IWSG – August 2023 – Difficult Scenes
Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.
On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.
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IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
In answer to this month’s question:
I don’t set out to write scenes that leave me conflicted. I respond to the question posed and write the story that follows. There’s no focus on the message, nothing profound going on except to let the story unfold.
We’ve all heard the saying: Write What You Know. I’ve witnessed firsthand how dark and lonely the world can be, a world full of contrast: joyful, devastating, and serene. In my novels my protagonist confront their greatest fears and, in the end, understand that suffering is part of life. Contentment and peace are a choice.
I was conflicted when I wrote the opening to Maski: Broken But Not Dead because my protagonist Brendell Meshango is the victim of a home invasion. A masked perpetrator physically and mentally abuses her for 24 hours before vanishing.
Violence against women in Canada is a serious problem. Over 25% (probably more) are Aboriginal. Across the world, 137 women are murdered every day. The thought that my scene would be construed as exploitation makes my insides cringe. I find violence against anyone abhorrent—no matter the justification.
When I completed Maski I reread my draft and pulled the scene. Three weeks later I toned down the brutality and put the scene back. A month later, I pulled it again. Five months later I reread the manuscript and knew that because of who Brendell is (50 and full of rage) she’d have to be pushed in order to take action. My publisher agreed. (smile)
I’ve struggled with other scenes in other manuscripts. I probably always will. I’m a writer; I’m occasionally insecure. Luckily, I have good instincts and know enough to trust myself. The themes of my novels are basically the same: No matter how horrible life gets, never give up and never surrender.
On another subject, I’ve thrilled to be back after some serious issues with my laptop. Unfixable glitches, so I’m crossing my fingers that my computer continues to run until October when I hope to replace it. Or maybe I’ll get lucky and my MacBook will make a full recovery!
I could say more on so many subjects but I’ll spare you. Leave a comment and I’ll be sure to visit your blog.
–namaste
joylene
ps. We have another set of twins in the neighbourhood. I tried to download a short video but my Macbook wasn’t having any of that. Hopefully, a pic does them justice. They’re mule deer and instead of trotting across our property, they bounce. It brings joy to my heart every time they appear. When the deer are gone, mama bear and her three cubs stroll by. My MacBook wouldn’t let me upload the pics.
Mama at the end of our driveway.
I zoomed in for the cubs; no idea why.
I respect their space, and I won’t get closer unless I’m filming from inside and they’re outside the door.
No. 4 was the smallest.
Comments 22
I’m glad that your editor thought that Brendell needed to be pushed, Joylene. Sometimes the best way to inform people about difficult topics like injustice or violence against women is to write a novel with the ugly truth spelled out. How lovely to have twin fawns and their mother visit. I would be thrilled to see a mother bear and her four cubs, but I’d be wary too. I’m sure you are on the alert around your property. Enjoy high summer, my friend! Hugs to you!
Author
Best to you, Louise. Take care and stay safe.
Fingers crossed that your laptop survives! And what beautiful wildlife you have nearby! I’m jealous.
Author
Thank you, Kate. And thanks for co-hosting.
I love your theme and that fact you trust yourself. There are times I need confidence and trust to move forward. Not always easy, though. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Author
True. It took me years to feel confidence, and even now it’s sometimes fleeting.
I really dislike things like r*pe and violence against women just for shock value or to give the MC a tragic backstory. But when done right, it can be a powerful story of (as you said) never giving up.
Author
Someone said once that it takes a woman to truly express the horrors of abuse. I understand the value in that, but it doesn’t make it easier. Thanks for visiting.
Glad you’re back! The deer and bears are wonderful! I hope your Macbook behaves till you can replace it.
I write about domestic violence, sexual assault, and similar topics. I hope my stories aren’t seen as exploitive; my intent is the opposite. As long as these terrible things happen, I’m going to write about them and their aftermath.
“Contentment and peace are a choice” – such wise words. I figured out in my late teens that happiness was largely a choice. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that, but it’s proven to be mostly true throughout my life.
Author
Thanks, Janet. Have a great day.
It is lovely to see you back. Sadly family violence is prevalent here too, and the victims are often women and children.
I love that you trust your gut (mostly) and love even more that you keep working.
Your visitors fill me with awe (and delight).
Author
thank you for the comment, Sue. I was unable to leave a comment on your blog. I love hearing from you. Best to you.
It was a really tough scene to read, but you had to push her to that point.
Author
Thanks, Diane. You are appreciated very much.
Four bears in your yard. That’s unnerving.
Sometimes a tough scene has to stay in to move the story forward.
Author
I know! It’s got me paying attention. Have a great day.
I loved your account of the out, in, out again, in again scene! Glad you found the right solution for your story.
Bless all those fury babies you have at your doorstep!
Author
Thank you, Lee. Have a great day.
Welcome back! Nice your Mac has agreed to allow you to post this month.
I could feel your conflict over leaving or cutting the scene. I’m glad you came to a compromise and edited to your satisfaction. Violence again women comes in so many forms. Shining light on the subject saves lives.
So the mule deer bounce across your property? Remember, as kids, when we could bounce around without a care in the world?
Cheers, @ Lynn La Vita
Author
I know. Being a grownup is overrated. Best to you.
Yeah, that sounds like a difficult scene. I faced something similar with book 3.5 (still WIP stage) and ended up changing an assault on my character from a man attacking her to her almost getting eaten by a giant bird, because I didn’t want to deal with the same difficulties you had with your scene. Mine worked out, but mine is fantasy. Home invasions are a bit harder to work around.
Author
Thanks, Loni. Thanks for visiting. I enjoyed your post as usual. Best..