TRIGGER WARNINGS

            The subject of trigger warnings came up on one of my Facebook forums and I discussed it a bit on my weekend posts. I want to go more into detail now.

WHAT IS A TRIGGER WARNING?

            In writing, a trigger warning is something, especially something shocking that can cause emotional distress in someone. The issue is not only what is shocking, but who might be affected by it.

            Examples of trigger warning subjects might include:

            Rape

            Incest

            Gore

            Anything sexual

            Certain violent acts

A TREND

            It’s been a trend, especially in romance books, or so I’ve heard. Since I don’t read romance, I have no way to vouch for that.

            However, in our more socially sensitive world, there are those that feel trigger warnings are needed to avoid freaking people out or causing a lawsuit. It’s becoming more and more of a trend, just like the “parental advisory” stickers that used to be on music albums. If you ever watch a movie online, they usually have an advisory at the beginning, in small type at the top of the screen, “sex, violence, smoking, nudity, bla bla bla.”

            For many, that’s an attraction. Some authors may take advantage of that, just like some bands would make sure to have the parental advisory sticker on their album just to get people to buy it.

WHAT’S REALLY A TRIGGER?

            To me, and I’m not everyone, but still…

            Just about anything and everything can be a trigger warning to someone. There’s no way to predict what might be offensive or distressing to anyone because everyone is different, not only in demeanor, but life experiences.

            It would not behoove a former military man with PTST to read a violent novel about war, or a particular war. A woman who’s been raped is probably not wanting to read a book with rape in it. Someone who’s been assaulted may be triggered but any violent act, especially if it mirrors their own experience.

            The way I look at it, to cover every possibility, I’d need a companion book just to list them all.

            I think it’s better for an adult reader to look at the subject matter or genre, and glean their own potential triggers from that. The synopsis on the back can also give a huge clue.

            Adding potential trigger warnings is impractical because we as authors can’t possibly predict what might set off someone. Spilling salt on a kitchen table might trigger someone, mowing a lawn another, walking down a cracked sidewalk someone else.

SUMMARY

            If you want to add trigger warnings just to get someone to read your book, go for it! If bands can do it with a parental advisory, TV do it with advisory lists, why not?

            For the rest of us, it’s just an unnecessary and vague burden.

            Give the readers enough intelligence that they can figure it out on their own.

            Happy writing!