Writing YA in a World of Identity, Sexuality, and Violence: How Much Is Too Much? – Michaela Thorn, Debby Dodds, Karen Eisenbrey, Kate Ristau, and Benjamin Gorman

YA is as varied as adult fiction, with authors no longer shying away from issues. Still, when pen goes to paper, fingers go to keys, they get nervous about how much sexuality the YA readers can handle; do they have too much violence, not enough? Then the issue of diversity among their characters and their ability to tactfully describe varying identities comes up, and a new kind of anxiousness sets in. Come hear a discussion among YA novelists who have wrestled with these questions and learn how they toe that fine line.