writers – Emotional Shadows

This post is inspired from some books, which I’ve read or dropped half-way recently.

I’ve been wondering when did this happen: A marked erosion of language in modern fiction and deteriorating standards of vocabulary.

When I was a youngster, there was a striking difference between good literature and cheap novels and the students of literature were advised to avoid the latter kind of books. Though D.H. Lawrence was a prescribed author, but his ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ was not available in the libraries. When I could lay my hands on this novel, I didn’t find anything offensive in the language. Probably it is the theme of his novel that raised eye-brows.

Nobody seems to care about any such aspect of books now. Profane language and curse words are acceptable. Themes can be as obscene as never read. Many modern authors consider it the normal vocabulary of people and want to connect with them. Probably their brains are wired differently, they have been hearing such words at home, which may sound rational to them.

If a character is disgusted, they use a “F” word. If he is frustrated, same word, if he is angry, upset or stressed, their word doesn’t change!

Is it realism, as those authors claim?
Is it the rat race to immediate success?

Showing or telling the story in a conversational manner doesn’t give a permit to use profane language!

If teenagers are using such words, they are hearing them from their parents, friends, cousins or uncles. When they read them in the books, they get the message that such language is appropriate. They grow up with the use of indecent phrases and expressions, which become their second nature.

Do you think some authors who use “F” and “S” words to convey anger and frustration in each dialogue are doing their real job, which is to describe the emotions and psychological demeanor of their characters?

Don’t you think they need to develop their vocabulary to explain the reactions of their characters?

To my mind, such books, with vulgar thoughts and language are no less than a storm in the tea cup, their value diminishes within days, they would be forgotten and buried in the rubbish of unwanted literature. Most of the times, I drop such a book.

A good writer doesn’t need to introduce himself. His language conveys his stature. He/she doesn’t stoop to the level of cheap tricks to make his books popular. Even erotic scenes are written in a creative manner by mindful writers. I’ve read some fabulous books without a single curse word.

Do you think readers are becoming immune to curse words? Please share your views.

Thank you.

– Balroop Singh.

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When a writer puts the first word on paper; a dream world opens before him, a world that ignites his creativity as well as fantasy. Former makes him produce his magnificent work but the latter makes him a celebrity overnight (in his dreams.)

You may be writing out of creative compulsions or the satisfaction of venting your voice could be your trigger, most writers harbor a secret wish – to be read, to be reviewed and admired. Admiration comes easily but you never know how hypocritical it is. Reality hits you when you see how much money you are earning from your books.

You may stay determined with the cliché – “never give up” but when you read others’ work and feel that many average books are overflowing with 5 star reviews; you wonder whether something is wrong with you when you feel like dropping a book that has been fetching 5 stars… (for whatever reasons!)

However, there are critical readers too. They know what they want, their discerning eye can’t be escaped. Their expectations are immeasurable.

You think you have the most original ideas, you would be the best seller but your readers feel you ramble, you repeat and the setting of your story is vague or the title of your book is a misnomer. youtuber-2838945__340

You think you write perfect English, your beta readers are excellent helpers and you have a long list of friends under the acknowledgements but your readers find typos and structural errors in your book.

Each reader expects an amazing book; he doesn’t want to think what were your compulsions or exhaustions. He doesn’t want to buy your excuses. He doesn’t want to digest your lack of finances for hiring an astute editor. All readers are not writers and they have every right to judge your book according to their own parameters. All readers are not kind enough to overlook imperfections in the plot, style of writing or characterization.

Then there are writers who focus on money. They write just what sells. The day writing becomes a chore for you, you are no longer a writer, and you become a businessperson, churning out book after book, devoid of any real emotion.

Your writing may not be “like a windowpane” or “impenetrable fog” but it has to be an “exploration,” it has to “enrich the life of those who read it.” If it is just inconsequential chitchat between a few characters, going around in circles, you may befool a few readers but not all.

Robert Frost’s definition is worth pondering: “The ear is the only true writer and the only true reader. I know people who read without hearing the sentence sounds and they were the fastest readers. Eye readers we call them. They get the meaning by glances. But they are bad readers because they miss the best part of what a good writer puts into his work.”

Are you an “eye reader” or a critical reader? Do you drop a book if you don’t like it? What do you expect from your readers?

Thank you for reading this. Please share your valuable reflections, they are much appreciated.

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Balroop Singh.