Crazy for Young Adult Books discussion

On my blog (linked to goodreads) you can read my article about presenting strong female protagonists in my two YA fantasy novels. If you scroll down a few entries, there is also a magazine article about writing time travel novels and a discussion of the controversial article posted in the Wall Street Journal over a year ago about whether or not young adult books are too dark nowadays. The Nine Companions The Nine Companions

It was a nicely written article and I enjoyed reading it. As a writer of YA myself, I have always tried to present my female MC's or co-MC's as strong characters, not necessarily able to kick butt (although it's always a help!) but as well-rounded people able to take on the challenges presented in the story. It's not always easy to write a female character for me--as a male, I have to change my mindset a little on how and what they might be thinking--but it's a challenge I welcome. I've never liked the 'Screaming Mimi' type; that belongs to a bygone era.