Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Steamy Scenes and Expletives...Do You Use Them? IWSG DAY!

                                             


It's time for another Insecure Writer's Support Group Post! The IWSG was started by Alex J. Cavanaugh as a way:  "To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!"--from the IWSG website.

And congratulations to IWSG for again being named by Writer's Digest as one of the top sites for writers!! Way to go!!

This month's wonderful co-hosts are Jemima Pett, J Lenni Dorner, Cathrina Constantine, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Mary Aalgaard


The optional question for October is: In your writing, where do you draw the line, with either topics or language?


I'm not necessarily against using a well placed four letter word in my writing every now and then. I just don't often use them. Even in my own speech, I don't often utter them. 

In fact when I have used them occasionally, my kids, who are now mostly grown adults, actually laugh and tell me, "Mom, you don't sound convincing."

So I guess I'm not good at using swear words even in my own life, not sure I could write them convincingly. Though, I think whatever character I am writing actually determines the language they use. I just haven't written many characters like Roy Kent from Ted Lasso that use expletives with every breath. Nothing against Roy Kent, I love him!

As far as sex scenes go, I guess I lean more toward the Disney "G" rated author. I'm very much a hopeless romantic and at least so far most of my fictional characters are too. There are plenty of books that I have read and enjoyed that are in the rated "R" spectrum but, again, I'm not sure I could write scenes in the steamier realm that flow convincingly. I haven't really tried though so maybe I'll delve into writing some hotter characters and see how it goes.


I just want to thank again all the wonderful people that helped with my book launch last month! This is such an awesome group of supporters!

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Nick Wilford

C. Lee McKenzie

Natalie Aguirre


Hope everyone has a wonderful week and a beautiful October filled with fall colors and yummy apple desserts! I can't wait to make an apple pie!


Kathy :)




10 comments:

  1. Happy to spread the word!
    I'm not G rated, but I won't do R, that's for sure.

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  2. I was glad to help out too. I don't use too many swear words because I write for MG and YA, but I do use a few in YA if it's appropriate.

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  3. I don't use swear words either. More the G rated, but won't push beyond PG-13. And I won't allow DLP books to do it either.

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  4. Love apple pie. couldn't make one to save my life, though. LOL

    I'll swear once in a while, but yeah, I get laughed at too! :)

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  5. I'm still trying to catch up on all the posts this month New book is my main excuse, but then there's sleeping and eating and all of that. I'm in the PG camp with you. I've tried steamy and I just fail. Maybe because I know my mom's looking over my shoulder. :-)

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  6. I’m with you on swearing and steaminess — minimal for me. But sometimes it’s called for in my YA/Adult action novels. My mom doesn’t like when she has to read it, but students I’ve had think it’s cool, haha!

    Hope you are well!
    Tara Tyler Talks

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  7. I like the challenge of finding words other than swear words to add characterization, but I've dropped a few! As for steamy scenes, I've written them, if the story calls for it, but this year, all my stories have been clean in that manner. Have a great week!

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  8. Sorry I'm so late, hopefully I'll do better this month.
    I too love Roy Kent.
    Congrats on your book release.

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