The Lamb of Sandalwood Blog

Target Audience

Is this material too much for YA?

My response was that it depends. However, as I thought more about the question, some considerations came to mind.

Firstly, I am not motivated to make this something other than what it is—a hero's journey to self-discovery. I'm not motivated to turn it into an Illiad poem, a Shakespeare-like play, a screenplay, or a short story. I work organically, and these forms have felt too constrained—but that's me. In saying that, I've accepted that this novel series format will not be for everyone.

Secondly, I would probably not have read a book or understood the psychological perspective of this novel in my twenties. That is, I did not know what I did not know. By my thirties, I had more questions than answers. By my forties, I was ready to read a book like this. I realize others get through those stages faster, so there is nothing age-related in my perspective. My perspective is more about the state of readiness of the reader. And my point is that the target audience for something like this will read it when they need to and are ready, if ever.

So, for those willing travelers, I want the novel to be clear, well-paced, and riveting (aka binge-worthy). To put this goal in contrast, I am not a fan of the ponderous tomes of Harry Potter novels or the soliloquies of Shakespeare. Such things put me to sleep, as I'm sure the 'ready' reader will also be asleep. On your behalf, I struggle and work to boil away wordiness and passive voice and apologize if I ever give you a reason to nap.

For those willing, the journey should move forward because the perils are clear, so there is good reason for bravery and heroism. If such a journey were easy, everyone would be doing it.

I hope this helps