Your approach sounds very reasonable and balanced. The gist of things usually suffices. If most people say they don’t want Tolkien- or Jordan-esque landscape descriptions, I reckon they can get by with their imaginations in other aspects, too. I try to write PG-13, and I try to draw the violence line at enough detail for drama without being gross. (Language-wise, I use a lot of fictional curses or convey the gist, as a world-building opportunity.)
Thank you! These are great ideas. I like the thought of following PG-13. We've become so accustomed to what that means, it actually becomes an effective guideline.
I feel like the level of description vs the imagination of a thing are pretty powerful. For some kids, words are very impactful yet what we see visually, including commercials, is off the chain. I had to back off scary stuff as a teen; my imagination was getting the bsst of me!
These are great points. I have purposely gone with a much simpler voice for this middle-grade series. Not simple to the point of being insulting, but simple in that the story itself becomes the driving force.
You're more moderate about this than I am. My efforts have had (unavoidable) violent depictions (superhero fiction kind of has to have that..) and my characters do cuss, but with restraint.
Very true. Well, I'd like it to be sophisticated enough for an adult to read while also not too disturbing for a 13-year-old. Rowling pulled that off and then some. :)
Your approach sounds very reasonable and balanced. The gist of things usually suffices. If most people say they don’t want Tolkien- or Jordan-esque landscape descriptions, I reckon they can get by with their imaginations in other aspects, too. I try to write PG-13, and I try to draw the violence line at enough detail for drama without being gross. (Language-wise, I use a lot of fictional curses or convey the gist, as a world-building opportunity.)
Thank you! These are great ideas. I like the thought of following PG-13. We've become so accustomed to what that means, it actually becomes an effective guideline.
I feel like the level of description vs the imagination of a thing are pretty powerful. For some kids, words are very impactful yet what we see visually, including commercials, is off the chain. I had to back off scary stuff as a teen; my imagination was getting the bsst of me!
These are great points. I have purposely gone with a much simpler voice for this middle-grade series. Not simple to the point of being insulting, but simple in that the story itself becomes the driving force.
Sounds a good strategy; best of luck!
I vary between characters and character ages. Some are that age, some older.
You're more moderate about this than I am. My efforts have had (unavoidable) violent depictions (superhero fiction kind of has to have that..) and my characters do cuss, but with restraint.
Are you 13 and up or more young adult, like say 16 and up? Anyway, I may well be playing it too safe as opposed to not safe enough.
Very true. Well, I'd like it to be sophisticated enough for an adult to read while also not too disturbing for a 13-year-old. Rowling pulled that off and then some. :)
You are very generous. Thank you!