Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? Cursing in YA

[jackiekessler]

I'm working on a new YA dark fantasy novel, and as I'm getting to know the main character, I realize she's a hell of a lot darker than the protagonist in my first YA novel, Hunger. She's angrier. And she reacts to that anger in many ways...including cursing

Comments

[jackiekessler]

That's good to hear. When I wrote it w/o the cursing, it didn't feel right.

[marissamiranda]

I've seen it done in YA, particularly YA aimed at the upper end of the age range (high school/college aged kids). Personally, as a teen, unless it's truly necessary, I hate to read it in a book. If you've tried it without the cursing and it falls flat though... I'd say go with it, but try to keep it to the minimum level possible. =)

[jackiekessler]

Thanks. :) Maybe I should consider the cursing to be like adding a smidge of spice to a recipe - just enough to bring out a specific flavor, but not enough to overpower.

[nerinedorman]

When writing my YA novel, I tried to stay true to how I spoke when I was 16, and I wasn't the sweetest kid on the block. However, I wouldn't allow the swearing to become excessive, maybe just one or three words a chapter then only when the characters have a real need to say it.

[jackiekessler]

Staying true w/o being excessive seems like a good plan.

[jer_bear711]

I believe in realistically representing people of every age the way they are. So I think it depends on the situation and what feels right for the character. Just like in adult fiction, it can be another way to differentiate between character styles (NOT that the bad guys curse and the good ones don't, just that people speak differently).

It's funny you bring this up, because I was just looking over the first chapter in my YA in anticipation of reading it at a con next weekend. I realized it had more profanity (at least in the first chapter) than my adult books! But I know that my editor is cool with it, and the books are for older teens, anyway.

Again, it's about what sounds appropriate coming out of any given character's mouth. I guess I don't think there should be a different standard for YA. But I can understand why people would disagree.

[jeanne_stein]

I just had to add that until I went to work at a high school, I hardly ever heard the f word--after, it became part of my vernacular!! My mother was appalled! :-)

J.

[jer_bear711]

For me it was working in restaurants, since I was 15. And having boyfriends who were, well, boys. I try very hard to show restraint around my mom and other "grownups," though. :-)

[jackiekessler]

I've cursed since about seventh grade, when rank outs were how you got by in school. I rein it in around my kids -- but apparently, I still let out a "Jesus Christ!!!" every now and then...b/c my five year our belted that out the other day. Oops.

[oneminutemonkey]

I'd say a little cursing goes a long way towards adding emphasis and realism. You don't need a lot, but in all honesty, I'd be pretty surprised if a modern teen didn't drop a few curses now and again during an emotional point.

But it's like white pepper. A dash is all you need. :>

[jackiekessler]

White pepper. Nice. :)