Now that I’ve turned in book two of my series, I’m doing several things, cleaning my office, taking long walks, and reading–a lot. I often miss the days when I read for pure enjoyment rather than what I do now. Oh, yes, I still read for enjoyment, but writers invariably analyze books because we’ve been told there are rules in fiction. In other words, do this, but don’t do that.
Source: Gerd Altmann Pixabay
Case in point. My publisher allows me four exclamation points per novel. In an 85,000 word manuscript, that means I have to choose them sparingly and be selective when I use them. My words and setup scenes have to speak for themselves. I tend to agree. Overuse of exclamation points means your narrative or dialogue isn’t working. It’s like telling the reader, “All right, here we go!! Time to get excited!!!!”
Back to my reading–a lot. I’m noticing something else. My favorite authors are toning down the expletives in their books. One internationally bestselling author at the start of his series used far more expletives (all right curse words) than he did in his later releases. I started paying attention, and I’m sensing a pattern.
In my debut book (which was very well received, by the way), I had an ex-con. I wanted the book to feel authentic. It was highly unlikely a non-rehabilitated criminal who spent fifteen years in prison would say, “gosh and darn.” Still, I find myself wishing I’d toned down the expletives because after a few, readers get it. The characters we create have different backgrounds, different personalities, different upbringings. It’s important to separate our characters so they don’t all sound alike.
Source: Timusu Pixabay
In Black Pearl, book one of my suspense series, when it came time to create Allison Shannon, I took to heart the advice I received from the female field training officer I did a ride-along with. This seventeen-year veteran officer warned me about making my female patrol officer a caricature of Hollywood. “To get where she needs to go, she’s not going to be a drunk, a loose woman, or have a foul mouth. Women in law enforcement don’t get where they are by being anything but professional and smart.”
Also, I’ve been paying attention to reviews. One review of an Anthony-nominated author said the author used many curse words in this particular release. I listened to the story on an audio book and I recalled two off the top of my head, which were lightened variations of the much stronger word we hear so much of these days. I was really surprised. Was it me? Had I grown immune and just not noticed? I have one critique partner who says, “An expletive is just a word–like any word.” What does she know? She’s from New Jersey 🙂
If I watch Netflix or Prime, I’m inundated with coarse language. Many motion pictures featuring Hollywood celebrities use curse words in between drags of their cigarettes.
Yet, I don’t think it’s just me. I think authors are toning down their rough language because readers are telling them to do so. I believe readers are more discerning than your average movie-goer. A physician my mother worked for said if someone uses an expletive, it’s because he can’t think of anything else to say. I think that statement deserves an exclamation point, but I’m going to resist.
What do you think? If you’re a writer, do you use expletives (and all right exclamation points) in your writing a) frequently, b) occasionally or c) not at all. By all means feel free to expand.
And if you’re a reader what do you think? I’m sure many writers would love your take on things.
Thanks for your time.
No.
Since I use them regularly in my daily life, I may not notice them as much in novels, including my own. Often they suit the character but you can make a point without them. I had someone ask me if I used them in my writing. I told her I did and she didn’t buy the book. I took no offense – to each it’s own. But it may be making your point that readers would like to tone it down a bit. Maybe we’re worn out from hearing it (or not if bleeped out) on social media. I can only take so much of that. I suppose it’s true for readers, as well.
Thanks, C.F. great points!
I deliberately choose to use a minimum of lighter expletives, and no explicit sex or violence. Readers and reviewers generally notice and appreciate my approach. For my latest launch, though, one reviewer praised the book but said they wouldn’t read others because they like their books darker and with explicit cursing. Can’t please everyone.
Nanci, that is such an excellent point. So subjective! Thanks for sharing, and good luck on all your releases.
As a writer, I use both occasionally. Habit, I guess. 🙂 But as a reader, I do get turned if it’s used too much. I get who the character is after the first few lines out of their mouth. If the author goes on and on, I tend to agree with physician your mother worked with, the author can’t think of anything else to say.
Thanks, Francelia. I appreciate your insights. I think that’s my preference too. After I learn how a character speaks, I get it. (resisting my exclamation point 😉
I’m a reader and a writer. I agree with the physician. “… if someone uses an expletive, it’s because he can’t think of anything else to say.” I once had an author tell me that smart people use more bad language. That flies in the face of logic. If you can’t think of anything better to say to defend your argument than calling someone a @#$%!, than you’ve lost the argument. Snappy comebacks make more sense than a vulgar world.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a firm believe that “Oh shoot!” just doesn’t cover a lot of situations. However, I’m sick of writers who use the F-bomb (a particularly foul-word in my opinion) ALL the time–at least one a page or MORE. If I open a book and see it, I’m closing it. I think curse words should be used sparingly and at just the right moment for emphasis. As I said, “Oh shoot!” doesn’t cover everything, but if EVERYTHING is “@#%!”, well, it’s like everything else that’s overused It gets boring. Just as bad, it can turn off readers.
I also agree that it’s a challenge to write authentic characters who would normally curse because of who they are or where they are. I’ve had to be creative about it. He cursed… is my go-to, but I have used Biblical curses, thinking if readers can handle them there, how can they be offended if they see them used in the same context in a novel?
I also agree that exclamation points should be used sparingly.
Kierstin, thank you for your insights. Very interesting.
B. I use exclamation points quite infrequently but if a character screams, “Let’s get out of here!” I think that demands an exclamation point.
I feel very much the way you do about expletives. If the character has a potty mouth then she’s not going to say, “Oh, shucks”, but still I try to keep them down. Only when they are true to the character and scene.
Thanks, Lala. I’m in my resisting exclamation point phase, but B seems to fit me to a tee, also. However, I’m not the boss of the planet 🙂
For me, it depends on the character. In my series, the characters use them but only in situations that I feel anyone would use a curse word. In my last book, a stand-alone, the male main character, a cop uses them with his partner (who rarely uses them), but not with other people in professional situations. The female MC doesn’t use them at all. I think this reflects the high stress first responders deal with daily. For example, in the OR (where I worked for years) we often used them but not outside the OR. It’s a pressure release. I know many famous writers of suspense/thriller/mystery books who use them similarly. I rarely see comments about that. If the majority of reviewers/readers comment on it, then it’s a good idea to pay attention. If it’s a few (I got a couple one about profanity and one about my female series MC and her response to PTSD but nothing else) then you write in a way that feels authentic. ?♀️
Helen, excellent. I don’t recall you overusing expletives (or exclamation points 🙂 Thank you for sharing your valuable insights.
Not sure about them becoming the “new exclamation point” in writing, but in life, they do seem to be the “standard” now. I am not offended by them (worked too long in the software industry for that!), but it does make me cringe a bit when used for no purpose.
Brooke, I worked for newspapers. The software industry must be a lot like print day!
I think language should match the story being told. I’ve read some women’s fiction which, in my opinion, had such an overuse of expletives that didn’t add to the story and I won’t read their other books. As an author, I want my characters to be authentic and speak how people talk. From what I’ve observed, I don’t believe people use expletives on a regular basis. If they do, it’s only when they need to make a strong point.
Very well said. (the story being told). Thanks.
I think you lose some potential audience with coarse language. Some people will discard a book with profanity. I think the explosion of “cozy mysteries” and Amish fiction are good examples of some readers wanting books that avoid what they see as the endless vulgarity permeating modern life.
And someone said, I can’t remember who, that if you have to resort to constant profanity to express a character’s emotions, you’re not a very good writer.
Read Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe mysteries. Never a curse word but very adult situations. His Archie Goodwin character even jokes that he can’t tell you what someone actually said because it might offend his great aunt back in Ohio who will be reading the account. A book can be authentic without the gratuitous language.
Thanks, Chief. what wise insights. I didn’t realize that about Rex Stout. I thought it was because of the era he was writing in.
As a reader and a writer, I avoid inappropriate language. I agree that those who use it excessively can’t think of anything better to say.
As a reader, if I see curse words (cuss words in my area lol) on the first page or even in the first chapter, I’ll lay the book aside. I rarely use curse words and certainly don’t want to read them. IMHO I think it’s much harder to show a gritty character than to slip in the curse words. As a writer, my publisher doesn’t accept them, which I’m glad. Great post!
I don’t use expletives in my writing other than the occasional darn or damn, and that may even be a no-no. I was taught to use it sparingly, but only if it makes a point or furthers the story. If you can get away with a different word, or way to illustrate the anger associated with it, then use the other language or action. I am writing a cozy mystery, and the audience tends to be older women who don’t appreciate it. A lot depends on your genre. Cursing is an absolute no-no in the faith based market that I am also targeting. Sci-fi and fantasy writers can make up their own curse words and not have it be offensive.
Hi Donnell: i use !!! And some language, but not too much. Just not in my character because she has the kind of mother who washes a mouth out with soap. Lol. As for me… get me riled up and something will fly. Vb
I’ve had a couple of bad reviews because of my language- one was so offended that I took the Lord’s name in vain so much that I was going to go to hell.
I’ve toned it down since, even though if you are at a gym or shooting range or watching a movie about SEALs the expletives are as common as commas, so I still think my earlier work is realistic but not palatable. I do recall reading a good friend’s RS several years ago and thinking “OK, enough.” Her husband is military, so…just saying.
Exclamations? I use them sparingly. I learned old school craft that you get one per book. I contruct the sentence or scene so the reader knows a whole lot of yelling is going on. 😉
Great blog!
Patricia Bradley. Thank you for your comments! I agree about showing a gritty character without a curse word is difficult. It can be done, however!
Pat Embury. That’s it! I’m switching to Sci-Fi. Forgive the exclamation point 🙂
Vicki Batman. I think it’s a rare person who doesn’t let a curse word fly. 🙂 thank you!
Thanks, Sarah, for your insights! I’m so excited about your new release.
I try hard to write authentic dialogue. I remember well working in a public defenders office while still in law school, the potty mouths we all had. We did change our vocab while watching the Anita Hill testimony before Congress (yes, we had the tv on at work!), and for many weeks after that. But we got over it. It’s easy enough to take out some of the realness while writing most cuss words, I find it very difficult to write the eff word. I have no problem saying it in real life, but Writing it seems to make it permanent and too coarse on the page. I’m trying to get over it.
Thanks, for sharing your thoughts, Laura!
I use expletives when someone is furious or scared. But it is the word that gets the exclamation mark. LOL My first mystery series, I might have used a curse word half a dozen times over 16 books. The second series, there may be one or two per book, but this series deals with more unscrupulous people. If that makes sense. And my newest book, has a little bit younger set of characters, and my main character was in the army for nearly twenty years, so she has a favorite saying but it’s more clever, I think, than crude. I do hope people are putting up a stink over the use of curse words in movies and TV shows. I will change the channel on a show where people spurt expletives and I won’t watch a movie with foul language or violence.
Paty, it appears to be a fine line. We want realism but have not wish to offend. In my case, I want both, but I feel curse words are saturating every part of our life, and frankly, I’m over it. thanks for your comments!
I think you raise an interesting and valid question but like most debatable issues I think the answer is “it varies,” as to when and how much writers should use curse words. At the risk of repeating some of the above comments, I think it varies as to a character’s personality and point of view, setting, and genre. Just as excessive violence and sex can be off-putting, so can excessive use of cursing. If we hang around enough people in the real world, one can find a different level of cursing used in everyday language–probably more so among creative types and longshoremen than say in libraries or church-run schools. Again, it varies. A good writer will stay true to his/her characters and the story’s dramatic arc. If select readers don’t like it, so be it. They have hundreds of other choices to read and they are probably not that writer’s true audience anyway. As for exclamation points, they should be used sparingly!!!!!
Ha, ZJ, and there you have it in a nutshell. Readers have hundreds of choices. LOL. Overdoing your exclamation points my friend ;))))) Swith to end parentheses.
I am really turned off by movies and books where the F word and other profanity are used over and over again. I, personally, say “Shit” too often, and so do some of my characters. As with any word a writer uses too often, I should (and try to) minimize repetition. On the other hand, certain characters are going to swear and it’s not going to be “Darn.” In my opinion, it’s okay if a writer uses profanity once or twice with that character, but after that, a writer can structure a sentence so the reader understand the “unending swear words flying at her” aren’t darn or gosh.
Same, Maris. We’re in complete agreement. I love Kevin Costner, but haven’t been able to get through Yellowstone. Yet, people tell me they love the series. I’m trying to follow the plot but after enduring the F word in every sentence I tune out. In writing if we overuse a word, we’re nailed for it. Our CPs and beta readers let us know about it. Professional writers should know better IMO. Thanks for weighing in.
I guess it depends on the character. I have some that curse quite a bit in one book, but they are criminals or working in a violent setting. For me, I was raised by a mother who used curse words like a verb, noun, adjective, and adverb it was commonplace in my home. I find myself cursing more as I get older, and I’m not shy about it. I’ve also lived in various places, and yes, in rougher neighborhoods where foul language is normal. I don’t care if I read it if it fits the scene, character, and place. Personally, I’d rather read a curse than the one. word. sentence. Now that can lead to a string of @$#@%$%$
Linda, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m a little lost on a one word sentence? But I totally get that cursing is more common in certain environments. As I said our newsroom on print day wasn’t pretty. You get pretty immune.
Linda, we were separated at birth. I wrote an entire article called Fragmented sentences are leaving me fragmented. The one word stopped by a period, followed by another word must have really impressed an editor because suddenly many authors were doing it. I think what bothered me most about it was its overuse. Suddenly it was in a majority of the books I read. Thanks for the explanation.
I use very few expletives. When I use to ski 2-3 times a week, I’d stand in line waiting for the chair and listen to conversations. Usually, I was shocked at how many expletives were used – sometimes every other word in a sentence. I thought then and still do, the people using them must have very limited vocabularies. Occasionally, I use a few in my writing, but I don’t think they are necessary in most cases. But then, I write sweet romantic suspense novels. Enjoyed your comments.
Thank you, Mary! I definitely think it depends on the genre. 🙂
There was a time when I’d say “what the hell is that” in my ordinary speech with the mindset that what-the-hell was a noun unto itself. My speech pattern invariably crept into my books… It was only when I landed in the cozy mystery world of writing that I realized cozy readers (and possibly all readers) wince or even put a book down because of harsh language. From then on, I have done a regular editing check for my fake nouns and a few other words. I now use work-arounds like “she swore silently under her breath.” However there are a few places where only a real swear word will work. In those cases, I use a mild one, and try to limit myself to two of those instances. I think there is more leeway in the suspense world and you could have more cuss words. I do think swearing is most effective when used sparingly like dialect. Toss around a few indicator words at the beginning to give the idea this character’s personality, and then lighten up a smidge so the story is easier on the eyes and keeps readers turning pages.
Ah, the one-word sentence. It has become common use to express (I’m still not sure what), but they aren’t really a sentence, they are words with a period, and for me, very, very distracting. Editors say they are okay because now they are normal, but I believe more creative writing would read clearer. An example: “She didn’t like that. Not. At. All.” Every time it pulls me from the book, and I stop and think about what the author wanted. I’ve seen it with some well-known authors, but it still causes me to stop reading.
Expletives spelled out on the page are never necessary. I’m tired of them in books. I’m tired of them on TV. And I’m reaaaaaaallllyy tired of them in spoken language. My mother used to say that cussing was ignorant — of other people’s sensibilities, and of the English language. The fact that so many words have been twisted and ruined that 40 or 50 years ago meant something else is not progress. IMHO.
This seems to be discussed more now than in the past, or maybe I’m just paying more attention, LOL. I have a good friend, a major author, who is not swearing anymore in her books and she’s re-editing past books to take out the language.
That said, some of my characters swear and some don’t. It’s not my decision, their language fits their character and their life experiences. Lucy Kincaid rarely swears. (She’ll have the occasional choice word, and it definitely stands out because she doesn’t do it much.) Kara Quinn swears a lot. It’s part of her vocabulary. She couldn’t NOT swear if she tried. I can’t write to committee. Some readers get upset with explicit sex (I have very little sex in my books, and in my new series you don’t see the characters in bed, but there is sexual tension and some heated moments and some people think that’s too much. But it works for the story.) Some readers get upset with explicit language. If they don’t enjoy my books because I have a half-dozen F-bombs or a tirade with ten “choice” words on one page, then they don’t enjoy my books. You can’t please everyone all the time.
That all said, when I’m editing I will cut extraneous F-bombs. Sometimes in writing, especially dialogue, it’s a free-for-all when I’m crafting, so I’ll trim it back to make the dialogue more organic and realistic.
Thank you, Allison for weighing in.
Words like anything are our tools, and overuse of “anything” I believe our editors should and readers may find distracting. Each of us have triggers, and I think because the F word has saturated television, movies and books, readers are commenting, and perhaps even rebelling.
To say never use an expletive, an exclamation point, a fragmented sentence, is unrealistic. I also think you have to be conscientious of what you’re writing. Your books all thrillers, Maggie Toussaint, as she pointed out writes cozies–that might be a good place to leave out the swear words.
Personally, because I write mystery and suspense I choose to use them if the character and scene calls for it. But also to realize I’ve overused them in the past, and it’s part of my growth process as an author.
I appreciate all of these wonderful comments! Thank you.
I definitely use expletives, sparingly. There are characters in my book who swear. If they aren’t there, the characters don’t sound like themselves. My wife once read an autobiographical book about Vietnam in which none of the troops in-country swear. She’s no fan of expletives, but the entire book seemed off without them. That said, the people who don’t like swearing are also in your book, and they can react badly to the expletives, which is also authentic.
-tc
Thanks for sharing, Tom. It’s such a fine line. Authenticity or offend?
I use them when it fits, but as a former Harlequin Intrigue author, I may also just say, “He cursed under his breath.” You get to imagine what he said.
Ruth, I did that in my latest book I turned in. I have a room full of cops who come across a solid lead. I use one curse word, followed by a string of excited expletives followed. 🙂 Thanks for weighing in.