When to use Swear Words in Your Writing

 

 

 

When I read gratuitous swearing I wish the author had saved her 'big girl words' for another audience.  We don't always need to swear any more than we need to have sex with strangers, or the neighbor or the stable boy.  IMHO...

 

When I wrote If I Should Die, I think the only swear word in the book was 'hell.'  In Milk Carton People, however, there are some very called for F words.  "Now that is really "f'd" up."  The choice I think, lies with the character, the situation and the audience.  I am sure an audience who is into reading about murder, deception, embezzlement and abduction would tolerate much more swearing than I provided, but I didn't think it was needed. 

 

Swearing is a right of passage for many people.  Swearing is as cultural as baby talk.  I'll admit I don't like baby talk either. 

 

Before I come off as a total prude, go ahead and read the post at the end of this link.  http://www.writersdigest.com/article/When_to_Use_Swear_Words_in_your_Writing?et_mid=511820&rid=3095074

 

I addressed the first two points made in the article when I mentioned audience and character - here is a sample of the third. 

 

From:  When to use Swear Words in Your Writing

 

"3. DOES IT ABRIDGE MY INTEGRITY? My spiritual beliefs influence my willingness to use swearwords. So does my concept of what it means to use my talent worthily. Some words I simply won't use. But I'll use most of the words on Carlin's notorious list when they fit the character and situation."

 

 

Come to Wednesday Chat and we'll cover the topic of Swearing for the first hour.  We'll have a free-for-all during the second hour.