Most Young Adult novels have a sprinkle of a crush, love and attraction. With a majority female audience it’s perceived that love and attraction is a strong part of youth. And lets face it – it is.
WHY PUT SOME IN
Because it appeals to both male and female readers as long as it doesn’t consume the type of book when writing a Young Adult book that isn’t specifically a romance. I get many beta readers for my books, both male and female requested a bit of a love interest. It adds another dimension to the plot.
A SPRINKLE without SEX is good too
I personally don’t believe sex is necessary in a Young Adult book to such graphic detail unless it moves the plot. Adding a love interest, sex, physical aspect can turn off young readers. Writers should focus on the story they are trying to tell and not on how they describe sex in a scene for shock value. Readers can pick it up and may be turned off.
HIGH Emotion can LEAD to ATTRACTION
When writing a Young Adult book with a sprinkle of romance, there is no need to throw it in the readers face. Let it develop, do it with style, and make sure that your readers fall in love – as the characters are falling in love.
DON’T Count ON LOVE TO SAVE YOUR NOVEL
If you are not writing a Young Adult Romance, and you are putting in your sprinkle of love, don’t expect that to make your novel appeal to the young adult crowd. These readers want it all. They crave adventure, drama, mystery, love, and great pacing. So when you mix up your recipe to deliver a masterpiece for your willing and eager YA audience, make sure you don’t sell them short on depth and a great plot.
DO YOU THINK LUV IN YA IS OVERKILL?
5 comments:
I don't think it's overkill. It irks me no end when I pick a book about say, something scary, or something dystopian and tense, and the first thing the MC does is develop feelings that are way too strong and appear as soon as the "love interest" is mentioned. I think Romance in YA is a part of it. Crushes, relationships, everything needs to be explored because the Teen years are for exploring. I know that most teen romances have an expiry date, and as writers we should keep that in mind when writing. I don't like to read about soulmates in YA because the chances that those two characters will make it past Senior year are slim. I want to read about the fluttering stomachs, the getting to know each other and ultimately a perfect kiss. Whatever happens after graduation will remain a mystery that I can live with. Admittedly I don't write nor read books just because they have romance in them, but it's always nice to see relationships blossoming. :)
I'm so glad you wrote this, LM. Romance does have its place in YA when it's integral to the story; it can't be gratuitous or as you say you're selling your YA reader short. They know a good story when they read it!
For me there definitely has to be the possibility of a love...even if it is a love-gone-wrong type of deal. But it can't be the whole point of the book, or focused upon sooooo much that there is no plot other than character's falling in love.
I have been attracted by a boy who is 5 years older than me.I am dating him since 7 days.I do not know whether it is love or crush...
Executive Search Dating
Agreed. I need a bit of romance. But, romance isn't necessarily sex. Often, books without sex in them are far more romantic. I love it when you feel the attraction between the characters, but they don't fully act on it. It builds tension nicely.
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