How real should horror be in a work of fiction? A question

"Notepad Pencils" by Jess Watters is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomaing/zero/1.0/?ref=openverse.

Here I am, mumbling to myself as I craft my book. Suddenly, a question arises: while my tale is treated as ‘real’ within its universe, it isn’t. How dark should its elements be? Although the story isn’t reality but a product of my imagination, I aim to lend it depth and authenticity.

This story contains dark themes. While in the midst of crafting it, I ponder: just how intense should these horrors be? My book is meant to be impactful, and I want readers to be engrossed. The dark elements not only build the world and atmosphere but also significantly enhance the narrative. However, I don’t want it to come off as distasteful or excessively grim. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed genuine horrors, we all do in the end. From the moment I began writing, whether with a pen and paper or on my old computer, I vowed never to trivialize horror or veer into the exploitative.

When drafting the initial version of my writing, I grant myself complete freedom. I don’t fuss over grammar, repetitive word usage, or the structure of chapters. This blank canvas allows me the liberty to explore any direction. I regard this phase as a writer’s release – the most enjoyable part. But I’ve made it a principle that even if no one else ever reads this ‘freedom draft’ (a term I’ve never used before but find apt here), I won’t belittle or dismiss the real horrors present in the world.

Reflecting on the words I’ve penned, I’m filled with contemplation. There are four words in particular that gave me pause. They aren’t violent, sexual, or inappropriate. Yet, when I wrote them, they provoked deep thought. These words touch upon the psychology of trauma. They remain in my current draft, and I continue to wrestle with whether they should be included. I approach horror with utmost seriousness. These words reflect reality and things I have witnessed.

This brings me to my core dilemma: should the horror in my story mirror real-world atrocities? Or should I present a more diluted, stylized version? Authentic horror vastly differs from its exaggerated counterpart. I grapple with this decision. Would omitting certain elements betray my narrative’s integrity? Would it diminish the reader’s experience or, worse, offend those who’ve endured similar horrors in reality? As a writer, my goal is to provide the best story possible. It’s a question I’m still trying to answer.

How real about fiction be?