The emotional journey behind writing Falsehood

Writing a dark romance novel often involves exploring difficult themes and emotions, but some moments leave a deeper mark on the author than others. When I wrote Falsehood, one particular scene stayed with me long after it was done. In this post, I'll share with you the emotional journey behind that scene, the choices I made to protect myself and my readers, and how the characters’ relationships evolved through the story’s darker moments.

Writing the scene

The scene on the plane in Chapter 15 was written quickly. It involved a difficult and sensitive event that I deliberately described explicitly to convey its... impact on Caroline's mental health and later choices. While it took only a few minutes to write, the emotional aftermath lasted months. I found myself revisiting that moment repeatedly, wrestling with regret for including it at all.

Although some may think that putting such an intricate plot together was the most challenging part of Falsehood, they're, well, quite mistaken. Chapter 15 touched on themes of powerlessness and violation. It was necessary for the story’s authenticity, but I was immensely worried about how it might affect my readers. Some scenes in books can be triggering, and I wanted to acknowledge that reality without shying away from the truth of the characters’ experiences.

The scene as a personal boundary

Interestingly, Sasha and Caroline's first - brutal - encounter also became a tool for me outside of writing. When I was single and navigating the dating world, I used the emotional weight of this scene as a way to gauge potential partners. I would mention that I was reading a book with a tough scene I couldn’t get over. When asked about it, I shared the excerpt without revealing it was my own work just to stay on the safe side.

The reactions were telling. Those who appeared to be unempathetic to Caroline or straight-out turned on by the scene were quickly blocked. I won't lie, this method helped me protect my emotional space and avoid people who might not respect boundaries or understand the gravity of such experiences.

The evolution of Caroline and Sasha’s relationship

Beyond that difficult scene, the rest of Falsehood was designed to explore power dynamics in a different way. The relationship between Caroline and Sasha was meant to show a shift in control. Over time, Caroline became more selfish and confident, using her sexuality as a form of power. This was her way of protecting herself.

Caroline had to recognise how sex could become a tool to influence outcomes and gain leverage. This was especially clear in her interactions with Nico, where intimacy was tied to gathering information and strategising. Luckily (considering), what she experienced made her nearly allergic to emerging feelings, so she never lost sight of her goals or backed down.

Writing dark themes

Although I have written dark romance before (look: If Only Winters Knew), Falsehood was my first novel to dive so deeply into themes of abuse, mafia life and emotional darkness. Writing it was a test of endurance and emotional resilience. The story demanded honesty about harsh realities, which made it difficult but also rewarding.

Domestic violence has never been an abstract issue to me. I have been a domestic violence advocate for many years, and while editing this book, I took part in a Polish Women’s Network lecture, speaking alongside a psychologist and domestic violence specialist to raise awareness of domestic abuse among Polish women.

I am already working on a second book that will continue to explore these themes, though I am taking my time to approach it with care. Writing about trauma and power requires sensitivity, and I want to make sure the story respects readers’ experiences.

What's the take away?

Writing Falsehood taught me that it’s okay to set boundaries and take breaks when a story feels overwhelming. That it’s crucial to balance honesty with care, knowing that some scenes may leave lasting impressions.

If you find yourself drawn to stories that explore the darker sides of human experience, remember that these narratives often come from a place of deep reflection and courage. And maybe read the book?