My protagonist is 17 and my novel is aimed at young adults. What are your thoughts on under age drinking in a YA novel? Do you think it would be frowned upon? Has anyone ever read a YA novel that contains under age drinking?
My protagonist is 17 and my novel is aimed at young adults. What are your thoughts on under age drinking in a YA novel? Do you think it would be frowned upon? Has anyone ever read a YA novel that contains under age drinking?
Victoria, I agree, the books *hint* that butterbeer is like you say more than just sugar and fizz.
I'd go as far as to say that it is open to interpretation but agree that Warner Bros would probably want to explain it away by it having an 'unexpected taste' that Harry had never had before. Creative license and all that :)
I really need to get back to editing my book, changing jobs and relocating has somewhat put a hold on my other projects...
I think by the time Warner Bros were involved butterbeer was definitely non-alcoholic but if you read about Harry's first butterbeer it gives the impression of being a bit more than sugar and fizz.
The mead and the wine Harry drinks with his teachers is definitely alcoholic, though. Of course, as a wizard Harry came of age at 17. Isn't that lucky!
I think that's fine, AS LONG AS you portray the results realistically and responsibly. I can't see a book in which the protagonist goes on a drunken night out, has a one night stand with a boy she's just met, and lives happily ever after flying off the shelves (actually, sadly, I can see a certain demographic devouring it with pleasure). "Acting up" as ASG marvellously puts it should have proper consequences, in a dramatic context - she has a hangover, she feels dirty... I wouldn't go so far as she winds up pregnant, but you get the picture.