How to write a book - Pt 2

Going all the way, and not being a tease; suspending your inner censor.

I feel that writing well means suspending your inner censor.

I've read books that have great stories, and I am really getting into it, when suddenly the author deals with a scene that they are uncomfortable with; they gloss over it with euphemisms, or quickly change the subject just when it's getting interesting. I'm left feeling ripped off.

I think as an author, you have to abandon the urge to be PC and instead surrender to what the story demands. Just because you don't use strong language in your everyday life, doesn't mean that your character doesn't curse like a stevedore.

I am not saying that every scene has to be explicit, but if it is pertinent to the story, it needs to be explored. The language you use is your own choice, but do not ignore a distasteful (to your censor) scene and leave it lacking in flesh and barely just an outline. This is where your word craftsmanship comes into play.

You must be willing to go there, because you are building a world for your reader. If you don't go there, neither can they. I truly think that this is the difference between an okay story and a fantastic one.