#Featured #Author #Guest Post- Jeff Erno - Do Imperfections Warrant Trigger Warnings?

Do Imperfections Warrant Trigger Warnings?

Over the years I’ve focused on improving my craft, portraying my characters as nuanced. I’ve tried to make the good guys less than perfect and the bad guys multi-dimensional so they don’t come across as cartoonish, mustache-twisting villains but as real people who possess both good and bad qualities. When I started writing back in my twenties, I was accused of lacking a subtlety of voice, and so this is something I’ve tried to develop. I don’t want my stories or my characters to be too “on point”.

Unfortunately, what some consider strong writing craft and good literature, others find off-putting. Layering a character, portraying him with a negative internal monologue or casting him as cynical in his attitude or world view, causes some readers to outright hate that character. And if a character lacks empathy or is unaware or unconcerned with the struggles of others, some readers become insulted or infuriated. If the thoughts and dialogue of the character run counter to the view of the reader, in some cases the reader becomes uncomfortable and even angry or hurt.

I can honestly say that I never set out to intentionally meander into territory that will make my readers squeamish or that will come across as insensitive in any way. And I’m in no way opposed to offering trigger warnings, but the conundrum is that I have no idea what exactly will trigger negative responses. To be honest, I could issue trigger warnings for almost all of my books, because some feature characters with mental illnesses—bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder. I have a book of short stories that are all about teen bullying. I deal with abandonment issues, social anxiety, abusive parents, infidelity, false imprisonment, rape, suicide, addiction, obesity, fat shaming…the list goes on and on. I used to think of these obstacles as key elements of not only the plot but also of characterization. And when I think back on the thousands of books I’ve read in my lifetime, I realize that all of these “triggers” have existed within literature dating back centuries. (e.g. Shakespeare)

But that being said, as I go forward now committed to providing warnings when warranted, where exactly do I draw the line? Am I responsible to warn readers of a character’s less-than sympathetic attitude? Suppose he has an internal monologue that demonstrates his lack of compassion or empathy, am I supposed to warn readers of this? And why do some view a mere portrayal of bad behavior as an author’s endorsement of that behavior? Yes, I write the thoughts of the character, but that doesn’t mean I personally agree with them. I’m trying to paint a picture of how I see that character as less than perfect.

I’d love some feedback from readers, even from those who haven’t read any of my work. What are your thoughts on trigger warnings? Do you have anything specific you feel must be included? And how do you feel about characters who are imperfect? Do you think an author has a responsibility to warn readers that one of the main characters can be a bit of a jerk?

I truly appreciate your comments and would be honored to offer a giveaway from any of the books in my back list to three randomly-selected commenters.

Here are some of my recently released books. The entire listing of my published work can be found on my website at jefferno.com. Please feel free to subscribe to my mailing list to receive updates on new releases, promotions, and freebies.

Loose Ends: Homicide detective Tucker Brown hasn't always made the right decisions, but one thing about his life he'll never regret is his son Jaydin. While at the hospital for his four-year-old's tonsillectomy, he encounters Jaydin's nurse, Ivan Ramsey. Tucker is taken aback, however, when he discovers he's been assigned to investigate the potential murder of Ivan's mother.

Ivan Ramsey is a pediatric nurse, and he loves his job more than life. Raised in a devoutly religious family, he's not yet out to a lot of people, but on the very night he chooses to come out to his mother, she dies tragically in a house fire.Devastated by the news, Ivan all but falls to pieces, and to make matters worse, a cocky, know-it-all police detective shows up asking nosy questions. The cop implies his mother's death might not have been an accident and even infers a family member might be responsible.

Tucker and Ivan at first clash. Their strikingly different personalities are oil and water, but soon they begin to work together to determine the real cause of Ivan's mother's death. In the process, sparks begin to fly and a romance ignites. Ivan falls hard, not only for the sexy detective but also his adorable son.Tucker, equally smitten, has made some discoveries he can't yet reveal to his lover. There are so many loose ends and unanswered questions for both of them, and when the truth finally comes out, it just might tear them apart.

Slim Chance-Can a man improve his appearance without losing everything good inside him?

Oliver has always been obese and suffered from a negative body image. He’s tried diets before, failing time after time, but he vows this time will be different. As he begins an exercise program, his confidence increases—and so does his interest in his friend and coworker Benjy. Though they bonded long ago over a love of online gaming, it takes a lot of courage for Oliver to share his new body and be intimate with another man.

A passionate romance blooms, but as Oliver nears his goal, it seems he doesn’t need Benjy—with his chronic anxiety and troubled past—now that he’s made attractive new friends at the gym. But not all relationships are equal, and Oliver realizes that Benjy, who loved and supported him when no one else did, is more than a reminder of his old life.

A pleasing appearance means nothing when it hides a lonely, empty heart, and if Oliver cannot decide what’s truly important, he’ll lose what he cherishes most.

The Escort: At twenty-five, Travis Sheppard knows all about taking care of himself. He’s been on his own since the age of seventeen, and he learned long ago how to use his assets and natural-born talent to get what he needs…and wants. Travis is a hustler, a male escort, and he caters to men of means who like to shower him with gifts and cash in exchange for his affection—sometimes for his mere presence.

When Travis accepts an overnight gig with a new client, he’s surprised by the fact the customer has pre-paid. When Travis arrives at the gentleman’s surprisingly modest home, he learns that his client is an accomplished, best-selling author. Darren, otherwise known as DJ Torrent, makes Travis a proposal. He wants Travis to accompany him to a gay literature conference. The catch is that for their five days together, Travis is to be more to Darren than just his escort. Darren wants Travis to pose as his husband.

Life Without Parole (Book One FREE) Trey Palmer killed his stepfather three years ago, stabbing him repeatedly with a butcher knife, and now he’s facing life behind bars. He doesn’t deny what he did, nor does he regret it. But he’s plagued with flashbacks of a torturous childhood in which he was abused by this man he finally extinguished. In prison, Trey employs a strategy of avoidance. He becomes a loner and a workaholic, steering clear of the gangs and their drama. His life changes one day, however, when a new cellmate arrives. Jeremy Banks, also in for murder, decries his innocence. With his long hair and angelic face, he’s too pretty for a men’s prison. Though at first annoying and mouthy, Jeremy begins to wiggle his way into Trey’s heart, and Trey starts to wonder if maybe the kid really is innocent. He truly does seem like an angel. Their feelings for each other evolve, blossoming into something forbidden yet beautiful. But how can a love like theirs last in a place like this?

Author Bio:

Jeff Erno began writing LGBT fiction in the late 1990s. Although an avid reader and amateur writer from a very young age, Jeff pursued a career as a retail store manager in Northern Michigan. When his first gay-themed novel was published, he was shocked that anyone would even want to read it. He now writes full time and has published over four dozen novels. Jeff now lives in Southern Michigan, where he resides with his brother, Eugene.

Jeff's writing credits include a variety of themes and sub-genres including male romance, Young Adult, Science Fiction, erotica, and BDSM. He is the winner of a 2012 Rainbow Award and an Honorable Mention in 2011. His style is unpretentious and focused upon emotionally-driven, character-based stories that touch the heart. Jeff is especially passionate about young adult literature and combating teen bullying and youth suicide.

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