New Adult fiction - what is it and why is it here?

New adult fiction is the latest genre doing the rounds at the moment. What is New Adult fiction and why is it here?

Believe it or not, there was no such things as "teenagers" until the term appeared in a 1941 issue of Readers Digest. It's believed the phrase "teen age" was around for a few decades before that, though only loosely referred to. The earliest reference seems to be from the 1920s when the word "teen age" was used to describe clothes and activities for children 13 to 19. Even right into the 1930s, there were only two stages of life - childhood and adulthood. You were a child until around 13 or 14, and then you were old enough to work.  

Around the 1940s, during the second world war, the government distanced the gap between childhood and adulthood by pushing out the length of school, and shipping home 15 year olds who'd lied about their age to serve in the war. No doubt this reform came about because it wasn't right to send children off to war, so the age when a child became an adult was pushed out to the age of 20 - after the "teen age" years were over.

Now that there was a new age group, there was a new culture. This culture skyrocketed during the 1950s and 1960 with - you guessed it - the invention of rock and roll. The Beatles and Elvis Presley are two of the most notable musical acts responsible for ramming home that wedge between childhood and adulthood. Whether these acts intended to target this middle market or not is irrelevant. Culture takes a life of its own.

And now another new culture seems to be growing. Hang on a minute! If we've already split the distinction between childhood and adulthood, why then do we need to make up yet another age group? It's simple really. whatever this age group will be called in the general world, in the publishing world it's called New Adult.

So hoiw did New Adult come about? Well, the "young adult" market has grown up. They've moved through the Harry Potter stage, through the Twilight stage, and walked right into the adult fiction market. The books in this market are all about divorce, marriage, work, crime, despression... Blek. How utterly droll and irrelevant to the energetic, often cashed-up and sometimes rambunctious group of 20 - 25 year olds.

InterestTeen is lucky to have interviewed a rising star in the New Adult market. Ally Shields is the author of the Guardian Witch series, published through Etopia Press and widely available in ebook and print at all online retailers.

  

Book one in this series is Awakening the Fire. 

Synopsis:

Ari faces her first big challenge as a supernatural cop when a young human girl is brutally murdered. That's bad enough, but when a virtual reality drug hits the streets and foreign werewolves come to town, Ari joins forces with a human cop and an intriguing vampire in a race to prevent an Otherworld war.

ISBN: 9781937976828

Buy Links:Amazon US Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Barnes & Noble
All Romance Ebooks

 

 

 

 

 

InterstTeen asks: Writers are often asked if they have total control over their character’s behaviors. Is this the case with your characters? Do you aim to have some of them ‘play nicely’ but then their personalities take over and they just wanna fight? Can you explain how your characters take on a life of their own.

Ally replies:  Don't I wish! Since I'm what's known as a 'pantser' (as in writing by the seat of) or in more polite circles a 'discovery writer,' my characters tell their own story, and I'm along for the ride and the "prettying up.'  My witch Ari, in particular, has many more fights with Andreas (the vampire) than I intended. She just can't keep quiet, when she often should. But then that would ruin the fun. :-D

InterstTeen asks: As a writer of fiction, have you started getting into other areas of multi-media. I know you have a book trailer, and urban fantasy makes for great interactive games. If money was no object, do you dream of doing something like that? Or do you have other multi-media ideas like video interviews, video readings?

Ally replies: Not so far. I really am a fan of the written word. In fact, I still like print books. Gasp! Yes, I know, very antiquated. I didn't own a kindle until two years ago, now I own two. I do love my book trailer and will do more of those as each book comes out. I should have one for book two very soon. Of course, I'd be delighted if television or Hollywood came calling! <grin>

InterstTeen asks: What is the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?

Ally replies: I always try the local cuisine when I travel, so I've eaten some odd things. Most were not particularly memorable but the water buffalo in Egypt stands out. It was tough, stringy and tasted like shoe-leather. It was inedible, and afterward our group searched  Cairo for a McDonald's. Found one too!

InterstTeen asks: I take it your fans will be eagerly waiting the print release. How do you think having the books in print will change or help you as a writer?

Ally replies: It will help tremendously. I know a lot of people who don't use readers, so the print version will make it available to a larger direct group of readers, but the biggest advantages will be getting it to libraries, local bookstores and reviewers who only accept print copies. I'm really looking forward to holding that first book. :)

InterstTeen asks: What would you do if you woke up tomorrow and there really were vampires and werewolves running around? Do you think you’d know more about their characteristics than your neighbor, or do you think they’d surprise you. (ie you’d feel safe or you’d run for the hills)?

Ally replies: Oh, wow, it would probably depend on whose vampires and werewolves showed up! There are many variations among the different writers. If my vampires showed up along with Ari and Andreas, I don't think I'd be too worried. I'd just write them into submission! :) If they were like Bram Stoker's Dracula, I'd run for the hills.

InterstTeen asks:  Book Two is released in December. Will this one be the last book, and if not how any do you envisage?

Ally replies: The story arc for the series is currently written for seven. I have number four ready for submission to my editor later this month and have already started on number five. We'll begin edits in early 2013 on number three for a release in the Spring.

InterstTeen asks: Is there anything else you want to tell the readers? Tips on writing, being good to your parents, animal rescue, absolutely anything you want to contribute is welcomed.

Ally replies: I think I'll stick to writing, since it's a safer subject than many, and I have a super easy tip! Writing is like anything else in life, it is based on your total experiences. So my tip is - make the most of every day, beginning now. Absorb ideas, experience other points of view, listen to what others have to say, study the people and places around you. The more you understand your world, the more you'll excel in your writing or any other career you choose.

InterestTeen says: Thanks so much for sharing your story.
 

Ally replies: Thanks so much for having me! It's been awesome.

You can follow the Guardian Witch series and Ally shields here:

http://allyshields.com

http://twitter.com/ShieldsAlly

http://facebook.com/AllyShieldsAuthor

Reader Girls Blog: Feedback Blog Tour: excerpt

Thank you to the Reader Girls, Laurie, Caitlin and Meg for taking the time to feature Feedback. I hope you girls get a chance to read it one day.
Best wishes
D L Richardson xoxo


Reader Girls Blog: Feedback Blog Tour: excerpt: Title: Feedback Author: D L Richardson Genre: YA Paranormal Publisher: Etopia Press Ebook Words: 65,000 Release Dat...

Things teens should know about a career in graphic design

 

Today we explore the world of graphic design through the eyes of Irish artist Eithne Ni Anluain.
 
Firstly, what is a graphic designer? A graphic designer is a creative individual who combines technical knowledge and artistic talent to meet the needs of clients. Just like there are many forms of writing - fiction, travel articles, training manuals, there are also many branches of graphic design, such as book covers, magazine ads, video games.
 
Graphic designer Eithne Ni Anluain has this to say of the different branches. "I think in today's industry there is a graphic design for just about everything, from tea bags to creating matte paintings for movies. There are just so many to name. Everything we see advertised is a form of graphic design, even in a weird way what we wear is a form of design. Fashion designers draw their new collections then they are made, so it all begins with a scrawled concept on a piece of paper. Book covers are exactly the same, we 'scrawl'  2-3 concepts and let the client choose." 

Training towards a career in graphic design can begin in high school, with the student completing courses in art and design. In college there are formal qualifications the student can undertake. But just as there are many novel writers who undertake no formal training whatsoever, there are graphic designers who are also self taught.

Eithne is self taught so the process from leaving school to now was different to her. "I have honestly no idea where students can go straight after school. I'm self taught coming from a science background into a world completely foreign. From reading and talking to people if you do a course and get your B.Arts then you do have 'some' advantage over self taught people. However I'm saying this very warily because in my opinion it's the work and the portfolio that gets the job. You could have degrees coming out your ears, but still are not able to follow art direction. It really depends on what you want to do. If you want to do game art straight out of school and want to work for Massive Black then your portfolio has to be outstanding. If you eventually want to work for Massive Black then looking for a internship in smaller companies while you work on your portfolio is the way to go. Not all of us make it straight away and there's a lot of hard work to be done."


When asked how many years should a school leaver should spend before being qualified as a graphic artist, Eithne has this to say.
"It depends on the course you do. In Ireland and the UK it's 3 - 4  years if you do a basic art degree with a specification. Most then branch into different categories and specialize more. The benefit of a college is the lecturers usually have contacts that can get you in quicker."

Writers also come in the employed and self employed varieties. Employed writers might work in newspapers and magazines, work in organizations writing training manuals, so for anyone wanting to enter this area they might be wondering if there is better opportunity for freelance or employed graphic artists.
Eithne Ni Anluain says, "Freelance simply means you work for yourself and not a company. Is it better? Depends on who you talk to. A artist may hate working for their company and dream of freelance work where they can pick and choose. Whereas a freelance artist might crave the solid paycheck a company provides and less hassle. Opportunities differ in the same way. You just have to make sure all your online portfolios and networking sites are up to date and are ready for a adventure!"


Writers need to be people watchers. They need to be able to describe how a person walks, how they scratch their nose. They also (whether they admit it or not) keep a close eye on what other writers are doing. Designers do this to an extent as well.

"To be honest," Eithne says, "I just worry about myself and making sure I'm doing the best I can. Worrying or looking at what others do can give you doubts and make you question yourself and lowers your self esteem. 'Oh look XYZ got a contract for Orion UK' and youre eating beans on toast because you can't afford anything'. It can be a bit deflating alright. But a thick skin is wonder bar! Now I will clarify I do look at what others do to keep on trend, do I want to copy it? No! I want to do better.

The most famous person Eithne has ever done work for?

"Its hard to tell who's the most famous as they are all in the same bracket! Deborah Cooke, Nalini Singh, Marjorie M Liu, Lara Adrian…would just LOVE to do covers for Maria M Snyder or any of the big fantasy writers like Ian M Banks, Raymond E Fiest, Robin Hobb…..I could go on and on! Just so many and so little time!


Recommended reading is the Muddy Colors blog : http://muddycolors.blogspot.ie/2011/05/life-after-art-school-five-years-to.htmlIt is well worth a read.

Eithne Ni Anluain's portfolio can be viewed on her website www.nianluain.com

Her social media links are:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nianluain

Twitter https://twitter.com/Ni_Anluain

She has a blog at http://nianluain.blogspot.ie/

Join the December blog hop

 

December 8 - Allison's Nook

December 9- Peace, Love, Books

December 10- Steve Emmett

December 11- Tamara's One Stop Indie Shop

December 12- Jessica Bradshaw

December 13- YA Book Addict

December 14- Delphina Reads Too Much

December 15- Just Me, Myself, and I

December 16- Ever and Ever Sight

December 17- Tammy's Tea Time

December 18- Jenna Roads

December 19- A Little Bit Of R&R

December 20- Books, Brownies, and Brownies

December 21- Jean Booknerd

December 22- The Library At The End Of The Universe

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Some Random Things About Graphic Design
1. Claude Garamond, publisher and legendary type designer responsible for designing the letterforms that led to some of the most widely used typefaces throughout history, died in poverty at age eighty-one.
2. The Michelin man has a name, Monsieur Bibendum. He’s also a century old.
3. The Nike swoosh was designed by Carolyn Davidson in 1971, while she was a student at Portland State University. She was paid $35.
4. Woody Allen uses the same typeface in the titles and credits of nearly all of his movies. The typeface is Windsor.
5. Peretz Rosenbaum is one of the most influential graphic designers of the 20th century. He is responsible for the IBM logo, the old and arguably most recognizable UPS logo, the Westinghouse logo, and many other design icons. You know him as Paul Rand.
6. According to Salary.com, the median salary for a graphic designer in the United States is $45,704.
7. The worlds first website (as we know them today) was launched in 1992. You can still visit the URL here.
8. What we now call sans-serif typefaces were once known by a number of names: Egyptian, Antique, Grotesque, Doric, Heiti, Lineale, and Simplices. I think sans-serif works just fine, thank you.
9. Georgia, another typeface designed by Matthew Carter, is named after a tabloid headline which reads “Alien heads found in Georgia.”
10. The Coca-Cola logo was made using a style of hand lettering called Spencerian Script.
11. The Great Seal of the United States was designed in the 1770’s by the then secretary of congress, Charles Thomson.
12. The Red Cross is known as The Red Crescent in Muslim countries. Its logo also changes from a cross to a crescent.
13. Facebook uses a modified version of the typeface Klavika for its logo.

5 Things Teens Should Know About Getting A Job

5 Things Teens Should Know About Getting A Job

There are many things teen should know about getting job. Sometimes applying and interviewing for jobs is all about the experience. But here are just a few of the key points that might set you apart from the other applicants.

1. Applying for a job

The first thing to remember is to follow any instructions you’ve been given. If the ad asks you to email, then email. If it asks you to submit a covering letter explaining why you think you’re the best person for the job, then send a covering letter. Not following these instructions is the first step in what is called the 'culling process'. You will be completing against other applicants who have followed the rules.

If the ad doesn’t state the salary, you can always call the contact person and ask them what the salary range/hourly rate is so you can get an idea of whether this is a role that requires a high level of skills and experience or not. Generally, the higher the pay the more experience you need. If this is your first job, then you may be doing this for the practice only. But it's great practice. Writing applications takes time and effort and the more you write, the better you get at it.

2. The résumé or CV

Attention to detail is important, not just in the spelling and grammar but also in your employment history section. You should be specific with dates e.g. Jun 2012 to Dec 2012 or 06/03/2012 - 12/10/2012. A prospective employer is looking to see how long you typically spend in jobs or volunteer positions. You should also clarify that the role was part time,  or fixed term over the summer break, or every Saturday.

You should also tailor your résumé to suit the job. It shouldn’t be up to the recruiting person to sift through your résumé to find what they’re looking for, make it known.

UPDATE: Forgot to add one very important step in the process. If your email address is something like cutesypieflamencodancer@whatever it is a good idea to create a separate firstnamelastname@whatever email address so you look professional. And over the next few weeks you should always answer your phone with a bright and cheerful "Hello this is 'first name' speaking" instead of your usual "Yeah?".

3. The follow up call

It’s okay to follow up on an application if you haven’t heard from the company after about a week. Remember that the company may have multiple recruitments and limited staff to sort through the applications. Always be polite. Never demand that they get back to by a certain date.

Don’t even bother explaining why you need to know – your potential employer does not need to hear that your grandmother is dying and you need to know if you will need to attend her funeral. Just make your inquiry, thank the recruiter, and say goodbye.

4. The interview

If you make it through the shortlisting process and get you interview, take heart that this is stressful for everybody. You can get through this by being prepared. Have a read through the company's website. If you know someone who already works there, make polite enquiries about the culture of the organization to make sure it suits you. By culture, I mean, does the organization expect their employees to work long hours. Do they dislike spending money and time on training their employees. Do they fire people after a few months. That sort of thing.

If you don't know someone who works there, do not approach anyone and ask random questions, especially not to the receptionist. Many recruiters will ask the receptionist immediatey after an interview how that person acted at the front desk. Many a job has been lsst because an applicant was rude to the receptionist. Likewise, if you try a little espionage it will probably backfire when the receptionist complains that someone is stalking them. Just check on Google for any negative or positive feedback about that organization.

It’s okay to be nervous. Only those people who attend dozens of interviews are able to hide their nervousness. If you like, get someone to ask you a few questions and practice answering.

Sometimes they might ask trick questions, so answer all questions as honestly and as best as you can. The interviewer should tell you what their next steps are, but if they don’t, prompt them by asking how long do they think it will be till they make their decision.

Remember that sometimes it’s okay not to get the job but to get the experience at interviewing techniques. 

5. The follow up call

There is none. You will either get a call or you won’t. Constantly calling the recruiter will not help your case.

More on the interview…

The outfit

If you can, you should try to mimic what current employees at the organisation are wearing. If it’s an office job, wear office clothes. If it’s a job in a retail store, look at what they’re wearing. Even if you’re applying for a job at a mechanics or a mining facility, ensure that your clothes are free of holes and tears and stains. By checking out the company's webiste you can get an idea of what the employees wear. Or, if you can, casually walk by the location at opening and closing times. 

Typical interview questions

There are a number of typical behavioural questions asked at interviews, the reason for this is that past behaviour predicts future behaviour. The employer doesn’t want to know what you might do in a situation, they want to know what you did in a situation.

"Can you tell me about a time you have to deal with conflict?" This is usually asked for frontline roles, such as sales people. The employer doesn’t want to hear that you told the customer to get lost. They want to hear that you empathised with the customer, explained that you were bound by store policy, offered to bring this to the manager’s attention, or offered something that provided a win/win result.

"Can you tell me about a time when you disagreed with your manager?" This is usually asked in a role that has a certain amount of autonomy or free thinking. the reason this is asked is because the employer wants to know how you handle a difference of opinion. They don’t want to hear that a manager asked you to do something and you disagreed and filed a bullying and harassment case against them. They want to hear that a manager asked you to do a task and you felt there was a better way to do this, so you explained your way and asked for the chance to prove yourself and if it didn’t work you’d do it their way.

"Can you tell me about yourself?" The employer wants to hear about your work career, not your personal interests. Keep it relevant to the role you are interviewing for, explain how your career has led you to believing you are the most suitableperson for this role.

Tips for interview questions. Think to the recent past. Unless the interviewer specficlaly asks you to tell them what you might do in a certain situation, always tell them what you have done. 

What to avoid

Bitching about a former boss – never say anything bad, it only looks bad on you as the interviewer will be thinking “gee, I wonder what they’ll say about me at their next interview.”

Slouching, chewing gum, scratching itches, sniffing – think of the interview as the first time you’re meeting a set of strict parents. Back straight, knees together, smile, smile, smile.

Swearing – obviously a big no-no.

Asking about the salary/hourly rate – If the salary range is not in the ad, then a true professional asks when they make their application. If you don’t know the salary/hourly rate by interview stage, you may be in for a letdown or a lengthy negotiation process that you might not have the skills for.

If you have any tips that I've forgotten about please post them in the comments section.

I LOVE COMMENTS!!
 
D L Richardson is the author of YA fiction novels "Feedback" and "The Bird With The Broken Wïng". She also works part time in human resources.

 
Read more at her Website:   
www.dlrichardson.com

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Follow via Twitter at:    
http://twitter.com/#!/DLRichardson1

Check out what readers think on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12...

Santa Please Stop Here

It seems that the wish list for Christmas gifts this year is filled with things that gotta be digital, gotta be interactive, and gotta be technological.

Let's look at some of the most popular gift ideas that teens are asking their parents for this Christmas.

 

 

Rachel Flesher (mother) says: "Depends on the teen. My fourteen year old wants a PSVita, video games, anime. Gadgets so to speak."

PSVita

Comes with inbuilt internet which allows you access anytime, as well as keeps you connected to your network and Facebook friends.

Team this gift request up with:

Games  - most popular is Spy Hunter. Turn your PS Vita into a secret agent's most valuable weapon.

 

Video Games

There are too many to list and to choose from. Game trailer is a good place to check out the latest and greatest  http://www.gametrailers.com/

Team this gift request up with:

Munchies - hang that stocking and hope it gets filled with all your faves. As long as it's only once a year you spoil yourself, that is. And invite your friends so you can share the sugar.

 

Anime

The popularity of Asian cartoons increases every year. AnimCrazy is a site where you can download movies http://www.animecrazy.net. Watch Anime shows, Anime episodes, and Anime movies all for free. Our favourite Anime cartoon is Sailor Moon.

 

Team this gift request up with:

Headphones so you don't drive everyone crazy when you sing the theme songs.

 

Gloria Santos (Mother of 4) says "Most interactive electronic devices. Mobile phone, camera, game consoles."

 

Digital camera

Teens still want to take their own photos. And its a great time to capture your life. They're as cheap or as expensive as you want them to be. Some take good video footage, some are better for handling sporting activities, some are water resistant. There are hundreds to choose from and you can buy them anywhere.

 

Team this gift request up with:

Cool carry case - something that will protect the camera and your photos.

Printer - some printers can print photos straight from the camera's memory card.

 

Tracey Swat (mother) says "Beat headphones in my house."

 

Beats headphones

Called Beats because they're made to a take a beating, they're cool, they're colorful, they're almost impossible to break, they can switch easily between songs and phone calls, and the Beats Solo HD headphones are the only Beats by Dr. Dre that come with not one, but two speakers inside each can.

Team this gift request up with:

Clothes - you'll want new threads if you're listening to the cool tones Dr Dre intended your ear to hear

 

Courtney Grace (13 years old) says "Mum made a list so we could give her ideas.... Mine is half the page long... But hey mum shouldn't leave all these toy & electronic magazines out!!

 

The latest phone

Doesn't matter if the cell or mobile phone you have isn't broken, you want a new one anyway. It seems like its a secret rule that manufacturing companies are privvy to because they're never shy on banging out the latest, the greatest, the whizz-bangiest models.

Team this gift request up with:

Instagram - this software device allows photos to instantly upload to Facebook, etc.

Cool carry case - you can buy covers to protect the phone but if you're the type who throws everything into a gym bag, you might want to ask for a soft cover, like the ones they have for digital cameras.

The Magic of Making Up

People meet people every minute of every day. And most people make an effort to get along with the people they meet every day. Sharing our lives with others is what makes us human, as relationships are a fundamental building block of society. That is why everyone needs to understand the magic of making up. Good times and bad times are part of home life and a social life. Without relationships there would be minimal human interaction, less trade of goods, and far less opportunities for human development all round.

Two reasons why people spend effort and time on relationships are emotional and practical. Humans need each other. So when a relationship starts to break, it is important that it be mended. Many movies, books, and songs are written about the good times and bad times. Anyone on the precipice of a bad time might be consumed with thoughts of the good times. They might wonder where they went. They might long for things to be the way they were. All relationships take effort to build, and it takes effort to also mend.

People might consider why they connected in the first place, and think about what they might lose if they do nothing to reconnect. Couples provide love, companionship, support. However, they are not the only relationships. People interact with other people everywhere, at school, at the office, at the supermarket.
 
Too often the emphasis is placed on treating people we meet casually over the people we love the most. It is always a good idea to talk. And while talking is part of human nature as much as forming relationships is, talking to the wrong people can lead to further cracks in the relationship. Releasing frustration is one thing. Listening to bad advice from the bitter lady who loves to gossip is something that should be avoided. Making up with a loved one is a great opportunity to recreate those first moments together. This could be a great chance to go out to a fancy restaurant or go away for that special weekend.

Chances are the foundations were starting to crumble at home, so by taking the making up session away from the home, the discussions remain on neutral territory. This applies to any relationship. Discussions with a friend or family should be done where neither party has the upper hand. Magic happens but only when it is created. Magicians carry their secrets around for when they need to perform on the spur of the moment.