Penguin Teen Spring 2013 Preview by Gayle Forman

These authors will talk about the influences that each of their main characters tap into – and then talk about what influences them as writers when they shape these characters.ģ:40-4:20 – Born This Way: Nature, Nurture, and Paranormalcyĭescription: Paranormal and supernatural fiction for teens constantly wrestles with issues of identity and the origin of identity.

Focusing particularly, but not exclusively, on LGBTQ characters and their depiction, we’ll discuss the complexities about writing about such a complex experience.ĭescription: Each debut author will share a five-minute reading from her or his workĢ:40-3:30 – Under Many Influences: Shaping Identity When You’re a Teen Girlĭescription: Being a teen girl is to be under many influences – friends, parents, siblings, teachers, favorite bands, favorite boys, favorite web sites. Saturday March 23, Symposium (42nd Street NYPL, Bergen Forum, 2nd Floor, 1-5)ġ:10-2:10 – Defying Description: Tackling the Many Facets of Identity in YAĭescription: As YA literature evolves, there is more of an acknowledgment of the many facets that go into a teenager’s identity, and even categories that once seemed absolute now have more nuance. How do each strategies help in telling story and developing character? Is one easier than the other? Is the stepping off point always reality, or can it sometimes be another fictional world?įriday March 22, Barnes & Noble Reader’s Theater/Signing (Union Square B&N, 33 E 17th St, 7-8:30) We’ll discuss the decision to either connect the world of a book to our world, or to take it out of the historical context of our world. Imaginary Worldĭescription: Of these authors, some have written stories involving alternate or parallel versions of our world, some have made up imaginary worlds for their characters, and still others have written books that do each. Will include brief readings illuminating these choices.ĭescription: A Conversation About Playing with 19th Century Archetypes in the 21st CenturyĤ:40-5:30: Alternate World vs. We’ll talk about following these characters as they make these choices – both good and bad.

And sometimes it doesn’t feel like a choice at all, but rather a reaction. Sometimes this is because of a secret revealed. Sometimes this is because of a bad choice. Description: Not to be too mysterious, but I will email these authors separately about what I’m thinking for this.ģ:00-4:00: Taking a Turn: YA Characters Dealing with Bad and Unexpected Choicesĭescription: In each of these authors’ novels, the main character’s life takes an unexpected twist.

Penguin Teen Spring 2013 Preview by Gayle Forman