I agree with you that misogyny can manifest in writing should the author be unaware of the trends you speak of. Women in media are often portrayed as accessories to further motive/development of protags, or used to solicit emotional responses from viewers/readers. And once they've fulfilled their roles, fade into the background. I'm aware of, and actively eradicate this practice from my story.
Sometimes, even though it's unfair, when you're living in a patriarchal society and you personally experience some patriarchal BS, reading the slightest thing can set you off and you can criticize someone unfairly.
The chapter on which the comments were written was when Red underwent severe and direct retraumatisation. I have no doubt that the post (and my entire story) can cause massive discomfort and potentially induce vicarious trauma in readers. Hence the dozens and dozens of trigger warnings so readers know where to skip or stop reading. Lashing out, or trying to exert influence over the author/character/story is simply a method of coping which allows a person to reclaim a sense of autonomy and control. I understand that and don't blame nor feel any ill-will towards her/him.
To be clear, I'm definitely not saying that your writing is like that - I haven't read your writing yet, just that for many it's a valid criticism
No worries. Considering I've written more than 80 chapters of Red, I am well aware that she isn't a Mario Princess. I've also gotten way more comments of Red being 'brave, courageous and has ovaries of steel' than her being a 'permanent damsel', so have concluded that the commenter is as you said, triggered, or simply took a snapshot of Red's weaker moments and defined her entire person based on that moment.
Because it appeals to me. Because I want to. Because it is much more interesting. Because it provokes thought, analysis and emotion. Because they deserve and SHOULD exist. And because neither can nor want to write rainbows and sunshine. And most importantly - because I said so.
In the end, "Why" does not matter. What matters is doing it for right reasons and ignoring those who can't deal with it. Can you?
@mercuryfoam Thanks for such a thoughtful response. I'm sorry you got so many nasty comments and I'm definitely going to see how much of B2W I can read this week. It looks like there's a lot to enjoy.
@mercuryfoam you commented on one of my Gen 3 chapters one which you thought David Landgrabbie and Prince Harley (now emporer Harley) were introduced of my current attempt at the Swanson story
I don't really know why I write dark stories. Sometimes I think it's to deal with emotional scarring I had to deal with as 12 years old and into my teenage years. On the other hand, a story in which nothing but happy events happened would be a bit boring wouldn't you think? Also in some ways in my story, I hint (except in Gen 7 which I kind of spell out) mental health problems. I also talk about parts of history..as well. Actually, I'm working on such a chapter in this 4th attempt of my Swanson Legacy. But at the same time around the "history project", Both Elizabeth and Cora (my current twins) have to deal with bullying from the Dauphin and Dauphine's twin sister from the Berjsen family (a Gen 2-Gen 5 ongoing feud aka Capulet and the Montagues). As well as the drama between Elizabeth and Cora as well.
Some people might be a bit afraid about certain "language" which I use in my story (and no not Swear words but the other kind). Like I recently for a week got banned on a writer's forum for asking for ideas about X (read "Wyatt's history" chapter of my story and you can guess what they thought) and people on the forum thought I was "spewing hate". I ended up mostly making up what I wanted on my own from what I knew without help. I still want to know if that's chapter did what I wanted-ie shockingly. Since it's kind of really dark I think. But not as dark as what will happen in Gen 7. I don't even watch horror movies but I have used poses inspired by horror movies for my Swanson SimLit (look at the "Friends chapter" of Gen 3)
So don't let them get to you
Like Dumbledore from Harry Potter says - "It's our choices that make us who we are more than our ability" (More book then movie), and movie Dumbledore "Happiness can be found even in the darkness of times as long as one remembers to turn on the light"
Comments
I agree with you that misogyny can manifest in writing should the author be unaware of the trends you speak of. Women in media are often portrayed as accessories to further motive/development of protags, or used to solicit emotional responses from viewers/readers. And once they've fulfilled their roles, fade into the background. I'm aware of, and actively eradicate this practice from my story.
The chapter on which the comments were written was when Red underwent severe and direct retraumatisation. I have no doubt that the post (and my entire story) can cause massive discomfort and potentially induce vicarious trauma in readers. Hence the dozens and dozens of trigger warnings so readers know where to skip or stop reading. Lashing out, or trying to exert influence over the author/character/story is simply a method of coping which allows a person to reclaim a sense of autonomy and control. I understand that and don't blame nor feel any ill-will towards her/him.
No worries. Considering I've written more than 80 chapters of Red, I am well aware that she isn't a Mario Princess. I've also gotten way more comments of Red being 'brave, courageous and has ovaries of steel' than her being a 'permanent damsel', so have concluded that the commenter is as you said, triggered, or simply took a snapshot of Red's weaker moments and defined her entire person based on that moment.
In the end, "Why" does not matter. What matters is doing it for right reasons and ignoring those who can't deal with it. Can you?
I don't really know why I write dark stories. Sometimes I think it's to deal with emotional scarring I had to deal with as 12 years old and into my teenage years. On the other hand, a story in which nothing but happy events happened would be a bit boring wouldn't you think? Also in some ways in my story, I hint (except in Gen 7 which I kind of spell out) mental health problems. I also talk about parts of history..as well. Actually, I'm working on such a chapter in this 4th attempt of my Swanson Legacy. But at the same time around the "history project", Both Elizabeth and Cora (my current twins) have to deal with bullying from the Dauphin and Dauphine's twin sister from the Berjsen family (a Gen 2-Gen 5 ongoing feud aka Capulet and the Montagues). As well as the drama between Elizabeth and Cora as well.
Some people might be a bit afraid about certain "language" which I use in my story (and no not Swear words but the other kind). Like I recently for a week got banned on a writer's forum for asking for ideas about X (read "Wyatt's history" chapter of my story and you can guess what they thought) and people on the forum thought I was "spewing hate". I ended up mostly making up what I wanted on my own from what I knew without help. I still want to know if that's chapter did what I wanted-ie shockingly. Since it's kind of really dark I think. But not as dark as what will happen in Gen 7. I don't even watch horror movies but I have used poses inspired by horror movies for my Swanson SimLit (look at the "Friends chapter" of Gen 3)
So don't let them get to you
Like Dumbledore from Harry Potter says - "It's our choices that make us who we are more than our ability" (More book then movie), and movie Dumbledore "Happiness can be found even in the darkness of times as long as one remembers to turn on the light"