I know I haven't been on for a while but I'd like to ask for your honest opinion on what I'm busy writing about!
I'm writing Young Adult, what involves domestic violence, also rape. Do you think it should be wrote about or left alone, I believe it needs to be told, as it can happen at any age! Do Young Adults need to learn about this, or should it be kept under the carpet like always!
Again honest opinions welcome. I'd like to hear others thoughts on this.
Thanks everyone for your replies, I'm writing this as a YA because I was only 16 when it began, yes 16 I don't want to go to much into (just yet) but now you can understand why I'm pushing it towards YA as I believe everyone especially young people should know that this can happen to anyone at any time.
You don't just have to be an Adult to go through all of this and experience this. It's hard to talk about, but writing on the other hand I'm finding a lot easier.
Yes I have to admit when writing today I had to stop as I felt sick and began to shake because I was going to places, I've locked away for so long.
This has been the hardest decision I've had to make, in such a long time. To go in that dark place. It's hard to explain if you've never had to deal with all of that. But by writing it, I hope I can give an insight to everyone and hope that others don't remain so silent like I've done for so long!
Once again thank you for the replies.
I'm here in solidarity with you, Myrisha.
As a general answer to the question regarding appropriate content of YA, then I do not see that this would be a problem. It is an issue that effects the lives of young people and one that ought to be spoken of more. With YA you would have to avoid explicit language/descriptions.
On a personal note, I have also experienced such. I was 16. One of the themes of my ms is consent and some parts were incredibly difficult to write. I always use trigger warnings on my blog where needed and will have one on the book when it's published. This is something you perhaps need to consider, you may need to research and the material can often be triggering. You know if your ready :)
To those who cautioned against anger. No. This is silencing. Part of what makes this crime so heinous is the stripping away of a persons autonomy, disregarding their choice. By saying you cannot be angry you are continuing this crime, you are saying that what has happened to them is not worth anger, when we live in a society where it's perfectly acceptable to get angry with, say, a self service check out.
Anger is a natural and necessary reaction. People should be angry that 1 in 3 women have known domestic/sexual violence. Don't be afraid of emotion in writing, but be aware of the whole of the story, the scope of its timeline and the characters development, how the other characters contrast.
Neeraj...."educate kids about the various facets of life and need to be made aware." I think I see your intent here, but this sounds awfully like 'accepting the facts of life'. I hope this is not what you meant?
Young Adults are not the saints of 10 BC. Yeah, you can't just be too free with your words, but if you want to put in your feelings and present your ideas, I would say go ahead. A thumbs up from me!!
It is often said that we create the next generation, so your book may help to educate the kids about the various facets of life and need to be made aware. As you said, it may happen at any time, for anyone..
Do post or share your work. I would personally love to read the excerpts...
Good Luck!!
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Neeraj