Question for Christian Writers

[EtainSkirata]

I've posted a similar question in the OCD forums, but I wanted to get input from a broader group. Basically, what is your stance on something known as "whump" or "hurt/comfort?" When a character is hurt, and, as the reader or writer, I get a certain emotional pleasure from it. I know I'm not the only person who feels like this, just google "xyz fandom/character whump" and you'll find a bunch of stories.

My problem is, I feel like I get too much enjoyment from the "hurt" portion. When I write, 9 times out of 10, if a character is hurt, they get helped/rescued/comforted; everything is all better at the end in some way or another. But lately, as in about 2 weeks ago, I've been feeling like this is a sin, to get enjoyment from the characters being in these types of situations, even though they do get rescued. It's actually been a shattering revelation, as I've become rather depressed and convinced I'm a horrible person. I'm afraid to work on my novel now (a sci-fi book about a war, so people do end up getting hurt). I feel as though my love for writing has been broken, I'm afraid to touch it again.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

 

[ReesePiece23]

As a creator, ALL emotions are good. Emotions are like spices - they add depth and dexterity to the plot whilst ramping up the legitimacy of the reader experience. You don't WANT happy endings and Mary sure characters all the time because that just isn't life!

That's why after thousands and thousands of years, the bible is still SO relevant. Books like Job speak to the reader on the deepest level - and THAT right there, is what I think you're enjoying. You've become engaged with your own work. Which as far as I'm concerned, is sign that you're writing at a very high standard.

DO NOT - I repeat DO NOT give up or see what you're doing as sinful. It's sounds like something inside of you has begun working. This is good, very good.

 

[mourningdove~]

I've posted a similar question in the OCD forums, but I wanted to get input from a broader group. Basically, what is your stance on something known as "whump" or "hurt/comfort?" When a character is hurt, and, as the reader or writer, I get a certain emotional pleasure from it. I know I'm not the only person who feels like this, just google "xyz fandom/character whump" and you'll find a bunch of stories.

My problem is, I feel like I get too much enjoyment from the "hurt" portion. When I write, 9 times out of 10, if a character is hurt, they get helped/rescued/comforted; everything is all better at the end in some way or another. But lately, as in about 2 weeks ago, I've been feeling like this is a sin, to get enjoyment from the characters being in these types of situations, even though they do get rescued. It's actually been a shattering revelation, as I've become rather depressed and convinced I'm a horrible person. I'm afraid to work on my novel now (a sci-fi book about a war, so people do end up getting hurt). I feel as though my love for writing has been broken, I'm afraid to touch it again.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Hi MaddKat,

I think God may be showing you something ...
not just about yourself, but about human nature in general ...
and so, I think it is wise for you to be questioning what you are now seeing ...
so that you can learn, and grow more deeply, in the revelation of Jesus Christ.

For most of us …
it is usually a 'not-so-good' feeling, to see some things in ourselves that we do not 'like' ...
(and we certainly do continue to see them, as we continue our walk with the Lord …)
but if we will trust God, and stick with 'the lesson', and allow God to continue to 'teach' us some things … we will be blessed.

… and so might others be blessed, who come in contact with us, and our works in Him.

Always, God works all things together for good, for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Always.

I would not give up your love for writing ...
but to 'pause' now, and let the Lord continue to reveal to you ...
well, that might also be a wise idea.

God bless.

 

[Halbhh]

I've posted a similar question in the OCD forums, but I wanted to get input from a broader group. Basically, what is your stance on something known as "whump" or "hurt/comfort?" When a character is hurt, and, as the reader or writer, I get a certain emotional pleasure from it. I know I'm not the only person who feels like this, just google "xyz fandom/character whump" and you'll find a bunch of stories.

My problem is, I feel like I get too much enjoyment from the "hurt" portion. When I write, 9 times out of 10, if a character is hurt, they get helped/rescued/comforted; everything is all better at the end in some way or another. But lately, as in about 2 weeks ago, I've been feeling like this is a sin, to get enjoyment from the characters being in these types of situations, even though they do get rescued. It's actually been a shattering revelation, as I've become rather depressed and convinced I'm a horrible person. I'm afraid to work on my novel now (a sci-fi book about a war, so people do end up getting hurt). I feel as though my love for writing has been broken, I'm afraid to touch it again.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

We are all fascinated by stories that get at something we feel deeply, and also even when the feeling is unconscious. When we feel hurt, our even unconsciously and/or even if unaware of the original incident when hurt, then stories about being hurt can be compelling or perhaps consuming. I uncovered the old feeling and correctly attributed it to the real original incidents, and think of it with more perspective. But, even with much good things to help over time, the best or most full healing of all was when I finally prayed for a more complete healing.

 

[Bobber]

I've posted a similar question in the OCD forums, but I wanted to get input from a broader group. Basically, what is your stance on something known as "whump" or "hurt/comfort?" When a character is hurt, and, as the reader or writer, I get a certain emotional pleasure from it. I know I'm not the only person who feels like this, just google "xyz fandom/character whump" and you'll find a bunch of stories.

My problem is, I feel like I get too much enjoyment from the "hurt" portion. When I write, 9 times out of 10, if a character is hurt, they get helped/rescued/comforted; everything is all better at the end in some way or another. But lately, as in about 2 weeks ago, I've been feeling like this is a sin, to get enjoyment from the characters being in these types of situations, even though they do get rescued. It's actually been a shattering revelation, as I've become rather depressed and convinced I'm a horrible person. I'm afraid to work on my novel now (a sci-fi book about a war, so people do end up getting hurt). I feel as though my love for writing has been broken, I'm afraid to touch it again.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

You're talking about fiction of which any story needs a protagonists and a antagonist. I'm not sure what you mean by saying you're getting to much pleasure when the bad guy gets it. A part of everyone at least wants to see justice done. Some would even want to call that evil but you can see in Rev 6:10 where those who were martyrs in heaven asked the Lord,

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? Rev 6:10

God told them in just a little while longer. We're they evil to ask that? Nope. And what you're talking about in your context are fictional characters....not even real. I'd say there's nothing wrong with your wanting to see the antagonist meet their demise in your story but that doesn't mean you have to get so gory and fiendish in describing how it happens. Just keep it simple.

Also keep in mind....if you're a Christian IN REAL TERMS you'd know if the bad guy was a real person you'd want to see them have a chance to receive the remission of their sins and be born again becoming a new creation with a new love nature. But look....fictional characters aren't even real so don't worry about it.

 

[EtainSkirata]

Well, this question is more of a continuation of this thread: Am I a sadist?

My biggest fear is telling myself something isn't a sin when in reality it is. I don't want to twist around my convictions and ignore them. But at the same time, I do want to be smart about this, and I especially don't want kill my joy of writing.

 

[※※♡Rose○Gold○Macaron♡※※]

I enjoy some whump, also known as hurt/comfort. For me, I usually focus more on the comfort part. Ever since I was a child was well as now, seeing people cry (real or fictional) makes me feel like I am in a place of torture. Also, I am single so seeing fictional characters that I have a crush on hurting (usually emotional) makes me want to comfort them. It's something that I want to do but I am unable to do, so therefore I am a big whumper.

 

[JohnDB]

Most bad guys do themselves in...

No need for a whump

 

[Gentle Lamb]

I've posted a similar question in the OCD forums, but I wanted to get input from a broader group. Basically, what is your stance on something known as "whump" or "hurt/comfort?" When a character is hurt, and, as the reader or writer, I get a certain emotional pleasure from it. I know I'm not the only person who feels like this, just google "xyz fandom/character whump" and you'll find a bunch of stories.

My problem is, I feel like I get too much enjoyment from the "hurt" portion. When I write, 9 times out of 10, if a character is hurt, they get helped/rescued/comforted; everything is all better at the end in some way or another. But lately, as in about 2 weeks ago, I've been feeling like this is a sin, to get enjoyment from the characters being in these types of situations, even though they do get rescued. It's actually been a shattering revelation, as I've become rather depressed and convinced I'm a horrible person. I'm afraid to work on my novel now (a sci-fi book about a war, so people do end up getting hurt). I feel as though my love for writing has been broken, I'm afraid to touch it again.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Maybe God is drawing you closer to Him and as you draw nearer to Him He is shining the light on something that doesn't please Him so that you can seek His heart about it, seek what pleases Him and go in that direction. I would suggest praying about it, meditating on scriptures as the Holy Spirit leads you, and see where God guides you from there. Maybe He will open up a new genre of writing for you, but before doing anything else, just take time to prayerfully seek His face about it.

 

[thebrittschmitt]

I've posted a similar question in the OCD forums, but I wanted to get input from a broader group. Basically, what is your stance on something known as "whump" or "hurt/comfort?" When a character is hurt, and, as the reader or writer, I get a certain emotional pleasure from it. I know I'm not the only person who feels like this, just google "xyz fandom/character whump" and you'll find a bunch of stories.

My problem is, I feel like I get too much enjoyment from the "hurt" portion. When I write, 9 times out of 10, if a character is hurt, they get helped/rescued/comforted; everything is all better at the end in some way or another. But lately, as in about 2 weeks ago, I've been feeling like this is a sin, to get enjoyment from the characters being in these types of situations, even though they do get rescued. It's actually been a shattering revelation, as I've become rather depressed and convinced I'm a horrible person. I'm afraid to work on my novel now (a sci-fi book about a war, so people do end up getting hurt). I feel as though my love for writing has been broken, I'm afraid to touch it again.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

I know this is a very old thread, but I’ve been doing some research to try to figure out why I like whump so much, because I’ve been increasingly convicted about my obsession with it. I’m someone who has spent countless hours watching and rewatching scenes in TV shows or movies where my favorite guy gets hurt/comforted, and I think whump was also one of the main reasons why I became a writer. It’s clear to me that the average Christian doesn’t understand it—that it’s not a sexual kink, yet it’s also not just about healthy expression of emotions—so I’m scouring the internet for Christians who are also whumpers. I’m taking a break from my watching and my writing to focus on my relationship with God, and as I’ve done so, it’s become more evident that my hyperfixation on hurt/comfort (however cathartic it is) has come between us many times. I’m curious to know if you (the original poster) have gained any insight into it over the past couple years.