
Today, I am honored to have the author of Anais Butt - Kate Welshman - right here guest posting on the blog.
Crazy for YA: Why do adults read young adult fiction?
by Kate Welshman, author of ‘Anais Butt and the Hairy-Handed Gent’
I know why I write YA fiction. No, it’s not because I’m regressing or trying to prolong my adolescence by focusing
on teenagers. I wouldn’t want to go back to being a teenager if I
could. It was hard. And I don’t think many adult YA readers would turn
back the clock either. So why read a book that’s written for and about
teenagers?
This morning I did some research (clue: Google) on the subject and discovered a relevant discussion thread on Goodreads. The reasons for people in their 20s, 30s and upwards
still opening YA books were varied. One woman wanted to read together
with her teenage daughter and discuss the issues raised in the books. Another woman said that YA lacks the pretentiousness of adult genres. and is more creative and original.
A man said he liked the diversity of YA, the fact that it can be edgy
or sweet – the author can write the way they like. Another woman said
that she finds adult books boring compared with YA literature, and that books for teens keep her in a youthful frame of mind. A few people said that the characters of YA books aren’t jaded yet, and that’s refreshing. There was also a strong consensus that the stories in YA books are more interesting.
It took me a while to work out why I wanted to write the Anais Butt
series, the story of Little Red Riding Hood, but revamped for young
adults. It’s because it depicts sexual awakening, as well as other
coming-of-age events. It’s the attraction of the broad-backed Big Bad
Wolf, with his languid exterior, which only reveals glimpses of his
rampant sexuality. That’s what it’s about for me.
Young adult literature is transforming and transformative for reader and author alike. That’s my explanation for its burgeoning popularity and acceptance into mainstream adult literature, anyway. Do you have a better one?
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