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calidris replied to the topic HELP! Plot thoughts & Hard Topics in the forum Fantasy Writers 3 years, 8 months ago
My audience is intended to be adults and mature young adults.Good to know!
That said, I myself have certain sensitivities around sexual content, so I am really going to be cognisant of that and intend to tread carefully. I would definitely focus more on the responses to the abuse rather than the act of abuse itself.That is a very wise decision, and I think that by avoiding focusing on the act itself, you’ll be much less likely to trigger your readers!
Also:
@jared-williams has two characters who both experienced sexual trauma (I actually think both were in some kind of slavery). He’s also exploring themes surrounding that, and the lasting impact of that hurt (but not without offering hope in our Redeemer!)
@this-is-not-an-alien also has a character who I believe was almost assaulted, and that’s one cause of a lot of his trauma.
Idk if they’ll be able to respond or not, but if they do, I’ll be interested to hear what they have to say!
Would you have any thoughts on what could replace this plot point, if I find I need to do so, that still carries some weight to it? As stated before, I am struggling to come up with an alternative if it proves that that is what I need to do.I do, actually! One thought that came to mind would be to have Lydia, or even another member of the party, have to escape while ill or injured. So, maybe they ended up severely injured or maimed because of abuse or negligence (saying, a whipping or beating, or maybe an accident involving faulty tools.) While this character will eventually heal, there might be permanent scars or disability, which could not only hinder their escape but also cause a lot of hurt and bitterness. I think it would be especially difficult if this character started out very strong and healthy, and maybe unwittingly placed a lot of confidence in their health. So in this case, the themes could revolve around healing (both physical and emotional/spiritual), and on forgiveness.
Another thing to consider would be the technological development in this alternate world. Is this world less technologically advanced, more technologically advanced, or at about the same level as their home land? If this alternate world is less technologically advanced, then easily treatable sickness or injury could become disastrous (say, if there’s no access to antibiotics). If the alternate world is really similar to their homeland, someone might be aware of medicinal herbs or natural remedies (like honey being antibacterial, etc.), but that can only go so far in the case of serious illness or injury, especially because they’re escaping!
Or, if it’s more technologically advanced, then the party will have to deal with how this technology might be used to track them or hunt them down…
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