Writing a crime thriller with rape scenes was the most difficult type of writing I have ever done.
The Shoshana story began as a short story, but as the story grew it turned into a novella. Now, this original short thriller is being rewritten into a full novel — reason for my removing it from my Blog.
But, I am digressing a bit.
I wanted to share here my process for writing a crime thriller with rape scenes and a female lead because it was difficult but also fascinating.
As I stated, Shoshana was initially written as a serialized “short” story for a blog publication, with only seven parts. It was challenging, but also an incredible learning experience.
I’ve spent many days, with long hours each day, working on what I believed, at the time, to be the last chapter. That last installment was a crucial one — it wrapped up the entire narrative. Or so I thought.
One of the biggest challenges was keeping it short (around 1,600 to 2,000 words) to fit the theme of my blog: short to mid-sized stories, reflections, and compositions.
Well, given the nature of sthe story, that turned out to be impossible. The supposedly final episode ended up being nearly 4,000 words.
But this was absolutely necessary, I thought, to build the climax, deliver a proper conclusion, and include a dénouement.
The confrontation, the rape, and the fight scene had to be written. Just as important was the emotional aftermath, the validation, the inner shattering. The pain.
That part was non-negotiable for me.
As a survivor of rape myself, and as someone who has researched the subject carefully — and understands the weight of the #MeToo movement — I knew how vital it was to not trivialize rape. To validate the feelings and the losses of those who have lived through it.
It was important for me to show the multi-faceted nature of rape trauma — even in the strongest of people.
I also wanted to show that rape can take many forms. Sometimes, it may not even look like rape to outsiders. And that it can happen to anyone: men or women, young or old, attractive or not.
What was planned as the final episode of “Shoshana: In Your Mind” began as scattered ideas, scene fragments, bits of dialogue, and emotional blocks. I researched online, consulted my collection of books, spoke with trusted individuals, and absorbed as much feedback as I could.
I also relived parts of my own past — a deeply emotional part of the process.
It’s interesting how inspiration can come at the oddest times...
The idea for Shoshana’s story itself came to me almost a year ago. I was lying in bed when it struck. I sat up, grabbed my notebook and pencil, and began sketching the plot, outlining characters and their backstories, and mapping a rough arc for how the story might unfold.
Then… I went to sleep.
Each day after that, I added new pieces to the story — like building a giant puzzle. And from that, I started writing each chapter.
Even if this story isn’t perfect, the hope is that if at least one person — other than myself — connects with it, that would be wonderful.
Naturally, when we write a sexual crime thriller, we always hope that the story entertains, yes. But we also hope it makes one think about what rape really looks like.
And if someone who has ever been raped reads this story, I hope they feel seen, validated, and respected.
More than anything, I hope they are reminded that— IT. WAS. NOT. YOUR. FAULT.
Back to Home
Check book overview here .
Comments
Post a Comment
I would love if you could comment on this story.