Tip of the Day, Librarian Edition: The public library is not a day care center. You must stay with/watch/assist your child at all times for their own safety.
Two weeks ago, I talked about the revived trend in YA novels of
characters in mental institutions. Today I'd like to talk about all the poor parents who are killed off in car accidents.
Recent YA novels I've read that include this plot point are:
Two weeks ago, I talked about the revived trend in YA novels of
characters in mental institutions. Today I'd like to talk about all the poor parents who are killed off in car accidents.
Recent YA novels I've read that include this plot point are:
(Dad is dead)
(Both parents bit the dust)
(Another orphan)
(Mom is actually in a persistant vegetative state after a car accident)
(More bad luck for Mom)
I understand that in order for the main characters to act a certain way, or to live a certain way, or to grow in a certain way, dear old mom and/or dad have to get their head through the windshield. And I understand that about 30,000 people die in motor vehicle accidents per year, so the number of parent deaths in YA novels may actually be statistically correct!
And keep in mind that I actually really enjoyed these books!
But the death-by-car element makes me as a writer think that if I need a dead parent, I should brainstorm a number of ways to off them, something more original that may also challenge my own writing/plotting skills.
Is there a "death by" plot element that you have seen enough of to make you resist using it in your own work?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
