Language
So, a few words about language. I've studied various aspects of language most of my adult life. As a writer, I work with it, and use it as a tool. I admire the artistic aspects of language use.
I am also pragmatic in my use of language. If you visited my website you would see a selection of book reviews that use language in some different ways. If you were walking through a typical day with me, you would see me use language in quite another way, a more practical and succinct manner.
Even in the five novels that I've written, there are differences in the way language is used. In the two Sign novels, there is almost no profanity of any type. Why? Because I didn't think it belonged or was necessary in those stories.
In my two suspense novels, Playtime and Game Time, there is more profanity, especially in the last mentioned. Why? Because these were novels where I thought profanity fit the situations. Especially in Game Time, which is told from multiple viewpoints, including those of several unsavory, criminal types. Once I had made the decision to tell the story that way, I found the use of profanity almost essential to the book. Why? Because that is the way those types of characters think and talk.
However, I do believe it is a good idea to let the reader know what they are in for. That is why I posted a warning at the bottom of my book description for Game Time. In that way, I hope that those readers who simply cannot abide with coarse language and some other mature situations, will be warned before buying or reading my latest novel.
I personally scan reviews, but always read the book descriptions and especially the samples provided by Amazon. In fact, I cannot imagine buying a book without reading a selection from it. Reading a few chapters gives me a pretty fair idea whether a book will be something I will enjoy or not.
In general, I am for free speech and against censorship, but I also think it is good for readers to know what they are getting into before they buy and read. I believe that is best for both reader and writer in the long run.
I am also pragmatic in my use of language. If you visited my website you would see a selection of book reviews that use language in some different ways. If you were walking through a typical day with me, you would see me use language in quite another way, a more practical and succinct manner.
Even in the five novels that I've written, there are differences in the way language is used. In the two Sign novels, there is almost no profanity of any type. Why? Because I didn't think it belonged or was necessary in those stories.
In my two suspense novels, Playtime and Game Time, there is more profanity, especially in the last mentioned. Why? Because these were novels where I thought profanity fit the situations. Especially in Game Time, which is told from multiple viewpoints, including those of several unsavory, criminal types. Once I had made the decision to tell the story that way, I found the use of profanity almost essential to the book. Why? Because that is the way those types of characters think and talk.
However, I do believe it is a good idea to let the reader know what they are in for. That is why I posted a warning at the bottom of my book description for Game Time. In that way, I hope that those readers who simply cannot abide with coarse language and some other mature situations, will be warned before buying or reading my latest novel.
I personally scan reviews, but always read the book descriptions and especially the samples provided by Amazon. In fact, I cannot imagine buying a book without reading a selection from it. Reading a few chapters gives me a pretty fair idea whether a book will be something I will enjoy or not.
In general, I am for free speech and against censorship, but I also think it is good for readers to know what they are getting into before they buy and read. I believe that is best for both reader and writer in the long run.
No comments have been added yet.
