So...I usually just blog about writing and my process, but I've faced some mild backlash for the type of writing I do. I've been told "I read the Bible, I can't read that kind of stuff" and "You shouldn't write that kind of stuff, it promotes evil" and so on. Now, I don't want to bash any religion, beliefs, or lifestyles, but this stuck in my craw and the only I clear things is to write them down.
Usually, people don't bother me but it does strike a chord that some people believe that if you read/write about the evil that exists in this world, about demons, about "dark creatures" like vampires etc. that I'm somehow converting people to Satanism or turning people from God.
Firstly, let me say that people are welcome to their opinions. You do you in whatever way you feel that you need to. I don't have a problem with anyone's religious beliefs. But do not assume that I'm some murderous Satan-worshiping proselyte because I write dark literature because I'm not. I am actually well-taught, well-studied, and well-read in Christian beliefs and the Bible in general. And if you've read my books, "good" usually triumphs over "evil" on its way to a happy ending (more or less).
The thing for me is that it's called fiction for a reason. People like a good freight. I've sold books to people of many beliefs and most people see my work for what it is, entertainment. I don't believe for a second that reading a scary book or watching a horror movie is going to draw anyone into the dark recesses of the underworld. And if it did, you were probably lost to begin with.
I could easily dismiss such blowback as ignorance, and maybe it is. I just find it sad that some people feel that way. Is it the ultimate virtue signaling to God to show how devout you are? Or is it a mask to hide the fact that you don't actually read any books at all?
Ultimately I believe it comes down to judgment and the opportunity to dust off the religious indignation that these people rarely get to use. If you don't like my books, don't read them. It's that simple, but maybe keep your unfounded judgment and synthetic holiness to yourself. If you don't, I may make you a character in one of my books and make you suffer mightily. Of course, they'll never know it, but I will.
-John,
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