Writing Uncomfortable Scenes

Ok, well in one of my stories I'm writing, there's a scene when the main character gets raped. Naturally, I'm a little uncomfortable about writing this sort of scene. I've written it, and I don't think it's graphic or anytihng like that, but I would like to know if anyone has any advice for writing scenes like this?

I'd assume the problem with writing a rape scene is the fact that you are too disturbed by what you're writing, and you want to get it overwith quickly. Which defeats the purpose of having such a scene so, firstly decide if you truly want to write it - even if it is a big plot point, it can be dispensed with in a paragraph and it may not require a full scene.

Once you decided you do want one, never panic. Since you need to imagine the scene to be able to describe it, you'll have some pretty disturbing images in your head. Relax and think of the purpose - what emotion you want to instill in the reader, why the scene is needed. Try to decide on the specific ways in which it will transform your plot, and what specific transformations will occur to your character after it. In other words, keep in mind where you want to go in terms of plot and character building.

Approach everything as technically as possible. Think of the victim and the aggresor, in terms of general setting (time, location, why it was possible), define their mindsets for before and after. Decide how graphic you want to be, and try to link the physical/mental sensations of your character to where you want them to be after the scene. If you concentrate on the purpose, and not the imagery, the imagery will be easier to put on paper.

And drink a lot of coffee.

Also, a very well written such scene I think would be here: http://www.onlinefic...Ashes_ch40.html . This I can link to; GRR Martin has similar scenes in many places, and, to be honest, I haven't read any others.

Good luck.

Ok, well in one of my stories I'm writing, there's a scene when the main character gets raped. Naturally, I'm a little uncomfortable about writing this sort of scene. I've written it, and I don't think it's graphic or anytihng like that, but I would like to know if anyone has any advice for writing scenes like this?

Ah, but I always have advice on any given topic, even (especially) things I don't really know much about.

I would first ask you to reflect on what precisely about writing this scene is making you uncomfortable. Is it because it the subject matter is horrific / painful / distasteful / etc. to you, and/or you don't like to see your character suffer in this way? Or is it the prospect of sharing the scene with your readers? Once you can determine why writing this scene is uncomfortable for you, then you can form a strategy and proceed from there.

For example, if it is the latter reason, then you can bear in mind you don't necessarily have to spell out to the reader exactly what goes on in the scene. You can examine what information you want the reader to come away with, and that will give you an idea how to work around this. Depending on the story, it might not even be necessary that this scene be included/shown at all, but merely alluded to, hinted at. I know that some of my favorite fanfics involve clues that are touched upon, hinted at--that I as a reader had to put together and form a hypothesis from-- instead of being hit over the head with something.

I'm not telling you not to put a given scene into your work, or how to frame it--that is your decision as the artist. Ultimately you will know what's best for you since you are in more sync with your work as its creator. You must do what you feel is best.

Don't know if this helps or not, but good luck. I hope you find your comfort level.

Ursula, that is really great advice.

It is, yeah.
Sorry it's taken a while to respond.
Thanks