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Discussion with Janci Patterson on Crafting Young Adult Literature

I decided to re-share an insightful interview with Janci Patterson, a multi-faceted author residing in Utah, for its wealth of valuable information. Patterson was invited back to discuss...

Discussing Young Adult Literature with Janci Patterson: An Exclusive Conversation
Discussing Young Adult Literature with Janci Patterson: An Exclusive Conversation

Discussion with Janci Patterson on Crafting Young Adult Literature

Janci Patterson, a hybrid author based out of Utah, has made a name for herself in the Young Adult (YA) market. With a career that took off in 2012 with her first book, Chasing the Skip, she has since published most of her work in the YA genre.

Patterson is known for her collaborations with Brandon Sanderson and her ability to engage meaningfully with her audience. Her latest YA novel, "Giftchild", was recently launched, and it tells the story of sixteen-year-old Penny, whose mother loses another baby. In an attempt to give her mother a child, Penny believes she must get pregnant herself.

Patterson offers valuable advice for aspiring YA writers. She encourages writers to be critical of what they read, especially the good stuff, and to study successful authors to learn. She also emphasizes the importance of revision as a separate skill from drafting.

One piece of advice that stands out is to avoid having characters that are too whiny. Patterson suggests that writers should strive to create characters that are relatable yet strong.

Networking within the industry is another crucial aspect that Patterson advocates for. She was selected to be a guest speaker for Brandon Sanderson's writing course at Brigham Young University, which speaks volumes about her connections in the industry.

Patterson also advises writers to find critical readers for their work and to listen to their feedback. She encourages writers to submit their work to the best markets and agents, as defined by their own personal standards.

When she's not writing, Patterson is the business manager for her husband's company. Her Twitter feed can also be found online, providing insights into her life and work.

For those interested in learning more about Patterson and her work, her website is available for readers to visit. Despite the lack of specific insights on the common behaviors of successful young adult writers according to Patterson, her professionalism, dedication to craft, and ability to engage meaningfully with her audience are evident.

[1] [4] (Links to sources omitted for brevity)

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