PG13 or R Rating for "Da Nang Damned!"

When I began writing "Da Nang Damned!" I made a decision that I wanted a book that my Mom, Grandchildren, Friends could read without me feeling embarrassed. So I decided not to include foul language, steamy sex scenes and over the top violence. I reasoned there was enough of this on the market as it was and I didn't need to write this way. I believe that it is possible to write a "modern" action/adventure book without resorting to including language that quite frankly I find terribly offensive.

I just finished a book by another veteran. I won't mention the title or author, but it's a fictional account of soldiers in Iraq. The book is laced with some of the worst language I have ever heard. I will give the author credit, he used four letter words in some very creative ways. The book has gotten good reviews and the author several rewards.

Now I don't consider myself a prude. I can swear in at least three languages and after six years in the military and several years working construction I've heard it all. Some may criticize my book for eliminating cussing, swearing, but that's okay. I don't think including it would add to the book.

There's just to much foul language out there. We are exposed to it everyday. What use to be limited to the locker room, or the military is common everyway. By making it so everyday, swearing loses it's shock value. In my opinion swearing is a sign of ignorance. A friend responded after I rebuke him for swearing in front of a lady by saying "She's a grown woman, she's heard it all before." I answered "That maybe, but it doesn't mean she wants to hear it again.

Our society has become increasingly crass. At the same time we're suppose to be politically correct and tolerant of different cultures, religions, lifestyles, we have become sloppy in dress, language and manners. So if you're looking for a book with a lot of gratuitous sex, violence and foul language, you won't find it in my books.