The great thing about writing for a younger audience is that they will give it to you straight with their responses. They'll tell you exactly what they liked and didn't like, and when they're enthusiastic, they're unashamedly enthusiastic. They'll talk to you about your characters as if they were real people, which is wonderful.
Cassandra ClareTessa put a hand against the wall as she made her way numbly down the stairs. What had she almost done? What had she nearly told Will?
Cassandra ClareIf people ever look down upon you for crying for fictional characters, you should give them a gentle, pitying look and feel bad for them. If they've never cried for a fictional character, then they've never loved one (and what a joy that is). If they've never cried at a book, a movie, a piece of music, then they've missed one of the great pleasures life has to offer. Just because fiction does not contain things that are real doesn't mean it doesn't contain truth, and we find it through the alchemy of our tears.
Cassandra ClareHow are you feeling?" "Like someone massaged me with a cheese grater." -Clary & Simon, pg.297-
Cassandra Clare