Teenage Novels - how about that? It works for me as it isn't as PC as "young adults" and less ambiguous than "crossover". It covers subjects from fantasy to drugs, dating and alcohol.

Writers I would include would be: Philip Reeve, Philip Pullman, Louis Sacher, Malorie Blackman and Mark Haddon - plus the likes of Stephen King and James Herbert, older fiction that has a huge teenage following.

Someone just gave me "Saffy'sAngel" by Hilary McKay. Never read any of her stuff, but someone in my writers' group said that this was recommended as a good example of a "teenage" novel to her. Anyone care to back that up?

Colin M

Someone told me that too but I haven't read them yet. I'm reading Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson at the moment which is great. Have just finished Follow Me Down by Julie Hearn who is one of Phillip Pullman's protegees apparently and he's endorsed her book and I thought it was bloody awful!!! Anyway, the book I'm currently writing is really for 8-12 - does that mean I couldn't join Terry's group?? The next one is definitely for teens though...
Sue

I'm beginning to think I would be better off in a children's group too...I read my story again and it's definitely more of a kids thing.

This age thing is really restrictive isn't it...people are going to end up moving groups between books (I'll probably be writing mine for the next ten years so I won't be moving much )

To be honest I'm such a newbie that I don't have a clue where I should be...hence I thought a group covering a broader spectrum would be nice...I just want to be in a group with people who won't laugh at how bad my stuff is .

Derek, let me try and assure you, the keyword here is sensitivity. We all know- I hope- how difficult it is putting your work out there, or here, or anywhere, so we are very, very keen at WriteWords that people are sensitive and considerate about responding to others work. Which doesn't mean that they won't be tough if you ask for it!

Anna's right, Derek. The site is very supportive and you could always go for the be gentle with me option! Go on, have a go!!!
Sue

Good to know...Thank you.

OK you twisted my arm .

I've gone 'n' done it!...Uploaded my first story...

Go easy please .