Crafting Chaos:The Art of Building Shock Value in 'Delusional'

Author Insight

I set out to write the story of Tasha Morgan—the protagonist of "Delusional"—to capture her descent into chaos. My goal was to paint a fantastical vision of how such a person's mind might regress.

I envisioned themes and thoughts that would continually recur, a sort of repetitive dwelling. I also wanted her to have her own voice. Since she is a writer, she needed her own style. This should be true for every first-person point of view. I thought I had done well, but after reading it a hundred times, the repetitive concept felt overwhelming. Yet, on my first read, I hadn't felt that way.

From the beginning, I knew this was the story of a woman who had gone too far. A writer who would pen her memoir from her cell on death row. To achieve this, I needed an event that would undoubtedly put her there.

I found that pivotal event for Tasha, albeit perhaps a bit over-the-top, but it was what ultimately led to her receiving the death penalty.

I understand the importance of the concept of "shock value" in a book, and I suspect the shock value of this hidden chapter might cause quite a stir. However, the true power of shock value lies in its ability to spark conversation by adding a "wow" factor to the story. It's not just a slap in the face during the first read; it should also linger in the reader's mind, compelling them to discuss it with others.

Following this twisted dive into the disturbed, I set Tasha on a path to redemption, warping her character arc into grotesque forms. After feedback from beta readers, I realized this transformation elicited a new range of emotional responses toward the protagonist. Some readers' feelings shifted from love to hate, a reaction fitting for the "wow factor" I had embedded.

In the finale, I introduced a few more twists. While they might be seen as predictable, they embody the enjoyable predictability that comes with novels—for those who take a moment to deeply analyze the unfolding saga of her life. It's a narrative choice that satisfies readers who see it coming or offers a thought-provoking surprise to those who haven't yet pieced the puzzle together.

I channeled all I knew about storytelling and crafting this novel, navigating through a series of chapters that are sometimes shocking and others controversial. Some may resonate deeply with readers' beliefs, while others might completely miss the mark, likely sparking further discussion.

I wonder if I'll ever manage to replicate such a level of shock value in my future work.