Thursday, April 22, 2021

The Limits to Peril


HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: It’s a difficult juggle.

Thriller writers write books that need to be--thrilling. Scary. Tense. High-stakes. Life and death.

But.

Are there limits to peril? Now, you all are saying, and I can hear you: DON’T KILL A DOG OR CAT. But what about—children? We know bad things happen to children in real life, but there’s clearly a line in books that many authors and readers will not cross.

The wonderful Kris Calvin has thought about this, more closely than most of us ever could. And for her thriller ALL THAT FALL she’s made an interesting--and even innovative--decision about it.

See what you think.





Thrillers Without Harm to Children

by Kris Calvin

Our life experiences influence the books we decide to read and the stories we choose to write. I had a difficult childhood. I did not feel safe in my own home. I know I’m not unique in that, but I was fortunate to live close enough to a public library that I could walk to it from a young age. There, I found adults who were kind, and books that offered a world where children in peril—whether from dragons or monsters or dastardly villains—were safe.



   
I don’t have photos of me smiling as a child.

As an adult, I'm still drawn to adventure stories, most often in the form of thrillers. But many compelling tales in the genre told by talented writers include explicit and even graphic harm to children. As a survivor of some of the circumstances portrayed, I can't expose myself to that.

I know firsthand what a child’s terror feels like.

Some survivors of trauma find healing in converting their experiences to fiction, through which they share with others what occurred, constrained between the covers of a book.

I’m not there yet and might never be.


So how is it that I came to write a thriller, and in particular, one that centers on the kidnapping of a three-year-old girl?

When I weave a narrative in my head prior to putting pen to paper, it often harkens back to the adventure stories of my youth, containing similar elements: a protagonist in jeopardy, a quest against all odds, bodies piling up (usually off screen), and a positive resolution.

Though losses may be suffered, good ultimately triumphs over evil.

But that narrative is only the start of my writing process.

I don’t outline. I might have a twist or two in mind, a character, and possibly a setting. I see where it takes me, my only demand being that something exciting and important happen right away to signal the start of an adventure!

For All That Fall, the bare bones of the first few scenes were 15-year-old Luke increasingly getting into trouble in minor ways with the law. Enter 32-year-old Emma, Luke’s mother’s best friend, who intervenes and stumbles into a world of hate crimes, corruption and intrigue. But as the tension builds and Emma and Luke are faced with a myriad of dangerous challenges, three-year-old Vivian suddenly shows up, is kidnapped, and takes center stage.

Not something I had planned.

Warning, I’m about to provide a nonspecific, broad spoiler—I will not reveal plot twists or identify “whodunnit.” But if you read on, you will have a general sense of how things turn out.

As the story flowed, though Vivian was unquestionably in danger and I worried for her, she was never left alone with bad people. There was always a protector for her, and while she was sometimes frightened, she was not harmed in any way that could not be healed. 

When I closed the story, I felt that Vivian had showed the kind of resilience and courage, even at age three, that gives hope as to how children in difficult circumstances could not only survive, but might inspire us to have hope in all things, big and small.

When All That Fall was provided to advance readers, I was surprised (I shouldn’t have been) that there was a comment in a post beneath a review from a potential reader (someone who had not yet read it) stating they “would give this one a pass since they couldn’t bear to read about harm to children.”

I thought, “Wait, me, too! Don’t worry!”

So my website, sandwiched between the “buy buttons” and the reviews, contains the following. I hope it will help readers, who might otherwise hesitate, decide to join me on this journey.




I’m smiling now. I’d like them to smile with me.

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: That is so interesting, isn’t it? To risk an almost-but-not-really spoiler—to ALLOW the reader to read the book with pleasure instead of apprehensiveness. We know bad things happen to children in real life, but there’s clearly a line in books that many authors and readers will not cross.
Huh. What do you think about that, reds and readers?




(author photo credit Andy Wallace Photography)

Kris Calvin is the author of the thriller novel, ALL THAT FALL (April 13, 2021; Crooked Lane Books). She served for more than 20 years as the CEO of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and was honored for her leadership in advocacy for children by the California Legislature and Governor’s office. In addition to writing thrillers and mysteries, she teaches and consults in organizational dynamics, strategic planning and nonpartisan advocacy training. You can visit Kris online at kriscalvin.com.




My three “kids” and me.

65 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Kris, on your newest book . . . I’m looking forward to reading it and seeing what sort of trouble Emma and Luke get themselves into . . . and knowing that Vivian’s okay is a relief.

    I think it’s wonderful that you tell readers [even if it is a bit of a spoiler] that the Little Ones will be okay, even if it seems otherwise in the unfolding story. It’s good to know that the children will always be safe in your story-world . . . .

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    1. Yes, I agree. But it is really an innovative idea.

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    2. Joan and Hank, I didn't think of what I'd done as being "innovative" until you framed it that way here. But now I realize I haven't seen someone else make a blanket spoiler pronouncement about something central to plot in their work going forward. Thank you, it's better for that to be deemed "innovative" than "foolish"! With respect to this book, my hope is there are enough unknowns/twists in All That Fall that there will still be plenty of surprises.

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    3. Oh, exactly! I think it's a potentially brilliant and empathetic assessment of what some readers may fear.

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  2. I've been seeing this book a lot around the mystery/crime community, so I'm delighted you're here today, Kris. I have read books in which children are victims, but I certainly would rather they are not. Although I don't normally want to know the direction a novel takes, I did read your assurance to readers about Vivian's welfare. I am actually glad to know that now. I have already added All That Fall to my TBR list and look forward to reading this thrilling story.

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    1. Thank you, Kathy! I appreciate the kind words, appreciate you taking a look at the book, and look forward to hearing what you think.

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  3. Kris, I prefer not to read stories in which children are irreparably harmed--I have done so in one case, hoping that the children would be safe, but still carry images in my mind from the part of that book I read--couldn't finish--and threw it out in the trash rather than pass it on to another reader. And in that book, the violence was not horribly graphic. Oftentimes, I will skip to the end of a book to make sure the child(ren) survive before I risk putting any more images in my head that I don't want to live with.

    I think your advance warning will help some readers. It is innovative--and I think giving your personal perspective on the issue keeps the disclaimer real and not gimmicky.

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    1. Thank you, Flora. I have had to stop books by amazing authors (where the writing is otherwise so appealing and entertaining, only because of the kinds of images you reference. I realize I might lose some readers with my "spoiler", but I hope not.

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    2. As you well know,I have skipped to the end, too, just to check!

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  4. Kris, I am very glad you put that notice out. It does help me because I would hate to get part way into a book, especially one I am enjoying and then come across something horrendous. I'll be looking forward to reading the book, now that I know it is safe.

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    1. Thank you, Judi! I really appreciate the encouragement. Let me know what you think!

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    2. This is so interesting, the more I think about it. We want to be scared, but not horrified. Or upset. It's fascinating what will do that.

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  5. Congratulations on your new release!

    I do read books about "off the grid" families raising their kids in the deep woods. I'm okay with the scenario. And I read books about emotionally abused children. But not overt violence.

    I've published two short stories with what I now realize are slightly macabre titles: "Baby Killer" and "Black Market Baby". The first is about pregnant women during the 2017 solar eclipse and the second, the WW2 home front black market, with a baby tangled up in the plot. I did tell readers that the babies and pregnant women were fine. Really.

    I understand that rape is a hot button issue and many readers won't touch a book with even a mention of the topic. I write about forms of human trafficking so...truthful disclosures are best.

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    1. Margaret, I love short stories, they are an art in themselves! The topics you've chosen are fascinating, and I agree completely, truthful disclosures are best.

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    2. Well of course--each author has to write the best story they can. But I agree, it's all about making choices, whether you are reader or writer.

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  6. Finally got the website after trying to refresh without success this morning!

    KRIS,
    Congratulations on your new release! I am such a scaredy cat that I do not read violent novels, though I know several people who LOVE reading thrillers. THANK YOU for working hard to help children and congratulations on your honour from the California legislature.

    Diana

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    1. Thank you, Diana. That's very kind. I like to be able to sleep at night when I'm in the middle of reading a book, and I think each of us needs to draw our own lines about what we find comfortable. I am glad you do that for yourself, too.

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    2. Oh, it was SO crazy this morning! It was some kind of server thing, deep into the system that only our website person would undo. AHHHHHH. Thank you for your patience!

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  7. Kris, I so much appreciate that near-spoiler. Otherwise, like your pre-reviewer, I wouldn't have picked up the book. Congratulations on figuring out how to make the story work for you, and for the fictional three-year-old.

    As an author (also a pantser), I LOVE it when characters burst into a story and refuse to go away, making me figure how where and how they fit. Mostly by just listening to them.

    Hank, glad the IT people got the site back up (some of us were in serious withdrawal...). Any idea what happened?

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    1. Edith, I love the way you put that: "characters burst into a story and refuse to go away"! That's exactly how it feels. Related, I didn't like the name Vivian for this little girl. It's a lovely name, but I didn't want her to have it. None-the-less, that's how she "burst into the story" and stubborn as many 3-yr-old are, "Vivian" refused to be called anything else :)

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    2. Well, the way it was explained to me was that" GoDaddy had a restart, and it had a hiccup." If that means something to you, yay, you. :-) Who knows. But I have a lot more gray hairs as a result.

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  8. I applaud your stance and think your new book will be fascinating.
    As to your detractors, what about A Wrinkle in Time, or the Narnia books, or Harry Potter? I personally choose not to read horror, no Stephen King for me but let the author tell his/her tale.

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    1. Atlanta, I agree There are so many choices in fiction, no matter where we fall in our comfort level for violence/horror we can find something! I did have some author friends advise me against the kind of blanket spoiler I gave about child outcomes, but if I wouldn't read my own book upon seeing the synopsis, I figured I had to do something about that! :)

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    2. Yes, brilliant solution! And as always: write the kind of books you love to read.

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  9. Yay! We are back! Crazy server issues… Thank you for your patience! More to come… Reading all these comments now!

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  10. OMG what a strange morning without JRW! SOOO glad we're back in business.

    What I don't like is a book that uses a child as a prop to raise the stakes. And I do find it's something readers are particularly touchy about, and I'm one of them. Your warning seems wise and well placed.

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    1. Thank you, Hallie. I appreciate that! Kris

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    2. Oh, yes and SO obvious. I just read one like that. I actually laughed out loud, it was so THIS IS SO TERRIBLE ISN'T IT?? As if the author were yelling at me, telling me how to feel.

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  11. So glad the reds have returned!

    Kris, I love that you included the near spoiler. Without it, I would have been among the I don't think so group. Great choice. Hope you are able to heal. It sounds like you have come to terms with your story, but that's not the same thing. Hugs.

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  12. I’ve had nightmares after reading some books in which the violence didn’t even happen on the page. I make it a point to avoid all books in which the description sounds as though something horrible happened to a child, even if it happened before the book begins. After reading your disclaimer, I now want to read your book because it does sound intriguing. Thank you for being here today!

    DebRo

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  13. Congratulations, Kris! I think your "disclaimer" is perfect and will draw in readers who would otherwise be reluctant to read a child-in-peril thriller. What a great picture of your family! So handsome!

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    1. Thank you, Pat! I feel funny calling them my "kids" since they are so grown-up, the youngest is 24.

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    2. It is a great photo. And interesting, too, how knowing that tiny bit--does NOT ruin the story. We should think of a different label than spoiler. What would be the opposite of spoiler?

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  14. KRIS: Congratulations on your latest book! I do like thrillers and I am ok with reading about family members being endangered. But including unnecessary graphic violence to children (or pets, animals) is something I try to avoid reading. It's great that Vivian shows such resilience during her kidnapping ordeal. I look forward to reading ALL THAT FALL!

    And yes, it was a strange morning without JRW! I try to start my early day signing on and posting my comment, so I have been thrown off my schedule today, but I am glad the server issues have been fixed.

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    1. Thank you, Grace. I'm the same way. I can separate out as "fictional" the harm to adults in mysteries and thrillers, but child harm (and pets) feels different.

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    2. Yes, wasn't it strange how disorienting it was? Huh. Thank you for persisting!

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  15. Kris, welcome to JRW and congratulations on your book. I totally agree with what Hallie said above. I appreciate your disclaimer and think it's brilliant.

    Yes, JRW was elusive this morning. Still catching up.

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    1. Thank you, Judy! I've been checking out other posts, wonderful authors here, great content.

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    2. Oh, yes yes yes, come hang out! Thank you for being patient with us today!

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  17. It's an interesting approach - and I don't think it gives away too much at all. There's a lot of potential between "totally safe" and "graphic, unwanted violence."

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    1. Liz,
      I really like the way you frame it, and I agree, there is a lot of room for things to happen between "totally safe" (which Vivian the 3 yr old in All That Fall is not—it's not like she's home and secure and happy at all times in the book) and "graphic, unwanted violence". That frame will help me to respond if people (it's mostly other authors) raise the concern that I've given away "too much"! Thank you—Kris

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  18. Congratulations for All That Fall, Kris !
    Without this post or your disclaimer, I wouldn’t have picked this book. I have great difficulties with children coming to harm.
    But now, you made me curious and I’ll give it a try.

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    1. And another reader satisfied. Hurray! xxx

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    2. Thank you, it's really good to know that it's worth sharing this information (which is somewhat personal and difficult) since it might help some readers make decisions that are right for them! I'd love to know what you think if you do pick up the book! Kris

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  19. So glad to see the Reds are back! Kris, I think that semi-spoiler is perfect. It doesn't give away too much but it eases the concerns of those who might otherwise take a pass on your book.

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    1. Oh, so glad you made it back! I am still thinking of the word that means the opposite of spoiler. Enhancer ? Protector?

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    2. Thank you, Annette! I like the phrase "eases the concerns", that is what I'm hoping the semi-spoiler will do. Kris

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  20. I can see pros and cons to providing the disclaimer. I would probably picked up the book just because the mother's friend is helping. I can't tell if the friend is an additional help or the only help. I do know kids often are more trusting of an adult outside the immediate family of the family dynamic is making them unsafe in any way.

    Glad the blog engine for fixed, ladies.

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    1. Thank you, Deanna, you're the first to identify something I thought about a lot when writing this book, that an "outside" adult is often more trusted (deserved or not) by a teen than their own parent! Kris

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  21. RHYS IS NUMBER 5 ON THE WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER LIST!!! YAY FOR THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK!

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  22. And thank you all, so much, for putting up with the server crash (or whatever) this morning. Lots of websites were down, apparently, not that it makes it any better...

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    1. It was so disconcerting to not be able to get on the JRW blog this morning. Happy to see it up and running again!

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    2. Oh, yes, SO crazy! We are, too! Nothing like feeling completely out of control... (and aw, so lovely of you.)

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  23. I will definitely keep this book in mind. And I fully understand why you would want to put in that disclaimer, Kris.
    Hope the book does well!

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  24. AND WINNER IS: FLORA CHURCH! Send me your address! xxoox YAY!

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