Carla Salmon is one of the authors in Australia paving the way for a brand new age group of books that nestle right in between middle-grade and YA, called 'New Teen'.

We're seeing more and more feedback that YA spans too great an age group, and overseas we're seeing New Adult (18-25) become more popular, but that leaves a YA group (12-18) that still spans a huge growth period in regards to brain development, emotionally, and physically.

The answer to this? New Teen written for boys and girls. Books that offer "clean" romance, that teachers and parents can confidently recommend. And Carla Salmon is paving the way for this new category with her popular Red Sands series, for 11+.

In this insightful chat, author-teacher Carla Salmon shares about her childhood on a farm filled with outdoor adventures, heavy reading (Famous Five, Baby-Sitters Club), and crafting, and how those influences shaped her writing. Carla recalls moving from school journalism to PR in London and Australia, then teaching English/drama/history.

Carla never thought of becoming an author until her 11-year-old son stopped reading and wanted “older” books that still fit his age. She explains how this led her to writing fast-paced mystery/thrillers with friendship, sport, and “clean” romance, using her son and daughter as candid (and cringe!) editors.

This episode highlights her Red Sands series, particularly her latest novel, We Did It Anyway (gold bars, smugglers, lighthouse, secret tunnels - need we say more!). Carla also shares how her debut novel, We Saw What You Started, was optioned for TV.

Shara and Carla also discuss their evolving plotting/pantsing process, current reads, and Carla shares her plans for an upcoming dual Brisbane launch with Tristan Bancks at Brisbane Grammar School.

Teachers, librarians, YA writers, AND parents of teens - this one's for you.

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LINKS:

Carla Salmon's website - carlasalmonbooks.com

Carla Salmon on Instagram - @carlasalmonbooks

Carla Salmon media kit

BOOK SPOTLIGHT - We Saw What You Started by Carla Salmon

MENTIONS:

Christian White - The Ledge

John Marsden - Tomorrow When the War Began

Amy Doak - Eleanor Jones series

Tristan Bancks - Raised by Wolves

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Follow The KidLit Pod on Instagram (@thekidlitpod)

Find out more about The KidLit Pod host, Shara Curlett, here:

Shara Curlett on Instagram (@sharacurlett)

Shara Curlett Website (www.sharacurlett.com)