Fiction gives us various views of reality. Different genres depict different aspects of life. Of course if you enjoy the fantasy genre or sci-fi or some horror, you're getting an artist's take on other "realities" that don't necessarily exist.
Here's the deal: if an author depicts a graphic sexual encounter with all the explicit use of descriptive language for body parts, the senses, the individuals' responses - okay it's "real" in the sense of letting the reader know exactly what is happening in this scene. But is it "right"? I'm trying to think of one reason why this could be a "right" choice. Please respond if you can think of one reason or more because I really can't.
We could do the same with the graphic language scenario. I totally understand the reason for the use of some language in certain situations, and I do believe in a limited amount it can serve a purpose. Is it necessary to use the graphics rather than refer to the words in a clever way over actually spelling them out for the reader? Necessary? No, it is not. But the repetition of graphic bad/vulgar language over and over throughout a novel just because it's "real" definitely does not make it "right". It's degrading for a lot of us readers who might be appreciating the story overall but also consider not finishing it because, frankly, the repeated bad/vulgar language takes away from - not enhances - the story.
Tackling violence in a thriller, mystery, or suspense is a bit of a different discussion regarding graphics primarily because there are so many ways for it to be inflicted to achieve whatever the desired purpose of that violence turns out to be. Is it torture of a prisoner? Is it a serial killer in action? Is it a fight that turns deadly? Is it a violent accident? Description is inherent in murders/deaths that are not straight shots to the head or heart. Just as in film, the author must determine how much is essential and how much is written purely for shock "value".
Some realities are private and exposing them can be unnecessary and even uncouth. Other real situations don't warrant graphics to convey their reality. It's a choice authors make. General market authors often choose the graphics, but many times being "real" doesn't make it "right" or even appealing to all of its potential audience.
Any thoughts?
Father, we make our choices in obedience to you - sometimes we fail badly and need to repent. Help us to write the way you want us to write and please keep inspiring us with the stories you want us to tell. We're desperate for you - whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.