QUESTION FOR READERS
Does a Novel with Violence Break This Platform’s Rules?
Seeking advice: Is it safe to continue with my serialised novel?
As I was editing the final chapters of my novel, The Dog Prince, I wondered for the first time whether it’s appropriate for this platform. You see, while it does not promote or glorify violence, the later chapters of The Dog Prince do mention violence.
For those of you reading along, don’t worry, I won’t give away any spoilers. But I’d really appreciate your advice.
I don’t think my writing is explicit or gratuitous. This is a young adult novel, after all. But, because it’s relevant to the story, violent thoughts and a couple acts of violence are mentioned. The violent acts aren’t described in gory detail; they’re more just implied.
I think my content is ok but I’m scared of getting into trouble or, worse, removed from the platform. It might be difficult or impossible to get reinstated since I don’t have the wiliness of a bot or spam account. And I love it here on this platform. I want to stick around.
Below, I’ve mentioned the platform’s rules that apply to violence. Do you think The Dog Prince is safe or should I err on the side of caution and ditch it? Would love to hear your thoughts.
“We do not allow content or actions that threaten, encourage, or incite violence against anyone, directly or indirectly.”
While violence is present in the novel and some of the characters wish violence towards other characters, I don’t think I encourage it. Rather, it’s a tale of redemption.
“We do not allow content that constitutes or promotes violence, harassment, or hatred against people based on characteristics like race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, caste, disability, disease, age, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity.”
There is violence in the novel, but it was definitely not my intention to target anyone. This is a dystopian fiction tale that doesn’t attack any individuals or groups. I’m a lover, not a fighter.
“We do not allow posts or accounts that glorify, celebrate, downplay, or trivialize violence, suffering, abuse, or deaths of individuals or groups.”
I don’t think the novel is doing this and it wasn’t my intention to do so. Rather, the novel explores the negative and devastating consequences of violence.
“We do not allow content promoting the sexual, violent, or other exploitation of minors, including the sexualization of fictional minors.”
The Dog Prince has fictional characters who are minors. Some of them are violent, think violent thoughts, and/or commit violent acts. I and the novel are not promoting this. Instead, I seek to explain how things are in the dystopian world of The Dog Prince without condoning it. The novel is about a boy’s journey from a dark and negative past to a better life. Also, there is nothing to do with sex in the novel.
I’m not sure I’m even a big enough writer to attract negative attention on this platform. Serialized fiction doesn’t have a large readership here. But I do want to make sure I’m doing the right thing.
What do you reckon, dear readers?