Rebellious Writing discussion

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My book involves severe child abuse and its aftermath. How do I keep it appropriate/clean without cheapening the message, so to speak?

Hello R.S.!

Your audience will probably determine how explicit you can portray your abuse situations. Moderation is definitely key.

The best suggestion that I can give is to use hints. Have the abused character show their scars to a trusted person, or be fearful of something. Example: A guy was whipped with an extension cord as a child. His friend sees an extension cord and plays with it like it's a whip. What is the abused guy's reaction? What does he feel?

In this way, you know (or suspect, depending on how it's written) that the character had a very negative experience but you are spared from actually hearing the screams of agony, if you get my meaning.

Use the child abuse situations as a stumbling block for your characters, not as a means for getting their goals. Don't be afraid to have them take steps backwards because of what happened as a child.

Hope this helps!!

Catherine Hawthorn
RW Goodreads Moderator

Thanks! That's very helpful. :)