Should young adult books explore difficult issues?

To read or not to read

After reading an article about young adult books I thought I would share my own opinion. I write young adult books. Not because I want to, its more that's the characters I find relatable in my style of writing. There have been times in my own writing where I wondered if my work was even considered YA. I really had to research other people's books to see if Ink for example fell into that genre given its content. And my conclusion is yes, it does. Do I think people under 16 should read Ink? Well, if it were my kids no, I have been told 16 is the appropriate age for this kind of story, but I am going to go as far as to say 18. When your 18 your considered an adult, you can read what you want then.

To me, young adult is a story with a young adult, a kid in school dealing with life issues for example. And life issues aren't all rosy and squeaky clean. And those out there who act so shocked by some content in these books really need to take a step back and see that its not just teens dying to get their hand on YA books, adults over 20 and 30 and beyond read these books.

I think its good to address difficult issues in these books. If that's what you want to write about as an author go for it. If someone doesn't want to read it because its to much then its simple--don't read it.

Books are for enjoyment and I believe some people think to far into things. Nobody forces you to read a book, its your right.

As long as the book gives a fair warning of what is inside, difficult issues can be discussed, heck, someone might learn something. There is always going to be some idiot out there trying to convey the wrong message, but its our job as parents and as humans to steer clear of this.

Are you pinterested?

So I jumped on the bandwagon and joined this highly addicted site called, Pinterest. It might be the coolest thing I have seen in a long time. I tried diligently to get Brandi on board, but sadly she is unable to navigate the site to join me.
Pinterest is basically a mixture of facebook and twitter minus the annoying whiners and people always talking about something ridiculous nonstop.
On Pinterest you can find recipes for just about anything. (cookie dough dip even!) You can find cool crafts for your home, or clothes for yourself amongst a bazillion other things.
The cool thing about the site is the bulletin boards you get to create and save all your finds on. I have mine in cute little categories such as: Food, music, TV, music, quotes, favorite people etc. I love it and usually add a dozen new finds to it every day.
I have discovered new recipes, which I love because I get tired of cooking the same ol' same ol' all the time.
I really think its the next big thing. Anyone interested in joining click the pinterest links dotted all over this blog. Or better yet shoot me your email and I will send you an invite!

Happy pinteresting!!

whirlwind of thoughts

I figured I would spew forth some of my thoughts before bed. I have a lot on my mind, such as growing older. Its my birthday, and I really don't have any feelings on it. I'm now 28, I don't feel any different really. No gray hairs or wrinkles yet, so thats good. I guess I can say I am wiser, in all the years your lucky enough to still be alive its best to grow smarter, I mean what else is the point in living if you just get even more stupid?
I was also thinking about writing and why when I want to write is when I am not able to. And then the other times when I could I just don't feel like it. Its a really strange thing. I told the hubs the other day I wish a book could be written in like five minutes because this new one is complete in my mind, now its just a matter of purging it all onto paper.
Also today, I came up with an idea for another WINGLESS, yeah I said it. I think its a beautiful idea and a way to start fresh. I wonder what the readers will think.
My new book is coming along, need to bounce it off of my best friend like I always do to get her thoughts on it. This is what I always do, my process. I write and send her chapters,she reads and we sort of gossip like school girls at lunch about the characters. I guess my aim for this story is another romance but with fresh new characters and this new idea, the idea involves music and tattoos. And I do believe it holds a twist like Wingless that makes it very original.
I started two new books today, and I'm sure anyone who reads my blogs can tell how scattered I am. But yes I started two new books today, Fallen by Lauren Kate. And so far its slow, that doesnt mean I don't like it. But so far kind of has me feeling a bit depressed and dark. That could be because of today really. I sometimes am really bothered when I hear about celebs dying. ( I don't know why) maybe cuz any death scareds the bejeezus out of me. But really its just a sad reality that people can die, and people die when they least expect it. And then I feel horrible thinking about how the people who were close to them feel, and my brain shoves me into this place where I sit and think and try to feel what they are feeling, I'm sure that is why I am a writer haha.
I also started reading Jenny Pox and I actually like it, its gritty and sad. And I love how its kind of raunchy in a good way. So far I am pleased, but poor Jenny.
And as my addiction for music grows larger I am on the prowl for more music. Music is such an obsession I crave it, I literally feel sick almost when I don't hear it each day of my life, I wonder if that is normal. If not I dont care, music makes me feel good, its soothing, it balances my brain, my thoughts, my everything.
And lastly I am working on a new goal: Extreme Couponing!!! I am super excited. I am going to try and do what they do on tv, its almost like a game to see how much I can save. I recently discovered the show, and Nate Berkus had some of the coupon ladies on today and it just really propelled me into the idea. I want to try, I really want to see if I can do it. If anything it should prove interesting.
Alright seeing now that I am 28 I know old people arent suppose to stay up late. So I must get some rest so I don't break a hip tomorrow haha

And the winner is...

I have done a lot of thinking on purchasing an ereader, I was really heading toward the Nook Color, and honestly if it wasn't for my husband pointing out a lot of things I probably would have bought one. I think ereaders are awesome, after adding all my own books to them I have made sure to learn as much as I could about them, I had kindle on my Pc and my Android Tablet, I was always impressed, but something about the Nook Color was calling out to me. And the crazy part is the Kindle has had so many amazing reviews, I honestly don't think I have heard a bad comment about a kindle. The Nook I've heard a lot.
So I went for the Kindle, and I am super pleased with it, I love how easy it is to operate, I love the eink, I almost didnt believe it was a real screen , it looks just like paper. I am a proud Kindle owner! I already have 15 books on mine ready to read, and am busily finishing up Eternal Eden, if only I had more time with my kindle. Ooh and I even bought a really cool skin for it, butterflies and skulls, hot pink and black! I think ereaders are the most amazing thing, and I know I will be reading so much more now!! So yes I am very happy with my choice, Kindle's rock!!!!