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The Tripping Point

April 12, 2011

Watching a chase scene. The scared runner keeps looking back, unsure if the object of fear is still in pursuit. Awkward steps, head back and forth, trying to gain ground. Failing. Looks back. Trips. Fade to black.

What is the tripping point? What is that object jutting up out of the sidewalk? Uneven concrete? A patch of weeds pushed through the cement? What caused the trip and fall?

I know a lot of readers. And I am one. I’ve slowed down my voracious habit in order to get back into the novels I’m writing. Some of my reader friends share my interest in thrillers and suspense, and some don’t. Some are what Brandilyn Collins labeled members of the Big Honkin’ Chicken’s Club because they scare easily and couldn’t read her Seatbelt Suspense novels.

Let’s consider tripping points for readers. If you’ve read enough writer blogs over the years, you’ve undoubtedly seen innumerable controversies regurgitated endlessly. One of them involves responses to the choice by Christians to limit themselves to Christian Fiction. Brenda Anderson, author and blogger at Spire Reviews, decided to familiarize those Christians she knew who had no idea Christian Fiction existed with some of the better examples of the genre. For various reasons many Christians read exhaustively in the general market. Others find their “tripping points” in secular literature and welcome the spiritual/faith themes in Christian Fiction.

Tripping points inevitably center on sexuality, violence, and language. Some readers get downright fanatical on these topics, questioning the author’s Christianity because of their inclusion in stories. Because of graphic use of these items in some general market literature, Christian readers often appreciate their elimination or subdued use in some Christian Fiction.

There’s an interesting dynamic going on in Christian Fiction involving violence. While realistic approaches and situations involving sexual incidents (non-graphic) are scarce in CBA fiction, graphic violence is not. The language issue has stretched to include the following words in some CBA novels: crap, damn, hell, and pissed. Believe it or not, that’s coming a long way, baby. And not without resentment and I’m sure disapproving letters to authors and publishers. Violence accompanied by evil serial killers is allowed. Much to the dismay of some readers who shouldn’t be reading those novels if the realistic description and CSI-like storylines offend them.

And isn’t that what’s at the root of offense? Reading novels that weren’t designed or intended to be read by the audience who’s offended? The back cover copy and most reviews pinpoint the subject line of novels and state clearly what to expect. Why someone who objects to violent matters picks up a thriller is beyond my ability to reason out.

So, do you have a “tripping point”? One that crashes your experience and halts your selection of a novel? Doesn’t have to be one of the “big three” either.

Father, I just want to write what you give me to do. That’s it. Please help me to do that no matter what. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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7 responses to “The Tripping Point”

Brenda Jackson

April 12, 2011

An interesting and difficult subject. Language is a tripping point for me. That’s why I do not read much general market fiction. Reading some of the language used makes me feel like I’ve been slimed. Some people can overlook it and more power to them. I know the subject of language is argued endlessly among writers, but I do believe you can show emotion without that kind of language.
But then take the flip side—I can take a fair amount of violence. Does that make sense? Probably not. But in a way it does. I grew up watching westerns where the good guy had a gun and knew how to use it. And when he was taking care of the bad guys, he didn’t feel the need to say “F” this and “F” that.
So what I watched growing up–being macho and turning up the juice, without turning on the potty mouth, is still my expectation as a reader or a viewer.

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dayle

April 12, 2011

Brenda, it does make sense. When you read you are forced to say (in your mind’s voice) the words by default. It’s one thing to read (say) he shoved the fireplace poker through his eye socket. It’s quite different to read (say) He shoved the f***ing poker in his blankety blank eye. There is a mental intrusion when it comes to language you don’t normally say. This even includes close third pov sex.

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Brenda Anderson

April 12, 2011

Excessive language & overt sexual siuations are definitely tripping points for me. Around here, people love John Sandford & Robert B. Parker, but I felt I needed to shower after reading one of their books. Writers such as Vince Flynn, Michael Connelly, & William Kent Krueger are more interested in telling an engaging story without the excess.
On the other end of the spectrum, I really dislike when CBA authors have “super-Christians,” those perfect Christians who never curse, lie, have a beer, etc. Sorry, I don’t know anyone like that. Give me a book with flawed characters & broken, messy lives.
As for violence, I find I unintentionally skim read when authors get very descriptive. There are just some visuals I don’t need in my mind.

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Nicole

April 12, 2011

I appreciate people’s tripping points. I’m not a fan of bad language but can probably tolerate the amount used in Vince Flynn novels. I don’t appreciate it, but I can handle it. Same with movies. And I agree, for the most part, the intensity can be transmitted through other language and mannerisms in story.
Everyone’s entitled to their tripping points, but what they’re not entitled to do is complain after reading an entire novel. If they buy it, if they read it, if they don’t like it: tough. Nobody forced them to do it. To write scathing reviews or letters to authors and publishers just because of a tripping point–not because of actual story–is not okay with me.

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Jerri L Ledford

April 12, 2011

I have few tripping points these days, but I will say that I find myself getting more “embarrassed” by situations in some books.
I prefer not to read all of the profanity. But it hasn’t always been that way. In rewriting some of my own stuff based on my current morals, I find that I used the same profanity in those books. Now, I find that I can say things much stronger without those words.
The violence, sex, etc., again, not a tripping point from me. I cringe at times that the wrong message is being taught, but those are based on my personal morals, and I know that not everyone shares them. I avoid the books that are too far past the line that I can tolerate. It’s personal preference. If you don’t like an author’s use of language and situation, don’t read the author. Others probably will like it, so let them be that author’s readers.

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Nicole

April 12, 2011

“If you don’t like an author’s use of language and situation, don’t read the author. Others probably will like it, so let them be that author’s readers.”
Precisely, Jerri.
I think my tripping point is formulaic fiction with passable characters. Nothing to sink my reading teeth into . . .

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Nicole

April 12, 2011

Brenda, I don’t like graphic sexual descriptions a la general market/secular books, but neither do I like the surface level “romance” in CBA romantic fiction. In fact, sometimes the portrayals make me wonder if those authors/editors have ever experienced a passionate kiss, let alone lovemaking.
I get annoyed with cussing and swearing. C’mon. A few words don’t bother me, but excessive use of bad language only indicates the author can’t figure out how to depict the vulgarity that comes with it any other way.
Um, violence? I don’t know why, but I can handle it. Creepy situations? Ted Dekker’s Boneman’s Daughters grossed me out a few times.

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