A must read for anyone who writes.

[grimcognito]

Anyone who writes, be it fanfiction or original fic, should read this post by Jim C. Hines (one of my favorite authors) about using rape in fiction writing. This is a topic I feel strongly about, and as a reader of gay fantasy and paranormal romances, I see it overused and so very badly written, not to mention a cheap way to add drama to a story,

Comments

[cplone27]

You gave me shivers. The post was amazing. Rape and dubcon is so sensitive for me. I'm not ashamed to say I was molested as a child, but was I was strong enough, and thank God smart enough to stop it before it progressed past one episode. So it always bothers me when like what Mr. Hines states it's overused (or abused), as an easy plot device to add spice or easy conflict or drama. One of my LJ friends, connected on a deeper level, because she's a survivor like myself, and wrote one of the most amazing and well done pieces of how that trauma can effect someone. It was true and heart wrenching. And I told her, in its own heartbreaking way, so beautiful.

But some many people use traumatic events in such a cheap, distasteful way to titillate , so sad really.

[grimcognito]

Wow, you are one hell of a lady, my friend, and definitely a strong one! I'm glad you had a friend to be there with you (even if it was through the internet.)

I completely agree, and I can't stand it as a cheap plot device, which unfortunately is all too common, especially in the kinds of books I like to read, which is more than a little upsetting. Especially when it's used as a cheap plot device to further a romance story, of all things. *shakes head* Now I just stop reading as soon as I see it coming, which sucks when I spent money on a book that was supposed to be good, and ends up just being something that turns a very sensitive and serious issue into a mockery of a real issue.

Sorry for the rant, and that you for the thoughtful and trusting comment! *hugs*