-12/8/21 Limits?

In some of my previous nonsensical scribbling I addressed the common core standards of the written word, as pertaining to myself, such being who I am and how I write. The who, the what, the when, the why, and the how. And now it is time to write to you again. I asked myself, "Self," (I didn't answer right away due to issues with paying attention) ... "Self, What can we cover next?" We thought about it (the Jekyll & Hyde duo of me) and asked our-self an honest followup question.

Do we have any limits?

Well, in a previous weekly blog insert I remember either saying 'The sky is the limit' or 'No limits' or something of the nature, pertaining to why I enjoy writing fiction. And, having to answer the question, I needed to think on it it for a bit.

First, what you write will be scrutinized by two types of people. You, the writer, and everyone else who reads it. As the writer, you lay down whatever the hell you want to (speaking for myself only here) and there are absolutely no limits in that. Think journal or diary. For your eyes only. It's your baby and you can dress it in any outfit you want to, right? But if it leaves the house and is out there for all the world to see ... how do you want it to be received? Does that change anything? Do you dress it up? Dress it down? There will always be someone(s) who do not like your work. 'Do not like' can range from 'Ehh' to 'That is an absolute abomination!' Can't please them all, nor should you ever try. So, to what extent do you dress your little darling up or down before sending it out for the 'other' eyes to see? Where is your writing limits?

Let's ask ourselves (all of us) a question here.

Why do we have limits?

Because of right and wrong? Who decides? Because your content might be offensive to someone? Who decides? Because it is just a little bit to difficult to think about? Once again, who decides? One could write about sex (an entirely sexual work of literature) or simply sexual scenes or connotations thrown throughout your story and some would indeed find it difficult to 'deal with it.' The writer is not responsible for everything the reader has issues with. Either deal with it or put the book down. Freedom to write, freedom to read, freedom to put it down. One could write horror stories and it scares the timid. A book about the holocaust could possibly stress your emotions, challenging your need to empathize past the point of comfort (which it should). One could write about an endless smorgasbord of whatever and somewhere, someone is sure to erupt into a full throttle, bloody Mary screaming, Karen fit. (Not apologizing to anyone named Mary or Karen here. Just figures of speech).

So, where does that leave me? I would have said us here (remembering my Jekyll & Hyde comment) but I'm afraid Angelo pretty much controls the creative content side of our brain when writing. I just help vote on what actually gets out there. Angelo is the puzzle maker. I bring the concepts, he pulls all of the words and tidbits of BAMM out of the thought tornado and hammers them into place. I follow up with a second opinion and the dreadful task of asking 'what is our limit?' He's not going to answer so I guess I'll have to.

There are certain points in the universally accepted taboos of do's and don'ts that I will adhere to and draw a line in the sand at. With that said, there are many lines that some of you have drawn that I will not only tip toe across but will actually somersault past while singing a little jingle. My line is not your line and yours is not mine. Period. Should they be stacked upon one another in the sand? No. Right there, I'm sure by just asking that I just crossed someone's line. But it'll be okay.

Is there a line when writing about the pain, suffering, or hurting of someone else? There are many, many fictional stories, non-fictional stories, and documentaries plastered all throughout history about someone dominating someone else, either physically or mentally. Do I condone or praise it, no. If one needs a disclaimer to differentiate between how to structure their life between fantasy and reality then by all means, check yourself in right now and get some help. You probably need it. I'm quite positive that there are moments within Caesar's Move that might actually bother some individuals. Is that a blanket warning to scare off anyone interested in it? Absolutely not. Just making a point. You might jump in at page 1 and come out at the end of it thinking, "Wow, what an awesome read." Will I touch on controversial topics within my works? Once again, controversial to whom? Example: Pleasure means something different to different people. Sex means something different to different people. Hate can have multiple meanings. Love as well. One person's limit is another's mid way point is another's starting point.

So, write at will. Decide whether to dress it up or down. Send it out and blame the other person, right? (haha) Well, if I claim there is two of me within my works then you can bet your ass I'm blaming the other guy.

In finalizing today's topic and answering the deep and very serious question of 'What are the limits?,' I'm prepared to make this statement. Here goes ...

Come on, man. You didn't think I was actually going to give you the numbered bullet list of what is acceptable and what is off limits, did you? Oh, no no no. I guess if you really need an answer to that question then your best bet is to follow along and read my books and blogs. Perhaps then you can come to some realization as to how far I will or won't go. I do not claim to be any connoisseur of written shock but then again ... who decides? Not everything needs to be balls to the wall insane or risque. But, just the same, not everything needs to be warm milk, fuzzy sweaters, and soft kittens either. It will be what it will be. I'll keep on writing and you keep on reading.

And if you need something to read ... (shameless book plug to follow) ... grab yourself a copy of my book, Caesar's Move. Flip through them pages and see if I crossed any lines. Your line or my line? What are your limits?

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Until then, continue to feed your brain. You owe it to yourself.

Angelo