Our Responsibility to Readers

By Rebecca Talley

What is our responsibilty to our readers? Should we write profane, vulgar, sexual, or violent scenes if it rings true with our story and characters? Where do we draw the line?

An e-mail list to which I subscribe has recently had a discussion about this topic. Strong feelings exist on both sides.

For me, I can only write what I'm comfortable writing, which may be different for someone else. We can argue back and forth as long as we want, but it comes down to this: we must be true to ourselves in our art. We must be comfortable with what we create within the context of our own personal values and morals.

If I find something offensive in a movie or a book, I have the right to walk out or throw the book away. I do not have the right to dictate to others what they create. What is offensive to me may not be offensive to the next artist because art is so subjective.

At the end of the day, I have to feel that what I've produced doesn't conflict with my own personal values. That is my right and my responsibility.

What do you think?