tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post441720755974710294..comments2024-03-24T00:15:57.494-07:00Comments on Discover. . .: Do I Drop the F-Bomb?Brenda Whitesidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-85839024650477141952014-01-02T10:06:52.975-07:002014-01-02T10:06:52.975-07:00So right, Mac. I'm anxious to get into my revi...So right, Mac. I'm anxious to get into my revising and see how it works for him...and me!Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-91428081757320203442014-01-02T08:43:33.178-07:002014-01-02T08:43:33.178-07:00Great question and a very timely post, Brenda, sin...Great question and a very timely post, Brenda, since I'm struggling with a character who insists on dropping the F-bomb. I've never used it in my writing, but in his peer group it's a common expression. As usual, the authors here have offered some great advice. Mine? If he's gritty and crude, the word fits but doesn't need to be overused. Placed strategically, once or twice will make the point and help you avoid the charge of sidestepping. Other instances can be worked in other ways once you've painted the picture for your readers. Mackenzie Crownehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14495228596521457813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-61529908037829859892013-12-30T20:19:22.836-07:002013-12-30T20:19:22.836-07:00Yep, Calisa, with some genres it is almost expecte...Yep, Calisa, with some genres it is almost expected. So like I told Liz, once I do the complete read through, I'll know in my gut what I need to do.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-48155561376577839962013-12-30T20:17:21.155-07:002013-12-30T20:17:21.155-07:00LOL, Liz. The fact I threw in some half-stepping f...LOL, Liz. The fact I threw in some half-stepping friggin's makes me wonder. I'll know for sure when I do my first time complete read through.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-75596337259374609382013-12-30T19:22:49.486-07:002013-12-30T19:22:49.486-07:00I have the same problem, Brenda. I hate the F*bomb...I have the same problem, Brenda. I hate the F*bomb and don't use it in my own speech, but I have one or two characters in a para series that seem to fling it when stressed. What to do? Will readers even read a paranormal w/o cursing and sex? I don't write either as a rule, though I do use the occasional, casual "bad" word in my contemporary books. What should you do? I'll be reading what others have to say to you. Good luck. I know you'll find the answer you need.Calisa Rhosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07743891437445099016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-4627625433374580132013-12-30T18:58:53.163-07:002013-12-30T18:58:53.163-07:00I think if you feel as though you *have* to use it...I think if you feel as though you *have* to use it, that's a good reason not to. Of course, since I don't like it much, and hate when it's overused, maybe I'm looking for a reason NOT to use it. Liz Flahertyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06794565644883272260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-91924755953418462232013-12-30T18:36:03.697-07:002013-12-30T18:36:03.697-07:00Good advice, Vonnie. Thanks.Good advice, Vonnie. Thanks.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-22954250096678725942013-12-30T17:14:57.906-07:002013-12-30T17:14:57.906-07:00You've got a lot of varied advice. All of it g...You've got a lot of varied advice. All of it good. Basically, most everyone is saying the same thing: be true to your character. This you'll have to decide. If you decide to drop it, I wouldn't do it more than twice and in very tense moments. Then read the scene out loud. I find I over-pepper with "hell" and "damn" when I read it out loud to myself. You might find, when hearing the f-bomb, that it works for that scene...or that it doesn't. But I agree with so many commenters here. It's a word easily overdone and can negate what you hope to achieve. Like hot sauce, f-bombs are best used sparingly, if it's in that person's character to use it.Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07360480832587538895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-83501214590485848312013-12-30T13:33:31.178-07:002013-12-30T13:33:31.178-07:00Yep, Stan. Like Karen said. I think it is a genera...Yep, Stan. Like Karen said. I think it is a generational thing anymore. And the situation and the personality of the killer.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-63705475474548362782013-12-30T13:32:11.061-07:002013-12-30T13:32:11.061-07:00Thanks for your two cents, Karen. I agree it can c...Thanks for your two cents, Karen. I agree it can certainly be overdone. And as far as the generational thing - for sure. But my books aren't geared to young adults so I should be mindful of that.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-60790586934998928912013-12-30T13:09:02.970-07:002013-12-30T13:09:02.970-07:00You've already received a lot of great comment...You've already received a lot of great comments. If your killer is a crude axe-murderer, then yes, a lot of f-words. If, on the other hand, he intends to be charming to lure his victim closer, than a lack of profanity works in his favor. I think it depends on the situation and the person. Having said that, lol, I remember running into a 16-year old girl who swore every other word. She swore worse than Soldiers I knew who returned from a mission and were telling me of IEDs going off in their faces.<br /><br />Stan<br />(SS Hampton, Sr.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-88808427137833758182013-12-30T12:43:50.233-07:002013-12-30T12:43:50.233-07:00I understand your dilemma, and you are receiving s...I understand your dilemma, and you are receiving some great advice from actual authors. My two cents would be, sometimes it's necessary as Frank has said to accurately portray a character; however, too much of it grows very tiring very quickly. At least, that's how I feel when I'm reading a book with too many expletives. Maybe it's a generational thing, but too much definitely turns me off.Karen Q.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02335767755617069221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-79693446266986439162013-12-30T11:52:36.779-07:002013-12-30T11:52:36.779-07:00Too funny, RE.Too funny, RE.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-44796350715041923432013-12-30T11:52:11.209-07:002013-12-30T11:52:11.209-07:00Oh it is a fine line, Ashantay. But I rather agree...Oh it is a fine line, Ashantay. But I rather agree with go all the way with a character so as not to cheat the reader.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-78734935639096891612013-12-30T11:15:38.131-07:002013-12-30T11:15:38.131-07:00Stay true to your character. My ex mother-in-law w...Stay true to your character. My ex mother-in-law was a tiny, almost fragile looking woman who swore like a sailor. After one visit my then kindergartner got in trouble for repeating some of the things she said at school. (Parochial school too). remullinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02803012686654154333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-35184342444919512012013-12-30T11:06:22.054-07:002013-12-30T11:06:22.054-07:00I try to avoid the "f-bomb" but do use o...I try to avoid the "f-bomb" but do use other profanity. However, if I had a young, crude villain, that man would drop the "f" word without a blink - and I'd use it in the book. I understand the need to show the redeemable side of villains, but many readers want to see the worst side of their characters - language included - so that when the bad guy is caught, the reader has a higher level of satisfaction. It's your call - I suggest you use, but not overuse the profanity. It's a fine line - good luck!Ashantayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16122891967983778466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-54512993032021465632013-12-30T10:45:04.057-07:002013-12-30T10:45:04.057-07:00Oh, good point, Kathy. Thanks!Oh, good point, Kathy. Thanks!Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-72470954257761677892013-12-30T10:43:56.607-07:002013-12-30T10:43:56.607-07:00Oh jeez. No you can't please them all. I'm...Oh jeez. No you can't please them all. I'm not particularly concerned about offending people. I guess it's more my hangup with how I started out writing. Now - trying to keep it real which requires a shift in my thinking. Thanks, Karen.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-74909004851312216272013-12-30T10:41:12.507-07:002013-12-30T10:41:12.507-07:00If the use of the word is okay with your publisher...If the use of the word is okay with your publisher, then I agree with your husband. A guy wouldn't pussy foot, unless his character is restrained not to use it because he is at work, or church, or at dinner with his mother. His not using also shows character. And because he doesn't use it when he does, then the reader will be slammed in that moment with how truly upset he is. However, on the printed page, less is more. So if he is a guy who uses the word a lot, it will quickly become annoying to the reader, which in turn will make your character annoying, and if that's what you want, then okay. Have fun. Interesting question.Kathy Ottenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17996558118761118634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-25458669111852203262013-12-30T10:41:11.390-07:002013-12-30T10:41:11.390-07:00Very good points, Joanne. I so want to be true to ...Very good points, Joanne. I so want to be true to the character. I knew I was half-stepping with friggin'. The guy is in his early twenties and crude. But... so I'm rethinking it. The other thing I have to consider is the publisher I plan to market it to. Some have lines they don't want crossed. That can tie a writer's hands - which I don't like. Thanks for the input. And by the way gonna and the likes drives me bonkers when reading.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-16874370442259519212013-12-30T10:40:35.479-07:002013-12-30T10:40:35.479-07:00If the f bomb is appropriate for the moment, go wi...If the f bomb is appropriate for the moment, go with it. Are you going to offend someone? Most definitely, but we can't please everyone. Be true to your characters. <br /><br />By the way, I lost a whole 'star' because my character used 'effing' instead of the full spelled out f word. A whole star for that and yet she raved about loving the story. Star ratings based on using the f word or not. So go figure. lol I personally felt my character wouldn't have used any stronger language even though he was pissed. The use of 'effing' was pretty darn explicit for him. Like I said, you just can't please everyone. :)Karen Michelle Nutthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04083893569523248900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-22576725917535728442013-12-30T10:18:27.558-07:002013-12-30T10:18:27.558-07:00I haven't read the other replies yet, but...I ...I haven't read the other replies yet, but...I think it depends on your audience. I agree that using the term too much waters it down in writing. It also tends to dumb down your character. It's like writing "gotta" in dialogue. Yeah, that's how we say it, but writing it that way says a lot about your character. For me, I'm relaxing my writing style a bit. I wrote an f-bomb in one of the WIP I finished a few months ago. The hero just dropped it into conversation. It was along the lines of "f-ed up," as opposed to a curse, and he apologized for dropping it and explained why he did, but making him say "screwed up" or "messed up" didn't suit how my hero was feeling in that moment. The F-bomb fit the purpose. My last WIP, though, is spicier, and it's peppered with F-bombs. But again, it fits the characters and the story. So, I say ask yourself what truly fits your character and the story. An fbomb here and there may very well offend some people, but you know, you can't please everybody. In the end, I say you have to be to true to your characters. If he wants to drop it, let him. I think it'll make your characterization stronger. Joanne Stewarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17708364499624604625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-21178204885450666252013-12-30T10:17:24.520-07:002013-12-30T10:17:24.520-07:00Half-stepping could be more of a problem than just...Half-stepping could be more of a problem than just leaving it out, Jannine. Hmmm...food for thought.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-24282532836016059122013-12-30T10:16:48.204-07:002013-12-30T10:16:48.204-07:00You may have something, Alison. It's so overdo...You may have something, Alison. It's so overdone nowadays. And good to hear a reviewers point of view.Brenda Whitesidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162555468154752820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3787196793070180268.post-6739849514294382922013-12-30T10:02:21.379-07:002013-12-30T10:02:21.379-07:00A lot of swearing in books bugs me. I think you ca...A lot of swearing in books bugs me. I think you can get the point across with just a couple of instances. BUT, pussyfooting around with euphemisms makes me even more crazy. I honestly feel that if you write really "bad" guys, you have to be prepared to have them talk and act in character. Because I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one rolling my eyes when an author wimps out and writes the a murderer saying friggin'. In a hero, you can get away with it. Shows he has a little class to not be swearing, especially around the heroine. My two cents, and I feel your pain.Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.com