: Re: How do you normalize a taboo custom in a setting that most readers would not agree with? This setting' world is populated by witch covens that function as both royal houses and political entities.

@Deb2945533

Vote Up Vote Down

How do you normalize a taboo custom in a setting that most readers would not agree with?

Carefully.

Extramarital affairs and multiple partners are looked down on, and having multiple father's to your children is shameful.

That's it? Not mother-son incest, ripping the beating hearts from your own babies, consuming them with fava beans and a nice chianti??

How do you make it completely normal and a positive thing when the reader most likely has a different experience?

While I agree with @Liquid 's basic premise "the reader has to understand that this is not our society", I disagree with his method.

Ignore pre-plot explanations and just dive right in. Your readers should know that they aren't reading a novelization of Leave It To Beaver, and that Things Are Different when there is magic, covens, etc.

Treat matriarchal polyandry as normal, and -- unless you've done something obviously impossible or stupid to break Suspension Of Disbelief (and matriarchal polyandry isn't in and of itself obviously impossible or stupid in this context) -- your readers will, while being a bit puzzled, will plow ahead.

Importantly: drop bits of explanation along the way, as needed.

(0)

Login to post a comment!