Would this be too controversy for a young adult novel?

Question

I'm writing a pirate book, I'm nearly finished with my final draft (or I hope so, just little ways to go) and I'm at a road block. When pirates were captured by the Royal Navy and placed in the brig the Reverend usually came to try and convert them. I'm starting to write that in but the Reverend does get dissed by the pirate and laughed at and the like. He preaches about God and Satan and they laugh in his face and throw him away. Would this be too accurate to history and vulgar for a young adult novel?

Answer 1

I don't think it would be too controversial.  If you're worried about taking a religious stance I would keep his sermon more generalized rather than getting into the actual mechanics of salvation versus damnation.  

Answer 2

     No, I think that'll be fine.  You could write some good dialogue between the reverend and the pirates.  Go for it!

Good luck

Mike B

Answer 3

not at all

i think people think the YA genre has to block alot of content but you'd be surprised at what is allowed to be printed and how much we often enjoy it.

Personally i'd prefer it to be historically accurate especially if that sort of thing happened all the time in that period.

I think you should write it how you feel it should be written and then afterwards perhaps you can edit it and 'gloss over' certain aspects to make it less controversial if you feel it necessary

hope that helps

Answer 4

Of course not! Sorry, but when I clicked into this I was expecting you to ask about whether you could write about incest or rape or something. It sounds perfectly fine and normal to me. I'm writing a book at the moment and I can tell you right now that I have something far worse than this!

Answer 5

too controversial, not controversy, i don't want to sound like a prick, but if you're writing a novel, please learn basic grammar. In response to the question, it sounds good, remember, young adults want a bit of controversy and vulgarity. Good luck, I hope you are the next JK Rowling!  

Answer 6

It may be a better option to avoid discussing exactly what the Rev. was saying, and generalize the topic of his mission to include any religious stance.  It is not a good idea to present teens your biases, or *eh-hem* "historical" accuracy.  History books are written from the vantage point of the author.  History is told in many ways, in many versions, and with many embellishments.  Confusing the issue of religion, p****y, hedonism, missionaries, murder, and hatred are a little strong for one novel.  Reading is for learning, relaxation, discovery, and imagination building.  Too much reference to religion and politics in a teen fictional novel is to be avoided, I say.  That's my opinion, which is what you've requested of YA members.