I'm trying to figure out if a light is going on from all these posts.
I'm knew to all this. But I've written a 51,000 word novel, a mystery involving an unsolved murder from a generation earlier, and then a current-day kidnapping. I have some good, credible professional feedback (not my family), so I'm encouraged.
My main character is the father of a 16 year old boy in high school in a small town, but my story is very much about adventure, history and the West.
The language is strong, and profane at points, but actually quite realistic, and not really offensive to late teens. Some of the details of the murder are graphic, but no big deal--a generation ago and told by a third person. No sex or drugs. No romance. No suicide. Just mystery and intrigue.
I now think I should've made the teenage boy my main character. After all, he resolves an important conflict--bullying--and throughout the novel he's usually with his dad who eventually does solve the crime. In addition, when the crime is solved, the boy is right in the thick of it, and is almost killed.
The feedback I've had so far is that the novel isn't enough of a thriller for adults, and that themes of adventure and history surrounding the affairs of teenagers may not interest a wide audience of adults.
I know this all may seem vague, but I'm wondering whether I can rewrite my novel as YA. It's not desperation; it just seems right. Switch main characters and focus more on the son's perspective and issues.
Still thinking it through, but I like the idea, and wonder if others may have gone through the same process.