Is it acceptable to use some nudity in a teen fantasy book??

Question

brief nudity, I mean

Answer 1

I think as long as it's not sexualized, or overtly sexualized, it's probably just fine. For example, if there's a scene in a girls' locker room where all the girls on the volleyball team strip off their sweaty uniforms and shower, and two girls have a conversation about what they're doing after school while they're showering - big deal. Or if a bunch of kids go skinny-dipping at a lake in the middle of the night, but none of the characters are ogling the others naked; they're all just swimming and laughing and having fun without touching or thinking about how everybody's naked - no big deal, either. My friends and I used to skinny-dip all the time in the summer, and nobody ever did anything inappropriate (or even got very close to one another). I think a lot of teens do stuff like that.

There's nothing sexual about those scenarios. The characters are naked, but it's not like the focus is on the nudity. I think most teen readers would not be put off by a scene like that.

Answer 2

Sure, if it is aimed at older teens about 15-18. And anyway, books aren't like movies where there are graphic displays of nudity. The imagery in a book relies on the reader's imagination, and not actual visuals. It you are including illustrations of nudity, then that is definitely not acceptable, but text only is a different matter if it isn't overly sex-themed. If you have a shower scene or something where the character is alone and not overly sexualized, then that's OK.

In my opinion, the more controversial a piece of literature is, the better. It keeps the heat on conservative book-banners.

Answer 3

I would say that it depends on what you mean by a "teen fantasy book." If you are planning on writing *for* audiences of 15 or older, then it is essentially an adult book with teen characters, and so is no problem. If you expect younger readers, then there would definitely be opposition to the inclusion of such.

Try reading "A Spell for Chameleon", which has an excellently rendered scene where the hero, unknown to him, is being spied on by a woman while he is showering. It is very clear that she was watching him naked and that she was aroused by doing so, but the author cleverly presents it in such a way that nothing explicit is mentioned.

So, I guess my general suggestion is, make certain that any nakedness is not explicit - i.e. no discussion of taboo body parts during naked "scenes." Simply mention that they character disrobed, perhaps looked over him or (more likely) herself, and then continue the story. Don't dwell on it.

Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com

Answer 4

With all the fantasies teens have now WITHOUT books, nudity wouldn't do any harm to them.

Answer 5

Shouldn't be a problem.

But most people will try to tell you otherwise--given the nature of some individuals "censorship/sensitivity" issues.

Just write what makes you feel comfortable and acceptable.

Answer 6

No! Most teens are just looking for a good clean read and I hate it when I get bad parts in an otherwise great book! If you want good reviews I would severly advise against it!

Answer 7

No. If and when you sell it, it is likely the publisher would just edit it out. And once you have signed a standard authors' contract, you have no say in the editing process.
----
They're, Their, There - Three Different Words.

Careful or you may wind up in my next novel.

Pax - C

Answer 8

It is a book so you could try and be ambiguous and just hint at it, leaving the reader to imagine what suits them.

Answer 9

yes, have you even read Holly Black, there no nudity but her book has alot of drugs/drinking in it.

Answer 10

no because its illegal and that type of stuff should not be veiwed by the young folks.