[MartinStanley72]

Swearing, violence, sex, are simply tools that certain writers need to use - I know this because my debut novel, The Gamblers, uses all of them to one degree or another. I think if you use violence for decorative effect (for instance, to simply titillate readers) then it's likely to work against you. I tried to write the violence in such a way that it hurts, so the reader is on edge every time the possibility of violence occurs and that in itself creates tension. If violence and sex are used to further the story rather than as an end in themselves then chances are that most non-judgemental readers will realise and appreciate this.

Personally I have no problems with lashings of all three, so long as the author isn't revelling in them for their own sake.

Martin
http://thegamblersnovel.com