I wrote a book with suggestive themes - withhold from application?

[deleted689233]

Over the course of this winter, I finished a book I've been working on since the summer. It will soon be published and printed. All of my writing is done under a pen name.

Of course, I spent hundreds upon hundreds of hours passionately devoting myself to writing said book, and it is a very big part of who I am. Writing is now my "job" and a huge passion of mine.

However, I would not want ADCOMS to read the novel, unless I'd already been accepted - the book isn't politically correct and contains "suggestive" themes, which could obviously shed bad light on my character (despite the fact that it's just a book).

Should I include the fact that I've written a book (and should have another done within the next year) without being able to actually show the Admissions staff? It's a bummer to think I'll have to exclude something that's been such an integral part of my life, but I also don't think I can actually show them the book.

Any thoughts and all advice is appreciated.

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[Sardinia]

Depends. What's the name of the book?

 

[order66.exe]

If by suggestive themes you mean your book is erotica, then it might be best to leave it off.

If by suggestive themes you mean your book touches on controversial issues then I think it would be fine.

 

[Sardinia]

If by suggestive themes you mean your book is erotica, then it might be best to leave it off. If by suggestive themes you mean your book touches on controversial issues then I think it would be fine.

What should the OP do if it's a book that uses erotica as a means to touch upon controversial issues.

 

[Runner500]

Do you really think ADCOM would take the time to read it?

 

[order66.exe]

What should the OP do if it's a book that uses erotica as a means to touch upon controversial issues.

If the book is primarily intended to be pornographic I think I would leave it out.

But if the book has graphic sex as part of broader theme I would include it.

 

[virchow?]

Are we talking like PG bad or PG-13 bad?

I kid. Is the "suggestive" part so central to the plot or subject matter of the book that you couldn't talk about the book without that thing in the summary?
E.g. "I wrote this book called Fight Club--it's kind of this coming-of-age brain-bender about some kids who form an underground boxing club after feeling let down by mental support groups." Sounds pretty interesting, but it doesn't go into gritty details.

Also, ^agreed. Nobody will read it so if you can dodge that part, publishing a book is pretty impressive IMO.

 

[Sardinia]

If the book is primarily intended to be pornographic I think I would leave it out. But if the book has graphic sex as part of broader theme I would include it.

What if the graphic presentation is to represent a broader theme of just being a pornographic.

 

[deleted689233]

It isn't erotica, but there are graphic parts.

The story follows a recklessly hedonistic protagonist, who at the beginning of the book is in a very negative headspace, overwrought with anxieties and cynicism. He's a subject of society's glorified moral depravity, yet he feels "out of place". Throughout the book, he encounters certain people and has certain transformative experiences though his adventures that give him an "ease" about life, as he sees the world through a different lens and discovers what truly matters to him.

That's a decent way to describe it.

I'm very proud of it, but also very conflicted.

But the fact that no one will likely sit down to read it is a good point.

 

[virchow?]

It isn't simply erotica, but there are graphic parts.

The story follows a recklessly hedonistic protagonist, who at the beginning of the book is in a very negative headspace, overwrought with anxieties and cynicism. He's a subject of society's glorified moral depravity, yet he feels "out of place". Throughout the book, he encounters certain people and has certain transformative experiences though his adventures that give him an "ease" about life, as he sees the world through a different lens and discovers what truly matters to him.

That's a decent way to describe it.

Nevertheless, it is pretty graphic and rather vulgar at times.

I'm very proud of it, but also very conflicted.

But the fact that no one will likely sit down to read it is a good point.

Sounds great! It definitely will give you another dimension to people who read your application.
I would include it. That's a big passion/time commitment and it resulted in success (publishing)! Just have an synopsis prepared for if (when) they ask about it at your interviews.

 

[darknecrosforte]

It isn't simply erotica, but there are graphic parts.

The story follows a recklessly hedonistic protagonist, who at the beginning of the book is in a very negative headspace, overwrought with anxieties and cynicism. He's a subject of society's glorified moral depravity, yet he feels "out of place". Throughout the book, he encounters certain people and has certain transformative experiences though his adventures that give him an "ease" about life, as he sees the world through a different lens and discovers what truly matters to him.

That's a decent way to describe it.

Nevertheless, it is pretty graphic and rather vulgar at times.

I'm very proud of it, but also very conflicted.

But the fact that no one will likely sit down to read it is a good point.

Got accepted to a school after naming a pickup artist as my hero/mentor during an interview. Of course, it was framed as personal development rather than social engineering to increase sexual opportunity. Your experience would probably be seen as being a well-rounded person and not adversely affect you at all unless you derped on how you conveyed your work. Maybe mention writing a book in applications but only talk plot it if it comes up during an interview (which it probably will).

 

[Garurumon]

Is this self-published or traditionally published? If it's the latter, you can list on the application your representing agent as the contact. As a fellow writer who's also finished a novel and currently querying, I understand your passion and how much time's invested in that challenging yet rewarding endeavor. It merits some mention on your application, but I'd probably avoid dwelling over its controversial or provocative nature. Focus more on how you enjoyed the actual writing process and what you learned from it.

 

[order66.exe]

It isn't simply erotica, but there are graphic parts.

The story follows a recklessly hedonistic protagonist, who at the beginning of the book is in a very negative headspace, overwrought with anxieties and cynicism. He's a subject of society's glorified moral depravity, yet he feels "out of place". Throughout the book, he encounters certain people and has certain transformative experiences though his adventures that give him an "ease" about life, as he sees the world through a different lens and discovers what truly matters to him. .

I think it would be fine.

 

[rilte4]

Over the course of this winter, I finished a book I've been working on since the summer. It will soon be published and printed. All of my writing is done under a pen name.

Of course, I spent hundreds upon hundreds of hours passionately devoting myself to writing said book, and it is a very big part of who I am. Writing is now my "job" and a huge passion of mine.

However, I would not want ADCOMS to read the novel, unless I'd already been accepted - the book isn't politically correct and contains "suggestive" themes, which could obviously shed bad light on my character (despite the fact that it's just a book).

Should I include the fact that I've written a book (and should have another done within the next year) without being able to actually show the Admissions staff? It's a bummer to think I'll have to exclude something that's been such an integral part of my life, but I also don't think I can actually show them the book.

Any thoughts and all advice is appreciated.

We're going to need to read the book, OP. For science.

 

[Doug Underhill]

Got accepted to a school after naming a pickup artist as my hero/mentor during an interview. Of course, it was framed as personal development rather than social engineering to increase sexual opportunity.

Is this the "I wrote a book" thread or the "worst interview answers" thread? This is hella creepy, especially that you found it appropriate subject matter for a med school interview.

If you don't want adcoms to read it, don't mention it. Anything you mention is fair game. As a matter of fact, anything that comes up when they Google your name is fair game. I know of at least one instance of a dean asking a student to take down her erotic Batman fanfiction with her name on it, although nobody noticed until after she had been accepted.

 

[Goro]

When in doubt, leave it out.

Especially if it was vanity press fodder.