Before I give you my answer to which side I’m on, let’s talk about the different levels of swearing in your stories. (In my opinion, of course…there are 3).
Level 1 (Mild)
Obviously this is the milder of the 3 levels.
Here you will use the lower end of the spectrum of swear (or cuss) words.
Like maybe even just a couple throughout your story.
This would definitely appeal to a good amount of people because you could appeal to both the market of readers who are willing to read a novel with swearing and those who aren’t as most are willing to look past a couple of bad words.
Maybe only one character swears a couple times with really light swear words.
Level 2 (Moderate)
This would be the more moderate level.
You are able to be in a comfortable mid-range here.
There is a large number to appeal to here as you can comfortably meet most social standards of swearing.
In the moderate level, you would use the occasional F-word a couple times or so but mostly stick to the medium or average range of swearing.
Maybe a couple characters swear here and there.
Level 3 (Severe)
Alright, so this is pretty self explanatory. We all have read or heard of those books with excessive swearing.
This is where every other sentence has a swear word in it.
Mostly using the heavier end of the spectrum of swearing, the f-word and other impactful swear words.
Some will not take offense to reading a novel like this but there are many who will.
Almost every character swears.
Of course I’m not going to give you examples of swear words in this post, because I try to be considerate of all of my readers preferences. However, I do swear a little in my current work in progress. So I guess I just gave you my answer, I do believe a medium level of swearing is good in a novel. I would say I’m probably in the moderate range for a writer. My swearing in my novel isn’t consistent but it’s used when it’s the appropriate time to swear.
What I mean is when they are going through a moment when it is common to swear in. When they’re scared, frustrated, or angry mostly. I believe in swearing in a story because I try to make it as realistic as possible and let’s face it, most people swear.
Honestly, I’m not one for a ton of swearing in real life or my writing. So I guess you could say I’m level 2 with swearing in everything I do. Because I believe there is a time and a place for it. For example when I write here I don’t swear because I try to be respectful for those who may not enjoy it. That being said I don’t mind reading a novel with any one of the three levels lol. I just love reading so I am open minded.
My advice for you if you are stuck on whether or not to swear in your writing, is to be yourself. But also be mindful of your characters personality (would they swear and how often would they swear?) as well as being respectful to others reading it. If you wish to say the ‘h e double l’ with it…(it doesn’t count as swearing if it’s not all together right? Lol) and you wish to appeal to mostly the heavy swearers in the world then go for it. Just keep it in mind that there are lots of people who swear but also many who don’t enjoy reading it. That’s why I try to stay somewhere on that middle ground, so both adults and older teenagers can read it.
Thank you so much for reading my blog….Until Next Time…JUST KEEP WRITING.
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