Getting Real

As an author, I find it challenging to create characters who possess value systems different from my own. I struggle to express, on paper, attitudes and actions that are contrary to my own beliefs. Take, for example, swearing--or "cussin'," as my sweet mother-in-law used to say. I don't believe in taking God's name in vain, and I find the "f-bomb" repugnant. Yet, what if one of my characters would be more authentic by spewing obscenities or by being sexually explicit or abhorrently cruel?

Some horrific stories, as in my novel, The Dark Room, are just too important not to be told. The Dark Room describes the physical, emotional, and verbal abuse of a woman, her daughter, and her grandchild. Often Stella's husband, Hank, is drunk or high on drugs when he administers the abusive language and beatings. While the story is fiction, it represents too many true accounts of battered women and abused children. I wanted it to be authentic. I wanted real, current-day victims to recognize themselves in Stella and realize that no matter how subtle the abuse, there is hope, and there is help if they reach out. They can read my FREE companion book, Yes, You Can Find Freedom from Violence on my website.

In order to make Hank believable, I had to create a persona that is wholly egregious to my sensibilities. Hank is cruel, controlling, filled with rage, and unable to express his grief in a healthy way. Instead, he tries to numb his emotional pain with drugs and alcohol. He lashes out and alienates the very people who could provide support.

Through research for this book, I discovered case studies that verified the authenticity of my accounts. The cruelty described in The Dark Room is more prevalent in American society than most people realize--or are willing to admit. Women and children from all walks of life are beaten or belittled every day by  emotionally damaged men who have a need to control and overpower others. These men are attracted to the people who seem least likely to fight back or stand up for their rights as human beings. Abusers convince their victims that they are worthless and at fault.

If I have a story to tell, should I dilute its impact by writing a cleaned up version? Do I tread on the side of caution or do I set aside my own discomfort to develop authentic characters? Somehow I find it difficult to take that plunge, knowing that my written words will outlive me. Perhaps I'll never completely reconcile this issue, but the message of hope, help and healing is just too important to water it down. While I feel a responsibility to my readers to give them authentic characters, I draw the line at sensationalism and obscenity just to sell books. 

Please visit my website: https://www.cindylfreeman.com/