Warning: contains explicit content

Every TV drama I watch these days seems to come with a warning about 'explicit content' or 'scenes some viewers may find distressing', which I have to say I find more than a little patronizing. Most TV sets come equipped with an off-switch, and most viewers know how to operate it; surely they can decide for themselves?

Fortunately publishers haven't adopted the same policy; they trust their readers to make their own minds up. And mostly, my mind leans towards just enough description to feed my imagination, and no need at all to spell out violence or other nasty behaviour in graphic detail. TV is different on that score, of course; it's all about pictures, so they have little choice about how much detail to show. And when imagination needs to be triggered to enrich a reading experience, that can actually prove useful.

I'll try to elucidate. When it comes to scene-setting, few authors think they need to spell out every detail in the way Dickens used to; many of his readers had never travelled far beyond their home village, whereas nowadays we can travel thousands of miles in our imaginations, having had images planted there by TV and film. So when it comes to explicit content, why doesn't the same apply? It's there on TV, and therefore in our minds; why not leave it to the imagination when it happens on the page?

But some authors can't do that; they feel they have to spell out the nasty stuff. For me, reviewing books can be a bit of a problem in that respect. I wouldn't choose the graphic stuff, but if it crops up I have to deal with it and still try to be as objective as I can. For instance, I've just finished a book which had a strong horror element; if I'd known about that in advance, I might have let someone else have the pleasure. The book passed the 50-page test, and I was quite enjoying it – then I reached page 120, and found myself reading very quickly, and not because I was keen to know what happened. There were a few more episodes I wanted to get past in short order, and the big climax near the end was especially horrible.

I found myself wondering, as I always do when that happens, why it was necessary to be so up-front stomach-churning. Maybe the author thought it was period detail (the book was set in the 18th century), and he needed to lay it on thick to make sure we knew he'd done his research. But I've read plenty of historical crime fiction, and mostly it was laid on thick enough to progress the story, but thin enough so I didn't turn away, and that was absolutely fine. Which, in its way, is trusting the reader, much as I wish TV producers would trust the viewer.

Any thoughts, blog-followers? Do we really need every gory detail? Or can we use our imaginations to join the dots and fill in the background colour?

Comments

[Philip Butera]

SleuthFest 2018

Dear Lynne Patrick,

Would you include information about SleuthFest for your readers on your blog?

SleuthFest is a writers’ conference sponsored annually by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. 2018 will be its 24nd year.

2018’s Keynote is Andrew Gross, the Forensic Guest of Honor is Katherine Ramsland, Ph.D. The Guest Authors are James R. Benn, Hallie Ephron, Kristy Montee (PJ Parrish), and Hank Phillippi Ryan.

All the Guests of Honor will be giving intensive workshops and participating in panels and other sessions.

While SleuthFest’s emphasis is on writing mystery/thrillers/suspense, over the years, it has become one of the best conferences for writers of all genres. There are four tracks of workshops, presentations, and panels in writing craft, business & marketing, and forensics.

Other features are the annual Freddie Awards for Writing. There are cocktail parties, a raffle, informal mingling and pitch sessions with top agents and editors.

For many writers, SleuthFest is where they met their agent or editor. Unique to SleuthFest is the Strategy Sessions with professionals. Attendees can arrange for one-on-one time to ask about issues pertaining to their manuscript.

SleuthFest 2018 will take place March 1-4 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Boca Raton, Florida. More information can be found on the website at www.sleuthfest.com, or contact Victoria Landis & Michael Joy, our Co-Chairs, at [email protected].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Philip Butera
SleuthFest Publicity Co-Ordinator
561 445 7784

[Crystal Toller]

I like books because there usually is not so much graphic detail. I like to use my imagination. Love this blog and am going to miss all of you after dec 31. Jeff Cohen got me hooked on this blog and loving it.

[Lynne Patrick]

I think you made a pretty good job of flagging up Sleuthfest yourself there, Philip! Hope it all goes well.

[Lynne Patrick]

We love the blog too, Crystal. That's why we think it's time to call a halt, before we run out of things to say and start to bore our loyal followers.