Friday, March 11, 2011

What the F---

What the Freak it's Friday. Gotcha, didn't I? I know you were thinking of another word. I've been thinking about bad language in YA. One of the books I recently read had some, and it didn't bother me too much. I know this is a big deal to some. It's a big deal to me, especially the mother word, but  in in some cases it's realistic. Trust me, I don't want my kids potty mouthing it up, but I have to face reality. The words are out there and they are bound to hear it, most likely in their teen years, from their peers.

I watch what I say (I'm not a natural potty mouth, but sometimes curse in German under my breath. Yes, these were some of the first words taught to me in German by German Exchange students when I was a teenager, my point.) I do watch what my kids watch or hear (which will be until their 18 and they will roll their eyes, but it's for their own good.) But I know these words are spoken. Example, a couple at the grocery store were arguing, using the mother word. Now I didn't make a big deal, because you never know what a 2 1/2 year old will repeat. I did give a slight look to the couple, like-- really must you use that here look, but they didn't seem phased.

Anyway, back to YA. I will watch what my kids read, but I have to understand and hope that if they sneak a book they are not aloud to read that I've taught them to use their best judgement and good moral values. Basically, I will hold my breath and hope I've raised good kids. I can only do so much.

Like I said, I have to be real. I tend to like the book better if it's not used, especially the mother word, but what are you going to do. I think the key is not to overuse it. It has to fit the character, otherwise it will stand out and slow the reader down or have the reader make a sour face and put the book down. I don't like it when the F word is thrown across every page and it's not needed other than for shock factor (this also goes for sex scenes.)

Personally, if it's not in there, I'm happy, but I know it's out there and used. I haven't thrown the mother word in anything I've written, and don't think I will, at least not yet. Call it an inexperienced writer or whatever. My characters just haven't needed to use that word. Maybe I'm like a mom and hoping my kiddo MCs are good kids. Who knows?

What are your thoughts on this?


Do you use language (the mother word) in your YA?

Have a great weekend!