Who’s my writing for?

I want to address this question, because it comes up a lot. So—who is my writing for? (Or, alas, for whom do I write?)

I’d really like to say it’s for everyone. I want it to be! But my writing is very closely tied to me as a person (the best fiction comes from a personal place), and so it gets more muddled. I guess you have to like me, or at least the voice that I offer. And, you know, I want that. People like to be liked, and I’m no exception.

If I just wrote simple genre fiction, it would be easier. Then, I could say “I write fantasy” and that would do it. However, because of the modern elements to my work, some people who don’t normally like fantasy enjoy my writing a lot. And because it’s not too dark, not action-centered, and not based around war and the stereotypes of traditional Tolkien-esque races, some fantasy readers don’t care for it. That’s ok. Rules. Meh.

So then, who?

My basic answer is, if you enjoy heartfelt, original stories with a touch of philosophy, I hope you will give what I do a try. I’ve also been told that my work appeals to people who have felt repressed or who are dissatisfied with the status quo. I think a lot of us can relate to that, of all ages and backgrounds.

I like to write about culture, identity, and the bonds that connect us. This often gets into gender, societal roles, prejudice. Sometimes personal burdens. Sometimes it gets into friendship, family, and believing in yourself. If any of these themes appeal to you, you may like what I craft.

Readers who enjoy my work are vastly eclectic, and this is something I’m really proud of! I have a lot of facets, you know. I’ve had a winding road, these decades. I’ve been in strictly conservative environments as well as strictly liberal ones, and I also enjoy doing independent research, so I understand differing points of view really well. (Look at my history: Cleveland-area, Milford, Ann Arbor, Alexandria and DC-area, Centerville and Wright-Patterson, Ferndale.) I’ve been technical and creative, in both the engineering environments and the artistic (writing, art, music—do you know I played low brass? Of course I did.). I’ve worked within academic, business, charitable, and government structures. I’ve been in all-male environments, (over and over again!), and throughout I’ve defined my own unapologetic version of womanhood. I’ve been alone in many times and ways, and I’ve been in close relationships others. I’m a mom, a vegan, a total nerd. I’m pragmatic but also idealistic. Any personality tests I’ve taken literally reflect that duality—of two almost dueling personalities centered on emotion and also logic. All of these things give me a perspective—and a reader base—that is broadly diverse across age, gender, and background. Engineers and scientists, trans and gender non-conforming people, gamers, parents, big thinkers—some of the people who have enjoyed my work the most are military officers. So, you? You are welcome here.

I’m a direct person. So let’s address those elephants in the room!

First, politics. We’re very divided right now. And, yes, I believe in social progress, liberty, and civil rights, and I’m against oppression and supremacy. And I don’t think those should be left or right issues, even though some people are trying to make them that way. Me, I’m an independent. And I’ve been attacked online for saying that, called really vicious things, actually, that I don’t care to repeat. All being independent means is I think for myself! And you should too! So if you believe in thinking for yourself, then we’re already in at least one place together. And, look, I’ve spent my whole life being around people who—to the last person—disagree with me on something. So, it’s ok. We’re not a blob. We’re people, and we need to row the boat together, as best we can. You don’t have to have a particular view set to enjoy my writing, you just need to be open-minded. So, seriously, I require no secret code for you to join me. I just hope that you do.

None of this means I don’t have strong beliefs, it just means I don’t think I get to control other people. Influence, sure. I hope so.

So is it preachy? I hope not. I try not to be. I don’t want my fiction to provide a direct message. There are plenty of places you can go for journalism and activism. I believe that writing is art. What I like to do is craft a thought-provoking tale that explores relatable issues, and I like the reader to interpret that how they will. There have even been times where a reader has interpreted an element in literally opposite ways, and I find that fascinating. Yes, I’m socially progressive in my views, and I’m not pretending otherwise. (And when people say they aren’t, I urge them to ask themselves why.) But, if I were to be totally honest with you? When people ask if I have an agenda, I think that my most passionate agenda is for people to think for themselves. And to care about others. Compassion. Kindness. If you relate to that, my writing may be for you.

Oh, hey, I’m a vegan. This turns away a lot of readers, I know. Don’t! Come back! I can only be who I am, and I’m not ashamed of that. Am I trying to convert you? Actually, no. I consider my work soft activism in the sense I am offering my perspectives through art. And I would, of course, be glad if you would listen. That’s ok, right? Your beliefs matter, but we each decide those for ourselves. I personally love reading fiction from people with different perspectives, as long as it’s not harmful. One of the prettiest scenes I’ve read in recent years was at the end of Alif the Unseen that features a reading from the Qur’an. I’m not a Muslim, but I sure appreciated that scene. And it made me think. So you know, enjoy the diversity of perspectives in our world. If you ever want to know more about veganism, drop me a line. If you don’t, just enjoy the story and take from it what you will.

Remember, I write stories. And I want you to read them.

I struggle with this idea that being relatively open about myself makes people wonder if they are in the right place. If you’ve made it this far, then you are. You really are. Sometimes people tell me I need to write things that are more mainstream, more popular, less likely to make people uncomfortable. You know, as open-minded and caring as I am, if someone is made uncomfortable by me, that’s them making themselves uncomfortable. Not me. Oh, but that was probably me being too open again.

[Edit: Then, on the same day I’m told my writing isn’t mainstream enough, I get slammed for not being radical or judgmental enough. So it’s taken me some bruises to decide I really just need to be me. And hope me is good enough.]

I really want to just say that my writing is fun and interesting, because in the beginning and in the end, that’s the point. But, again, I put so much of myself into these words, that I know that colors the overall work. I’m no ghost writer. I’m me. And I hope to be an artist as well as a writer.

A lot of our culture these days is club-like. Worrying whether you’re in the right place, or supporting the right things. Worrying whether the bouncer will kick you out. Of course, we shouldn’t support things that are harmful. But we can’t be so fearful of our differences either. I think that’s really important. My club is people who care. We don’t need to all be the same. But we can listen. Talk. Understand.

And one caveat. I’m not going to say everything perfectly. None of us are—it’s a standard we simply can’t hold people to. But, caring. Being on the right side of things. Doing our best. I’m here doing my best too.

And, hey. I love what I do. I keep striving, every day, to do it better. To entertain. To offer wonderfully-nerdy stories and ideas, in the proud tradition of speculative fiction, and to do it in a way that people enjoy. I’m not going to write the next swashbuckler, or the big shoot-em-up. It’s not me. It’s not who I am.

But what do I write? I write stories with heart. And I really hope you’ll give them a try.

Love, E.

P.S. And if you do enjoy them, please let others know. For an indie author, that word of mouth is strictly critical.

Other ways to support my writing:

Reviews, ratings, and recommendations, in person or on sites like Amazon and Goodreads.
Subscribe to my Patreon for $1/month – I offer musings and fiction, each once a month.

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