Hey yall,
So I wrote this short story,
Words Kill Me, months ago about a troubled mute teenager who went on a school shooting spree. Given recent events, I decided to promote the book through Amazon. Now, I knew this would be a controversial thing to do. Initially the book received average ratings because it was poorly edited and formatted (my fault entirely). It also received average ratings because some readers believed the premise (that bullying and mutism can lead to unconscionable violence) was a stretch.
I've been told that the book is 'exploiting' the deaths of the students. This is not my intention at all. My goal was this: To draw attention to the book by using the recent events as a call to awareness. I want people to read my book because I do not think it's far-fetched, and I think it does capture the fractured irrationality of minds that turn to such horrific acts. I am not attempting to glorify violence or killers. I am trying to delve into the psychology of a school shooter, to open readers' minds to a very real, very alarming evil that can and does inhabit our nations' youth. That being said, I realize the book will still offend many people... and so I ask an honest question to any potential readers:
Should I pull the book from Amazon? Is it wrong of me to want to draw attention to a character much like the real-life murderer? A character who has trouble with his parents, who suffers from an isolating condition, who lacks communication--is it wrong of me to want to bring attention to the mental health debate?
Thanks for listening, I appreciate any feedback. And if you hate me for doing this, no hard feelings... I always had good intentions
