The MissioN

Young Adult (YA) literature has grown and drastically changed since early giants of the 2000s and 2010s paved the way for the beloved genre we know today. YA, and Middle Grade (MG), have become more than books – they are a phenomenon of fandom and storytelling that extends into every element of culture. We see more and more of our favorite characters come to life on the big screen. YA and MG was our way of traveling when we were stuck at home. YA and MG novels allow us to see from different perspectives as we try to understand one another in an increasingly divided world. From children to adults, YA specifically is a unique genre that allows readers to step into the fleeting season of being a teenager and experience the empowerment of feeling that a future of opportunities is before us.

With this in mind, I aim to create YA and MG with a few key goals at the center:

Putting Adventure at the Forefront

With the rise of social media, worlds of travel and adventure surround us but remain inaccessible for many. The most accessible adventures continue to be the ones found in books. Through my series, I work to create various forms of intentional adventure. From travel to various parts of the country and the world, to innovative fun in familiar, ordinary settings, and to the imagined, I make a deliberate effort to bring adventure to readers in exciting places and moments.

Genre-Blending to Make Something New

In YA and MG, we’re used to a handful of standard subgenres. As a longtime fan of speculative elements, my favorite type of stories don’t usually fit in a specific category. Though untraditional, I’m a big fan of blending genres and tropes to create something familiar, yet unexpected.

Making Room for Engagement

Today’s readers love stories that expand beyond the page, whether it be on the big screen, in making a literary recipe, recreating a favorite character’s costume, throwing a themed party, or in an Etsy shop. In my writing, I aim to create a world detailed enough that it not only feels real, but creates space for readers to participate (yes, the light blue jacket above is significant to my MC).

Creating for an Underrepresented Age Group

As YA trends older, both in age and in topics, there are fewer stories that feature younger teenagers and the issues they experience, better labeled as “Lower YA” or “Upper MG.” Many young readers growing into YA must jump from standard Middle Grade (MG), which typically features a twelve-year-old protagonist, to a late high school aged protagonist, often sixteen or older. Though Upper MG and Lower YA are not as popular and not as frequently published, it’s an age and stage I’m passionate about highlighting.

Keeping Hope at the Heart

Most importantly, I aim to write stories that inspire and instill hope. In a loud world of competing voices and constant comparison, I strive to create stories that help readers see their unique and irreplaceable purpose. Through my work, I hope young readers feel seen, valued, and loved.

FAQ

  • There aren’t as many books representing younger teen protagonists, but I firmly believe the tide is turning! I’m passionate about the gap between MG and YA and the tweens and young teens (many of which have been beta readers for me!) who have outgrown standard MG, but aren’t ready for the serious or heavier topics of typical YA. I have no authority to speak from when I say it’s a gap in the market, but it’s personally a subsection of stories I’d love to see more of. I’ve heard that some agents and publishers see this gap as a risk, but I’m so grateful to have found an agent who is willing to take a leap of faith with me. We may have to fight harder and longer, but in my mind, that’s worth the price of creating something new. I’m so lucky to have found an agent who is passionate about this gap too, and excited to tackle the risk. We’re excited to go start a new trend together!

  • I don’t have a problem with romance, I just want to provide something new and different to readers! There are a ton of stories out there that include romance as the A or B plot. Some readers love stories like these, no matter what is going on in their personal lives. Others, however, are dealing with breakups, prolonged singleness, lack of interest in dating, etc., so reading about love and happy endings can add salt to a wound. Reading is an escape, and I hope that readers facing relationship hardship or those uninterested in dating can feel represented in my stories. Plus, chasing dreams/goals and pursuing solid friendships is awesome, regardless of dating status! That’s why I’m passionate and excited about sharing these perspectives in this book. And besides, that doesn’t mean I won’t ever have romance plots…

  • I was the kid who loved watching the local news. I’ve always been fascinated by current events, government, and history. With all those multitudes of stories, both told and untold, what budding writer wouldn’t be intrigued? Naturally, I went on to major in Political Science and Creative Writing in undergrad despite many questioning what type of job that would lead to. I currently work in events and public relations for the federal government, where these degrees work together seamlessly. As a writer, I love this intersection. My day job is a daily adventure that sparks new ideas in my writing life.

M.A. Seaman

Welcome to the adventure! I’m passionate about taking young readers on adventures through both ordinary - and extraordinary - settings. Above all, I strive to create stories that instill hope and help readers discover their unique and irreplaceable purpose.