. As I considered them, the figurative meaning morphed into a more literal scenario. How tortured a man with uncontrollable strength must be... falling in love for the first time... unable to touch the woman he loves without hurting her...
That's how the romance element fell into place. ;)
I listened to music while I plotted out a few points, and the 2005 Five for Five cover of "All I Know" came on. Wow. The lyrics—especially the first few lines about bruising each other—really struck me. As I considered them, the figurative meaning morphed into a more literal scenario. How tortured a man with uncontrollable strength must be... falling in love for the first time... unable to touch the woman he loves without hurting her...
That's how the romance element fell into place. ;)
10. Where can
readers find your books? Ta da!
STRENGTH (Mark
of Nexus #1)
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2nd
Edition E-Book:
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2nd
Edition Paperback:
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COURAGE (Mark of
Nexus #2)
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1st
Edition E-book:
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1st
Edition Paperback:
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