Writing Young Adult fiction and the Inspiration Behind The Phantom Diaries, a YA Paranormal Romance; Kailin Gow – Author Guest Post

Although I have written books for all generations, I’m known largely for writing Young Adult books such as the new releases Bitter Frost and The Phantom Diaries.  To me, the teen and young adult years are interesting to write about because there are so many issues connected to society and the human experience – first kiss, first love, family issues, friendship issues, becoming independent, and so many decisions on life and so many choices. The onslaught of issues can be overwhelming for a teen, yet, they present opportunities for great growth.   Having been a peer counselor in high school, a college mentor, and informal mentor to young women, I tend to bring real life experience about relationships and self-esteem into all my young adult books.  For instance, the issue of bullying was one issue brought up in Bitter Frost.

Another young adult issue brought up in The Phantom Diaries, is first love and self-discovery.  Annette is an innocent 18 year old girl who is suddenly thrown into a very grown up world.  Protected all her life, she finds herself growing up quickly as the new star of the leading opera in New York and the object of affection from three amazing men.

I could feel the excitement, the sense of awe, and the trepidation of this young woman as she was let loose for the first time in her life into the world of adulthood, sophistication, and mystery.  As I wondered who was this young lady and what was she doing at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, the story of the Phantom emerged.  As Annette begins to delve into the mystery of the music, she finds herself the center of a century-long story of love, obsession, and revenge.  More than a love story, The Phantom Diaries is a study of human cruelty, passion, and redemption.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Author of over 20 books, Kailin Gow is also a writer, producer, and filmmaker.  She lives in Southern California with her husband and daughter.

ABOUT THE BOOK…What happens to the Phantom after the tragedy at the Paris Opera House is the basis for this fantastic tale of The Phantom Diaries, loosely based on Gaston Leroux’s classic, The Phantom of the Opera, but with a new tale and a modern twist. This new series for older teens and young adults is told through the eyes of 18 year-old Annette Binoche, who lands a job at the New York Metropolitan Opera House as a seamstress’ assistant only to become the lead singer of the Opera House, with the help of the mysterious, yet highly-seductive Phantom.