Having written a handful of YA romances, I've always let the characters determine the spice level in their stories. If they're passionate, sexually curious, and hungry for connection - there will inevitably be more opportunities for steamy encounters. If they're withdrawn, shy, or harboring some kind of trauma or trust issues, there might be little or no spice in their love story. I actually appreciate it when Young Adult fiction doesn't shy away from the subject of sex, because it's a major factor in teenagers' lives, whether they're doing it, not doing it, wanting to do it, or not wanting to do it. It's on their minds ... all the time. I do think authors need to be cautious about how they approach spicy content intended for teenagers. I don't like it if its staged to appear "better" or "sexier" than it generally is. When you're young (or old, who are we kidding?), sex can be awkward, embarrassing, and uncomfortable at times - and when kids see that kind of honesty in romantic storytelling, I think it serves them better in their own relationships.
There's my ten cents! I could honestly talk about this subject all day. π
We are of like minded opinions on the topic is spice for teen characters and the YA audience. I hope Iβve honored my MCβs journey and shown her emotional growth in this regard and other subjects she encounters. Book one is no spice not by my choice, but by her character development. (Which is also why book two has a little moreβ¦ itβs her story, and Iβm just the conduit to share it with the world!)
Having written a handful of YA romances, I've always let the characters determine the spice level in their stories. If they're passionate, sexually curious, and hungry for connection - there will inevitably be more opportunities for steamy encounters. If they're withdrawn, shy, or harboring some kind of trauma or trust issues, there might be little or no spice in their love story. I actually appreciate it when Young Adult fiction doesn't shy away from the subject of sex, because it's a major factor in teenagers' lives, whether they're doing it, not doing it, wanting to do it, or not wanting to do it. It's on their minds ... all the time. I do think authors need to be cautious about how they approach spicy content intended for teenagers. I don't like it if its staged to appear "better" or "sexier" than it generally is. When you're young (or old, who are we kidding?), sex can be awkward, embarrassing, and uncomfortable at times - and when kids see that kind of honesty in romantic storytelling, I think it serves them better in their own relationships.
There's my ten cents! I could honestly talk about this subject all day. π
And thanks for the shout out, friend!! π
We are of like minded opinions on the topic is spice for teen characters and the YA audience. I hope Iβve honored my MCβs journey and shown her emotional growth in this regard and other subjects she encounters. Book one is no spice not by my choice, but by her character development. (Which is also why book two has a little moreβ¦ itβs her story, and Iβm just the conduit to share it with the world!)