Would you find this book idea and this character offensive?

[BlueLucario]

My idea for a book is about a young boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's constantly bullied and used for the personal gain of others. He's sad lonely and all that. His dad claims that his son's being teased because he isn't "manly" enough. His teachers do nothing to stop the teasing. His older sister spreads lies about him saying that he's mentally challenged, so she can make herself look good.

But his boy is going to do something extreme. He's going to take his father's gun to school and start shooting. Killing 28 people and himself. I want to write this book, but I don't know if it's offensive. Or if this idea is acceptable.

Would you have sympathy for the boy?

What do you think?

EDIT: I'm still writing my first book, but I feel this new one woul teach people a lesson.

To MODS: I don't know where to put this thread. So if I posted in the wrong spot, feel free to remove it.

[hammerklavier]

If you want to teach them a lesson, teach them the right lesson.

[Bufty]

Not a good idea in my humble opinion. And don't ask me why.

And Blue - why don't you just do something instead of seeking approval for everything that crosses your mind.

Get your first book finished - FIRST.

[davids]

With all due respect to the OP if I am incorrect but are not all these posts that I occasionally read here or ones related not a joke? Really not trying to be mean spirited here and disrespectful to anyone-the OP obviously included but they do seem strange to say the least. Perhaps I am just getting too old to understand what is going on!

[Queen of Swords]

I want to write another book, but I'm not sure if it would be offensive.

Whom are you worried about offending? Until your book is written, it can't be sent out to beta readers, agents and editors. Until your book is published, it can't be available to the reading public. So why worry about it offending people before it's even been written, let alone published?

Secondly, how many times have you said here, "I want to write a certain scene/storyline/book, but I'm worried that it'll offend people/freak people out/make people think I'm abnormal"? And how many times have people posted to reassure you that it's OK, that you can write anything you like?

Maybe you should get a Post It note (a large one) and write on it,

I can write anything I like.
I will not worry about my subject matter offending anyone.
I will not worry about my subject matter freaking anyone out.
I will not worry about my subject matter making anyone think less of me.
I can write anything I like.

Then stick this Post It note over your computer screen, where you can see it whenever you feel the urge to ask whether you can write about whatever you want.

[Bufty]

You didn't ask, but the intended topic is not one I would like to get immersed in while writing over a sustained period as a teenager unless I thought I could cope with the stress of doing so till the work was completed.

No happy thoughts or story ideas floating around there?

[DWSTXS]

My idea for a book is about a young boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's constantly bullied and used for the personal gan of others. He's sad lonely and all that. He dad claims that he's being teased because he isn't "manly" enough. His teachers do nothing to stop the teasing. His older sister spreads lies about him saying that he's mentally challenged, so she can make herself look good.

But his boy is going to do something extreme. He's going to take his father's gun to school and start shooting. Killing 28 people and himself. I want to write this book, but I don't know if it's offensive. Or if this idea is acceptable.

Would you have sympathy for the boy?

What do you think?

EDIT: I'm still writing my first book, but I feel this new one woul teach people a lesson.

To MODS: I don't know where to put this thread. So if I posted in the wrong spot, feel free to remove it.

Blue. Could you please check your spelling and sentences before posting.

personal GAIN not 'gan'

Does his DAD claim the he (the dad) is being teased, or that the boy is being teased.

Also, 'HE dad', should be 'His dad'

But his boy is going to do something extreme. Should this be THIS boy?

I feel this new one woul teach. Should be 'Would'

I'm not trying to be picky, but it would be easier to read, and understand your posts, if they were a bit more well thought out and coherent.

Don't worry what everyone thinks of your ideas. Write them well and people will enjoy them.

[Salem]

My 14 year old son has Aspergers and he is treated pretty much the same way you described your MC in the first paragraph. One of my biggest fears is how this will all affect him as an adult. My heart breaks every day when my son comes home and tells me about what the kids at school do and say to him.

I wouldn't be offended by your story but I wouldn't be able to read it either. It would be too painful for me because I know how it is to suffer from Aspergers and the cruelty of other human beings. Sometimes I almost feel like shooting a few of them myself.

[maggieuc]

Have you ever heard of We Need to Talk About Kevin? I've never read it, but it is a published book that was received pretty well by the public, about a boy who brings a gun to school. I think if that book can make it, so can yours.

[BlueLucario]

Whom are you worried about offending? . So why worry about it offending people before it's even been written, let alone published?


*frowns*:e2bummed:

Because the "School Shooting." is a serious subject and when I discussed it with some of my classmates, they tell me to be careful. and I'm afraid of offending the Aspies. I almost got into trouble for discussing it.

I hope I haven't bothered you or anything.

[dolores haze]

Hi, Blue!

I'll give you my perspective as someone who's worked with a lot of kids with Aspergers and Autism. I think a book written from the perspective of one of these kids is an awesome idea. It's not a point of view you see too often, but when you do it's bloody fascinating. If you feel you have the knowledge and the experience to pull it off, then you should go for it.

In my experience, though, the families of kids like this are loving and supportive - even overly protective. I'm sure not all families are like that, but be careful of making the family "the bad guy". It's usually a lot more complicated than that.

I'd be very careful of the ending you are envisioning. You're still in school, right? Although the writer should be free to write whatever the writer wants to, I would hate to see you be tagged as a suspicious character. Which may happen if you talk about this with your friends at school or your teachers, etc. Not saying that you shouldn't write it, just be aware even talking about school shootings can set off alarm bells for people.

I don't think you should write this story to "teach people a lesson", but to inform, engage, and entertain.

PS. Queen of Swords. I love that sticky. Permission to print it and stick it on my computer screen when I need to?

[IceCreamEmpress]

Have you ever heard of We Need to Talk About Kevin? I've never read it, but it is a published book that was received pretty well by the public, about a boy who brings a gun to school. I think if that book can make it, so can yours.

We Need to Talk About Kevin is an incredibly thoughtfully-written book with a lot of insights about its controversial subject matter. I think that it was author Lionel Shriver's track record as a serious writer that saved her (yes, she's a woman named Lionel) from charges of trying to exploit a tragic headline-grabbing phenomenon.

Similarly, Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes was received well by readers and critics because of Picoult's track record in writing sensitively about difficult social issues.

However, the reaction of most readers is to suspect that books about school shootings are likely to be cheap exploitation. It's a big challenge to overcome, and it wasn't easy for Picoult and Shriver.

Something to think about, Blue.

Also, what dolores haze said--DO NOT write anything about school shooting while you're on school grounds. Don't talk about it on school grounds. Don't bring a draft of your story to look over in study hall. You'll be saving yourself an enormous amount of hassle.

[Birol]

I'm going to close this thread while everyone steps back and takes a deep breath.

Everyone should remember that they have a choice not to respond to any thread.

[Birol]

I've reopened this thread and am moving it to BWQ.

[Bufty]

Do you realise how many folk have been holding their breath, waiting for this moment? :snoopy:

I've reopened this thread and am moving it to BWQ.

[Stew21]

Don't worry about being offensive. Just write a story from beginning to end. make it the best story you can. Then write another one.
Worry about the offensive factor later.
You've got to start taking these ideas and instead of seeking approval first, just writing them.
Just write. Ask some pointed questions along the way if you have them (we all have them!). Keep writing.
Permission from us or anyone else should be the least of your concerns.
Getting a story - any story - on your pages should be your only writerly concern right now.

[dolores haze]

I'm in the rare position of diasgreeing with you, Stew. I think Blue is right to worry about how people will react to her writing of this story. The current climate around the subject of school shootings is verging on hysteria. There is no telling what the reaction of her peers, family, teachers would be.

Perhaps, Blue, you need to talk to your parents and principal about this. Tell them about the story you want to write. Reassure them that this is a story you want to write, while assuring them that this is not autobiographical, but a work of fiction. In other words - cover your ass.

Good luck!

[Bufty]

I agree, D, the content is touchy and I personally wouldn't touch it.

One solution is, of course, simply to write and keep quiet about whatever it is one is writing about, but that seems a totally foreign concept to Blue from what she has so far made apparent.

[Stew21]

I'm in the rare position of diasgreeing with you, Stew. I think Blue is right to worry about how people will react to her writing of this story. The current climate around the subject of school shootings is verging on hysteria. There is no telling what the reaction of her peers, family, teachers would be.

Perhaps, Blue, you need to talk to your parents and principal about this. Tell them about the story you want to write. Reassure them that this is a story you want to write, while assuring them that this is not autobiographical, but a work of fiction. In other words - cover your ass.

Good luck!

I see what you mean. I wasn't really approaching the question of Blue getting in trouble for the writing in a school setting.

[TerzaRima]

Would you have sympathy for the boy?


No.

because I feel it woul teach people a lesson.

Um, what lesson?

[BlueLucario]

Heh, maybe the purpose of writing it is to teach others that bullying is bad. And what may happen if the bullying continues. According to Dr.Phil 64% of school shooters were once teased. This can also open society's eyes that Cain's disorder Asperger's is not really a disease that needs to be "cured" Instead this could make society understand the disorder.

[TerzaRima]

bullying is bad

You're joking.

[HeronW]

When reading that 'so-and so' was teased so they brought an Uzi to class and 'taught everyone a lesson' bores me. That's the 'going postal' scene and switching it to pulling a Harris and Kleebold. They made a horrible history, and since then, they've lots of company. I understand it being a terrifying reality for kids in schools these days but it's 'been there done that' much like any hacker/slasher, yawn, movie that redoes the Halloween, The Hills Have Eyes, etc.

I'm much more interested in how the boy copes with Aspergers. I watch Boston Legal and a character there has it. I know he's an actor but it was enough to get me to look up what the character had and why and how he integrates into society, and the setbacks that happen.

So this AS boy shoots up the school and then turns the gun on himself, or gets killed by a SWAT sniper, or if he lives--goes to prison for life.

What do you want to tell yourself as this is written? Life sucks so don't get teased/ don't be the one who teases/ don't sit back in apathy/ don't make any changes for the better?

[escritora]

Blue, when I read I don't want to be taught a lesson. I think most people feel that way.

[Stew21]

Blue, please read "Look Me In The Eye" By John Elder Robison. http://www.amazon.com/Look-Me-Eye-Life-Aspergers/dp/0307395987/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204226046&sr=8-1

John is a member of AW.

[BlueLucario]

, or gets killed by a SWAT sniper, or if he lives--goes to prison for life.

What do you want to tell yourself as this is written? Life sucks so don't get teased/ don't be the one who teases/ don't sit back in apathy/ don't make any changes for the better?

I'm not saying don't tease, bullying is bad and all that. Just what may happen if bullying continues.

I knew this was a bad idea.

[Toothpaste]

It isn't that it is a bad idea, as others have already told you, books have in fact been written on the subject. But your motivation may be a little off. To say you want to write this book to show teachers that bullying is bad, well it's almost as if you are threatening them, "If you don't pay attention to bullying, you'll be shot." What's more lots of teachers are well aware of bullying but their power and authority as teachers is slowly being lessened, so many teachers feel powerless now. So I personally wouldn't write a book in order to teach teachers something, as most teachers are well aware about bullying.

A "better" motivation to write this book might be to examine a very current and horrible problem in this day and age. To see how nothing is as black and white as it seems. No one picks up a gun because they have been bullied. Many many people (including myself) have been bullied and never turned to such an action. The story you could tell could be of how circumstances all came together, how no one did the right thing and at the same time how no one did the wrong thing.

Lastly I'm not sure it is a good idea right now write about both topics, school shooting and Aspergers. Not because it can't be done, but because to deal with both issues in a truthful, sensitive, thought provoking manner would be very very difficult.

Then again if you are really up to the challenge, it could be a brilliant opportunity to really explore some interesting ideas. But I would advise, Blue, that you refrain from discussing the book with anyone at school. Totally continue talking about it with us, but you have to be careful in school. Just a couple weeks ago a student was suspended from school here in Ontario because he wrote a fictional work about a student shooting her teacher. I would hate you to get in trouble in that way. It might not be fair, as the work is fiction, but people, as you yourself point out, are VERY sensitive about school shootings these days and are trying everything they can do to prevent them. So when they even see the smallest of signs, they take big actions.

Again Blue, remember, there are no rules to what you can or can't write. In fact it is my greatest wish for you that you would just write whatever you wanted and see what happened. I feel you are always stopping yourself before you get the chance to try. I think it's time for you to try writing something from start to finish. You can do it.

[Snarke]

Being new here I hope I'm not over stepping my bounds...

This sounds like it wants to be an Oprah book (not that there is anything wrong with that) but you have to ask yourself if YOU are ready to write the book. After all, if you do take on the subject, you need to treat it respectfully and realize that there is a lot more that goes into a student shooting up a school than being teased or feeling misunderstood. Millions of kids are tortured by their classmates and families on a daily basis and they don't pull out a gun. What makes your MC different, apart from the disease? You would need to dig really deep into your characters to get the audience to identify and sympathize with them and if they come off as even a tiny bit cliche, most of your audience won't read past the first chapter.

The subject itself is a rich and heavy one but if it is held with clumsy hands or is overly simplified then readers WILL be offended.

Also, the world you are wanting to write about is a very dark world and you have to ask yourself if you are willing to immerse yourself in that darkness for the time it takes you to write your story. It could be too hard for you emotionally.

Just a thought. Apologies if I've stepped on toes :)

[IceCreamEmpress]

But I would advise, Blue, that you refrain from discussing the book with anyone at school. Totally continue talking about it with us, but you have to be careful in school. Just a couple weeks ago a student was suspended from school here in Ontario because he wrote a fictional work about a student shooting her teacher. I would hate you to get in trouble in that way. It might not be fair, as the work is fiction, but people, as you yourself point out, are VERY sensitive about school shootings these days and are trying everything they can do to prevent them. So when they even see the smallest of signs, they take big actions.

Yes. This is a much more insightful and complete take on the problem I was flagging upthread.

I really think that any high school or college student who wants to explore issues around school violence through their fiction needs to be ultra-careful about not letting anyone from their school know anything about their project. There are too many cases of students, teachers, and administrators overreacting because of their understandable anxiety around these issues.

As for the "teaching people a lesson"--I think that's something publishers are extremely averse to these days. See the comments from editors and agent Kristin Nelson in this entry (http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2008/02/no-two-editors-are-alike.html) from her blog.

[jst5150]

Blue, my thought would be write your book. Then, go from there.

The tenor of the material changes given society's interest in a particular thing. I'd cite "Lolita" here as an example and I don't think it's a faulty one. The writings of Hunter S. Thompson and many more mainstream writers would also seem to suggest the same.

Your writing is a form of communication and you are trying to send a message to people. Within the span of those pages is that message. How you set-up and deliver it is entirely up to you. And whether or not it is your intend to soothe, lambast or offend someone is entirely secondary. Again, this is what you are trying to say. So, say it and then see how it goes.

Finally, if the discussion becomes whether or not it would sell, that's a discussion about markets and trends and absolutely needs to ask a lot of questions about the material vice the message alone.

[Queen of Swords]

I'm in the rare position of diasgreeing with you, Stew. I think Blue is right to worry about how people will react to her writing of this story.

If Blue just writes the book, there shouldn't be a problem.

If, on the other hand, Blue tells people about the book, asks her friends at school to review excerpts or questions her teachers about school shootings, that could be problematic. People can only react to the writing if she shows it to them or asks them for feedback/reassurance on the topic.

[IceCreamEmpress]

If Blue just writes the book, there shouldn't be a problem.

If, on the other hand, Blue tells people about the book, asks her friends at school to review excerpts or questions her teachers about school shootings, that could be problematic. People can only react to the writing if she shows it to them or asks them for feedback/reassurance on the topic.

Yes. And from what she's shared with us here, that has been her approach so far. And I do worry about that approach in conjunction with this particular subject matter.

[Stew21]

Am I the only one who thinks it is slightly dangerous (and while possibly over-reactive on my part) to tell someone who is considering writing this type of book to hide it from people? I know you all are talking about her getting in trouble because it is only fiction but is a serious topic. However, we only know this person from an internet website. If it isn't just writing fiction but acting out a violent fantasy, isn't it irresponsible of us to say "hide it"?

Blue, if you are going to write the book, then write it. I hope you treat the topic with the respect and reverence it deserves and your (what you believe to be) good intentions shine through. However, I really think it is a bad precedent to set in telling a teen to hide such a scary and volatile subject.

Didn't Harris and Klebold write school shooting fantasy scenes?

No disrespect meant, I am not saying Blue is one to do such things, I just think it is irresponsible to treat the material as only fiction. Even if, in this case, it is. What if, for the next kid that comes in here asking these questions, it isn't?

I'm highly uncomfortable with the "hide it" advice. She needs to at least share it and her motive and intention of just writing a compelling Asperger's YA novel - not at school, but at the very least, with her parents.


ETA: before anyone jumps on me, I realize in my first post in this thread I told her to write it and that she doesn't have to ask people permission to write things. I do still mean that she should write what she wants to write - if she wants to be a writer she needs to write a lot and shouldn't have to ask questions and seek approval before she puts pen to page. I hadn't thought about it further in this regard until the advice to hide it started flowing. So no, she doesn't have to ask for permission, but I do think she should talk to the appropriate adults in her life before pursuing this subject matter.

[dolores haze]

I'm highly uncomfortable with the "hide it" advice. She needs to at least share it and her motive and intention of just writing a compelling Asperger's YA novel - not at school, but at the very least, with her parents.


Agree 100%.

[Sean D. Schaffer]

My idea for a book is about a young boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's constantly bullied and used for the personal gain of others. He's sad lonely and all that. His dad claims that his son's being teased because he isn't "manly" enough. His teachers do nothing to stop the teasing. His older sister spreads lies about him saying that he's mentally challenged, so she can make herself look good.

But his boy is going to do something extreme. He's going to take his father's gun to school and start shooting. Killing 28 people and himself. I want to write this book, but I don't know if it's offensive. Or if this idea is acceptable.

Would you have sympathy for the boy?

What do you think?

EDIT: I'm still writing my first book, but I feel this new one woul teach people a lesson.

To MODS: I don't know where to put this thread. So if I posted in the wrong spot, feel free to remove it.



As someone who suffers from AS, I would say your story could be an accurate portrayal. But I don't know whether it would be offensive or not. You'll have to go with your own conscience on this; I can't say who will be offended and who will not.

However, I will say that I personally will be able to identify with the character, although I will likely not sympathize with him. My doctor tells me that AS sufferers generally are very moral people with a strict sense of right and wrong. If the character goes way off the deep end, it might be accurate to an extent, BUT it might also make some people afraid of all AS sufferers.

You'll have to weigh this in your own balance. Some will like your work, and some will hate it. Just be sure to portray your character accurately. I don't know many people who like to read stories about inaccurately portrayed individuals, regardless of what those individuals suffer from.

I wish I could be of more help, but really, the ball is in your court as to whether or not you write this piece.


--Sean

[TerzaRima]

AS sufferers generally are very moral people with a strict sense of right and wrong

Pretty much, and this was one of my concerns with what the OP proposes. Maybe this is naive, but I can't imagine any of my patients with AS planning and carrying out a school shooting. Some of it is the moral thing, and some of it is...well, it just doesn't seem like an Aspergeresque thing to do.

[Sean D. Schaffer]

As someone who suffers from AS, I would say your story could be an accurate portrayal. But I don't know whether it would be offensive or not. You'll have to go with your own conscience on this; I can't say who will be offended and who will not.

However, I will say that I personally will be able to identify with the character, although I will likely not sympathize with him. My doctor tells me that AS sufferers generally are very moral people with a strict sense of right and wrong. If the character goes way off the deep end, it might be accurate to an extent, BUT it might also make some people afraid of all AS sufferers.

You'll have to weigh this in your own balance. Some will like your work, and some will hate it. Just be sure to portray your character accurately. I don't know many people who like to read stories about inaccurately portrayed individuals, regardless of what those individuals suffer from.

I wish I could be of more help, but really, the ball is in your court as to whether or not you write this piece.


--Sean


One more thing, Blue, if I may.

I was diagnosed with AS some six months ago, so when I was in school, I was at a marked disadvantage to the proposed character of your book. Because I did not know I suffered from Asperger's Syndrome, I didn't know why so many people were picking on me.

Your character, whomever he might represent, has a distinct advantage in that he knows about the disorder, and can make choices based upon that knowledge. One thing an AS sufferer can do, is not ignore the teasers because that hardly ever works (at least, that's my own experience; YMMV) but rather to forgive them, because doctors only widely knew about AS around the early 80's. If doctors didn't know much about it, then certainly the average student or their parents wouldn't know much about it, even now, either. People tend to try to hurt others they don't understand. So rather than teaching people a lesson that has already been taught on school campuses around the world for years -- one that only hardens people's hearts against the shooters and does not do any good -- perhaps you can teach a positive lesson, on why AS sufferers are different, and that it's okay for them to be different.

I left my own personal viewpoint out of my first post, because frankly, I didn't know how to respond. But looking at this thread a second time, Blue, I can say that the best medicine for the hurts your character is suffering, is forgiveness and trying to help others understand that he is not insane, or crazy, or a freak. He is exactly as God intended him to be, and the truth is, the character needs to learn a hard lesson of his own. He needs to learn to accept himself even when no one else will.

Please think about this for a while before you write your manuscript. I had to learn how to change thirty years of hate into a loving understanding of my fellow Man. The truth is, it's a hard lesson your character needs to learn. But when he learns that lesson, he can then teach a better lesson down the road.


I hope this helps you out, BlueLucario. Good luck to you.


--Sean

[Sarpedon]

I agree with QoS. If you feel you should write the book, then write the book. If you are wanting to publish the book and be a commercial success, then you should start worrying about whether its marketable.

In my opinion, I think its very marketable. People want to hear about it; if they didn't, they wouldn't run days long coverage on TV and print whenever it happens. Sure it might offend, but plenty of offensive things are successes. I, for one, would not be offended. School shootings happen. They will be written about.

As for being taught a lesson, I do like to learn when I read. Now ask yourself; can you teach me?

[IceCreamEmpress]

Am I the only one who thinks it is slightly dangerous (and while possibly over-reactive on my part) to tell someone who is considering writing this type of book to hide it from people?

Not from "people", but from people at school.

Parents? No. Us? No. Other writers' sites? No.

But kids who discuss school violence at school get a lot of hassle. That's just an inescapable fact.

I'm glad to discuss books about school violence. I read and learned a lot from Nineteen Minutes and We Need to Talk About Kevin and a YA novel whose name eludes me at the moment, but it had a blue cover...darn...

But not to acknowledge that this is a topic Blue shouldn't discuss at school would be to do her a serious disservice.


I do agree with you that this is something Blue should talk about with parents and trusted adults who are not teachers, counselors, or administrators at her school.

Blue, I think that you may have asked the question because you knew this is a topic that presents a lot of challenges, especially for someone who is still in school themselves. Are there any other questions you have about this that you might want to talk about with folks here on AbsoluteWrite?

[Stew21]

IC.E. - just stated my opinion that we need to be careful how we say such things. You don't have to agree with me and you certainly don't have to explain yourself to me. (Though you did clarify your intentions much more clearly in response to me than we did earlier in the thread.) I do not believe anyone did anything wrong on purpose. I just thought it was something worth thinking about as we move forward.



Sorry.

[BlueLucario]

Blue, I think that you may have asked the question because you knew this is a topic that presents a lot of challenges, especially for someone who is still in school themselves. Are there any other questions you have about this that you might want to talk about with folks here on AbsoluteWrite?

Yeah, someone said that I shouldn't try a school shooting because people are more likely to be afraid of people with AS. Is a suicide better? Would the readers have sympathy for the boy if he started the shooting?

[Little Red Barn]

Not from "people", but from people at school.*Parents? No. Us? No. Other writers' sites? No.*But kids who discuss school violence at school get a lot of hassle. That's just an inescapable fact.*I'm glad to discuss books about school violence. I read and learned a lot from Nineteen Minutes and We Need to Talk About Kevin and a YA novel whose name eludes me at the moment, but it had a blue cover...darn...*But not to acknowledge that this is a topic Blue shouldn't discuss at school would be to do her a serious disservice.**I do agree with you that this is something Blue should talk about with parents and trusted adults who are not teachers, counselors, or administrators at her school. *Blue, I think that you may have asked the question because you knew this is a topic that presents a lot of challenges, especially for someone who is still in school themselves. Are there any other questions you have about this that you might want to talk about with folks here on AbsoluteWrite?Why can't Blue be honest and seek out her English teacher for advice--guidence? Secrets have a way of coming back to bite. I'm with Stew on this.

*Blue, you're asking now about suicide. What do you feel compelled to write? I'm wondering if you have a Young Author's program at your school--discussions for ideas, etc...

[Toothpaste]

kimmi - it's the world we live in right now.

Think of it this way. After all these school shootings you then hear tell of how one of the kids wrote really violent stories in creative writing. Or joked about killing all teachers etc. People want to blame someone, so they turn to the teachers, "He was writing really violent stories, why didn't you see this coming?? Why didn't you do something??" (I know this happened with I think the University shooting last year).

So now teachers and school staff are on the lookout for the smallest sign, something, so that they can stop things before they happen, and so that if something tragic happens in their school they can say they did everything they could.

Like I already said, here in Ontario a student was suspended for writing a story about a student killing her teacher. While it might seem much to judge a student's fiction as anything but, teachers and school officials are faced with no other choice.

The reality is, Blue very well might get in trouble for discussing this subject matter at school. She is free to talk about it with us, with her parents, with other writers. But to do so at school is a risk. Whether we think it is an overreaction of the administration or not is immaterial.

[BlueLucario]

Why can't Blue be honest and seek out her English teacher for advice--guidence? Secrets have a way of coming back to bite. I'm with Stew on this.

*Blue, you're asking now about suicide. What do you feel compelled to write? I'm wondering if you have a Young Author's program at your school--discussions for ideas, etc...

Because teachers kind of suck. They know nothing about writing better than everyone else here. And I agree with some of the others on keeping this from school staff. My mom wouldn't understand me as a writer. Nobody does really.

[Little Red Barn]

kimmi - it's the world we live in right now.

Think of it this way. After all these school shootings you then hear tell of how one of the kids wrote really violent stories in creative writing. Or joked about killing all teachers etc. People want to blame someone, so they turn to the teachers, "He was writing really violent stories, why didn't you see this coming?? Why didn't you do something??" (I know this happened with I think the University shooting last year).

So now teachers and school staff are on the lookout for the smallest sign, something, so that they can stop things before they happen, and so that if something tragic happens in their school they can say they did everything they could.

Like I already said, here in Ontario a student was suspended for writing a story about a student killing her teacher. While it might seem much to judge a student's fiction as anything but, teachers and school officials are faced with no other choice.

The reality is, Blue very well might get in trouble for discussing this subject matter at school. She is free to talk about it with us, with her parents, with other writers. But to do so at school is a risk. Whether we think it is an overreaction of the administration or not is immaterial.
Ahh, I see.

Okey dokey, Blue. Your first ? Yes, imo, I'd find it offensive. But there are a lot of books as such (offensive) and are quite popular. And your second ? No, I would not have any sympathy for the person committing such an act.

Good luck with your writing and it seems to me you're in wonderful hands here all around!

[Stew21]

Because teachers kind of suck. They know nothing about writing better than everyone else here. And I agree with some of the others on keeping this from school staff. My mom wouldn't understand me as a writer. Nobody does really.


And with that. I am stepping far far away from this conversation.

[IceCreamEmpress]

Why can't Blue be honest and seek out her English teacher for advice--guidence?

Because students like this boy (http://www.splc.org/newsflash.asp?id=888) and this boy (http://www.northpeel.com/news/article/42669) and this girl (http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=3748) and this boy (http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/commentary.aspx?id=19363) have faced pretty serious consequences for the "crime" of writing creatively about school violence.

Ponce v. Socorro, the last case, has gone to appeal, and the appeals court held with the school district that they were entitled to expel a student for writing fiction about school violence. The boy's mother's testimony, that she encouraged her son in his creative writing, and that she knew about the controversial content, did not affect the outcome.

Do I find this a deplorable state of affairs? Absolutely. I think this is wrong, wrong, wrong.

But I also think it's something Blue needs to be aware of. I'm not a fan of people keeping secrets. However, I'm also not a fan of kids getting suspended or expelled from school because they unwittingly run afoul of "zero-tolerance" policies that prohibit any imaginative discussion of school violence.

[Queen of Swords]

Would the readers have sympathy for the boy if he started the shooting?

Let me put it this way.

With enough skill and experience at writing, an author can make me sympathize with nearly anyone, no matter what they do or have done.

Do you feel you have enough skill and experience at writing?

[escritora]

Blue,

My opinion is don't write the book. The character is too much like you in some ways (AS, feeling misunderstood, perhaps you are bullied at school). For some people, writing material close to home is cleansing. In your case, I am suggesting that the writing process may solidify what you already believe - that the world doesn't understand you and others with AS.

In another thread, I recall someone suggesting that you create a character from your imagination. A character that isn't a spin off of a character from a published novel or one that isn't too much like you.

Why don't you give that a shot?

[jannawrites]

It's definitely something that would catch attention, given that such shootings are really happening these days. I think you could really stir it up into a fantastic controversy, what with the boy's personal background. (How old would he be?) But you'd have to be VERY careful with your approach.

[BlueLucario]

Blue,

My opinion is don't write the book. The character is too much like you in some ways (AS, feeling misunderstood, perhaps you are bullied at school). For some people, writing material close to home is cleansing. In your case, I am suggesting that the writing process may solidify what you already believe - that the world doesn't understand you and others with AS.

In another thread, I recall someone suggesting that you create a character from your imagination. A character that isn't a spin off of a character from a published novel or one that isn't too much like you.

Why don't you give that a shot?

No the boy is nothing like me.

[escritora]

No the boy is nothing like me.

Nothing like you? Are you serious? Surely you can't deny there are similiarities.

[BlueLucario]

Nothing like you? Are you serious? Surely you can't deny there are similiarities.

The only similarity between me and the boy is the Disability. I'm not writing the story because of it. I'm not making him all "Mary-sue" perfect guy, everyone loves him etc.

[escritora]

The only similarity between me and the boy is the Disability.

So you don't get teased at school? You don't have parents who don't understand you? You are not bullied? You don't feel lonely? Your relationship with your teachers isn't strained?

[BlueLucario]

So you don't get teased at school? You don't have parents who don't understand you? You are not bullied? You don't feel lonely? Your relationship with your teachers isn't strained?

Well yeah, but not that much. I don't know what you mean by strained relationships.

[Brendie]

Blue - write the book first but be really sure you know the subject well! There are people like Salem out there who have a pain in their heart every day because they have to live in that world. Research it, do the groundwork, and you'll be surprised at how the whole thing evolves. The ending will materialise itself - who knows, he might not even want to teach them a lesson after all.

best of luck with it

brendie

PS If you want, as you finish each chapter, why not run it by us - I'm sure the feedback will be constructive.

[Bufty]

Maybe -but will it be heeded? From previous evidence -no.

And welcome, Brendie.

Blue - write the book first but be really sure you know the subject well! There a people like Salem out there who have a pain in their heart every day because they have to live in that world. Research it, do the groundwork, and you'll be surprised at how the whole thing evolves - the ending will materialise itself - who knows, he might not even want to teach them a lesson after all.

best of luck with it

brendie

PS If you want, as you finish each chapter, why not run it by us - I'm sure the feedback will be constructive.

[IdiotsRUs]

who knows, he might not even want to teach them a lesson after all.

Maybe he plans it all, but can't do it? Finds another way to get 'em? Learns he doesn't need to get them at all?

[juneafternoon]

To be quite honest, I wouldn't pick up another high school/college shooting book. I've read Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult (she's my idol, I'll always read anything by her) and I also read Give A Boy A Gun by Todd Strasser. With two books, and the media, I've had enough. The whole thing seems so overrated in fiction now, and I honestly don't see how anyone could introduce new storyline. It's always one or a group of "rejects" who're out to show everyone who's ultimately the "strongest". Horrifying, frightening, abhorrent--yes, in real life. In fiction--not so much. I'd say it's stale.

IMO, we have enough shootings books. Unless you have some groundbreaking new twist to it--and I don't think suffering from Asperger's syndrome is necessarily the most unique a person could do--I say stick to something else.

$0.02

[blackpen]

I don't think it's offensive. I think it's an important issue that needs to be addressed.