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?
Thanks guys! I don't remember any under age drinking in Harry Potter though... (I assumed butter beer was non-alcoholic like ginger beer :-))
You mean apart from Harry Potter?
No, it's such a norm stories aren't realistic without it but I'm sure any publisher would want you make it clear it is wrong and show all the pitfalls of drinking so it doesn't look as if your story glamorises breaking the law in this way.
Hi Gayle,
In short, no, I do not think this would be frowned upon.
YA, in my opinion, should reflect real life as much as possible and I'd say that if your main protagonist, a 17 year old, isn't depicting a regular real-life 17 year old then the readers won't relate to him/her.
I would say though, as long as what you write stays true to the story you want to tell, then if the story flows better with your main character 'acting up' then that is fine. Equally, if you do not need to show them partaking in these various acts, then that is not a bad thing either.
For example, if your scenes revolve around the after-effects of his/her drinking, then maybe that is stronger.
I hope this helps
Ant