Welcome to the Shadow Eyes Anniversary tour! Today I have the pleasure welcoming author Dusty Crabtree to the blog. Along with her lovely guest post, readers can enter for a chance to win a Kindle Fire.
Writing about Teen Issues from a Moral Perspective
by Dusty Crabtree -2013
Sex, drugs, depression, suicide, abuse... Authors have been writing about hot topics like these in young adult fiction ever since YA became a genre. Dealing with these issues is obviously important since teens go through so much on a daily basis. It gives them someone to relate to and lets them know they aren't alone in their suffering. It also gives them unique perspectives on their problems and ways to cope.
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However, from what I can gather, these issues are most often dealt with in one of two ways. One, a Christian book gives a Christian perspective on the issues. And two, a secular book gives a secular, world-view perspective on the issues.
I wanted to offer a middle ground. My young adult urban fantasy, Shadow Eyes, isn't classified as Christian fiction, but it does approach some hot topics from a moral perspective.
Why did I do this, you may ask? Why didn't I just go with the flow and pick a side? Honestly, I wanted to offer a younger audience something unique – something intriguing enough for teens from many walks of life to want to read, yet also filled with good, solid messages about hope and having standards…things that seem to be missing so much these days in our current culture.
Now before you start thinking Shadow Eyes is just a boring book about morals and depressing issues (Lol! Sorry, that makes me laugh), let me clarify. Shadow Eyes is truly like most other urban fantasies – mystery, suspense, intrigue, romance, etc. The only difference is the undertone is more hopeful and pure than some. J
So, if you’re just looking for a good read that’s both interesting and uplifting, check it out! Or, if you’re looking for something deeper, something different, maybe for yourself or a friend or daughter who might need some hope or positive influence, even better! I wrote it for you.
Thank you for hosting me, Tina, and thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to share some of my passion for writing for teens!
Dusty Crabtree has been a high school English teacher since 2006, a challenge she thoroughly enjoys. She is also a youth sponsor at Cherokee Hills Christian Church in Oklahoma City and feels very blessed with the amazing opportunities she has to develop meaningful relationships with teens on a daily basis. She resides with her husband, Clayton, in Yukon, Oklahoma, where they often serve their community as foster parents. Apart from the obvious reading and writing, she also enjoys serving on the praise team and drama team at church and watching movies. Shadow Eyes is Dusty’s first novel, but there will definitely be more to come!
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Iris Kohl lives in a world populated by murky shadows that surround, harass, and entice unsuspecting individuals toward evil. But she is the only one who can see them. She’s had this ability to see the shadows, as well as brilliantly glowing light figures, ever since an obscure, tragic incident on her fourteenth birthday three years earlier.
Although she’s learned to cope, the view of her world begins to shift upon the arrival of three mysterious characters. First, a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows; second, a new friend with an awe-inspiring aura; and third, a mysterious and alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend.
As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, she must ultimately revisit the most horrific event of her life in order to learn her true identity and become the hero she was meant to be.
Thanks Dusty for stopping by today! Learn more about this author at:
Author Website~Facebook~Goodreads
Hmmmm... The words Christian and morality sort of freaked me out a little bit. ;) no seriously. Must be because of all the years I spent in Catholic school!
ReplyDeletelol- my mom went to Catholic school, shes still terrified of nuns.
DeleteLol! Well, it's not for everybody, but it's mainly just things about purity, kindness, and hope - mainly stuff good for teens to hear. :)
ReplyDeletekindness and hope- always good things....:)
DeleteI feel you will take it how your mindset wants to take it. If you are a Christian then you read it like that. This book was more than a book or fun read to me because I believe in the spiritual battle going on around me. However if you are not a Christian you will read it differently. The scenes that make me think of my faith will simply be something intriguing or cool to others. I have a friend who actually is of a faith far from Christianity and she loved the book. She enjoyed what she felt was purely fiction. Either way you will love it. Read it how you want to read it so it means something to you personally. Enjoy!
ReplyDelete:D Thanks Erin for that great insight.
DeleteSounds like a really interesting read Tina!!! I like a book that's hopeful no matter how dark things get. I need that in my fiction! Thanks for putting it on my radar:)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read it yet, but Im hearing good things Jenny...;)
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