Defending My Work
I recently came to an unexpected conclusion about writing. To be noticed, a book must contain a hook to get the reader’s attention, and this element is often controversial. Unfortunately, releasing a controversial topic to the public angers a few people. Therefore, I must defend my work by insisting that my books are moral, have a good plot, and are always worth reading.
A good example is in my first book. It contains two torture scenes. As a result, I get at least one complaint monthly in the form of a bad review, social media post, or email on my book website.
What are people complaining about? They dislike the gore. But what about other books? How does mine stack up? While I do not seek out horror, true crime, violence, or torture works, I occasionally encounter them. A good example is A Writer at War by Luba Vinogradova and Antony Beevor. This excellent book contains a horrific description that haunts me to this day. Of course, I will not reveal the details, but in the grand scheme of writing, other works have far worse descriptions.
My answer is that if this A Writer at War scene is a ten, then my scene is a two. Thus, I want to tell the people who feel offended, “You really should not be upset by my timid book.” The people voicing their concerns would say, “I do not want to read your filth.” Or, “Why are you poisoning our world with hate?”
I try to tell them my words are not bad, but I still get upset. My counter-counter argument is, “Did you read the description? You should have known beforehand that my book is a thriller. Plus, the book is fictional, and nobody was assaulted. Everything is fine.”
Some of the posts I respond to, and others I ignore. My active defense is to insist that my books do not contain flaws and are worthy of being read. Yet, I must clarify my efforts to defend which differs from an advertisement or a plug. For example, “Hey, have you read Interviewing Immortality? You will really like it!” Unlike the dreary, “Interviewing Immortality contains a solid plot everybody can enjoy.” (Damage control mode.)
Why did I risk controversy by creating a torture scene? That was the most exciting plot I could develop. Translation: I liked the concept so much that I had the confidence to get off the sofa and sit in front of my keyboard for six months.
At my core, I am a stubborn survivor. I chose to be an author and went into this with my eyes wide open. Nobody forced me to write a specific story. Yet, I knew there would be criticism from the haters, and I would have to defend myself. However, I had no idea it would be such an uphill battle. Honestly, my books are a two out of ten on the horror scale at best.
What is my reward? I get a few compliments and cherish each one. Yet, that is not the biggest reward. I get the most satisfaction by reading my stories. I love seeing what my characters are up to. When they succeed, I succeed.
You’re the best -Bill
October 14, 2020 Updated May 24, 2025
A good example is in my first book. It contains two torture scenes. As a result, I get at least one complaint monthly in the form of a bad review, social media post, or email on my book website.
What are people complaining about? They dislike the gore. But what about other books? How does mine stack up? While I do not seek out horror, true crime, violence, or torture works, I occasionally encounter them. A good example is A Writer at War by Luba Vinogradova and Antony Beevor. This excellent book contains a horrific description that haunts me to this day. Of course, I will not reveal the details, but in the grand scheme of writing, other works have far worse descriptions.
My answer is that if this A Writer at War scene is a ten, then my scene is a two. Thus, I want to tell the people who feel offended, “You really should not be upset by my timid book.” The people voicing their concerns would say, “I do not want to read your filth.” Or, “Why are you poisoning our world with hate?”
I try to tell them my words are not bad, but I still get upset. My counter-counter argument is, “Did you read the description? You should have known beforehand that my book is a thriller. Plus, the book is fictional, and nobody was assaulted. Everything is fine.”
Some of the posts I respond to, and others I ignore. My active defense is to insist that my books do not contain flaws and are worthy of being read. Yet, I must clarify my efforts to defend which differs from an advertisement or a plug. For example, “Hey, have you read Interviewing Immortality? You will really like it!” Unlike the dreary, “Interviewing Immortality contains a solid plot everybody can enjoy.” (Damage control mode.)
Why did I risk controversy by creating a torture scene? That was the most exciting plot I could develop. Translation: I liked the concept so much that I had the confidence to get off the sofa and sit in front of my keyboard for six months.
At my core, I am a stubborn survivor. I chose to be an author and went into this with my eyes wide open. Nobody forced me to write a specific story. Yet, I knew there would be criticism from the haters, and I would have to defend myself. However, I had no idea it would be such an uphill battle. Honestly, my books are a two out of ten on the horror scale at best.
What is my reward? I get a few compliments and cherish each one. Yet, that is not the biggest reward. I get the most satisfaction by reading my stories. I love seeing what my characters are up to. When they succeed, I succeed.
You’re the best -Bill
October 14, 2020 Updated May 24, 2025
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