To Fight in the Shade - Part 6

[lovesrain44]

Dean’s eyes were wide open, glittering in the near dark, and Sam could almost see the expression on his face. He couldn’t believe that Dean wasn’t proud of him, even just a little bit. Dad had dismissed the whole thing like it had been nothing, just Dad to the rescue to sign the stupid paperwork and that was it, they were done. Nothing about Sam,

Comments

[lovesrain44]

I completely understand your situation. I have readers who write me off line to state the very thing that you're stating here (or at least what I think you're stating), that they are uncomfortable with how violent John is in this story, and that they think he wouldn't be that violent with his punishments in canon, and yet...they find the story compelling for some reason. The level of violence I use can be off-putting, I realize that, so I appreciate you commenting and being honest about how you feel. That's the best kind of feedback, in my book.

What I think makes this John compelling in spite of the violence - and this was pointed out to me by my readers, it was nothing I did to begin with - was the fact that even through the Sam-filter, readers can see what John is trying to do. He's trying to train the boys so that they'll be safe. So the "John-ness" comes through, and while not a gentle parent, the reader knows that John is a loving parent. He loves those boys more than his own soul, and this we know for a fact. But to Sam? At aged 13? Oh, my GOD. He doesn't get it and he never will. So seeing what Sam sees at the same time as you see what John sees, that's what makes the story work, I'm thinking. Like I said, I didn't do it consciously, at first, but I'm sure working with it now.

The other thing I think that makes the story readable, even for those who don't like the brutality of John's punishments (and I could be wrong) is the fact that John does show these little moments of love, the touches to the head, the concern about Sam's well-being, his level of hunger, whether he's hot or cold or thirsty. John practically waits hand and foot on the boys, particularly in this story, they barely have to lift a hand to feed themselves. And maybe, subconsciously, Sam is starting to realize that. And it certainly is fun for me to work with it.

As for cp, I believe in a parent's right to swat their child on the behind to get their attention, but I don't believe children should be beaten and certainly not with any implement. And especially NOT by an employee of the state. I don't know why it's still legal, because that means that cp is regulated by the state, and, if you know anything about the U.S., that's how things quickly get out of hand.

Which might seem strange with the types of stories that I write, but there's reality and then there's fan fic. : D

Thank you for your lovely comments, and for giving me food for thought.

PS I hope you enjoy the rest of the verse, but be warned, they're all like this. Only not as long. : D