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Although the specifics will vary hugely from individual to individual, most of us do have some form of moral code to which we subscribe. There will be certain things which will offend us and seem outrageous to us in terms of the bigger picture. As writers, it is almost certain, however, that we will encounter situations from time to time where we have to write to subjects which we may consider controversial or even morally outrageous and it is essential that we determine how we may effectively deal with such situations in order to overcome our natural objections and write the piece with due impartiality and diligence.

The most common subjects which may seem morally offensive to many are such as adultery, graphic sexuality portrayed in writing, bigotry or prejudicial behaviour towards a particular social, ethnic or religious group, or even such as foul language of the four-letter variety. The fact remains, however, that all of these things form part and parcel of everyday life and while we may not approve of them, they nevertheless exist in substantial form in the real world and in order to write effectively, we have to write believably about the world around us.

It is possible that we may be writing a piece, of course, on why we find a certain moral issue objectionable. This is perhaps our dream situation as it allows us to state our opinion and attempt to justify same without straying in any way off topic. The dangers of us instigating this type of article for ourselves, however, is that we will close ourselves off to certain sections of the community - however well we may write the article - and thus run the risk of reducing our potential future readership in very real terms. We may at the time think that we do not wish those who approve of what we so wholeheartedly disapprove forming a part of our readership anyway but when such as page views begin to dry up and income follows suit, we may have cause to rue our impulsiveness to some great extent.

When we are faced, therefore, with writing to issues which we find morally objectionable, we have to think of ourselves not so much as creative writers but as simple reporters of fact. We have to visualise the scene about which we are writing and simply describe what is happening to our readers without including our opinion on same. This can of course lead to our writing being very staid and rigid but that is something which we can attempt to tackle when we come to review it. It is important that we get the facts down on paper in the first instance and worry about the final wording at a later stage.

If we can develop this technique of essentially switching off our objectionable emotions at times such as these, it will have the overall effect of improving us as writers in the first instance but it may also allow us to develop a broader understanding of humanity and the way in which perceptions and moral values vary among different groups of people. It may not change our opinion to any extent but it is an excellent way to develop ourselves both as writers and as human beings if we can learn to see certain issues as others around us may see them.

Learn more about this author, Gordon Hamilton.
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