News flash - we're divided as a nation. I know, I know...it's shocking.
Although I get that most of us hold some pretty strong beliefs, I will never understand the urge for some of us to want to piss off half of our potential audience unless you're writing a book specifically about politics and marketing to that side of the political spectrum.
Recently, someone asked me why I didn't put certain character types in my work. Another asked me why I didn't push a particular issue he felt was important. Both got a little offended when I pointed out how divisive that could be and that folks on the other side of the aisle also buy books.
"This is your chance to have an impact," I was told. What impact? Is it really asking too much for us to have a story that entertains rather than preaches to us? If someone wants to read political opinions, they'll pick up a book that is designed to do that. However, I didn't go into writing to make political points - I went into writing to tell stories. Changing historical events to put in folks who weren't there, or squeezing in some kind of radical viewpoint that would not advance the story one iota, isn't going to win any friends. In fact, it might make a lot of folks who might otherwise enjoy my story to put it down in disgust and vow to never read me again.
To those who have implored me to push their pet issue, or even some of my pet issues, in my work, just stop. People see enough politics everywhere else. Is it really asking too much to just have a normal story that entertains the audience?
Although I get that most of us hold some pretty strong beliefs, I will never understand the urge for some of us to want to piss off half of our potential audience unless you're writing a book specifically about politics and marketing to that side of the political spectrum.
Recently, someone asked me why I didn't put certain character types in my work. Another asked me why I didn't push a particular issue he felt was important. Both got a little offended when I pointed out how divisive that could be and that folks on the other side of the aisle also buy books.
"This is your chance to have an impact," I was told. What impact? Is it really asking too much for us to have a story that entertains rather than preaches to us? If someone wants to read political opinions, they'll pick up a book that is designed to do that. However, I didn't go into writing to make political points - I went into writing to tell stories. Changing historical events to put in folks who weren't there, or squeezing in some kind of radical viewpoint that would not advance the story one iota, isn't going to win any friends. In fact, it might make a lot of folks who might otherwise enjoy my story to put it down in disgust and vow to never read me again.
To those who have implored me to push their pet issue, or even some of my pet issues, in my work, just stop. People see enough politics everywhere else. Is it really asking too much to just have a normal story that entertains the audience?
No comments:
Post a Comment