Addicted to YA discussion

Hello YA Readers! I'm looking for your thoughts on this subject and I have the following questions:

How sexual can or should one get (or not get) in YA Fiction?

My Rez's Edge novel doesn't get sexually nasty, but it does have some very detailed scenes where the main character lives out very realistically depicted sensuality and sexuality while in a dream state. I detail out my main characters alternate reality in his head and the visions he sees while in his aroused dream states. It's what most every boy and girl around 13 and above goes through and I wanted to depict the reality of it. But what do you think would be going too far?

Violence: I also have some rather violently depicted scenes for dramatic and literary effect. At what point would one be crossing the line of what is acceptable within YA fiction?

My novel has MANY other aspects to it. It is definitely not all sex and violence. The book has a wealth of other topics and scenarios. I just want to test the waters with you, its readers, to get your ideas on what you think is acceptable and what is not.

Thank you for your thoughts and input!

Most Sincerely,

Brad Jensen

I think there is no problem in adding sexual scenes and violence in your book. Many young readers are reading such books... and even more... Of course you may put something about what book contains for example at back of the cover.

Alex

Kiara wrote: "I am reading it! I'm excited to start it. The story sounds really interesting."

Thanks Alex and Kiara for your thoughts.

Hey Kiara, I assume you are reading Chapter 2 of Rez's Edge here in Goodreads. Please drop me some feedback on what you think of the chapter. Also, you can read chapters 1 & 2 for free on my website. Looking forward to your input!

http://bradjensen.wixsite.com/authorb...

It's honestly your preference, but keep in mind of the age of the reader. Just because a book may say 13+ there may still be younger readers who will read it.
I honestly don't write sex scenes. They aren't really needed, and in YA literature today sex scenes are becoming more common. People don't have to sleep together to love each other you know? But that's just me.
And as for violence I describe whats happening, but I don't get VERY gory. Just enough to capture the reader's attention because whats the point of a fight scene without ANY blood. It makes it sorta boring, but that's my opinion.
Hope I helped!

I started reading YA books when I was 11, so it's probably best to not make anything too sexual. I've read YA books that have sex scenes that aren't too explicit, but honestly I prefer books with no sex scenes at all. It's just weird because very young people can be reading YA books and since there's no rating system for books, there's no way for a reader to know if a book will contain sexual scenes that they're not comfortable with.
As far as violence goes, I agree with Danielle. You don't have to get to Game of Thrones level of explicit-ness to explain what's going on. Just enough to explain what's happening and keep the reader interested.

Personally, I won't read a book if it's got a lot of sex and violence in it. I've definitely seen YA books that qualify on that score, though, so there must be some kind of market for them.

I totally agree with you guys, Danielle, Zoe and Lynne. I think that YA books shouldn't be completely watered down with no detail, but there is a line. I generally don't really like books with extensive violence or sex scenes, as I just feel like sometimes it is a bit unnecessary. Plus, not everyone's minds are constantly daydreaming about gore and sex, so characters don't necessarily need that floating around in their heads either. And just remember who your audience is. If it's a YA book, then it's probably best to play it safe and keep it reasonably clean :)

The reason I read YA is to avoid heavy sexual references found in other books, but still get a great story with tiny hints of romance that satisfy me. I wouldn't even pick up a YA book with a cover similar to romance novels- that's just me.

Personally, I just don't like books with sex in them at all, but that's a personality thing. Violence, on the other hand, never bothers me no matter how gory it is.
I think a good rule of thumb might be, if you had a kid in the age range you're aiming for, would you want them reading what you just wrote?

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and opinions. It is greatly appreciated. After reading all the above posts, I feel that my novel, The Rez's Edge, does hit the mark on pushing the reality of a thirteen year old boy, without going overboard with explicit sex and violence. If you're interested in further testing the waters, you could read one or both of my first two chapters (at: http://bradjensen.wixsite.com/authorb...) and let me know your thoughts, impressions, questions, and or suggestions.

Keep Reading & Stay Adventurous!
Thanks!
Brad Jensen