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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/6165-Teens-Going-all-the-Way-in-Literature.html
Romance/Love: February 19, 2014 Issue [#6165]

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Romance/Love


 This week: Teens "Going all the Way" in Literature
  Edited by: Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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Hello! My name is Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon, and I am the Editor for the Romance/Love Newsletter this week. I would like to express my opinion regarding a topic recently covered by one of my fellow editors!


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Letter from the editor

Teens and "Going all the Way" in Literature



Last week, NaNoNette Author IconMail Icon wrote a really interesting editorial on writing love stories with underage characters. (See "Romance/Love Newsletter (February 12, 2014)" Open in new Window.) Although I agree with her that writers need to be careful in how they portray young love, I also think that there are some cases where teenagers "going all the way" can be appropriate for the genre, if done tastefully.

I'm talking about the Young Adult (YA) genre of course. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am obsessed with novels written for teens. I find young adult literature to be one of the most inclusive genres out there. Not only does it transcend all other genres (including romance), but it also allows for authors to explore many subjects that aren't usually explored so deeply in other genres, including drugs, alcohol abuse, and sexuality, in a way that can be realistic and not preachy.

While it's fine to read a story about sweet and innocent first love (and there are some well-written ones out there), it's likely that older teens have already experienced, or know someone who has experienced, their first sexual relationship. I don't think we should avoid that topic when writing for teen readers. Most YA novels I have read have not been overly explicit or treated sex gratuitously. Even as an adult, I don't feel weird reading about teen sex when it's written well.

Some things to keep in mind when writing for teens:

*Note2* Talking about the decision to "go all the way," or the feelings afterwards, or even the feelings during can be okay, and in fact may help teens who are experiencing their own confusion around the subject.

*Note1* There is a fine line between appropriate and inappropriate. If you're not comfortable writing a scene between teens, chances are that teens won't be comfortable reading it either.

*Note3* Sex should never replace a story line in YA literature. There is a genre called erotica, and never shall the two genres meet!

My point is, we shouldn't completely shy away from topics that will make our writing more authentic for our audiences, so long as we do it responsibly and with a purpose.


Editor's Picks

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by A Guest Visitor

 Never mind a girl who writes Open in new Window. [E]
An essay inspired by Charles Warnke's You Should Date an Illiterate Girl
by Roch Lazarte Author Icon

 Summer Love and Coffee Kisses Open in new Window. [13+]
Short free verse poem, I'd love it so much if you told me your thoughts on it!
by Amanda Author Icon

 Boiling Water Open in new Window. [ASR]
The sorrow of youth
by SherrasQ Author Icon

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by A Guest Visitor

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by A Guest Visitor

 
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Ask & Answer

Romance/Love Newsletter Editor ISO readers with opinions! Why do you think about this week's newsletter? What topics would you like to see in the future? Have an appropriate poem or short story you'd like to share? Enjoys short, free-verse, non-cliche-filled poetry, stories about love conquering all, long walks on the beach, and cuddles by the fire. *Wink* Use the form below *Down* to submit your comments, questions and items!

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