: Re: How to write about trauma I never experienced So, in a story, I have a girl who has been ritually abused and raped by her father for being born, as he wanted sons to continue his bloodline.

@Sue2132873

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We write about things we have never experienced. Doing some research is always a good idea. If I were you, I would start by reading what is available; the forums, blogs and articles written by women who have survived such. Once you have more of a grasp of it, then request an interview.

Learn how it is possible to internalize that kind of trauma, how her damaged psyche might manifest itself. Imagine yourself without power, allies or friends; the family that should protect doesn’t. You speak of it to no one, not one word. It is normal to you, but you know it isn’t normal.

Less is more. Let the reader fill in the blanks. Graphic descriptions of long term abuse can be too much. In one of my works, I go into some detail in a torture scene, but it is fairly brief and does not recur.

In the end, your fictional young girl will respond to her situation in a way that is true to her, gives perhaps some insight into who she is and satisfies the reader. Perhaps she will choose success as the best revenge and become much more successful than her siblings. She, the one who is nothing but disappointment, becomes a successful physician.

You know her best, just find a way to feather the information you gather into a credible account that suits her.

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