Wannabe Writers is a group for all of you out there who are un-published like me. A place where future young-adult authors can ask questions, share our stories, and get feedback. Here's how it works: (click here)Where I am in the writing process: Working on my 2nd ever manuscript and nearly finished. I just want to wrap it up so I can start this new idea I've got.
My Current Problem(s): I've been playing around with this scene towards the end of my novel. Things are getting a little--well, I guess you could say hot--between my MC and the guy in my story. Up until this point things have been pretty clean but then I have this scene.
My Question This Week: When it comes to Young Adult, how far is too far? (I'm talking about sex here--but this same question can also be applied to cursing.) ***I'm going to add a 2nd question: I'm close to finishing my current WIP and dying to work on this new project. When I finish should I jump right into editing my WIP or hold off for a bit and work on Shiny New Idea. Thoughts?***
12 comments:
Well, as far as sex scenes go, I wouldn't go into too much detail if you know what I mean haha. ;) I'd say enough that the reader gets the hint but also leave a bit to the imagination.
As far as cursing goes, I always say that if it fits into your novel and it's the way your characters speak and express themselves then so be it. This goes for everything else in a novel. If it fits and is authentic to the story then fine. It's only when it's added just for the heck of it that I find it's not necessary. I wouldn't worry so much about it. Write what you feel is appropriate and worry about the rest later. You can't please everyone.
Let me be a little more specific. The scene in my book is really an almost-sex-scene and as it is right now my MC gets half naked. Then all is abuptly cut off. (I feel a bit awkward even talking about this on my blog.) It all happens very fast but still. Is this too much?
That's a pretty big, ongoing question out there, but let's face it: it's nothing new to teenagers. I know it was nothing new to me at 16. I wouldn't worry about what anyone else thinks--if it's true for your story and yourself, then write it.
I'm not one to give opinion on cursing. All my babies swear like sailors. ;-)
I could say more, but saying I agree with Michelle... sums it up. Anything else would be redundant.
Thx
I guess it depends on why you write. For me, I want to put things out there that are uplifting because there's so much that's not. I don't find sex or cursing uplifting. I want to write something that would make them say "Hey, I want to live like that", but that's just me. It's true that it's stuff they've all seen and heard before, but does that make it right? I don't think that's very good justification, but again that's just my personal opinion. I want better for them. If that makes any sense...
I'm going to leave question #1 to the post on my site. As for question #2...I'd split my time between the two. You don't want to let the Shiny New Idea get away, but you don't want your WIP ideas to get stale either.
Hey Sarah - I'm participating for the first time. I love this project. :) I left answers to both question on my blog.
Re: showing anger
Let's see...punching walls, pounding fists, banging rings (jewelry), verbal threats, sudden silence or an eerily calm voice, narrowed eyes, screaming, physical force, scowling
I found this site a while back and use it from time to time. You might check it out:
http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/2008/01/anger-clenchingunclenching-fists-nails.html
Also, regarding question 1, which I skipped out on earlier, if there are going to be certain...activities in the novel, leaving the heavy stuff to the imagination (or not, depending on your reader) is definitely the way to go. :-)
Sarah, that wouldn't be a big deal. At least not to me... it's more of what happens in bed that I don't want to know about.
And I agree with Michelle on swearing, it does depend on the character, but still. If it can be avoided or toned down, do it.
I normally will put a book down if I find to much detail with the sex scenes or too much swearing.
My answer is the same. Be true to your story and your characters.
=)
Sorry I am posting this late its just I went skiing this weekend and they didn't have computers at the hotel so I couldn't I'll get my post out soon...ish
My post is up!!
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