Dear Reader,...Oh, no you didn't just say my story was demonic!
So, I am a little frustrated. I can deal with a little criticism, but nothing disturbs me more than people that assume things. I like to read my reviews from time to time to see how the audience is receiving my work. Basically, I am looking for the reason people love it or hate it. The other day I checked Barnes and Noble and someone actually wrote that, my story, Weeping Willow was evil. This is the exact review:
"Noooooo dont get this book! I think this book is the most un-godly book ever! If your a man or woman or child of god or eny person realy, dont get this book!!!!"
Now, I have no problem when people can't relate to the stories I write or if they have a problem with grammar. Those are things that are legitimate. But to say that I write "un-godly" stuff is just crossing a line with me personally.I think whoever wrote this comment needs to consider their words. Personally, I am a devout Catholic and read scripture. I pray and take such things very seriously. I don't appreciate the insinuation that I would write something that would lead people astray.It is a fantasy story! Elves are not evil beings nor do they really exist. Fantasy is a genre that allows the writer to imagine worlds that don't exist anywhere but their imagination. As I am religious, I like to make people consider their beliefs. As a matter-of-fact, there are many Christian messages in the Willow series that happen to become more obvious in the novel. But in the stories, Nalin is actually labeled a villain for how he went against nature to create Willow. He was punished for taking life into his own hands. Does that sound like any moral issues we are facing in this country? YES!!!There are issues of race between Elves. Over and over, it is written that the races will be united because such conflict shouldn't exist. Does that sound like any social issues we are facing in this country? YES!!!The Oracle, in the novel, is blinded by her own need to predict the future and the reader becomes unsure of anything she predicted in the past. Was she dictating one's destiny or the puppet master in peoples lives? Makes you doubt whether to trust her psychic abilities. Does that sound like something the bible warns people against? YES!!!I could point out more, but why? I think I made my point.So, before you write that my writing is "un-godly", I think you need to re-read the work and then delve a little deeper into what it actually means. I am bringing up a lot of issues that are currently being debated or fought over in a subtle way that allows the reader to see my opinion on what is morally right and wrong. No one that commits an evil act goes unscathed in the series. Although no one is totally good, no one is totally bad based on actions alone. Isn't that the Christian way? You can't have forgiveness and redemption without first sinning and repenting such is the case with Nalin. Think about it.
"Noooooo dont get this book! I think this book is the most un-godly book ever! If your a man or woman or child of god or eny person realy, dont get this book!!!!"
Now, I have no problem when people can't relate to the stories I write or if they have a problem with grammar. Those are things that are legitimate. But to say that I write "un-godly" stuff is just crossing a line with me personally.I think whoever wrote this comment needs to consider their words. Personally, I am a devout Catholic and read scripture. I pray and take such things very seriously. I don't appreciate the insinuation that I would write something that would lead people astray.It is a fantasy story! Elves are not evil beings nor do they really exist. Fantasy is a genre that allows the writer to imagine worlds that don't exist anywhere but their imagination. As I am religious, I like to make people consider their beliefs. As a matter-of-fact, there are many Christian messages in the Willow series that happen to become more obvious in the novel. But in the stories, Nalin is actually labeled a villain for how he went against nature to create Willow. He was punished for taking life into his own hands. Does that sound like any moral issues we are facing in this country? YES!!!There are issues of race between Elves. Over and over, it is written that the races will be united because such conflict shouldn't exist. Does that sound like any social issues we are facing in this country? YES!!!The Oracle, in the novel, is blinded by her own need to predict the future and the reader becomes unsure of anything she predicted in the past. Was she dictating one's destiny or the puppet master in peoples lives? Makes you doubt whether to trust her psychic abilities. Does that sound like something the bible warns people against? YES!!!I could point out more, but why? I think I made my point.So, before you write that my writing is "un-godly", I think you need to re-read the work and then delve a little deeper into what it actually means. I am bringing up a lot of issues that are currently being debated or fought over in a subtle way that allows the reader to see my opinion on what is morally right and wrong. No one that commits an evil act goes unscathed in the series. Although no one is totally good, no one is totally bad based on actions alone. Isn't that the Christian way? You can't have forgiveness and redemption without first sinning and repenting such is the case with Nalin. Think about it.
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Josie wrote: "Great post!! I just had a conversation the other day with someone I work with related to this subject. We are both Catholic and work at a Catholic Church. She is the Youth Minister and I work with ..."Thanks, Josie.
I think people tend to assume that if you read or write a certain genre that you are being corrupted, and therefore, do not have a close and personal relationship with God. Most of the time that is not the case. There is a difference between writing about a specific practice in a questioning manner (of right and wrong) and blaspheming. A good writer displays societies issues in a way that can be pondered.
I think I did that with Weeping Willow in the context of racism, cloning, dark arts, etc. Those characters which chose to participate in those issues always suffer the consequence of their actions, but there is always a sense of redemption.
As far as religion, evil cannot be let in if you are strong in your faith. If something causes you to be uncomfortable, then by all means set it aside. But a short story about soul mates which seemed doomed by the way their bond was created is a work of fiction that was meant to serve as a commentary about society and not a tool for the devil.
It started with her seeing a horoscope posting on my FB timeline. She remarked that I would think differently about horoscopes if I go to the exorcism class being offered that night at our church(a priest came in from out of town to talk about exorcism). I replied that I did not believe in horoscopes, I read it just for fun and I would go but I had a previous commitment.It did look interesting and I was curious what would be said.
The next day she wanted to explain more and went in detail about what the priest said, basically he said when reading books like it read opens a door to the devil.
To sum up my conversation, it ended up with me telling her that, First of all I am very strong in my faith and my relationship with God. I believe there is no harm in any book written as FICTION. Every reader interprets the story in their own way. Now if a reader chooses to believe that the characters exist, then maybe there is something wrong with that person and he/she needs professional help. I do not believe the devil will enter me, because I choose not to believe in the devil. I choose to believe in God. The fiction books I read that are paranormal, fantasy, supernatural and science fiction are for entertainment. The ones I enjoy more, have moral issues in them,(good vs evil). The best ones are the books who show there is a gray area when talking about good and evil, showing things are not always black and white.
I think the person who reviewed your book negatively did not readit or did not finish it. If she is so set on the fact that it is demonic, then she would not have even picked up any paranormal or fantasy book.
The Willow series is wonderful. I loved them for the reasons you stated about above. Willow is wonderfully written and makes you think. (and so so does your other great books) That is why I am such a fan of yours.
Josie