: Lean into it. Don't treat it as shocking -- a reader too scandalized by your subject matter probably shouldn't be reading this book to begin with. Instead, use all the tools of worldbuilding

@Angie602

Vote Up Vote Down

Lean into it.

Don't treat it as shocking -- a reader too scandalized by your subject matter probably shouldn't be reading this book to begin with.

Instead, use all the tools of worldbuilding and exposition to portray this world as it is to its people. It isn't taboo for them; and that's the society you're portraying.

As long as you're presenting their point of view, they see menstruation as deeply significant. You need to construct that significance; lead the reader into being able to understand it. This is no different than presenting any other worldbuilding element that differs wildly from our own -- except that you'll be anticipating a slightly different reaction from the reader.

In this particular case, I'll point out that there are plenty of people who do not consider menstruation a taboo topic by any means. Definitely ask some women, and some outspoken women's hygiene advocates, for an opinion on your manuscript once you've gotten through a draft or so.

(0)

Login to post a comment!