About My Ratings System
You might notice in the description of each Starlight Radio issue I have a ratings system attached. If you’re a seasoned reader you might think how strange it is that I’d put it in the Teen/Young Adult demographic when the characters are clearly adults.
First I’d like to address the confusion: I have purposely confused you for something that’s bothered me since I started reading novels. What you’re looking at is not the target demographic - it is a maturity rating.
My target demographic is Adult. Karu, Jo, Matt, and Jeff are adults, and they’re primary characters of Starlight Radio. But does that mean I have to write ‘Adult’ themes and humour each issue? (Side note: whatever ‘adult’ humour you’re thinking of is not my goal. I think it’s lazy writing and we can do better.)
The answer is, no. That’s not what the genre is, and that is not what I’m planning in the future. But should I write it in, that’s what the rating system is for - even though the target demographic is Adult, that doesn’t mean it’s not suitable for a younger audience.
I have based The Hanaak Directory’s rating system on the official Australian rating system and the ESRB.
What we end up with is General (All ages), Teen (13+), Mature (15+), Mature Explicit (17+), and Restricted (18+).
Right now, the issues are at Teen (13+). You might think the references are more suited towards an older audience, but I think teens shouldn’t be patronised - teens want to be treated like anyone else, and I think they should be given the chance to process real world problems with guidance.
There is a YouTube channel called Bookish Realm. Ashley (I think I’ve spelled her name wrong) is a librarian, and she always says that reading teaches empathy. I agree with this, because if we’re not exposed to certain life events in a safe and healthy manner, we don’t know what to do when it arises in our own life.
That’s what the Introduction to Jeff Heiran is about - what older parents see as a taboo against the teenager is being presented in, I hope, a safe and healthy manner. There is subtext I’ve written into this issue which is made to be safe and educational. I avoided using a label for the introduction, because an explicit label may garner negativity towards a character who is otherwise just living his life.
I modelled Wita Airport after my own experience at either Brisbane or Sydney Airport (I can’t remember). In my opinion, this is the most explicit part of the issue. Last time I was at that Airport, there was a Victoria’s Secret. I was a new adult, and it amazed me how impractical Victoria’s Secret products were to me. Now that I’m married, I might take another look at what they have next time I visit that airport.
If you’re upset about the characterisation of Jeff Heiran, then I’m afraid you should stop reading Starlight Radio, because the whole journey is for people like him, Karu Hanaki, Josephina Hanaki, Matt Kovatar, and characters I’m about to introduce in later issues. Don’t email me just to bitch about this, because I’m warning you here: if you are not ready to welcome and accept these characters, you are too immature for this world, no matter what your body’s age. See you when you’ve completed that soul lesson.
For those of you who are ready to welcome and accept Karu, Jo, Matt, and Jeff: Happy Reading!