I'm trying my hand at writing a YA novel. The narrator isn't exactly all sugar and spice, and it's kind of integral to her character to swear a lot. I want her to seem realistic, and in my experience, realistic is saying "sh*t" and "f*ck" an awful lot. I feel like it would take away from her character to use "crap" or "freaking" every time, but I also don't want publishers to immediately turn me down. Opinions? Advice? Thank you!
Athena: Let's at least attempt to pay some mind to the canon, shall we? The Cross and the Switchblade is a non-fiction work, and it was written by a pastor. Of course there's not going to be much swearing. However, take a look at Go Ask Alice or The Catcher in the Rye. Teens curse like sailors. If you don't believe me, join me in my practicum or at work one day, or pay a visit to my old high school. I appreciate that you took the time to answer, but I resent the offensive tone.