(While I'm not attempting the A to Z challenge, I'll try to match the letters when I post, so C is for censorship.)
No. I'm not talking about the perennial battles over books like Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, I'm talking about self-censorship.
In my attempt to be either fish or fowl, I've become neither, and have stopped the free flow of words. My current work in progress is women's fiction and my main character and many of the other characters are Christian. While implementing new ministry for foster children at their church, they run headlong into the carnage of abuse.
The two main book markets are the American Booksellers Association (ABA) and the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). In the ABA, voiced prayers and church references, even when they flow from my characters' cores, might not be saleable. While in the CBA, most publishers will not accept swearwords and no graphic violence or abuse--physical or sexual. And yet, that's at the core my main storyline.
I've decided that instead of limiting myself to either mindset, I'm going to let it all out--prayers and curses--and stop censoring myself before I start.
Okay, words, come on in. ; )
There's lots of other ways to self-censor yourself, but I'll save those for other posts.
I try not to think of what others might or might not accept when I am writing. I have enough hassle getting the words that fit onto the page! Good luck with your writing project, swear words, prayers and all.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ann. I've been over thinking this, I know. At least I know what I've done to myself. ; )
DeleteZan how refreshing. You'll probably find your voice coming through stronger as a result.
ReplyDeleteOn the childhood posts, you'd be surprised how many contacted me to say 'can I add more?' If you want to, you're welcome.
Denise
Thanks, Denise for the comment on the post.
DeleteBTW, I'll probably take you up on adding to my questions. ; )
I agree with you, Zan Marie - I think that's the right approach. It's probably shooting myself in the foot, but I didn't even look up or try to follow all sorts of romance novel rules while writing my stories (well, except for the characters meeting as soon as possible) - got to tell the story the way it comes :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deniz. I think this realization is major for me. In fact, I'm more open to new ways to show the plot. For example, I read an article today about child sexual abuse that changes how Laura Grace learns of Samantha's past. Even her social worker won't know for sure. ; )
DeleteOoh, teasing! Which reminds me, I still owe you a comment on the March X - I read it a week ago!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait! Though I've already done a bit of a rewrite on that one. ; )
DeleteGood for you! I'm glad you're getting out of your own way ;) Writing is hard enough!
ReplyDeleteYou're right about that, RS! ; )
DeleteLetting the story come out organically will make for a stronger and more true story. It's not like you're trying to hit anyone over the head with either Christianity or violence. It's all part of the story and I think you'll be all right when you get it published.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the vote of confidence, Sara! The waffling is my basic insecurities speaking through my hand. ; )
DeleteAhh, self censorship, how many ways we let it in, as you say. I think the only way to go here is to be your true self and write what's in your heart. Worry about the correct market for it later. Process, not produce. Easy for me to say, hard for you to do, I know. But I'm rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charlotte! I've about figured that out. I was discussing the very mild cussing in the MS with my husband and all of it fits character or situation. For some reason, I think this would do better on the CBA than ABA, so I'm not going to worry about those prayers any more. ; )
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