Victoria’s answer to “I've noticed in the last few Psychic eye books there were some F* bombs. I do not recall them from…” > Likes and Comments
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My books are not cozy, Leslie. They're paranormal mysteries. They get grouped into cozy quite often, which I'm grateful for, but I've never written them to fit into that genre. And you WERE asking me to censor myself, albeit passive aggressively. In responding to your question - which I could have easily skipped - my aim was not to be "harsh" as you put it, but simply to offer you my perspective regarding such comments, so that you could understand how inappropriate such comments are, and unwelcome. Of course you have the "right" to say what you want here, but such comments posted to me directly are not welcome, appreciated, or constructive.
Victoria, your stories, your thoughts, your heart, your words. Love everything about your books.
Swearing is real and honest. It's a part of life. Love your books.
Please don't change your books to suit Leslie. I love them just the way they are. Swear words appear in real life and I can't imagine not reading an author because of them. No matter what direction you take with your books, I'm sure I'll continue to love them.
Since Leslie is troubled by them, she might be more comfortable with books in the Christian section. There are many talented writers there. For romance, might I suggest Samantha Fury?
I have to agree with Ms. Laurie when it comes to swearing. I actually love the words Abby comes up with trying not to swear. Sometimes, however, only the real word will do...just like in real life.
The F*bomb is one of my favorites too. It has so many uses. It always comes in handy when trying to drive in Orlando.
I, for one, am glad that Abby got rid of that swear jar and is letting her F-Bomb Flag fly! F*ck on, Victoria. F*ck on. :)
Leslie, I agree with your hope that the F bombs will not be too frequent. I'm not greatly bothered by an occasional one when the situation seems to call for it, but the stories are plenty good enough to stand without that kind of crutch. As for Victoria Laurie's response to your comment, I was disappointed that it was so hostile.
I don't think it was hostile ... it was constructive criticism. Maybe Leslie's original post was meant to be constructive as well, however as Victoria said, she's allowed her opinion, but Leslie also shouldn't try to put her own "parameters of taste" on someone else's writing. An author's language and style is very much a personal thing, and while it might seem innocuous to say, "Please don't cuss so much," by saying that, one is indeed trying to change a carefully crafted, nuanced character to her own liking, which isn't an option ... unless you're V's editor, and I doubt he'd ever tell her such a thing either.
I have to say that I am so incredibly offended by Leslie's question. What makes people think it is OK to ask a writer to change her writing style to accomodate you? Would you unsolicited tell your friend how to discipline her children? Your neighbor how to treat her husband? Or tell your boss what clothes to wear to work? Oh course not, because that would be disrespectful. I think Victoria showed Leslie more respect than she deserved. You are a class act Victoria.
Cozies don't have characters with bombs strapped to their bodies. Victoria's books are paranormals.... excellent books, great character development, good plot and all those other wonderful things, but not cozies. Leslie, if you want cozies without swearing, get help from a Librarian. It's not fair to ask Victoria to change her writing style for you. I'm a Librarian and I can tell you that there are thousands of cozies out there. Go forth and read those....there are a great many of us who like Victoria's writing just the way it is! We don't want it to change.
F bombs don't scare me. Every other word can get annoying as that Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows video but once in a while they are ok with me.
Yeah, you were asking her to censor. If you are not a writer, you probably will never understand. There are very few words in the English language that bother me. Feel free to bomb way :-)
F*bombs!!! Had I known I would have read the Abby series sooner! Off to the library I go. Can't F-ING WAIT!!!
I F*ing LOVE Victoria's fans! You guys are the best! Honest, loyal, and yes now I just made you sound like dogs... But you get what I mean. You all rock!! Censorship in any form sucks. If you don't like what you're reading put it down. Or better yet, write your own damn books ....
I kind of had the opposite perspective of Leslie ... I found the constant references to the "swear jar" wearing thin (I'm on book #14) ... I have no problem with a good, thoughtful, well-placed swear word. In fact, I award points for creativity and situational appropriateness. And I take notes if it's something I think I can use in the future. ;)
The books are great, Ms. Laurie. Keep up the awesome work!
I F8ing love F*bombs, keep them coming! We are all adults and I am sure we have all heard worse. I am a fan using F**k in as many ways as possible. Adjective, Verb, Noun, use it as you see fit.
I have to say I haven't read one of your books since 2017, not because I didn't enjoy them, I really did, I just found my interests moving away from the paranormal genre a little. But now after reading your response, I am adding one of your books to my reading list ASAP!!! Your response was honest and insightful, and in my little old humble opinion, 100% right! No one should ask you to censor your art! Good for you!!!
It's ridiculous when adults care about swear words. A very American thing.
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My books are not cozy, Leslie. They're paranormal mysteries. They get grouped into cozy quite often, which I'm grateful for, but I've never written them to fit into that genre. And you WERE asking me to censor myself, albeit passive aggressively. In responding to your question - which I could have easily skipped - my aim was not to be "harsh" as you put it, but simply to offer you my perspective regarding such comments, so that you could understand how inappropriate such comments are, and unwelcome. Of course you have the "right" to say what you want here, but such comments posted to me directly are not welcome, appreciated, or constructive.
Victoria, your stories, your thoughts, your heart, your words. Love everything about your books.
Swearing is real and honest. It's a part of life. Love your books.
Please don't change your books to suit Leslie. I love them just the way they are. Swear words appear in real life and I can't imagine not reading an author because of them. No matter what direction you take with your books, I'm sure I'll continue to love them. Since Leslie is troubled by them, she might be more comfortable with books in the Christian section. There are many talented writers there. For romance, might I suggest Samantha Fury?
I have to agree with Ms. Laurie when it comes to swearing. I actually love the words Abby comes up with trying not to swear. Sometimes, however, only the real word will do...just like in real life.
The F*bomb is one of my favorites too. It has so many uses. It always comes in handy when trying to drive in Orlando.
I, for one, am glad that Abby got rid of that swear jar and is letting her F-Bomb Flag fly! F*ck on, Victoria. F*ck on. :)
Leslie, I agree with your hope that the F bombs will not be too frequent. I'm not greatly bothered by an occasional one when the situation seems to call for it, but the stories are plenty good enough to stand without that kind of crutch. As for Victoria Laurie's response to your comment, I was disappointed that it was so hostile.
I don't think it was hostile ... it was constructive criticism. Maybe Leslie's original post was meant to be constructive as well, however as Victoria said, she's allowed her opinion, but Leslie also shouldn't try to put her own "parameters of taste" on someone else's writing. An author's language and style is very much a personal thing, and while it might seem innocuous to say, "Please don't cuss so much," by saying that, one is indeed trying to change a carefully crafted, nuanced character to her own liking, which isn't an option ... unless you're V's editor, and I doubt he'd ever tell her such a thing either.
I have to say that I am so incredibly offended by Leslie's question. What makes people think it is OK to ask a writer to change her writing style to accomodate you? Would you unsolicited tell your friend how to discipline her children? Your neighbor how to treat her husband? Or tell your boss what clothes to wear to work? Oh course not, because that would be disrespectful. I think Victoria showed Leslie more respect than she deserved. You are a class act Victoria.
Cozies don't have characters with bombs strapped to their bodies. Victoria's books are paranormals.... excellent books, great character development, good plot and all those other wonderful things, but not cozies. Leslie, if you want cozies without swearing, get help from a Librarian. It's not fair to ask Victoria to change her writing style for you. I'm a Librarian and I can tell you that there are thousands of cozies out there. Go forth and read those....there are a great many of us who like Victoria's writing just the way it is! We don't want it to change.
F bombs don't scare me. Every other word can get annoying as that Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows video but once in a while they are ok with me.
Yeah, you were asking her to censor. If you are not a writer, you probably will never understand. There are very few words in the English language that bother me. Feel free to bomb way :-)
F*bombs!!! Had I known I would have read the Abby series sooner! Off to the library I go. Can't F-ING WAIT!!!
I F*ing LOVE Victoria's fans! You guys are the best! Honest, loyal, and yes now I just made you sound like dogs... But you get what I mean. You all rock!! Censorship in any form sucks. If you don't like what you're reading put it down. Or better yet, write your own damn books ....
I kind of had the opposite perspective of Leslie ... I found the constant references to the "swear jar" wearing thin (I'm on book #14) ... I have no problem with a good, thoughtful, well-placed swear word. In fact, I award points for creativity and situational appropriateness. And I take notes if it's something I think I can use in the future. ;) The books are great, Ms. Laurie. Keep up the awesome work!
I F8ing love F*bombs, keep them coming! We are all adults and I am sure we have all heard worse. I am a fan using F**k in as many ways as possible. Adjective, Verb, Noun, use it as you see fit.
I have to say I haven't read one of your books since 2017, not because I didn't enjoy them, I really did, I just found my interests moving away from the paranormal genre a little. But now after reading your response, I am adding one of your books to my reading list ASAP!!! Your response was honest and insightful, and in my little old humble opinion, 100% right! No one should ask you to censor your art! Good for you!!!
It's ridiculous when adults care about swear words. A very American thing.
If your books are going to start having F*bombs every other page I will stop reading your books because I don't feel like that embraces the cozy genre. I may be alone in my thinking but that is my right as it is your right to write your books how you see fit.