In rewriting the last half of my book, I've added a rape scene. It took several pages of showing his cruel side to get to the actual event and then about 2 1/2 - 3 pages for the scene. My worry - is this too much time to focus on a rape scene in a romance book? Even though it shows the heroine's steadfast love for the hero (not the rapist) and her strength of character? And afterwards the heroes devotion and love of the heroine.
I have read romantic susupense and thrillers that I had to skip pages (due to graphic scenes) and still loved the book in the end. My scene isn't that bad. And, like I said, I think it gives insight into the characters.
Having added this scene and changing the character of a character, I have added length! That is one of the upsides to taking a different look at things and tweaking the story a bit.
I'm a stauch believer a harrowing experience can either break you or make you stronger. In this case it makes the heroine stronger.
2 comments:
Hmm...you're asking the wrong person. My current WIP is very dark - several murders (one very graphic), a twisted premise and an 18-yr cover up.
If including a rape in your story helps the plot along, then go for it. You can always take it out later.
Don't know mother....like you I don't like very graphic scences and would probably skip this one. Things like this always make me want to cry...if I watch a movie with them in it I fast forward.
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