Partners in ParaNormYA

The Line We Chose Not to Cross

We want to thank Tyrean for having us here today as we quickly touch on, well, just that. Touching. In YA fiction.

We’re hoping you’ve all had a chance to purchase your e-book of Givin’ Up the Ghost (also available in paperback) or Neverlove. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?

Okay, sorry J Couldn’t help it lol! Back to the point.

Our teen characters did what many teens did. They enjoyed the physical attributes of others. They held, hugged or kissed. But that’s about it. Instead of details, hints are shared as to what did or didn’t happen.

This wasn’t always the case with Neverlove. I, at first, had a couple of brief scenes that were a bit more risqué, though far from erotica. A critique partner asked me if the details were necessary. Did they move things forward or were they just to have that gritty approach? I considered it, not long, because I knew the answer. The scenes did not fit the flow of the novel, so I removed them. There was enough grit in the subject matter itself. There was no need to overdo it.

Gwen also removed a steamier scene from Givin’ Up The Ghost when a critique partner suggested it was maybe a little heavy for young adults. Not full-on petting, but body parts leaning pretty heavily into other body parts. A scene that didn’t fit into the “cozy mystery” and “light paranormal” theme.

That’s how both Gwen and I feel about young adult novels and the “touching” matter. It happens. Things go beyond your basic hugs and kisses. Teen pregnancies wouldn’t exist if it didn’t. But we both agree that, for our writing styles, the extra grit didn’t fit. Sorry. That rhyme was so not on purpose lol!

Some teens lead gritty lives. There’s no denying that. They experience things that could make any person angry. And teens do things they aren’t supposed to. Well, I’ll admit I did lol! But it is up to each writer how to handle sharing this, especially in young adult fiction.

Gwen and I chose the grit-lite path for our YA novels. What are your thoughts on physical interactions in YA?

Purchase Angela Brown’s Neverlove at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, Amazon FR, and Amazon DE.

Purchase Gwen Gardner’s Givin’ Up The Ghost at Amazon US and Amazon UK.
And there are two giveaways! Visit Partners in ParanormYA for the Big Swag Giveaway and for Week Three Giveaway.



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Thanks again, Tyrean!

Gwen Gardner
ladygwen@centurylink.net
http://gwengardner.blogspot.com

Angela Brown:

Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Angela now calls Central Texas home. She's a lover of Wild Cherry Pepsi and chocolate/chocolate covered delicious-ness. Steampunk, fantasy and paranormal to contemporary - mostly young adult - fill her growing library of books. Mother to a rambunctious darling girl aptly nicknamed Chipmunk, life stays busy. Her favorite quote keeps her moving: "You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Gwen Gardner:

Running, writing and reading are my favorite things.

I am also a dreamer.

Have you ever told yourself that "someday" I'm going to travel or write or whatever it is that you are passionate about but can't do right now for whatever reason? You can go for years and years and keep telling yourself that "someday" you'll do it. Too often "someday" never comes. But mine did. I am a former Administrative Manager and Vice President of a successful swimming pool plastering company - until I woke up one day and realized that my "someday" had arrived. I quit my job, moved to the mountains and began to write. Crazy, I know. But even crazier? Is when you get to the end of your life and realize that your "someday" is too late. Life is much too short for that! So the adventure has begun.