Power to the Females!
by Tia Silverthorne Bach
As both a writer and a reader, I'm most intrigued by young adult female characters--ones who exude strength. Men are great, too, but I have a more intimate knowledge of women's choices, hopes, dreams, and power. I am the oldest of three girls and now mom to three daughters (13, 11 and 8). Women are amazing creatures… we do everything with intensity whether it’s work, play, or love.
Lately, I see a generation of women who are only getting stronger and savvier. That's not to say they don't struggle with indecision and tough choices, but they seem to be tackling them with a stronger sense of self than even a generation ago. What I do not want is a book with a main female character who whines all the time, can't make her own decisions, and has no self-confidence.
In Chasing Memories, seventeen-year-old Reagan's world is turned upside down when she survives a horrible accident and her brother doesn't. Beyond the pain and suffering of loss, she is caught in the middle of her mother and grandmother and their different ways to help her heal. To further complicate her life, her dreams are hinting at more than a simple accident.
Her strength comes from her willingness to consider her options and tackle her problems head on. Even when she’s unsure, she fights to gather more information.
Reagan would want teen girls to embrace the power of choice—to consider all their options and trust their instincts. But, just as important, she would encourage girls to find strength in community by reaching reach out to their moms, sisters, grandmothers, and true friends.
They say you should write what you know. Women are complicated creatures, beautifully so, so I can't say I "know" everything about them. But, I have had a lot of experience and I'm constantly challenged to want to know more. After all, I'm responsible for growing three strong women.
I want the books my daughters read to showcase the strength of females. I want them to envision themselves as Katniss and Beatrice/Tris, not a female who whines or has an "I can't live without you" attitude (yes, Bella, I'm looking at you). Power to the females!
About Chasing Memories
Seventeen-year-old Reagan has a problem:
She can’t remember what happened the night her brother was taken. Now, the dreams haunting her from the incident are becoming more intense by the day. All the while, the lines between what’s real and what’s a product of her paranormal-obsessed mind are becoming blurred.
Is she losing her mind or has she just stepped into a world she thought only existed in books?
Caught in a web of worried parents, competing boys, Wiccan relatives, protective amulets, and psychiatrist babble, Reagan must determine the truth before it’s too late.
Paperbacksare available online at Amazon and Barnes &Noble.
Currently, the eBook is exclusively available through Kindle. Smashwords and
Nook versions are coming soon.
About the Author
Tia Silverthorne Bach is an avid reader, sometimes runner, involved wife and mother, and rabid grammar hound in addition to being a multi-genre writer. Her three daughters
were born in Chicago, San Diego, and Baltimore; and she feels fortunate to have called many places home. She's the award-winning co-author of Depression Cookies, a coming of age story written with her mother. Tia's office is wherever her laptop takes her and any place that's conducive to allowing a wild imagination like hers to flourish.
You can find more information on her blog, Twitter, Facebook, and GoodReads.
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Thanks so much for hosting me today and for the month of YA!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading "Chasing Memories," and really enjoying it! Besides the Harry Potter series, I haven't read much YA, but Tia really shows Reagan's voice in her writing. Recommended - and great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Martha, and for sharing such lovely words. SO appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read a Wiccan book, they are rare.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tia and Martha for wonderful reads!!!
ReplyDeleteTia Dalley -- Love your name! ;-)
ReplyDeleteOoohhh this book sounds AWESOME!! I'm definitely reading this one!! Thank you so much for having this awesome giveaway!!!
ReplyDelete