The other day someone asked me why I put the violence in my book. It’s a good question and one I wrestled with while I was writing it. Can I, considering my value system and moral code, include violence, swearing and sex in my writing? This is particularly pertinent when writing for the youth market. Although I know many adults will (and have) read the book, does that allow me more leeway or is it still an ethical issue?
Swearing isn’t such a big issue with this book because it’s set in an alternate world, where the language is naturally going to be a little different. Although there is no sexual activity apart from kissing, so far, there is the scene in the military barracks where the girls are abused. (If you haven’t read the book, I’d like to point out that although much is implied only a little is described.)
Some people have told me they found the violence in the book, shocking and disturbing. My response: hallelujah! Violence should be shocking and disturbing.
The thing is, I’m writing about a cruel, militaristic society that steals children from their homes and forces them to become tools in their military campaigns; child soldiers. I couldn’t tell this story properly, truthfully, if I didn’t include some violence. Children, and adults, in these situations are regularly placed in terrifying, demeaning and life-threatening situations. If I wrote this story as a boys’ own adventure, without once mentioning their suffering, the moral dilemmas thrust upon them and the violent cruelty used to compel their compliance, I would be doing all children who are really in this situation, a terrible disservice.
I dislike books that include gratuitous violence (and sex, and swearing) as a form of keeping the plot moving along, of “spicing things up”, or as a marketting ploy. That goes against everything I believe in. But if I’m going to write stories that resonate with people, that have something to say and that tells the truth about the world and the people in it – even when it’s set in a different universe – then I must include some of the dark side; some of the appalling things we do to each other.
We can’t tell stories of grace and hope if there is nothing in them that challenges these ideals. The fact is, the world has many dark places which need a light shone into the heart thereof. I want to tell those stories. What is more, I think young people are very aware of the world around them. They know it can be a dark and frightening place. It’s an insult to their intelligence to suggest otherwise. They know life can be overwhelming. They want to know that it’s still possible to have hope. That they can overcome. That life is worthwhile. And, I hope my stories go a little way towards shining that light.
Well, that’s my two cents worth. I wonder what you think, dear reader.
Spot on,Wendy. And if children don’t want to read a book like that, they’ll just choose another. There are plenty of kids who from age 10 up want to understand the tough side of life. Books that face it but with hope are really important. Well done.
Thanks, Claire. I think it is essential to include hope.
Wendy, when I read your book I found the violence horrifying, but never once did I think it shouldn’t be there. You are right. Violence should be shocking. It shouldn’t be glorified, but nor should we pretty it up so it doesn’t look as bad as it really is. If you’re describing the abuse of children in an army like that violence and horror is to be expected. Anything else would make what you are trying to communicate in your story less convincing because we, as readers, wouldn’t accept it. And with it written the way it is, you can bet we’ll never forget it.
I really appreciate this, Lynne. I value your opinion. I’m so glad you think I’ve got it right. Phew!
I agree Wendy. We have moved on from Timmy the dog and the gang is all golly gosh well and whizzo. The bad guys don’t just give a clip around the ears to children who are abducted to be child soldiers. Our children are sophisticated readers who are exposed to a violent modern world through a range of media. If you don’t use violence in context you disrespect the young reader by not treating them with honesty.
That was my thinking, exactly. I struggled with the content: what to include, how to write it, what to leave out. But, I too thought if I didn’t say it how it is I would be disrespecting my readers. Stephen King says that a good writer always tells the truth and I try to do that.
I am not sure if it is of any help and whether I sholud post about it: No matter how much energy went into the process and how much struggles existed to put all those ideas into anything alike .I have never felt nearly as attached to the final product as to the process itself. It migth even be close to lack of interest sometimes, which makes me feel guilty. Thankfully, there are a lot of simpler projects for me to relax.Anyway, what I was trying to say is: enjoy a peaceful christmas time and don’t feel bad about caring so much about your creative process. Because it is worth it with all its mistakes, anxiety and little pleasures.xo, Ulrike
Thank you…I think. I’m not sure why you’re wishing me a peaceful Christmas time this early in the year, but I appreciate the sentiment. And, I thank you for the encouragement about enjoying the creative process.
This is something I struggle with as well and have been thinking about a lot — not just violence but a whole sludge of different issues and I am glad you know, that you wrote something about it 🙂 It helps to know other writers think about it as well and are asked about it too.
I have actually been surprised by the age group who have ended up reading my novel, I never would have imagined a ten year old picking it up and reading it, or enjoying it, because to me — its just not for that age group (not just the violence, but I didn’t think the content would be for kids that age) but nope…thus far, I’ve had good feedback from kids who adore it. It seems that kid’s understand what I am trying to say more than adult’s sometimes 😀
Thanks for your feedback, Kylie. I think we often underestimate what children can understand or can appreciate. I have come to the conclusion that it’s not the issue that matters as much as how we write about it.
Hi Wendy,
I’m reading your book now and have come to one part which made me jump in my seat with shock. Yet if it happened, it happened. I completely get what you’re saying here.
I appreciate that, Paula. I know the part you’re talking about. I put off writing it for about three weeks, because I found it very upsetting. However, I knew it had to be there. I must warn you it’s not the only “nasty” bit, but I’m writing about a situation that is probably far more violent than I’ve described. It’s a tricky thing to get right.
Great blog, Wendy. We, as writers, see our world and translate what we see and experience for our readers as honestly as we can. That is what you did.
Thank you! That is certainly what I tried to do. I’m gratified that you think I achieved it. 🙂
Great blog, Wendy. We, as writers, see our world and translate what we see and experience for our readers as honestly as we can. That is what you did.