@#%$! Blog

I am sure all of you have read books that have had at least a few choice cuss words in them. So, that brings up the question, "When is it acceptable to swear or use vulgar language in writing?" Would the crime novel you are reading be as effective if the criminal said, "No thank you, officer, I would not like to go to jail" instead of dropping a few f-bombs along with some other colorful insults? Does it depend on the targeted audience? Where do you draw the line? Is there a line? Explain under what circumstances you think swearing is necessary in writing.

Had a good scare lately?

Have you ever read a book that really scared you? I mean, actually had you afraid to answer the door or walk alone at night? I remember reading Stephen King's Salem's Lot when I was a freshman in high school. For some reason that book really freaked me out. I saw vampire eyes every time I looked out my window at night, and seriously thought about stashing a few wooden stakes under my bed. It was great, though, and I couldn't stop reading. I am sure some of you guys won't actually admit to being scared by a book, but just think about a book that kind of "freaked you out a little" then. What is the scariest book you have ever read, and why do you think it was so scary?