by Gail Lukasik

Some years ago, while teaching a fiction writing workshop at a Chicago university, a student handed in a short story that was peppered with the f-word. In critiquing the woman’s story, I suggested that her generous use of the f-word not only took me out of the story, but hampered her character development.

She was indignant.

“But this is the way people talk,” she said as if I were a nineteenth century school marm.

I tried, and probably failed, explaining that writing a short story wasn’t the same as taking dictation. I asked her what other words she could use in place of the f-word that would help the reader understand the characters more deeply? I also pointed out that an editor might object to the profanity.

I doubt if I can make that same argument today.

Increasingly, contemporary fiction writers are liberally using the f-word, both in dialogue and in character’s thoughts. It’s become almost reflexive.

One of my favorite thriller writer’s recent books used the f-word in dialogue so frequently I considered playing a drinking game. But my tolerance for booze isn’t what it used to be. Almost all the characters liberally sprinkled the f-word as if it was a seasoning. It just needs a little more f*ck.

Her newest book has dialed back the f-word but it’s still there. It’s like a persistent virus that won’t die. When I came upon yet another f*ck, I stopped reading and wondered if the word added anything to my understanding of the character. It didn’t. If anything, it was counter to the character’s portrayal.

Another New York times best-selling author’s recent book had a secondary, but vital, character who couldn’t make a sentence unless it contained the f-word. It took away any empathy I was meant to have for this poor schlemiel whose brain seemed paralyzed by the f-word.

So why use the f-word so frequently?

If I buy my former’s student’s defense that that’s how people talk, I’d answer, “Really?” Because I’ve never met a person whose every sentence was splattered with f*ck.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not against the f-word in books. I just think it should be used sparingly. Otherwise, it loses all impact. And once it does lose its impact, what word will replace it? Or will writers have to once again think of more creative ways to express emotions.

About Gail Lukasik:
Gail Lukasik is the author of five mystery novels. Her latest, The Darkness Surrounds Us, is her first gothic historical mystery. The Washington Post named her best-selling memoir, White Like Her, as the most inspiring story of 2017. She’s appeared on The Today Show, PBS Genealogy Roadshow, BBC World News, to name a few. She taught writing at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

For More Information:
AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://www.gaillukasik.com
INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/gaillukasik5/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lukasikgail/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-lukasik-2746aa13?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
TIKTOK:  https://www.tiktok.com/@gaillukasik_author?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc