Wren James

Is women’s writing only considered literary fiction if it’s about men?

Recently I’ve been trying to read prize winning novels, and I’ve noticed a disappointing similarity between most of the books. Critically acclaimed books by women are usually about men. Out of the last 7 Man Booker prizes awarded to women, 5 have had male protagonists*. Out of the last 7 Baileys/Orange Women’s prize for fiction winners,Continue reading “Is women’s writing only considered literary fiction if it’s about men?”

My favourite Young Adult novels

More than this by Patrick Ness Ness’ writing is sparse and delicious, with a great use of space and emptiness. In particular this book is almost a work of art. It’s one of those amazing books where there’s somehow a cliffhanger at the end of every single chapter, so your heartbeat rises and rises andContinue reading “My favourite Young Adult novels”

2014 Reading Review

I came across this reading survey by Perpetual Page Turner, and even though it’s February, I couldn’t resist doing it for 2014. Lots of book recs ahead! Number Of Books You Read: 141 Number of Re-Reads: 3 (The Old Kingdom Trilogy by Garth Nix) Genre You Read The Most From: YA 1. Best Book YouContinue reading “2014 Reading Review”

Researching history

I recently posted about the historical events and locations in The Next Together, so I thought I’d explain how I did my historical research. If you asked my editor and copyeditor, they’d likely admit that I’m not the best at historical accuracy. I’m not a historian. I’m never going to be as good as authorsContinue reading “Researching history”

Tumblr tag archive – The Next Together (part 3)

REVIEW: Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman

When I was a teenager, I didn’t read YA. I read ‘grown up’ books and thought YA was for kids. (Note that I’ve since seen the light, and I now read so much YA that I ended up writing it.) However, back when I was 11 or 12, one of the only exceptions to myContinue reading “REVIEW: Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman”

The locations in The Next Together

Last time I posted, I had just found out that my American publishers, Egmont US, have closed down. I tried to sound positive but it had got me down quite a bit. However, I’ve got lots of wonderful people looking after me, and being very positive, so I’m a lot less upset about the wholeContinue reading “The locations in The Next Together”

REVIEW: The Next Together by Lauren James

Originally posted on Sarah Likes Books &:
Disclaimer: The following is an honest review, but it would be dishonest of me not to reveal that the author, Lauren James, is one of my good friends. The Next Together, debut YA novel by Lauren James, will be published in September 2015. I’ve been lucky enough to…

Bad news.

I found out today that my American publisher, Egmont US, are closing. They won’t be publishing my book. This was a huge shock, especially as I wasn’t told and only found out when the closure hit the news. It’s very upsetting that my book won’t be published in the USA in Spring 2016 as planned,Continue reading “Bad news.”

Writing an LGBT protagonist

I have something that I guess is an announcement, but I don’t really think of it like that. It’s just something I’ve not mentioned online before. Ever. My second book, the sequel to The Next Together, which doesn’t have a firm title yet, has an LGBT protagonist. The main character is a lesbian. I’m notContinue reading “Writing an LGBT protagonist”