Writing About Sensitive and Controversial Topics

Sometimes, I struggle to choose the themes or topics I want to write about. Some writers might think that because I write fiction, I don't have to worry about being controversial, but if you chat with other fiction writers, you'll soon realize that that's absolutely false.

In order for a story to connect with someone, there has to be an emotion that it evokes. There has to be some sense of humanity underlying it all. Choosing the thing that really connects people to your story can be the hardest part of writing.

Everyone has their own opinion these days, and all of these opinions are readily available thanks to the internet and social media. It's good to have an opinion because it shows that you have thought about the topic and that you can think for yourself, but opinions can be a writer's worst nightmare.

Writing about sensitive topics such as racism, suicide, abuse and controversial topics such as religion, sexuality, and politics can be super difficult for fiction and non-fiction writers alike. Everyone has their own opinions on these topics, and sometimes it's very hard to get through to someone because they are biased or are so wrapped up in their own opinion that they think everything else is wrong.

When you write about something considered even remotely controversial, it's hard to speak your mind because you don't know how people are going to react. You don't want to be judged for your opinion.

I'm currently working on a short story where the protagonist is a suicidal teenager. I've never had those feelings or thoughts. Frankly, I can't even imagine that level of depression and sorrow and hopelessness. I've gone back and forth with myself while working on this project because I know how sensitive of a topic suicide is, and I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

I'm doing research on it. I'm studying it, and trying to put myself inside the mind of this character, but it's a hard thing to put yourself into someone else's mind. It's even harder to understand their thoughts and look at things from their perspective.

One thing you have to understand as a writer is that no matter what you write about, you're going to end up offending someone. When writing about debatable subjects, you have to look at all of the sides of the argument. What's your opinion? What are the other opinions? What's your character's opinion? Don't always make your character a cardboard cutout of you when it comes to these subjects. You should know what you believe, but you should not be afraid to educate yourself on other peoples' beliefs. There's a difference between understanding something, respecting it and actually believing it. You can do one without the other.

Let me ask you this—have you ever read a book that has influenced your opinion on religion, politics, society, sexuality, race, etc? If you have read a book that has greatly influenced you in one of these areas, then I think that's your motivation right there. Books can change opinions. Stories and literature can change minds, hearts, and lives.

Being controversial is not something to be afraid of as long as you have done research and are approaching the topic in a respectful way. There are going to be people who disagree with you, but if you feel like there are things you need to say, say them.

There have been books that have changed your opinion, and their will be books that will change others as well. Your book could be one of them. Remember, regardless of whether you write fiction or non-fiction, humanity is what connects people. Humanity is where all of these questions and opinions come from. It is our ability to be human and show compassion that gives us the power to not only influence other people through our stories, but to be influenced ourselves.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post! This is a topic that I've been meaning to get off of my chest. It's also something I think many writers and artists can relate to. What are your thoughts on writing about controversial subjects? Leave them in the comments below!

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It's been a pleasure writing for you and until next time—stay weird and stay writing. - Lexi