i am writing a book but i want to know if the plot would be too controversial?

Question

It's about a massive school shooting that a 16 year old boy commits. The first half of the book is a narrative of his final thoughts right before he pulls the trigger on himself and the second part is the school shooting from a third person point of view.

Would this be a sore subject for a book?

I think i've decided to change it up and make part 1 about everything involved with the shooting from the killer's POV, and then part 2 would be a refection on how he felt and why he did what he did.

Answer 1

It is a very difficult subject. However, DBC Pierre has already done it. You should read Vernon God Little. Pierre won the Booker Man award for it. I have wondered the same thing about 9/11 and I am not yet able to really write about it (I nearly lost a little brother there and 2 families on my block suffered deaths). It will always be too soon, but if you can find a sensitive way to write the story that makes kids think instead of act - then maybe it isn't too soon. Pax- C

Answer 2

I think that this is a very tricky subject and a controversial one at that, but I don't really know your style of righting. It is very possible to make a very violent book, but it's also very possible to make a book full of symbolism and reflection. I don't see what good it would do you really to have the second part be third-person unless you wanted it to be a brutal 'Guy shoots 50 people.'

I suggest you make the first part the shooter reflecting on the chain of events that lead up to what caused him to do that, sort of an auto-biography 'life-flashes-before-your-eyes' sort of thing, and the second part FIRST person, and instead of putting it blatantly 'And their brain splattered all over the wall' or something like that, I suggest use of metaphors and detachment, as in, the shooter only being vaguely aware of what they're doing, hearing the gunshots far away in the distance, as they concentrate solely on their memories and thoughts.

But then again, what the hell do I know? Do whatever you want, but the real answer to your question is up to you and how you approach it.

Answer 3

1<3 Cthulhu,

I'm really concerned about your writing this. So many kids have gotten into trouble for doing less. Several kids have written harmless stories that were seen by teachers and turned into the principal's office as 'terroristic threats.'

If anyone sees this work they will be sure to ask you questions and how and why you came up with the idea. It's sad that you have to look over your shoulder in fear for what other people have done for revenge or madness.

I would write about something else. If you don't decide to take my advice, please be careful who sees this work. Talk it over with your parents and see what they think.

MAKE SURE you get their advice on what would happen if anyone saw your writing. Even your parents may find it a little odd of a subject or plot matter for your book.

Here are a few url's involving arrests:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/358973,CST-NWS-essay26.article

http://www.infowars.com/articles/ps/school_student_arrested_zombie_story.htm

Do you see what I mean? You don't want to end up one of the statistics. Do yourself a favor and take my advice. The second url I sent you . . . the kids own grandparents turned him in.

Answer 4

I think it's interesting. Obviously controversial because people will talk about it and discuss about it cause it's a tough topic, but go ahead, it's a good idea to show worriness and direct people's attention to school violence. It's a topic we all should worry about.

Answer 5

Of course it will, but as long as you aren't being harsh or cruel to the victims of school shootings it might even be appreciated to let people see what the shooters might have been thinking. Controversy generates publicity, and although I don't deny that you will probably have one or two radical groups boycotting your book, it can't possibly lose you as many sales as hiding your ideas would. :)

Answer 6

No I don't think so, it sounds interesting. Even considering what has recently happened along those lines, I think it has potential. People might be interested in what goes on in a deranged mind.

Answer 7

it would create what is called "controversy"

but don't let any body hold you down

even though it will be a tough sell, SOMEONE will publish it, even if only for the shock appeal

if it is well writen, you will open up more publishing doors wheather your future works or controversial or nott...

Answer 8

i think the whole thing should be about the boys life after the shooting

Answer 9

As long as it was purely fictional,not O.J. style,I don't think many people would have a problem with it.There are many books with far worse things in them.

Answer 10

Go ahead and write it anyway. Many best-sellers can be called controversial these days.