I had a lot to think about after the response I got last time. I talked to two friends on Discord about their opinions on my story and then slept on it.
First of all, this thread, I'm no longer going to utilize it for updates and blog like post. It attracted a hostile reaction and it got out of hand that I'd rather it not happen again. But if it wasn't for this thread, I would not have gotten this necessary feedback that is important for me to consider. My story is not being published just yet because I want those that are not loli/shota to seriously read it, but it looks like even attempts at making it as safe as possible is a challenge in itself. I don't want to write a typical loli/shota stories either because then I'll just go back to what I was indulging into previously, and that was seriously damaging me.
I decided to abandon this thread and use my upcoming blog instead, simply posting on the profile post when I have a new update. That way, I can get feedback without bringing down the entire forum.
With that out of way, let me address the issue that was given to me, and that's the fear that the story is trying to normalize such a relationship. I will make it clear right now that I do not, in any way, shape, or form encourage this. I am very aware that a person that young can't be in such a relationship and I don't want to give the wrong impression or message with my work. What I simply want to do is let people know that people like me exists. That we walk among you silently, and many of us are suffering from these feelings. If there is a fear that the stories may be giving the wrong impression, that I have to rectify it to give the message that I am intending to spread. That's why all worries and concerns are being put into consideration. I may be writing fiction, it's definitely not real life for certain, but fiction is powerful and can have an affect on people. I have to consider all angles and make sure that both I, the author, and the reader come to a compromise.
So last night I talked to a few friends and told them about this. They were indeed concerned that the story was leaning towards normalization. I ask for their advice and they gave me some good insights.
To summarize, the current story I'm writing is about a young adult in college who believes he's the reincarnation of a nobleman who had a lover that was a peasant. Said lover was reincarnated, but she's a middle school girl. The story will explore how these two deal with their affections. The ML is falling for this girl but he is anguished over it, but he is lonely and has no one to talk to. The FL isn't getting much love from her parents, and wants to be in a relationship with the ML as fast as possible to compensate for that lack of affection. Both scenarios are clearly not healthy at all and I want to let that be known in the work. Both are trying to appease something in ways that are not helpful: the ML pushing away people thinking that he needs to be alone so he wont offend anyone, and the FL being insistent in starting the relationship because she feels powerless in getting her parents attention.
So with that in mind, I was told that some changes should be made to the story, such as what kind of actions and thoughts the ML should have to show his inner struggle and how the FL's actions are putting her in a vulnerable position and could get place he in a dangerous situation. There was also a discussion about the possible ending. They clearly said that they should not get together at this time in terms of being romantic, but I personally wish for them to be together as friends in some capacity. The ending is still up for consideration as the story is barely in the first act, but one consensus is that the ending should not end in a romantic relationship, at least not yet. They suggested a time skip, which while I do like the idea of them later getting together, I want to end the story in the present.
After having this talk, and getting all this feedback, I now realize going at this alone while trying to convey a more serious story is a bad idea. If I was writing just a typical loli/shota story, then I would be just fine, but because I'm writing this for a more general audience, I'm going to need more help. So I'm going to confide in my Discord friends more, and I'm even going to consider seeking professional help on this. I've been meaning to see a psychologist for some time, and I think now is the time to do so. I just need a job first as I'm currently unemployed, and they ain't cheap (I live in the United States, no free meal here). So looks like this story is going to be pushed back a bit more because I really need to get it right.
Now I will be addressing the comments made upon me. I'm glad to get all the support and criticism I can get, and I clearly see that there is so much worry and concern about this. There's a lot of opinions about a person such as myself, and a lot of scorn thrown around. I don't know really what to say to this other than, I'm just trying my best. Yet, it looks like my best may not be enough. The old me would've relented and backed off, deleted the post, and try to hide myself. That's what I used to do because I was just so afraid of this kind of backlash and opinions on me.
I still want to put the consideration of others, their worries and fears, but this time I got to have equal say. If you don't like this topic, I understand completely, which is why it's only been regulated to this post and the rare response to other threads about sexuality (I believe I've only responded once from my POV about my sexuality outside this thread). I'll even consider just abandoning this thread, as mentioned above, and move things to my upcoming blog. But I can't just drop everything and give up. Doing so has lead me to a very destructive way of life and I don't want to indulge in that anymore. I want to explore this topic much more deeply than just scientific study because they sound so cold and distant. That's why I said there's a lack of humanity behind this subject, it's always so upfront about the condition in a scientific way that the person with said condition is more like a test subject. I want stories that I can relate to, and they are so few and far between that I decided that if I can't find them, then I'll make attempt at writing them.
This is all a precedent. There's nothing like it, so I'm going to end up saying something that will raise eyebrows for sure. But little by little, I hope that we can build a foundation for this topic in the realm of fiction that can be taken seriously.
So, I'm going to work on that blog soon, this thread is most likely going to end up buried, and I hope we can all get along in the future, because I really love this site. To think that I found it after that Discord exodus, only to have a thread about lolicon posted at the same time. I felt like that was a sign. At that time, in my anguish, I threw caution to the wind and came out, and thus here I am. Despite the minor setbacks, I feel more at home here than anywhere else. I feel much better that I don't have to hide myself, that I can be free to speak about this topic, even if its constrained. I may not be a genius when it comes to this topic, I too am ignorant and desire to be educated on it, but I can say with confidence that being honest and open about yourself does alleviate so much stress and anxiety. I truly feel, fo the first time, like I can live a fulfilling life.