A Significant Change (Plus an Apology) · 6:11pm Oct 23rd, 2015
For those of you who have read Putting Her Dreams Aside, I would recommend that you reread chapters 3-5.
Here's why: Throughout the time that Chapter 3, 'Breaking the News: Part II', has been out, I've gotten quite a bit of negative feedback over expressing my views on abortion through the story. First, I'd like to apologize to anyone who I may have offended by doing so. I'd hate to think that someone may have been hurt or offended by one of my own stories. I wasn't thinking all that clearly while I was writing the chapter, and I thought it would add some decent drama. Sadly, after reading what some people had to say, I think I may have gone too far.
The main change that I have implemented is that Soarin doesn't intervene when he finds out that Rainbow is terminating the pregnancy. He instead goes home, but Rainbow meets up with him later. Basically, Soarin doesn't give any of his opinions to Rainbow Dash. He ultimately leaves the decision up to her.
I hope that what I have now is more tolerable, and again, I'm sorry that I tried to force some of my beliefs through this story. I will try my best to never do something like that again.
that ok and ok
3491072 Thank you.
3491076 your welcome
To me, it just felt ham-fisted like they should have talked it out at home like two civilized individuals instead of having this big dramatic moment at the hospital by talking about killing souls and stuff. I don't mind if it's handled well, but this just felt like an anvil to the face and was unnecessary. I'm iffy on abortion as I see it not having any right to exist to terminate a life, but it's a necessary evil and very last resort for that's open for both parents. I didn't complain about it, but I definitely skipped that part and continued reading onwards. I'm still reading.
3491428 Thank you for your words. Hopefully the changes I've made can bring more peace between me and the readers. I'm glad I was able to make the story better for you.
I haven't read your story yet (I'm just tracking it), but I wanted to point something out, just based on context from other comments and your blog post entirely.
There's nothing wrong with having a character that has a controversial belief. The problem comes when you use that character as a vehicle to lecture the audience instead of the other characters. It's a tight rope to walk correctly, and I generally feel that giving characters very strong beliefs that you happen to strongly believe in yourself is ground that must be tread carefully.
3491746 I completely agree with you. When I first wrote the chapter, I had a slight feeling that bringing up abortion in that way could cause some problems, but I didn't feel like it would be that bad. Guess I was wrong...
Abortion certainly is a touchy subject, part of it due to biased people who doesn't see the greater picture.
The question is if it needs to be in the story, and how to approach the subject, considering the trickery involved?
On that note; if Soaring has an opinion, it could have been interesting to read, but as you said, the choice should still rest on Rainbow Dashes shoulders.
3491428 I agree with the first part here.
There are however a few complications on the matter, particularly if it is involving severe risk to the mother, but it could be handled in a way that doesn't terminate the other life if done at the right time, preferably while in the embryonic stage. On this note, it is the same problem is the female is abused while pregnant, which could be an added murder if the abortion is effected.
When possible this is a good way to deal with such episodes in a chapter.
3491746 I have to agree with you, here.
3492679 On this note, is it possible to leave some advanced warning on which chapters contain such issues, in order for readers who are uncomfortable or ill prepared to have the chance to avoid this episode?
3525146 I could have certainly done that, and to be honest, I was considering it at a point, but I don't like to give away parts of the story up front, unless I feel it's absolutely necessary.
3525177 That can be a delicate problem, when do we give such warnings.
Naming chapters is a balance between summary and spoiler. Don't give away the plot, but let on where we are heading off to.
I have seen stories with blatant spoiler warnings in the summary, personally I give away as little as possible here.
On the note, I can name an episode in the chapter title, if and when there is a relevance. This is still a very rare occurrence on my part.
On this case, I guess it is credit to you that you considered it, at some point. In the end, it is and will remain your story to do with as you please.
3525208 Thank you. I just hope I didn't make you upset by my lack of warnings initially (if you read the story before it was edited, that is).
3525378 No problem, I just arrived at your blog.
I can't say if this would have offended me, before I can go over the original contents. I have seen a few offending points on the subject, when someone is pulling it out of proportion and blatantly is distorting the facts.
Who knows, I just may choose to read the story on a later time.
If not for the fact that I can see the story on the left side, I would have suggested to make the name an actual link to the story while you are at it.
Although that could be convenient in either case. You could make the name of the chapter into a link to said chapter as well.
I have a few stories on Pregnancy on my page, just none of which had been aborted to date.
Abortion is just the dark backside of the coin of sex and pregnancy.