A Question for Readers: Trigger Warnings
For a variety of reasons, I've recently been thinking about trigger warnings--or, those warnings in the blurb of a book, or perhaps in the book itself, signaling the approach of some kind of topic or event that might cause distress or trauma for a reader.
I'm curious: what do you think of trigger warnings?
There are any number of follow-up questions I could ask, but I think I'll leave it at that.
I welcome all respectful responses, and I would be grateful for your thoughts.
Thanks!
I'm curious: what do you think of trigger warnings?
There are any number of follow-up questions I could ask, but I think I'll leave it at that.
I welcome all respectful responses, and I would be grateful for your thoughts.
Thanks!
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Christina
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Feb 26, 2020 10:18AM
I think it’s a good idea to let readers know they might encounter something they weren’t expecting. Just in the book info. Then they have the choice to read it or not. I am sure you don’t want to hurt a reader with your characters so it’s an easy addition. You will not get hurt or angry reviews of you make this effort.
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Christina wrote: "I think it’s a good idea to let readers know they might encounter something they weren’t expecting.This is a great point, especially about not hurting people. What if it's a spoiler? And I guess I wonder: how do you know what readers are or aren't expecting? (Don't feel obligated to answer. I'm so grateful you stopped by to comment! These are just the thoughts bouncing through my disorganized brain at the moment.)
Yes! I agree with Christina, Christina. :)
Kirk wrote: "Yes! I agree with Christina, Christina. :)"Hi, Kirk! Thanks for stopping by! If you're up for more questions (and if not, no worries!): When it comes to trigger warnings, does it matter to you which genre you're reading (Austenesque or otherwise)? And what if the warning is also a plot spoiler?
Hope you've had a good month of reading! Because I always got so behind on my JAFF reading, I didn't join the 2020 Austenesque Lovers TBR group this year, but I miss it! Hope you all are having fun over there.
For me, I generally don't need trigger warnings, especially when it comes to authors I trust for their tact and compassion in dealing with serious issues (Austenesque). I do agree with Christina to put a note in the description to warn those readers who it may hurt and let them decide if they want to read the book or not. Mind you, when I read a period murder/mysteries, I know there will be murder/violence but usually there is romance involved too. I do not read modern thrillers/murder mysteries as those terrify me. As for the warning being considered a 'plot spoiler' I don't think that would be how a reader would see it. Just a general spoiler, not referencing a specific character(s) might work. Besides, some reviews give more details than the book descriptions so it would probably end up there anyway.
Christina wrote: "Kirk wrote: "Yes! I agree with Christina, Christina. :)"Hi, Kirk! Thanks for stopping by! If you're up for more questions (and if not, no worries!): When it comes to trigger warnings, does it mat..."
Ah...you are missed over at the 2020! Eastern Mass says hello! I've found pools of one-shots for Persuasion and Sanditon...so ahead of last year.
There are tons of things I prefer to avoid while reading. If it is isn't happy... happyish...then I'm most likely out. Even Jane/Charles stories! While I don't write many reviews....I appreciate those who do so even with spoilers. And authors too. Even if I'm told the story is really unique and interesting but has an element that is disturbing
...I'm out. But I'm an outlier in so many ways! :)
Carole (in Canada) wrote: "For me, I generally don't need trigger warnings, especially when it comes to authors I trust for their tact and compassion in dealing with serious issues (Austenesque). I do agree with Christina to..."Thanks, Carole! This is very helpful. I'm learning that genre expectations are very important. I think that's fascinating. I also see what you, Christina, Kirk and others have said--that's it very important to let a reader choose. I'm just not always sure what level of detail is required for that informed choice. Thanks again!
Kirk wrote: "While I don't write many reviews....I appreciate those who do so even with spoilers. And authors too. Even if I'm told the story is really unique and interesting but has an element that is disturbing...I'm out. But I'm an outlier in so many ways! :) "Outliers are cool! I think it's important for people to read what makes them happy (which, for some, can be unhappy material, ironically. At least, I'm this way sometimes). There's enough we "have" to do in life; reading should be a choice. So, I appreciate your thoughts on how this relates to warnings and blurbs.
And hello from Western Mass!
Christina wrote: "Kirk wrote: "While I don't write many reviews....I appreciate those who do so even with spoilers. And authors too. Even if I'm told the story is really unique and interesting but has an element tha...":)
I'm late to the party (as always) but my thoughts are I appreciate trigger warnings if there is any form of physical abuse, particularly when it comes to JAFF stories. Elizabeth trapped in an unhappy marriage with an abusive Mr Collins just has me running for the hills. I don't even enjoy scenarios where Caroline Bingley gets her richly deserved comeuppance and I feel it is so far removed from the world Austen was trying to create. I probably sound ridiculously sensitive but I'm still traumatised by the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon! I reluctantly kept reading (and skipping huge chunks) because I was in love with the time and place - not to mention Jamie himself! But you're my favourite JAFF author Christina so I think I'd attempt anything from your pen, trigger warnings or not!
Hello, Svetlana! Thanks for your thoughts on this topic. Your point about the world Austen was trying to create is fascinating. I will have to think more on this. It's so difficult for me to figure out where that line is between Austen's vision of the world and my own. To be honest, I tend to think of JAFF as a place to push those boundaries a little--without breaking them somehow. I like to imagine we've got some kind of portal between Austen's sitting room and our own spaces, and when we write and read JAFF, we're existing in that in-between space, not quite in one place or the other. Thanks also for your very kind words and encouragement! I'm honored that you've enjoyed my books so far, and I hope you find something to love about the next one, as well -- but never hesitate to tell me if you don't. I hope always to learn and improve.
My next book (a Sense and Sensibility variation) doesn't contain physical or other kinds of abuse, but I have decided that I will include a warning about another issue that may be difficult for readers who have experienced it for themselves. I'm still working on how to present this -- and to be frank, still trying to finish the book! -- but when the book comes out, feel free to message me if you have questions or concerns.
Thanks again for stopping by. You're never late this party!
