October 6 question – In your writing, where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?
The awesome co-hosts for the October 6 posting of the IWSG are Jemima Pitt, J Lenni Dorner, Cathrina Constantine, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Mary Aalgaard!
This question is eerily similar to Monday’s topic, but not by any grand plan. Coincidences happen. I’ll see what I can do to add something new. (You can see that post below.)
On Monday, I wrote about my decision to not write sex scenes. (Because frankly, I don’t think I’d be any good at it., not because I have a personal objection to them.) I also don’t write horror, because I don’t enjoy it. I don’t read it, I don’t watch horror movies, I don’t write horror stories. There are enough bad things in this world without adding to them. (But if you enjoy them, go for it.) Interestingly, I have written scenes with mild violence. It fits in a different category.
Language isn’t a show stopper. (I wrote about that a few weeks ago!) I believe in using language appropriate to the character and the setting. And if that means throwing in a few swear words, I’ll do it. The reader has heard them all before. (I don’t write children’s books.)
I also tackle controversial subjects in my books, but in ways that maybe you don’t realize what I did until later. I’ve mentioned the women’s movement, LGBTQ rights, law enforcement issues, the politics around marijuana and drugs, and other social issues.
There’s lots of things I haven’t tackled, but I still have time and ideas. I guess I’ll figure out what else I won’t write when it stares me in the face and my characters and I argue about it!
Don’t forget to check out other writers in this hop. There’s a whole list below.
As always, until next time, please stay safe!
I used to say I don’t write romance. But in my new WIP, historical mystery, the two MCs have been pretty vocal about wanting their relationship on stage. I’m just going to go with it and see what happens. 🤣
There are lots of things I haven’t written yet . . .but I always say “yet” because I don’t know what future me might yet do 🙂
Exactly!
Good answer to the question!