I recently had a reader email that gave me pause. This reader was nice in that she complimented my writing and such but she thought I'd put too much violence in the particular book that she read. Hmmmm. I went back to look at the book, Double Jeopardy. I don't know. Maybe? I think its a subjective issue. To me, the violence/action/suspense are pretty tame in my stories. But then again, I read single title suspense thrillers that would probably give some people nightmares. I also watch scary/gory movies in the dark alone. I know, I'm a freak. My family teases me about this. I guess I know its not reality.
I recently had a friend who is in law enforcement comment that she can't write suspense books because she lives it everyday and wants to break from her reality when she writes. She's working on a paranormal time-travel romance. I'd say that's a break. Her comment made me think about why I write romantic suspense. Well, I love the romance genre. And I also want a break from my stay at home mom life. For me suspense/action and yes, with some violence is the break from my reality. Though I don't watch the news or TV reality shows. I don't want that much reality in my life. I like my made up stories.
So, for you dear readers, how much is too much?
10 comments:
LOL Terri. I love to read the same type of stuff you do. And write it! I think my LIS books are very tame compared to the Revell books I have coming out next year. I'd never be able to write that kind of stuff for SH. But that's okay. That's why I write for both. I loved your book, Double Jeopardy. Thanks for posting this. It's great to know I'm not alone in my "weirdness"!
Lynette
Terri, I haven't read DJ, but I haven't found your books over the edge.
You're right. It's very subjective, just as levels of sensuality are. I can tolerate a lot of sensuality, as long as it's clean, but others may not. I can't read paranormal, but others don't mind it. It's the same with suspense. If it hits close to home, then the reader is hyper sensitive.
Just a thought.
Barbara
Terri, it was a relief to me to discover other people wrote murder and death. Ever read the Old Testament?
I'll tell you when I tried to read THIS PRESENT DARKNESS, I couldn't do it. I know there are demons and I certainly don't want to read about them or spend the time with them while I read.
Lynette, you're definitely not alone. I'll have to pick up your Revell books. Thanks for stopping by.
Barbara, I agree. Everyone's subjective meter is different which is why there are so many books to choose from. Thanks for stopping by.
Leann, you're so right. The old testament is full of violence. Think about the Sunday school lessons about David and Goliath, Sampson and Delilah, Joseph and his brothers. Lots of action/suspense and drama.
Thanks for stopping by.
I agree that when you know it's not real, you can read/watch a lot of stuff. However, my hubbie can't. I love a lot of action.
I recently read a suspense and the cop was too nice. I remarked to my husband that if I were to call a cop, and this one showed up, I throw him back and ask for another one LOL. I think it's hard in inspy to balance realism and gentle.
I loved Double Jeopardy! Life can be messy and we write about it sometimes. I write suspense because dead people just seem to appear in my stories. Or they get chased or are in the wrong place at the wrong time. I love edge of the seat stuff and love that your books have a bit of an edge, Terri.
I think it depends on the images the person has to draw on and also their nature. Some people are sensitive to violence. I love watching action movies yet can't not violent onces. Love inspired suspense helps me balance out the love inspired books. The mystery adds spice to love and I loved Double Jeopardy and the other books in the series :)
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