How "Edgy" Is Too Edgy?

Rock Throwing Peasan · May 10, 2011

I'm switching the setting for my YA novel to a setting I know better than a fantasy-land.

The setting is in a modern war zone. I don't intend to blink, but I also won't write a gore-fest. I want the story to be the focus, but I worry that it might slip away if I make the environment realistic.

Any thoughts on striking the right balance?

Kitty Pryde · May 10, 2011

391 posts on edgy YA in this thread should be a good start: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71220

Rock Throwing Peasan · May 10, 2011

No, no, no.

You see, as a father of two, I know when I'm not around that my sons running screaming from the room if they hear music with language or if a friend says a curse.

Right? Right?

(TY for the link)

Becca C. · May 10, 2011

Have you read The Hunger Games? No shying away from the gruesome scenes of war there. I'd say you can take it pretty darn far.

ETA: And you should. War is awful and kids need to know that.

perfectisafault · May 10, 2011

I'd read a YA novel set in a real-life (I'm assuming) modern war-zone. Sounds interesting. You should definitely go for it. Nothing is really too edgy for YA these days.

ghost · May 11, 2011

Check out the Gone series. It's the only YA book I know of that comes with a warning label because of scenes of cruelty and gore.

How "Edgy" Is Too Edgy?

Rock Throwing Peasan

Danger Zone

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

Rock Throwing Peasan

Danger Zone

Becca C.

perfectisafault

ghost

Hey, that's my bike!