First, have a clear and engaging concept. Think of an interesting idea that can be developed within the short story format. For example, a unique character with a strange quirk or a situation that is both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. Second, focus on the language. Use vivid and precise words. Don't over - complicate but also avoid being too simplistic. Third, create a strong structure. Have a beginning that hooks the reader, a middle that builds tension or develops the plot, and an end that satisfies or surprises.
Well, it's not that straightforward. YA books usually deal with the challenges and emotions of young people. Science fiction, on the other hand, emphasizes technological or scientific speculation. Check if your story leans more towards one of these aspects to classify it.
First, you need to carefully read the rules and requirements of the specific contest. For example, some contests may require your manuscript to be in a certain format or within a specific word count. Then, prepare your best fiction manuscript. Make sure it's polished and free of major errors. After that, submit it according to the instructions provided on the contest's official website.
Well, it's hard to give an exact number. Young adult fiction can be really short, like 40,000 words or extremely long. But if you look at most of the books on the bestseller lists in this category, they usually fall between 55,000 and 90,000 words. This allows for enough character development, plot twists, and a satisfying ending without being too overwhelming for the young adult readers.
Many Christian young adult book fictions incorporate biblical references or allusions. This could be as simple as a character quoting a Bible verse during a difficult time or the overall plot being based on a story from the Bible. The books also tend to promote positive values such as honesty, humility, and respect. They often create a world where these values are rewarded and the opposite is shown as negative. The stories usually have a sense of purpose and a message that encourages young adults to live a life in line with Christian principles.
The 'Harry Potter' series is a great choice. It has a richly imagined magical world filled with interesting characters like Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The story follows Harry's journey as he discovers his true identity and battles against the dark wizard Voldemort. It's not only about magic but also friendship, courage, and growing up.
Another characteristic is the exploration of higher truths or ideals. These books encourage young readers to look beyond the material world and consider things like love, justice, and the meaning of life. They might present a utopian or dystopian view of society to make the readers think about how to make the world a better place, which is related to transcendentalist thinking about the potential of the human spirit to rise above the ordinary.
One great young adult realistic fiction book is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. It tells the story of Hazel and Gus, two teenagers with cancer who fall in love. It's a beautifully written book that deals with heavy themes like illness and mortality in a way that is both poignant and relatable for young adults.