Bad Words In Books
On DorothyL for the past few days there's been a brouhaha about swearing in books. It got so heated at one point a regular poster quit the list.
It was about whether or not profanity and guttural language should be in books or not.
Some said they absolutely would not read a book with such or use any of the words (and some were mentioned) when writing their own book.
Others said a book wouldn't be authentic without the language of the street.
I stayed out of the argument. I don't use profanity or gutter language in my books--most of the time. I might include an occasional "sh**" if it is the only word that fits the occasion. (It's the only bad word I say when I'm really upset.) However, I've read plenty of books with this kind of language and in most cases, I wasn't offended because I knew that's how those particular characters would speak.
When I'm writing though, I know my audience prefers the absence of swearing and crude language so I avoid it. Those who want it can think the missing words if they like.
By the same token in a lot of movies, the language could be cleaned up and the movie would be better.
If you have an opinion about the subject and would like to share, go ahead and leave a comment--just don't give me examples of the bad words you like to use.
Marilyn
Books by Marilyn
It was about whether or not profanity and guttural language should be in books or not.
Some said they absolutely would not read a book with such or use any of the words (and some were mentioned) when writing their own book.
Others said a book wouldn't be authentic without the language of the street.
I stayed out of the argument. I don't use profanity or gutter language in my books--most of the time. I might include an occasional "sh**" if it is the only word that fits the occasion. (It's the only bad word I say when I'm really upset.) However, I've read plenty of books with this kind of language and in most cases, I wasn't offended because I knew that's how those particular characters would speak.
When I'm writing though, I know my audience prefers the absence of swearing and crude language so I avoid it. Those who want it can think the missing words if they like.
By the same token in a lot of movies, the language could be cleaned up and the movie would be better.
If you have an opinion about the subject and would like to share, go ahead and leave a comment--just don't give me examples of the bad words you like to use.
Marilyn
Books by Marilyn
Comments
I don't mind the language when I'm reading Tom Clancy, but I think I would be jarred by seeing it in your books, Meredith.
In my own writing, bad language is a consideration of authenticity and voice. I use it when appropriate for the character. It is pretty consistent with my style and genre overall.
Marilyn
Again, it comes down to what type of book you are writing, and for readers what type they are comfortable reading.
Marilyn
Whether or not that's true, I write what I love to read - no swear words!
Marilyn