My viewpoint character, a teenage boy, is going through some of the delightful changes as a result of puberty, and though this isn't a focus of my novel, per se, mentions here and there are relevant to his story. How graphic am I allowed to be in a novel that is otherwise "young adult"? Is it appropriate for him to think of his penis as a "dick," or should I stick to some of the more health-class terms even if it sounds awkward from my older viewpoint? And what about other details? I feel like cutting puberty entirely would lead to an inauthentic voice for my pubescent boy, but I'm not sure how far I'm allowed to go. Thoughts?
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21,861 / 50,000
Nov 5, 2009 - 13 43
Whatever comes to mind is appropriate. You don't need to tone down the details for YA, just because it's YA, although making it too graphic might get boring/pointless.
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57,468 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 21 48
i think that in YA books, just not being super graphic is okay. have you read Judy Blume's The Again Maybe I Won't? it's main character is a young male going through puberty and it's considered a "middle age" book. That might give you ideas of what is written & published.
42,785 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2009 - 15 08
Don't forget that if the age range you are writing for is the age of your character or a little younger, all the terms and conditions are going to be new to them also and likely to embarrass them so I would "play" with (sorry for the pun) the terms? Have him ask "Why 'dick'?" and call it Richard when it misbehaves like his mother calls him by his full name, etc. I think if you treat it a little light heartedly and pseudo embarrassed or bravado, that will be fine? Just try it on for size, LOL.
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