Let’s Talk About Trigger Warnings

This is a post I’ve been thinking about for a while. It’s about trigger warnings. When are they appropriate? And who decides what content is controversial or upsetting?


I started thinking a great deal about trigger warnings when I released Sweet Sorrow a couple of weeks ago. For a while, I was on the fence about adding a trigger warning, but I finally came to the conclusion that although the book isn’t graphic, I should give readers an opportunity to make an informed decision before reading.


I’ve used trigger warnings in the past. I used one with The Fifth Circle because that book deals with sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and mental illness. There are some graphic, disturbing scenes and I felt that it would be important to add a trigger warning for those who are dealing with their own issues and are trying to avoid books that contain such subject matter.


I understand it isn’t possible to put trigger warnings on everything, nor is it possible to list every conceivable trigger. I don’t think trigger warnings should be mandatory, but as an independent author who has control over my book blurb, I would like to help readers avoid an acute panic attack if I possibly can. After all, I don’t want to tread on someone’s recovery when, for me, it’s as simple as adding a sentence at the end of the blurb.


Trigger warnings aren’t about avoiding hurt feelings or preventing offense. I use trigger warnings to let readers know when there is content depicting abuse or violence, but I’m sure there’s other subject matter in my books readers might find offensive. Some people might be offended by the interracial romance in one of my books. Or they might be offended by the foul language in another. Like I said, this isn’t about preventing readers from being offended. I use trigger warnings to help readers who might be struggling with PTSD and anxiety resulting from abuse or sexual assault. Other authors might choose to identity other triggers. And, yes, other authors might choose not to use trigger warnings at all.


I would really like to have a thoughtful discussion about the use of trigger warnings. I’d love to hear your opinion; however, please don’t leave comments about how our society is sissified and how when we were kids, bullying built character, and parents beat their kids for their own good, and yada yada. Please be sensitive. There are some people dealing with truly horrific trauma, and I don’t want to make light of their pain. “Get over it and move on” is not helpful advice.


What do you think? Are there any authors out there who have added trigger warnings to your book descriptions? As readers, do you find trigger warnings helpful? When are they necessary? Are they necessary at all?


Tagged: books, trigger warnings, trigger warnings in literature, writing
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Published on April 14, 2015 17:30
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message 1: by Michael (new)

Michael Eidson Great topic! As a reader, I personally don't expect trigger warnings, but appreciate them when they are given. I like having the extra information, so that it feels like I'm able to make an informed choice without wasting time and money on something I end up not appreciating. If I as a reader thought the book should have come with a trigger warning and it didn't, I will probably rate the book lower than I would have otherwise. I also will try to mention the lack of a trigger warning in a review so that other readers will be warned.

It's the nature of fiction to portray conflict, so I anticipate some degree of abuse or trauma in the adult fiction I read. I don't like it to get too graphic, but I can usually tell from my initial research of a book whether it will be too graphic for my tastes. Moreover, if it's only one or two passages that are overly graphic, I can usually deal with that and not put the book down if I'm otherwise really enjoying the story.

Like you say, you can't (and shouldn't) give trigger warnings about everything that might offend. If a reader reads one of your books and it isn't accompanied by a trigger warning when they thought it should have been, they might not trust you to give trigger warnings in your other books that need them. But if you have readers like me, who mention the lack of trigger warnings in their reviews, maybe it all works out. Personally, as an author I'd give a trigger warning if I had any doubt about whether one should be given.


message 2: by Tricia Drammeh (new)

Tricia Drammeh I agree with you, Michael. I can handle small doses of graphic material. It usually won't cause me to stop reading. As a reader, I don't look for trigger warnings, but I know some people do. As an author, I want to let the reader know what to expect.

I recently read a book review by a blogger who felt blindsided by some of the material in a book, and though she was complimentary of the author's writing, she did point out that the content was upsetting to her and she would have appreciated a trigger warning or better content disclosure. I think it's always a good idea to give the reader as much information as possible to help them make an informed decision.

Thank you so much for your comment. I agree with everything you said.


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