Emotional realism

I once attempted a story somewhat like this, although it was from the POV of the people left behind after someone inflates and pops. Looking back on it now I'm not really satisfied with it.

I thought the majority of this story was quite profound. The meticulous attention to detail with the sensations of what was happening to and inside her is quite unlike anything I've ever read before. The "feeling like cobwebs ripping under my skin" line was particularly effective. Yes, the subject matter is somewhat disturbing and shocking, but that comes with the realism aspect.

The antagonist's dialogue and narrator's thoughts were generally believable, but keeping the idea of "realism" in mind you kind of lost me toward the end of the story. In particular, the man starts using more cartoony language (blow-up doll, parade float, etc.) which I know is used to demean the woman, but I wasn't quite expecting it in a story like this. Also, the woman's mental escape into sexual arousal at the very end was not anticipated and I didn't really buy it. That's not to say that I don't like it in other stories, but it didn't seem right for this one. Having said that, I also realize that you may not have wanted those characters to keep saying/thinking the same things over and over and felt like you needed to change it up a little.

Those are minor complaints, though. I thought this was a very strong entry into a category of inflation stories that almost no one attempts, and since I myself like to try new things in my writing, I give you major props for doing the same and doing it well.

I had trouble reading Five Stages too. It was well crafted, nothing wrong with the telling, clearly very well constructed and thought out, but too grisly for my tastes. I often like dark stories as a bit of a guilty pleasure, but that was darker than I could comfortably handle. I might try reading it again a little later; sometimes stories feel different after some time.

For better or worse, it stuck with me for two days before I was able to shake it. So...it had an effect.

I just read it, and I have to say, it is one of the best stories I have read.

Call me crazy but I love that kind of realism. Gore is meh, but I really went off "human balloons" a while ago.

I have some ideas where through either accelerated evolution or cybernetics, humans are _realistically_ able to take much greater pressure (e.g. organ rearrangement, more resilient blood vessels, stronger stomach - as well as a rearranged intestine where the stomach is connected directly to the colon, which is straight - the small intestine is a separate system). Which would be interesting if you're into a realistic situation.

Wow...to think a few people gave me grief for the darkness in "Vara."

While it might have had lots of emotional realism, I'll be honest: I come here cos for me, this is a sexual fetish. For some reason, the sadistic glee Vara exhibits towards victims is on a different plane than that shown in "Five Stages." I dunno, mebbe I prefer seeing it in women because I'm more comfortable seeing it in women--seeing it in women turns me on, seeing it in men, well doesn't.

And yes, I know that makes me look like a hypocrite or something--all I can explain is that since it is sexual to my taste, I prefer it more/

I want to make it very clear that offering my opinion on this story was not intended to be "giving grief." I said nothing to suggest that the story should not have been written, or even that anything was wrong with it. It was powerful, visceral stuff that I had trouble with, but that does not mean I regret reading it or that I think the author should have done anything differently. You follow your muse. You "go there." Others may not follow where you go but it doesn't mean the trip wasn't worth taking.

I can say without a doubt this is one of my favourite BI stories of all time. :3