Here’s a question for all of you to ponder, straight from my adventures working on the new magnum opus.
If the language of a book puts the author squarely in George Carlin’s corner (“No bad words. Just bad thoughts.”), does the author owe it to the reader to drop his or her first F bomb on the first page?
Think about that. Assuming the book doesn’t say “Gritty” on the cover, and you are a bit squeamish at characters with potty-mouths, should the author do something up front to let you know that, yes, the characters and even the author might be a tad salty?
Mind you, going the “Explicit Lyrics” route is not an option. If you’re picking up a book in the bookstore, you’re a big person. You already have heard bad words, possibly used them, and know that they exist in some books.
Discuss.
I see where you’re going, using the language to establish the flavor of the book, but I think it’s best to use the language when most appropriate to the characters, for the best effect. Maybe that is on the first page. As long as it’s earned, it’s fine. Any speech that’s not earned runs the risk of boring the reader.
Listen to the character.
All I know is, my latest short has the word “asshole” prominently featured in the thrid sentence.