To Swear or Not to Swear

Some authors love to swear.

While we're talking about their book, they constantly use obscenities.

When I ask them if they want swearing in their book, they say, "F**k yeah."

That lasts until they read the first draft. Then most authors say, "I think we should make the language a bit more formal."

We take out most of the cussing. Usually, we take it all out. And most books are better for it. They're business books, after all. There's no point in alienating readers who might be offended.

On the rare occasion, the author sticks to their guns. "Leave it the f**k in."

The funny thing is they're always the authors I think *should* leave it in: authors whose authority is enhanced rather than diminished by the swearing.

It's all about self-awareness. And realizing that some of the ways we articulate our thoughts are best left to drift away on the air rather than being written down.