Some YA Paranormal Romance Questions

Arianne · May 15, 2013

1) Do you prefer first or third person narrative in YA PR? I've just outlined my next WIP and the story will be told from the perspective of the girl. I've written the first chapter twice--once in first person and once again in third person, but honestly I don't know which I should go with. The girl is the socially awkward, straight-A student, kind of sarcastic and cynical, if that makes a difference.

2) I think the plotline as is is kind of cliche (basically, good girl goes out clubbing and meets a guy from what I suppose you would call the wrong side of the tracks, who isn't all he appears to be), the kind of thing that I've seen done maybe a million times before, but for some reason I think I'd like to try my hand at. But I mean, is that actually more okay than I think it is? I realize stories have to be original and refreshing (and I think the characters have hints of that), but aren't a lot of romance movies and books kind of "boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back and walks off into the sunset"?

3) what do we think about *ahem* graphic descriptions in YA paranormal romance? I find that I tend to quickly flip through those three-page sex scenes or three-page makeout sessions. I also find that sometimes prolonged descriptions of how good-looking and muscular and whatnot and whatnot the guy is sometimes annoy me with their repetitiveness. But I was curious as to whether any readers really like those scenes and descriptions? Or, if not, which scenes in bad-boy paranormal romances have you going awwww?

Becca C. · May 15, 2013

1) When POV works, we don't notice it. Honestly. What works, works. What doesn't work... sticks out in a bad way. If your character doesn't have *voice*, doesn't have a way of relating to the reader that's interesting and remarkable, go with third person. There's nothing wrong with third, but you can lose points from agents, editors, and readers if you have a boring, bland first person narrator.

2) I've also thought "Hey, I'd like to try my hand at this cliché at see if I can play with it." Try it out, but keep in mind it's going to have to have something unique going for it if you want to get published. Especially since it's PNR, which is definitely on a downswing right now. Subvert all those clichés! Make it something fresh and interesting!

3) Do whatever you want. Since it's a romance, obviously kissing scenes/makeout scenes are expected, but as far as your depiction of sex, everything sells. From fade-to-black to full-depiction, there's a place for all of it in YA. Personally, I like more detail, especially if it's a couple I care about who have real chemistry together. I want to know how it goes, and how it feels for them. That's basically the advice I'd give. Just don't let your reader down, whoever that reader is.

Kerosene · May 15, 2013

Arianne said:
1) Do you prefer first or third person narrative in YA PR? I've just outlined my next WIP and the story will be told from the perspective of the girl. I've written the first chapter twice--once in first person and once again in third person, but honestly I don't know which I should go with. The girl is the socially awkward, straight-A student, kind of sarcastic and cynical, if that makes a difference.

Typically, YA is written in first because it connects with the adolescent reader more--in theory. Oddly enough, a lot of YA readers are not YAs... but adults.

Choose whatever you like better. I've read good YA in both first and third with no downside for each.
IMO:
If you're able to set a strong voice for the first person narrator and you only have on persective--do that.
If you aren't, or you don't like first person and have a couple character perspectives, do third.

2) I think the plotline as is is kind of cliche (basically, good girl goes out clubbing and meets a guy from what I suppose you would call the wrong side of the tracks, who isn't all he appears to be), the kind of thing that I've seen done maybe a million times before, but for some reason I think I'd like to try my hand at. But I mean, is that actually more okay than I think it is? I realize stories have to be original and refreshing (and I think the characters have hints of that), but aren't a lot of romance movies and books kind of "boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back and walks off into the sunset"?

Even if the story is overused, what can you bring differently to the party? What sets yours apart? And either way, your story is always going to be different because you are writing it.

3) what do we think about *ahem* graphic descriptions in YA paranormal romance? I find that I tend to quickly flip through those three-page sex scenes or three-page makeout sessions. I also find that sometimes prolonged descriptions of how good-looking and muscular and whatnot and whatnot the guy is sometimes annoy me with their repetitiveness. But I was curious as to whether any readers really like those scenes and descriptions? Or, if not, which scenes in bad-boy paranormal romances have you going awwww?

A lot of YA is driven by sexual desires. But it's all up to you. You should not be writing for the reader, you should be writing for yourself. So, use yourself as a measuring tool and see how much you would prefer and write that.

TheDancingWriter · May 15, 2013

1) For POV, choose whatever fits your style best. Since I am an emotionally expressive writer, I often write in first person POV because I am all about feelings when it comes to my characters. I really delve into their psychological states, so third person wouldn't fit so well with that. So if you're more of a psychological writer, go with first.

2) My first book is a paranormal romance, but the reason my publisher is so excited about it is because it subverts every PNR cliché out there you can think of. It's unconventional, especially at the end. Throughout the book, the readers know things the protagonist doesn't, especially about her LI. If you're going to write using a cliché already in existence, I would suggest reading a lot of PNR to see how you can set yours apart. Frankly, I am burnt out on PNR. I didn't want my book to be a PNR, but at my own behest, I realized the ending wasn't going to be as effective if I didn't play up the romance. However, the rest of the books in the trilogy are not going to be PNR. So just see what you can bring to the table. Write it.

3) If you don't like the super-detailed scenes, you don't have to write them. You just have to make them work.

MrsBrommers · May 15, 2013

1). You write in the voice that feels most natural. I've written third person, first person, and first person-dual perspectives (which is A MURDER OF MAPGIES). I do think there's an intimacy in first person that brings the reader closer to the story, but third person can also be evocative. There's no right or wrong.

2.) Yes, there are cliches. You can break them, subvert them, or ignore them. You're the writer in control of how the story goes. If you're writing a romance then yeah, there needs to be conflict to keep the MC and LI apart or otherwise threaten their relationship. And not all romances have a happily ever after. Some are happy for now. Some end as tragedy or the couple deciding they can't be together. Those are all viable options.

3. How you handle the romantic scenes is entirely up to you. I'm not a writer that goes on and on about how hot the MC or LI is. You can demonstrate a character's attractiveness through action or words versus descriptions. For intimate scenes, again it's up to you. For example, my book has a sex scene. It's not pages and pages and focuses more on feelings and thoughts instead of what goes where. My MC is an emapth, so the emotions are what she's drawn to. If I were writing from her LI's POV, it would have come out differently. If you don't want to write it, don't. If you do, be sensible about it and write what works for the story. If you're not comfortable writing it, it will show.

wampuscat · May 15, 2013

What everyone has said, basically. It's all up to you. Execution is what makes a book, not POV, or even plot, or romantic scenes.

For POV, think about your plot. Are there scenes that your MC won't be present for or won't see? If so, maybe third is your best bet. Or do you want your reader to "ride along" with the MC? Go with first. Ultimately, what I choose it what the story seems to want to be told in, but knowing that it still might change. I just revised a full draft from first-person past to first-person present because I felt that it would build a closer relationship between the reader and MC and also fit well with the tension.

Good luck!

Arianne · May 15, 2013

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I've decided to go with first person for now, and see where it goes. I can always switch back to third if I need to, I guess.

Still a little worried on the cliche front, but hopefully it will work out as I write it.

wampuscat · May 15, 2013

Arianne said:
Thanks to everyone for their advice. I've decided to go with first person for now, and see where it goes. I can always switch back to third if I need to, I guess.

Still a little worried on the cliche front, but hopefully it will work out as I write it.

You could always ask here about what people think and whether it's too cliche and brainstorm some fresh spins. I think Sandbox is the best forum for that, but someone else might be able to say better than I.

thebird · May 15, 2013

1. For me, first person works best if the main character is likable and has a good voice. I can't slog through 300 pages being in an unlikable or boring narrator's head.

2. I really wouldn't worry about your storyline being overused, because, well, it is. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. I think there are some plot lines that are timeless, and forbidden love and/or guy from the wrong side of the tracks is one of them. (Makes me think of Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl"!)

Almost every paranormal YA I've read in the past two years has had the same premise: New guy suddenly appears in heroine's life, and he seems cold and callous and mysterious, but she is still mysteriously drawn to him, then is shocked to discover he's some sort of paranormal creature, etc, etc. And yet I still keep reading them, because each author has a different spin on it.

3. I like sex in all my romances, the more graphic the better!

But if that's not something you're comfortable with, or not something that fits well in your book, there's no problem leaving it out.

yellosharpie · May 29, 2013

Arianne said:
1) Do you prefer first or third person narrative in YA PR? I've just outlined my next WIP and the story will be told from the perspective of the girl. I've written the first chapter twice--once in first person and once again in third person, but honestly I don't know which I should go with. The girl is the socially awkward, straight-A student, kind of sarcastic and cynical, if that makes a difference.

2) I think the plotline as is is kind of cliche (basically, good girl goes out clubbing and meets a guy from what I suppose you would call the wrong side of the tracks, who isn't all he appears to be), the kind of thing that I've seen done maybe a million times before, but for some reason I think I'd like to try my hand at. But I mean, is that actually more okay than I think it is? I realize stories have to be original and refreshing (and I think the characters have hints of that), but aren't a lot of romance movies and books kind of "boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back and walks off into the sunset"?

3) what do we think about *ahem* graphic descriptions in YA paranormal romance? I find that I tend to quickly flip through those three-page sex scenes or three-page makeout sessions. I also find that sometimes prolonged descriptions of how good-looking and muscular and whatnot and whatnot the guy is sometimes annoy me with their repetitiveness. But I was curious as to whether any readers really like those scenes and descriptions? Or, if not, which scenes in bad-boy paranormal romances have you going awwww?

1. I think the best POV is the one the writer feels comfortable with. All POV's have their ups and their downs, do what feels right. When I read first person I want their thoughts to entertain and not feel flat. When in doubt, have someone read your work and give their opinion.

2.Romance is cliché. Period. But people love it because people love love, we all crave that feeling. There's nothing new about falling in love, what makes it work is the chemistry you create, the story, and the life your words breathe into the character. I love a good paranormal romance. I love YA romance even more and I haven't seen my YA years for a while. It brings back that nostalgia or lack thereof of falling in love for the first time. It lets those who haven't fallen in love live precariously through those that have. It's not the genre that matters, its the way you present it and the twist you put into it.

3 I'm the opposite. I sometimes find myself looking for the "graphic" scenes. If the characters have chemistry I want then to make it happen! If you get bored with the rippling muscles and flowing mane say something else. You've got more than sight and sex/make outs engage all of them. Talk about sounds, tastes, smells, touching, what's going on in their heads? Are they nervous? Excited? Show the audience why being in love is exciting and why we should care that they are kissing for the first time or why they wanted each other to begin with.

Violeta · May 30, 2013

yellosharpie said:
1. I think the best POV is the one the writer feels comfortable with. All POV's have their ups and their downs, do what feels right. When I read first person I want their thoughts to entertain and not feel flat. When in doubt, have someone read your work and give their opinion.

2.Romance is cliché. Period. But people love it because people love love, we all crave that feeling. There's nothing new about falling in love, what makes it work is the chemistry you create, the story, and the life your words breathe into the character. I love a good paranormal romance. I love YA romance even more and I haven't seen my YA years for a while. It brings back that nostalgia or lack thereof of falling in love for the first time. It lets those who haven't fallen in love live precariously through those that have. It's not the genre that matters, its the way you present it and the twist you put into it.

3 I'm the opposite. I sometimes find myself looking for the "graphic" scenes. If the characters have chemistry I want then to make it happen! If you get bored with the rippling muscles and flowing mane say something else. You've got more than sight and sex/make outs engage all of them. Talk about sounds, tastes, smells, touching, what's going on in their heads? Are they nervous? Excited? Show the audience why being in love is exciting and why we should care that they are kissing for the first time or why they wanted each other to begin with.

QFT

KSavoie · May 31, 2013

The first thing that stood out to me about what you said was the fact that you described her as socially awkward, yet she goes out clubbing. This already stands out to me as a problem. Why would a socially awkward, straight A student decide to go clubbing?

Renée A. Price · May 31, 2013

Arianne said:
1) Do you prefer first or third person narrative in YA PR? I've just outlined my next WIP and the story will be told from the perspective of the girl. I've written the first chapter twice--once in first person and once again in third person, but honestly I don't know which I should go with. The girl is the socially awkward, straight-A student, kind of sarcastic and cynical, if that makes a difference.

I would keep in mind thar your MC is kind of sarcastic and cynical and if that is well explored, it can lead to a great first person narrative.

Arianne said:
2) I think the plotline as is is kind of cliche (basically, good girl goes out clubbing and meets a guy from what I suppose you would call the wrong side of the tracks, who isn't all he appears to be), the kind of thing that I've seen done maybe a million times before, but for some reason I think I'd like to try my hand at. But I mean, is that actually more okay than I think it is? I realize stories have to be original and refreshing (and I think the characters have hints of that), but aren't a lot of romance movies and books kind of "boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back and walks off into the sunset"?

You can still make this original by putting your own spin on it, making bold and unpredictable choices. If the story is interesting enough, people won't notice or be bothered about the whole "boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back and walks off into the sunset"

Arianne said:
3) what do we think about *ahem* graphic descriptions in YA paranormal romance? I find that I tend to quickly flip through those three-page sex scenes or three-page makeout sessions. I also find that sometimes prolonged descriptions of how good-looking and muscular and whatnot and whatnot the guy is sometimes annoy me with their repetitiveness. But I was curious as to whether any readers really like those scenes and descriptions? Or, if not, which scenes in bad-boy paranormal romances have you going awwww?

I personally don't like prolonged descriptions at all! I also flip through long pages of how nice the characters or their homes look and stuff like that. When it comes to sex or makeout scenes I'll be interested if it highlights the character's feelings or if it's really important to the plot.

Arianne · Jun 2, 2013

KSavoie said:
The first thing that stood out to me about what you said was the fact that you described her as socially awkward, yet she goes out clubbing. This already stands out to me as a problem. Why would a socially awkward, straight A student decide to go clubbing?

Her socially unawkward friend made her go clubbing as a way to live a little.

I personally don't like prolonged descriptions at all! I also flip through long pages of how nice the characters or their homes look and stuff like that. When it comes to sex or makeout scenes I'll be interested if it highlights the character's feelings or if it's really important to the plot.

Glad it wasn't just me

.

I don't like pages and pages of how hot some guy looks (which is basically like writing pages and pages of how beautiful the sunset is. i tend to skip those as well)

Renée A. Price · Jun 3, 2013

Arianne said:
Glad it wasn't just me . I don't like pages and pages of how hot some guy looks (which is basically like writing pages and pages of how beautiful the sunset is. i tend to skip those as well)

We are never alone!

Arianne · Jun 3, 2013

Renée A. Price said:
We are never alone!

Sometimes it feels like it. I'm just glad I've found AW.

Castaspella · Jun 3, 2013

Arianne said:
I don't like pages and pages of how hot some guy looks (which is basically like writing pages and pages of how beautiful the sunset is. i tend to skip those as well)

Is it in character for your MC to obsess over detail? Though I often find them boring I do read through detailed descriptions in the hope it is relevant to the characterisation of the MC - a lot of MCs are inherently observant (which is part of why we're interested in their story) and even the most level-headed person can get carried away with their crazy crush desires and feelings. I tend to enjoy "long" descriptions where the MC has the self-awareness to know it is silly or over-the-top.

Arianne · Jun 3, 2013

Castaspella said:
Is it in character for your MC to obsess over detail? Though I often find them boring I do read through detailed descriptions in the hope it is relevant to the characterisation of the MC - a lot of MCs are inherently observant (which is part of why we're interested in their story) and even the most level-headed person can get carried away with their crazy crush desires and feelings. I tend to enjoy "long" descriptions where the MC has the self-awareness to know it is silly or over-the-top.

The MC is sarcastic and cynical, more the kind of person who'll cut off a friend in the middle of a long description and say, "Whatever. Get a room." Or words to that effect, so I don't think that she's the "he looked like a Greek god with muscles like...." descriptive type.

SeeM0 · Jun 3, 2013

I'm like you Arianne. When it comes to YA, I like the *ahem ahem* scenes to be short and sweet. Nothing too graphic.

Which scenes in bad-boy paranormal romances have you going awwww?

I love it when MCs remember something unique about each other. Nothing's better than a bad-boy being thoughtful.

Renée A. Price · Jun 3, 2013

SeeM0 said:
I love it when MCs remember something unique about each other. Nothing's better than a bad-boy being thoughtful.

I just read a NA and the bad boy remembered exactly what happened the first time he met the MC. The girl thought he hadn't noticed her until later, but the guy showed he was paying attention! Sweet.

SeeM0 · Jun 3, 2013

Renée A. Price said:
I just read a NA and the bad boy remembered exactly what happened the first time he met the MC. The girl thought he hadn't noticed her until later, but the guy showed he was paying attention! Sweet.

Renee,
Can you give me the title of the book? I'll like to look it up. I like it when the author shows the MCs are into each other with examples like this.

Renée A. Price · Jun 3, 2013

SeeM0 said:
Renee,
Can you give me the title of the book? I'll like to look it up. I like it when the author shows the MCs are into each other with examples like this.

True by Erin Mccarthy. It's not the best book I have ever read, but I enjoyed it. If I remember another example, I'll let you know.

SeeM0 · Jun 3, 2013

Renée A. Price said:
True by Erin Mccarthy. It's not the best book I have ever read, but I enjoyed it. If I remember another example, I'll let you know.

Thanks, Renee.

Renée A. Price · Jun 3, 2013

SeeM0 said:
Thanks, Renee.

You're welcome.

I am also looking for a good YA/NA book. If you have anything, let me know.

JRehnay · Jun 3, 2013

Arianne said:
1) Do you prefer first or third person narrative in YA PR? Third person, past tense. My second favorite is first person, present tense.

2) I think the plotline as is is kind of cliche...but for some reason I think I'd like to try my hand at it... I'm sure many people will send this comment your way but, "There is no such thing as an original story!" Tell the story you want to and tell it the way you want to tell it. Your characters and your voice will make it unique. Will everyone like it? No, but you can't please everybody.

3) what do we think about *ahem* graphic descriptions in YA paranormal romance?...But I was curious as to whether any readers really like those scenes and descriptions? Or, if not, which scenes in bad-boy paranormal romances have you going awwww? Well, I like sex scenes but not sex scenes that last for pages and pages (in YA, anyway). My honest opinion, however (take this with a grain of salt, of course) is that an explicit sex scene isn't really appropriate for a YA novel. To me, that sort of thing makes it a bit more mature. Would still read it, would still like it, but that's my opinion. "Make-out sessions", however, bore me. I am not that interested in endless tongue vs. tongue descriptions.

The stuff that makes me go "Aww" when it comes to the bad-boy? Getting seriously, physically wounded or if the bad boy gives up his life/family/clan/etc for the girl. Also, probably when the guy cries over something truly painful, emotionally or physically.

My answers are in the quote above!

Some YA Paranormal Romance Questions

Arianne

Becca C.

Kerosene

Your Pixie Queen

TheDancingWriter

To dance and write is divine.

MrsBrommers

wampuscat

Recovering adjective addict

Arianne

wampuscat

Recovering adjective addict

thebird

yellosharpie

Violeta

All I Ever Wanted Was The World

KSavoie

Renée A. Price

Arianne

Renée A. Price

Arianne

Castaspella

smiling poison and suspicious craft

Arianne

SeeM0

Renée A. Price

SeeM0

Renée A. Price

SeeM0

Renée A. Price

JRehnay

My cats don't let me sleep.