To curse or not to curse…
Perhaps I’m not alone in wondering where curse words should exist when writing. I have read novels that contain swear words and read others that don’t. I’ve even read fantastic books where the author makes up a brand new way to say the F-word.
Words are just that though, words. A jumble of noise. Consonants and vowels strung together consistently enough that society understands their meaning. Ultimately the meaning conveyed is what is essential. In my case, the sense I carry to the reader is what matters.
Perhaps that means using curse words, and maybe that means making up a new set of curse words to help bring context to the reader. To support the reader on a visceral and emotional level to connect with the character and pull them into the scene.
This question of cursing came up after I started End In Sight. As I began posting short stories of Jim in SKARKRAFT, previewing them for release, I noticed how many curse words I had used. They were present in many of my essays and marked periods where I as an author was caught up in the moment. Writing the curse words described how I felt at the time.
Honestly, upon discovery, I paused, not sure where to draw the line. In the end, I sided with something my grandfather told me when I was a little boy. “Little swear words are okay to say, like the stuff you find in the bible. It’s the bigger words that aren’t in there that you have to watch out for.”
I’m learning how to write and develop my skills. I’m on my way to a million words written hoping that one day I will write a good book. So, my goal, for now at least, is not to use curse words as much as possible. To write well enough without them that the reader curses instead of me.
Perhaps one day, I’ll progress beyond this decision. But for now, I don’t think I’ve earned it.
