Author Mila Ferrera has stopped at our blog today to celebrate her debut novel Spiral which releases tomorrow July 9th. Mila talks to us a little about the New Adult genre and we have some more information about her book – this is one to be on the lookout for! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below – there are some AMAZING prizes available. Good luck!
ADDICTED TO NA Campaign
NA is not only a “new” genre but it’s placed between two already well-established genres (YA and Adult). What writing challenges do you face because of this? How do you overcome these challenges?
I don’t think YA, NA, and adult fiction are genres. Each label loosely tags the target audience for whom the book is written, but considering that over half the purchasers of YA are adults and that teens read a huge amount of adult fiction, the distinction really mostly identifies the age of the protagonists in the books. That’s all it is—it doesn’t limit the content or the actual genre (as in: contemporary, fantasy, sci-fi, etc.)—it’s merely an indication of the general phase of life the characters are in. The NA label affects the way a book might be marketed or which other books it might be compared to, and that could, I suppose, present certain challenges in terms of reaching readers—but it doesn’t necessarily present any particular challenges in terms of writing.
When I wrote SPIRAL, I just set out to write a contemporary romance. It happens to involve two characters who are newly independent adults and still in training in their chosen professions. I think it walks the line between NA and adult, but I wrote the story I wanted to write. I was completely focused on the characters, what they’re going through, and making their romance as real as possible. The real challenge was writing a quality story that keeps a reader turning the pages and rooting for those characters … but that’s the challenge for any author, no matter what type of fiction she’s writing!
ABC News referred to NA as “smut”. Additionally, NA has been dubbed as “too sexy” for its young audience. How do you respond to and what are your thoughts on these criticisms?
I think that term is an easy way to devalue or denigrate a specific type of fiction—definitions of the word “smut” include “obscenity,” “pornography,” and … “dirt.” It makes it pretty easy to dismiss a genre that a huge segment of the population enjoys reading. This particular use of the label also probably comes from a misunderstanding: that NA is YA + explicit sex scenes. Since that’s not what NA is, the whole claim doesn’t hold much credibility, in my opinion.
NA is about characters who are about 18-26 years of age (or thereabouts), and the average age people become sexually active here in the US is about 17. The audience for NA is probably older teens and adults of just about every age. I’m sure many of them would like to be called a “young audience,” but I’m not sure they actually are. I’m also not sure who’s “dubbing” NA as “too sexy,” and on what authority they’re making those statements, but again … I have to wonder if that criticism is worth worrying about.
I happen to write romances that include some pretty hot scenes. Those scenes take place between two consenting adults. I can’t control exactly who reads my books, but they’re not being marketed to children in any way. I wrote the kind of romance I like to read, and I’m hoping other people will want to read it, too. If it contains too much sex for a particular reader … well. The beautiful thing is that they can simply put it down—or return it—and find something that appeals more to their individual tastes. There’s something for everyone in today’s market!
Synopsis
SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK meets GREY’S ANATOMY
Nessa Cavanaugh, psychology student, knows how to stay on an even keel. Despite the urging of her mother and her academic advisor to get a life and have some fun, “all work and no play” sums up her plan to survive her grueling internship year at a children’s hospital. She doesn’t want to end up like her father, whose constant ups and downs broke her family, and avoiding unnecessary emotional entanglements is a must.
Then she (literally) runs into Dr. Aron Lindstrom in the middle of her disastrous first day on the job. The attraction is instant—and terrifying. Nessa knows she should stay away—especially when she finds out he has a reputation for being a player—but Aron is brilliant, intense, and as sexy as they come. When he challenges her to take a chance on him, her plans to stay focused on work start to crumble.
But what begins as passion takes on a dangerous edge, becoming an emotional roller coaster that’s frighteningly familiar. As things spiral out of control, Nessa must decide whether she should hold on for the ride or run … even if it means leaving her heart behind.
About the Author
Mila Ferrera lives in New England, where she has a family and a job and does various normal, everyday things, all while plotting novels in her head. She has a passion for writing new adult/adult romance featuring psychological twists and tortured heroes. Her own psychology internship involved plenty of consultation, but alas, no sexy Swedish doctors, which is why she had to make one up. SPIRAL is her first novel … but it won’t be the only one for long.
GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway
tracy
New Adult brings together the best of romance and coming of age stories with hints of innocence and spice. Sensitive issues are presented, with authors seeming to understand their responsibility to present difficult and emotional topics in a way that is real and responsible. Best of all are the HEA’s!!
Mary Bilowus
I really enjoy the New Adult genre because it explores sensitive issues with people that are exploring life and coming of age.
Lariza
I love New Adult because it evokes a lot of emotion- love, angst, it’s relatable!! Can’t wait to read this!
PAW
NA is a genre that is mixed with romance and topics that are frowned upon or something that’s dark and emotional. It’s different because it has more depth and is more profound.
Karen G.
I enjoy a book that touches all my emotions and this genre generally does that without the over the top angst of YA. Plus it gives me the romance and steam I like.
Julie
This is a great giveaway,and a great looking book.
Val
I like NA because it lets you escape your reality for a short amount of time.
kp
New Adult is usually stories filled with emotions! Great giveaway!
Alicia Clark
I love New Adult because it’s a time where the characters are discovering themselves, love, and life. They’re usually filled with a lot of emotion, and I love book that make me feel.
Leslie Serrano
I enjoy NA books (along w/other genres) because of the characters. Really well written NA have characters that endear themselves to you and make you feel passionately for them.
Scarlett Camaj
I love it because it allows you to explore familiar emotions, and also emotions you are not used to/never have felt.
Adrienne
I like NA because I feel like it’s a little more than YA and a little less then erotica. It feels more “real” to me.
Amelia
I just like any kind of book. As long as it has a good story line.
Amelia Andrews
I just like any kind of book. As long as it has a good story line. I just love to read
Veronica
I love it because the stories are based on people my age so I can relate better to their experiences and lives.
liezel
I love reading the different ways writers describe this couples fall inlove the first time and how their relationships start.
Jessie L
I enjoy reading NA because of the age group that it covers. And the stories are usually about these young adults discovering themselves, maturing, learning about life & love.
Christy Harrelson
I have found myself to be drawn to well written NA because they are fresh, discuss sensitive topics, show real emotions and romantic feelings without being the obvious I know how this is going to eventually play out you get with more mature adult books.
Jenn McElroy
I appreciate the touches of reality that are incorporated into NA. YA is nice to relive some of the experiences and feelings from my college/HS years, but I’m a little too far removed from that age group to read it regularly. NA demonstrates characters with real responsibilities, etc.
Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Anita Powers
I like new adult because I enjoy the age range this category covers. Normally it involves men and women in college or right out of college, they are experimenting but they are not too young that they can’t be in a serious relationship that could easily turn into marriage.
Emily Lineen
I enjoy the stories of self-discovery in NA.
Donna Reynolds
I like New Adult genre because it explores sensitive issues but as long as a story is good i will read I don’t really care what it is about
Debra Diaz
Love to read stories about people my age and they are hot but don’t remind me of the Harlequin my mother used to read!
Joca
I like New Adult cause I love to escape from reality just for a bit and cause I love good stories.
LC
I love New Adult because it explores deeper relationships between couples, and makes it hotter. They depict characters that are struggling, which makes it easier for people to relate to. It is also more relatable to people in their late teens to early twenties
Erica
It is something different – which I always find great.
Danielle
I love New Adult because it usually has a good mix of different genres all rolled into one.
samantha kurtz
I love NA because I feel like I can relate to a lot of the characters. At 29, I’m not really a NA, but I can still relate!