C is for Coarse language

A dilemma that faces all writers, and not just spanko authors, is whether to use coarse language in their works.   Euphemistically called "Adult Language", it often has the effect of making a scene very childish indeed - as if the plot has been taken over by a smutty school-boy who revels in using the most swear words he can remember.   On the other hand, you might make note that using anatomically correct terms to identify specific parts of the human body is no longer considered coarse - a tad clinical maybe - but never coarse.

But in adult situations, adults use language that would be very impolite in other situations.   In the bedroom, almost anything goes between consenting adults.    On the other hand, telling a group of acquaintances how enjoyable last night's romp was, using graphic phraseology, might mean that you never get invited to another tea party hosted by your local Vicar.   There is a time and place for everything.

What we writers have to come to terms with is that the use of obscenities in our text will turn some readers on and some readers off.   And never using rude words might make your piece sound as if it had been written by one of your maiden aunts.    (Incidentally, my maiden aunt likes to read stuff so spiced up that it would make a Navy stoker blush with embarrassment - but I think she is an exception to the rule).   The thing is, you can win or lose readers by using, or not by using, really steamy descriptions.   Either way is the writer's equivalent of a crap shoot.

My advice?  Use the blue pencil sparingly when it comes to dialog:  adults in romantic settings are very likely to use words to engender intimacy:  use the words that your characters would really say in those circumstances.   But in line with what we discussed in A is for Asinine if you could.    She looked up at him, eyes glistening and whispered "That spanking has given me soaking wet panties"   For some audiences, that would be a knee trembler:  but even they would agree was a very strange thing to be said aloud.   Realistic first, added steaminess second.

And in the rest of the text?    I have said this before:  write to your own comfort zone.   If you revel in reading works peppered with four letter words, then if you do the same, you will attract readers with identical tastes as yours.   And if you don't - you don't have to boldly go where no infinitive was split before and force yourself to write material you don't like.    (Exception:  if you are commissioned to produce a specific type of material, and you accept the commission, stiffen your spine and get on with it.)

When you write outside of your own comfort zone, in areas that are new to you, you might end up with a piece on par with "Fifty Shades" without the resources to pay for rave reviews.   And you would not like that, would you?