I Need Several Opinions, Please...

[May]

Hi, so I'm doing a story for one of my classes in school. It's a short story and I'm thinking of doing it on a boy named Caden who's been hiding a relationship with a boy from his parents. It doesn't really focus on the LGBT side but more on the parent-child relationship. I'm not sure if it's too controversial for school but my teacher told me that 'controversial' was good. I know that I'll get a lot of comments for it so what do you think I should do? P.S. I'm only 13 years old.

[[deleted user]]

I don't see why you shouldn't write whatever you want. If it's a subject close to your heart, then go for it.

Great writers didn't become great by shying away from sensitive issues :)

[Penumbra]

I think your idea is good and if that is what your instinct is telling you to write, then write it. The story will come out much better because it interests you.

I think the topic that you want to write about would be helpful and informative even if it is fiction, it doesn't matter if it's controversial. You'll find that controversial topics are the things that get people talking, questioning, and make people think, I love those kind of stories.

Like Graham said, great writers take chances. They know when something needs to be said and they are also true to the vision they wish to put down in words. I think it would be a good idea for you to write it :)

And remember, no matter what kind of grade you get from your teacher, or what opinions you get from fellow students, there will be people who will like your story, and your story will be important to someone even though you many never know it.

[Rachel]

Ray Bradbury use to say that the best stories are the ones that make your hair stand on end and make you break into a sweat when you are writing them. I agree, it's when we are anxious, worried or on edge that we know we have hit a story that really needs to be explored.

[Coffey]

I agree! Write what's on your heart. The story will be much better if you write about what interests you rather than what you think people want to read. I just noticed this was an old post. I hope you wrote what you wanted to... update?

Stacey aka Coffey Brown
BrookLyn's Journey (LGBT fiction)
Available this summer

[May]

So hey, I've finished writing and submitting it. Thanks to all the lovely people on here, I decided to go with what my heart was urging me to do. I think my story came out quite nicely, so I'll hope that I get a good mark for it. Thanks to anyone who commented!

[Jo]

Thanks for letting us know, May. Good luck with it!

[Kaje]

May wrote: "So hey, I've finished writing and submitting it. Thanks to all the lovely people on here, I decided to go with what my heart was urging me to do. I think my story came out quite nicely, so I'll hop..."

Congratulations! I'm glad you did what felt right, and that you're pleased with the piece.

[JD]

May,

If I had seen your post back in May I would have encouraged you to write whatever you want (within the parameters of the assignment.) From a teacher's perspective, it's not always about the content of the story but how well it's written and edited.

Good luck to you.
-Jennifer

[May]

Just as a general update,

I've gotten my mark back from my teacher and happily, I've gotten 40/42 for it. I'm going to post it up on Goodreads soon, if anyone wants to read it. Thanks again!

[Kaje]

May wrote: "Just as a general update,

I've gotten my mark back from my teacher and happily, I've gotten 40/42 for it. I'm going to post it up on Goodreads soon, if anyone wants to read it. Thanks again!"

Congratulations - that's great! I'm glad you went with what felt right to you.

[Penumbra]

@May - Congrats! That's an awesome grade. I'm glad it all worked out well for you :)

[Sammy Goode]

May wrote: "Just as a general update,

I've gotten my mark back from my teacher and happily, I've gotten 40/42 for it. I'm going to post it up on Goodreads soon, if anyone wants to read it. Thanks again!"

wow--way to go!!!! Congrats!!