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Young Adult

Dispatches from Hogwarts G.S.A.: Hello QSFers!

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When Scott posted an open invitation to write a column for QSF, I thought: “Cool opportunity!” Then I thought, “What the hell am I going to call it?” That question followed me around for a while like a storm cloud, sending me hiding for cover, too filled with angst to even try to tackle a response. I mean, A: I’m an author, so whatever I called this column had to be clever and good. And B: QSF is a site for sci fi and fantasy fans and writers, so the expectation for cleverness is especially high. Then, C: Whatever I … Read more

Announcement: Shadow & Light, by Sandra C. Stixrude

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Shadow and Light

QSFer Sandra C. Stixrude has a new sci fi book out: When things begin to go wrong, they have a habit of going spectacularly wrong, Lord Telluris Marat discovers. Robbed of his visions and his ability to prophesy, he still has his will to fight and his ability to command an army. But the enemy he faces now commands weapons that rival his worst nightmares. Emily struggles with her own visions, and finds herself caught between worlds. Jake Montagna, the president of the interplanetary mining company, has gone off the deep end and will stop at nothing to get what … Read more

For Readers: Who Decides It’s YA?

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Gay YA

Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Richard Wood: Who makes the decision whether a LGBT book or story is YA suitable or not? Is it the author or the publisher and do different publishers have different standards of what is suitable as far as depictions of sex in a LGBT YA rated story? It’s a good question. For instance, I’ve often heard that works with fade-to-black sex scenes… you know: “Christian took Skylar by the hand with a wicked grin. He pulled him down onto the bed as the door slowly closed behind them…” …are “suitable” for YA because there’s … Read more

For Readers: YA Fiction for Girls

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Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Angel Martinez: Are we seeing the things we need to see? Recommendations and how spec fic can help. MM seems to be the dominant force in the LGBTIQA fiction market these days. But for young girls, especially girls who like girls, we ought to be encouraging more YA fiction. So what’s out there now that’s good in YA FF speculative fiction? And what would we like to see more of? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join … Read more

“A Little Bit Langston” by Andrew Demcak

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Genre: Gay YA Science Fiction Length: Novel   James has a pretty boring life. Sure, his mom is nuts, and also sort of interesting, but that’s par for the course for adults, who all seem a bit off. He’s in high school, but he still has problems with reading, and his best friend, Paul, seems to have a few problems as well. But people pretty much leave them alone, and all in all, he has nothing to worry about—just the average life of an average teenager. Until one day when he blacks out, and wakes up to find he’s written … Read more

Announcement: A Little Bit Langston, by Andrew Demcak

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A Little Bit Langston

QSFer Andrew Demcak has a new paranormal book out: Being different can be dangerous, and discovery can be deadly. High school freshman James Kerr is finding out he’s not quite like his classmates. Around the time he realizes he’s attracted to his best friend, Paul Schmitz, James starts channeling a dead writer’s poetry and also discovers he has an ability to manipulate energy—a super power. Before James can figure out why this is happening to him, tragedy strikes in the form of Paul’s abusive father, and James is sent to a government-run school, The Paragon Academy, which specializes in juvenile … Read more

Guest Post: Cheryl Headford, Author of Hostage

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Hostage

We’re thrilled today to have a guest post from Cheryl Headford, the author of the new book Hostage: Anger is one of those things that both tear down and build up. Righteous anger can be the spur we need to get off our arses and DO something, while simmering cold anger can poison us and make us do things we never thought we would stoop to. Both kinds of anger appear in Hostage. Rowan’s anger is his driving force. It has lodged itself deep in his heart and colours everything he thinks and does. In particular it dominates his relationship … Read more

Article: one YA writer’s response to fan who complains about gay characters

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Article: one YA writer’s response to fan who complains about gay characters In an open letter titled “Dear Guy Who Is Mad Because I Wrote A Gay Character In A Book,” Wendig attacks every angle of the homophobic argument, starting with, “I suppose the more pleasing alternative to you would be for the characters to suffer in loveless abandonment,” and, “why weren’t you mad that [another] character’s straightness didn’t matter and affect the story?” See full article here

YA in Speculative Fiction

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Gay YA

Today’s topic comes from QSFer Anastasia Vitsky: “Could we have a day devoted to YA?” I think it’s a great idea. While I haven’t written any yet myself, there’s a market for it. So here are my questions today – do you write or read LGBT YA sci fi, fantasy or paranormal books? If you’re an author in this genre, how have they been received? What sells and what doesn’t? Is it difficult navigating the line between what’s acceptable and what’s not in YA? And as a reader, what are some of the stand-out books you’ve read?

Announcement: Eve the Soul Reaper, by Leonard Cliffton

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QSFer Leonard Clifton has a new YA fantasy novel out: Raven the mysterious Fairy Warrior comes to the small town of Wonderwood to warn Eve Summers and the handsome new guy in town named Adam Winters of a sinister evil conspiring to rule the World. The teenagers discover they’ve lived a past life together fighting Grim Reapers that has resurfaced in search of a powerful scythe that takes souls, which will give Eve the power to restore souls. Raven and trusted allies train Adam and Eve to fight their fear of losing everyone they love by the Grim Reapers creating … Read more