Megan Duke's Blog, page 9

Gay Main Characters in YA

It's incredibly disappointing that when you walk into a Barnes & Noble or a Books-A-Million you can rarely find LGBT young adult books in stock. Most of the books I've read that have a gay or lesbian or transgender (the list goes on) character as the MAIN character can only be found online. If you're lucky enough to have an independent bookstore near you - one that's not close-minded about subject matter - it might not be as hard to drop in and pick up a copy of the story you're looking for, but I don't have that luxury. I've seen the movement for diversity in YA grow tremendously in the past few years, so I'm proud to say that I can be a part of that movement. I applaud anyone that includes diverse characters in their novels. When I wrote Small Circles, I knew it wouldn't be taken very well by friends and family, especially seeing that I live in the Bible Belt of the country. But I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that it was my job to push it into the laps of the ones that needed it. I HAD to write that story, because there are kids in Tennessee, just like in LA or New York, that are struggles with defining themselves and being told that who they are is wrong. It's sickening, but it's true. I can only imagine how hard it must be to go into a bookstore and be slammed with books about straight white people all the time. How can they identify with the book if they have to keep reimagining the characters to match what they feel inside? There are lots of great YA titles that include LGBT characters, but they're secondary. They're the friend or the brother. They don't carry the plot line. I want that to change.

So, if you're looking for a book that suits you more relatively, here are several LGBT themed novels that I adored. And by the white, I'm a straight white female. I was incredibly moved by every single one of these, so I know if you're going through similar situations, it will move you even more.

Decatur Book Festival

Stop number 2 for the Small Circles Tour is in Decatur, Georgia for the AJC Decatur Book Festival! I'm very excited to be part of such a huge independent festival! I'll be speaking and signing at the Emerging Author's Stage at 11:40am! It's such an honor to be included in the list of incredible author's participating in this event! Later than evening, I'll be hosting a meet-up with Vania from @VLC_photo on Instagram at The Yogurt Tap! 7pm sharp! Come out if you're in the Atlanta area! 
Megan

Infinite Limits Book Trailer

4 Things!

1. INFINITE LIMITS COMES OUT IN 123 DAYS! (whaaat???)

2. YOU CAN PREORDER INFINITE LIMITS ON KINDLE STARTING OCTOBER 1ST!

3. THE FULL COVER WILL BE REVEALED ON SEPTEMBER 2ND!

4. I'M REALLY EXCITED!

My First Author Panel

I've already posted about the event in Boca Raton that occurred over a week ago (what??), but I wanted to share more about my experience. This was my first time participating in an author panel, in which I was directed to answer questions from the organizers and the audience. I've been to many panels before, for authors I adore and fangirl over myself, but having the questions directed at me versus the untouchable humans before me was a rather odd experience. Odd doesn't mean bad by any means. It actually means good. Exciting, even! I loved being able to open up and be completely honest about the writing process and the love I have for telling stories. Sharing that with other authors on the panel made it that much better! As a reader, I always considered the writers to be so far out of reach. They were creating worlds and developing characters, not living real lives. But I was wrong. Now that I'm on the other side, it's nice to be able to share what it's like. I want people to know that I'm not someone that can't be reached out to or called on for advice. We all struggle. Just because I have a book published doesn't mean I can't be your friend. I want all of you to know that when I follow you on Twitter or respond to your comments on Instagram, it's not something that should come as a surprise. I am more than willing to develop personal relationships with each and every one of you. You are my support group. You are what inspires me and keeps me going. Share your love, and share your hate. Either way, know that I am here.
Megan.
www.megandukebooks.com
@MeganDukeBooks(Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)

YA Mania Vlog - Boca Raton, FL - Aug. 2nd 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT:

I will be removing The Mind Breaker Accounts from online retailers from now until further notice. After the release of Infinite Limits in December, I am going to be embarking on re-releasing the series with all new covers designed by J.D.Netto , along with some other minor changes. Nothing relating to the actual story is going to change, but there will be some editing differences. I'm very excited about this! The Small Circles books would not be what they are now without J.D.'s fabulous influence, so I know for a fact that this decision is going to be worth it! The plan is to release Without Me (Book 1) in March 2015, Because of Him (Book 2) in May 2015, and the final book, Instead of This, in September 2015.

Thank you to everyone that supports me and my work!

Megan.

Post - YA MANIA!

I had an absolute blast this past weekend at YA Mania in Boca Raton, FL! It was so much fun being part of a panel and getting to talk about creativity, inspiration, struggles, and happiness! Everyone there shared the same love for literature, and it felt great being able to spread the love! I'll have more photos to post later this week, along with a vlog on my channel - MeggieCaptured :)

YA MANIA!

Less than two weeks from now, I'll be getting in the car and beginning a 13 hour drive to southern Florida! I am oh so very excited that this is going to be the first stop on my Small Circles Tour! This event has been put together by a group of students at FAU High School. It's completely organized and hosted by young people that have a love for young adult literature. It's incredibly refreshing to know that reading still has such an impact on teenagers! I do what I do because of them. I write the stories I write, because I know for a fact they make a difference. I've seen the difference it makes when teens can pick up a book and relate to the characters inside it. This first stop is going to kick off an incredible journey for me, and I'm anxious to share every bit of it with you along the way! 

More from the East Side...

I wanted to share a few more photos from East Side Storytellin'! All of the full quality photos can be found on my website www.megandukebooks.com 
 I am still so grateful that I was given this opportunity! Speaking about my stories was more exhilarating than writing them! It's made me realize how passionate I am about speaking out for young people. I want to share stories that actually make a difference!  Above all else, I'm so happy I got to share the stage with this wonderfully talented friend! I met Lauren Lyle about two years ago, and from that point on she's done nothing less than inspire me and help push my creativity. She's a loyal friend and a terrific agent, as well as business partner. I can't wait to continue working together in the future!