If you’re a novelist, there’s good reason to keep your opinions to yourself
. Which can be difficult for people who are often sought for their opinions.
I recently read a Time magazine interview with John Grisham in which the author was asked, “Do you try to put Christian sentiments into your books?” He responded,
I’m a Christian, and those beliefs occasionally come out in the books. One thing you really have to watch as a writer is getting on a soapbox or pulpit about anything. You don’t want to alienate readers.
It’s a very diplomatic answer. Grisham doesn’t plead the fifth; he admits his religious persuasion. But he also admits that his Christian faith, if wrongly handled, can “alienate readers.”
This is the tightrope that novelists walk. In our age of electronic super-connectivity, there is no shortage of opinions and outlets for voicing them. But if you’re an author, that “connectivity” can have a downside. The more opinionated you are, the more chance you will alienate readers and potential readers.
Not long ago, in a post entitled To Blog or Not to Blog? Rachelle Gardner discussed the pros and cons of authors maintaining a blog site. Among the cons she offered, was this:
If you’re trying to be honest and authentic on your blog, and you spout off about religious views, politics, your views on parenting or any other controversial topic, you risk alienating potential buyers of your books simply because they disagree with one of your personal viewpoints.
There it is again — “alienating” readers. Your views about politics, religion, and controversial topics, no matter how “honest and authentic,” can negatively impact your professional influence or perception.
At the time, I hedged. “This notion that you shouldn’t express opinions,” I wrote, “bothers me.” However, at the time, I also did not have a novel published.
Call it political correctness, call it spinelessness, call it selling out, but I’m beginning to think that backing off from controversial opinions may be the smart thing for a novelist to do. Let me tell you why.
I recently perused my posts for the last year. Of my ten most commented upon posts, only two of them are NOT writing / publishing related. What should I make of this? It’s pretty simple: My visitors DO NOT visit my site for political commentary, parenting tips, sports takes, film reviews, recipes, social critique, or vacationing on a shoestring budget.
What people want from us writers is… writing-related stuff.
Please note: This does not mean we shouldn’t have opinions. Most of us have lots to say about politics, parenting, sports, film, social issues, etc. It also does not mean we should never blog about them. It means that whatever your brand is, it probably doesn’t have a lot to do with your controversial opinions.
Am I inferring that novelists should refrain from all controversial topics? Nowadays, I don’t think that’s possible. Between Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, investigative bloggers, and the 24 hour news cycle, what one believes can eventually be found out. Furthermore, the possibility remains that being opinionated may in fact win you supporters. After all, it is your OPINIONS about writing, the publishing industry, a specific genre, or the arts, that attract some readers.
The point is, whenever you voice a controversial opinion, it will have a plus / minus effect. Some people will like you more, others will like you less.
If someone asks me my position on __________ (fill in the blank), I will probably tell them. But the bottom line is this: Good stories have little to do with a storyteller’s politics or religion.
I don’t know what Cormac McCarthy’s politics are, but I loved The Road. I don’t know what Dean Koontz believes about climate change, but I like the Odd Thomas series. I’m not sure who Tosca Lee voted for, but I really enjoyed Demon: A Memoir. I’m not sure what Leif Enger believes about gay rights, but Peace Like a River is a wonderful book.
I don’t know the opinions of a lot of my favorite authors. And I’m better off if they don’t tell me.
WordServe Water Cooler 
Thoughtful article, Mike. I agree with you. There have been times when I hear a celebrity jumping on a soap box and giving their views on politics or another controversial subject, and I think, “Just shut up and sing/write/act.” I don’t buy their music, read their books, or watch their acting because of their personal opinions, but instead because I like their art. And unfortunately if their opinions annoy me, they’ve lost a fan.
Megan, I notice you’re always up late. Are you a night owl?
Well said, Megan, and so much in line with what I was thinking as I read Mike’s words that I have nothing to add!
True dat, Maria. I’ve been writing a weekly op-ed column for over 2 years now, and although my readers (or anyone for that matter, lol) don’t know me as a novelist, I can tell you I get way more responses when I veer away from politics and controversy. So I learned a long time ago (and try as best I can to stick to it), that I need to model my writing after I Thess. 3:2, praying before I write that every column serves three purposes for my community: to strengthen, encourage and comfort. Those three things, in writing and in life, go a lot farther than controversy and disputing gray areas of ideology any day. Thanks, Mike, for another thought-provoking article!
So sorry I called you Maria, Megan!!! You last name always throws me! 🙂
I don’t like to be force fed any agenda, especially if it’s one that I disagree with. I try to appear relatively non agenda driven on my blog so as not to alienate readers. I do tend to write fiction that is sometimes Christian flavored, but steeped in the real world. Christian fiction is something I do like to read, but I prefer to have some of the message veiled so that it allows me to search for the meaning and contemplate what the writer is saying in the story.
This post makes a very valid and important point.
Lee
Mike,
I love to read your posts because they are always very thought provoking. Your sentence “Good stories have little to do with a sotryteller’s politics or religion.” will probably make me lose sleep tonight.
My stories are written through the window of my Christian Worldview. In Christian publishing, there is a want for an element of a faith thread. I think it would be hard to write authentically from this worldview if you didn’t know Christ as Savior— and the story would suffer.
I agree, the author’s voice shouldn’t be intrusive but I think many good stories are born from strong beliefs.
Great post!!
I don’t know why it posted anonymous– it’s me… Jordyn Redwood.
Jordyn, while “good stories [may be] born from strong beliefs,” I’m not sure how much of those beliefs need to be evident in a story to make it good. If a book’s agenda is to sell a certain political or social agenda, how is that any different from one that wants to sell a “Christian agenda”? Other than that Christians believe their agenda is the right one. In both cases, there’s a point at which a story can become a sermon. Great points, Jordyn! Thanks for commenting.
I have gone back and forth on this issue myself, and yet…I think I’ve settled in a different place than you have. I agree that we don’t have to come across as very opinionated (or rude and thoughtless), but novelists that alienate me do so in their books, not on their blogs. I don’t care that Neil Gaiman is an unbeliever, I don’t like his stories because his unbelief is evident in the ones I’ve read. I like Little Women even though it was written by a Universalist, because it’s a “goodness and light” story.
I don’t care if someone is pro-gay marriage, or pro-abortion, or if he curses like a sailor on his blog. I care about the story.
Within the last few years I’ve discovered two debut books that were wonderful on so many levels. Both books were beautifully written and had characters I loved. I read each book in a day because I couldn’t stand to put them down. I recommend the books to others because there is so much to love about them. Both authors have written second books and I have not bought either one. Why? Because the heroines learned that feminism was the way to happiness. I don’t like feminism and I don’t like spending all day with feminist characters who grow through the course of the books and finally are able to ditch their husbands and children and go off and find fulfillment once they are rid of their burdensome families.
That’s where authors will lose me. In the novel. If I knew those women were ardent feminists because they spouted on their blogs, I’d quit reading the blogs and just read the books. The problem was I couldn’t get away from the messages they were preaching in their novels. Nothing they do or don’t say on their blogs will change that, so they might as well preach on their blogs.
This is a very good point, Sally. Perhaps I should have included books with an agenda here. I too am bothered by films / books driven by specific opinions. In this way, however, the author’s “opinion” is cloaked in the context of story, which may be even worse.
I wonder though if ANY book of fiction is without agenda. Can I write ANYTHING without some sort of agenda? If I write SF or contemporary YA fiction, am I not trying “say something”? Isn’t the only difference between a book that irritates and book that makes me think how well the writer presented their viewpoint?
Good point. Really made me think! (See?)
Oh, goodness. I wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight if I didn’t add: Feminism is not about ditching one’s husband or children to go off and find fulfillment. That interpretation is simply… incorrect.
This is a great topic for discussion.
I agree with you, mostly. I want to establish my brand – which is who I am as a storyteller. What stories do I write? I write romance for the Christian market. I know, Mike. You’re cringing. 😉 But that’s what I’m passionate about. My stories have romance and my stories have Christian themes. So for me, it’s okay for me to state my opinion about faith. That’s part of my brand. I’m not going to shy away from saying I’m a Christian b/c it could alienate those who aren’t Christians. Only because I don’t expect many people who aren’t Christians will read my book. As much as I’d love for unbelievers to read my stories, the majority of my audience will be Christian women. It makes sense for me to talk about my faith openly. However, I like to stay away from the sticky issues. Only because my goal for my blog is not to cause division. And boy, do those sticky issues sure cause division!
Katie, I didn’t cringe. You’re absolutely right. Someone who writes for the Christian market must be relatively vocal about their faith. But what about the Christian writer who does not have such a niche audience and wants everyone (including seekers and unbelievers) to read their stories? Tact is definitely required. Some might accuse them of hiding their light under a bushel, but I’d call it being “wise as a serpent.” Either way, expressing your “Christian opinions” will automatically cause “division.” So at some point, it still comes down to each writer knowing when to shut up, when to be diplomatic, and when to spout off. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Mike. What an interesting – and controversial topic! 🙂 I have found that there is very little in this life that doesn’t cause controversy. Pick a topic, then pick a side. There will always be someone on the other side. I do understand your point, but I have a little different take on it. I think it is important – especially for a Christian writer – to be genuine. But even more than that we have to have the heart of Jesus for others. I can agree to disagree with anyone about any topic, even a very ‘hot’ one, and sometimes do. I think the problem comes in when we forget that the topic is not the person. We are told to do everything in love. That includes voicing opinions. In my 20 years as a social worker I’ve had many conversations with individuals and families in which some hard things had to be said. I was able to do that because my clients/patients knew me and knew my heart, and what was said was said with concern and respect. Two more quick points: 1) we know that our message as Christians will be controversial – people aren’t going to like it – that’s scriptural. 2) I think our world is desperate for people who can give sound, godly advice, take a stand and do it with love. It can be an uncomfortable place – especially for someone whose livelihood depends on the good feelings of customers/buyers/readers, but I think if we’re faithful to be in the world shining a light and making a difference, God will be faithful to us and bless our work for him, whatever form that takes. Was that a soapbox? Hope not. Just my humble opinion. Thanks for sparking what I’m sure will be great conversation today.
Mike, since you admit to liking The Road I’m pretty sure I’m going to stop following your blog.
But seriously, being controversial will attract a niche (people that agree with you) and repel others (those that don’t agree), with some in each camp that will “unfollow” you because they don’t want to bother with the controversy and just want to read a good story.
I’ve done that with bands, both Christian and non, especially if I can really understand the lyrics. I don’t really want someone to sermonize all the time.
Hi Mike, thanks for this.
As a nurse we were always taught not to talk about politics or religion with the patients, it was a no no. So now as an author it’s not a problem to keep my opinions to myself, however, I do sometimes comment on twitter or if I’m asked.
The slight problem I have is knowing what else to use in my children’s books other than ‘oh my god’, as I don’t like blasphemy. Kids use this all the time, ‘OMG’, and I’ve found little else to use in it’s place. Any suggestions?
Excellent post. And it bugs me when celebrities play on their popularity to give more power to their opinions, as though by virtue of their success in one field their views on other issues should mean more.
Mike, thanks for this thought provoking post. Maybe it’s the counselor in me, or maybe it’s the fact that I write non-fiction, but I love hearing a variety of viewpoints from people, if done respectfully.
I’ve had a few occasions when I’ve had Facebook friends, famous authors, and even supposed teachers at seminars shut out half of their audience by not just expressing their views, but belittling and mocking those who believe differently. Those are the only ones who alienate me.
Lucille: I think you touch on THE crux of the issue — “expressing…views” and “belittling and mocking those who believe differently”. Twice now I’ve had BIG NAME authors belittle and mock my views. I avoided them and their writing — the fact that they’ve alienated themselves from readers (neither one has had a novel published in years…) leads me to believe I wasn’t the only recipient of their mockery and belittling. OTOH, I have written to and had authors who disagree with me RESPECTFULLY whom I still write. Also, a little humor goes a long way to ameliorating differing opinions. So maybe my motto should be :express away…with dignity, respect and a sense of humor”
I could not disagree more, though I do understand your point. It is a point well taken, remaining opinion-free in your writing is a good way to make sure you don’t annoy or anger anyone and could be what it takes to get published and/or re-published. However, after a life full of writing, I really hit my stride and started writing well once I read C.S. Lewis’ essay Christian Apologetics. It covers many topics, but among those that hit me hard was where he mentioned that the world does not need ministers who decide to direct movies or write books, the world needs directors and authors who write books with their faith and Christian themes in them. Writing a work of fiction with underlying Christian themes is something the Christian can read and say, “Wow!” while the non-Christian reads it and then when they are later confronted with the themes can realize it.
I have been contemplating blogging about the essay and its influence on me and will probably do so very soon. Meanwhile, I encourage people to read it, even non-Christians because there are many other layers to it that are extremely noteworthy.
Thanks for your perspective, byrdmouse. I think the comments may be drifting away from my original premise toward agenda-driven fiction. So let’s be careful. I am very familiar with the quote you are referencing from “God in the Dock,” and would like to quote it at length for context:
“What we want is not more little books about Christianity, but more little books by Christians on other subjects — with their Christianity latent. You can see this most easily if you look at it the other way round. Our faith is not likely to be shaken by any book on Hinduism. But, if whenever we read an elementary book on geology, botany, politics, or astronomy, we found that its implications were Hindu, that would shake us. It is not the books written in direct defense of materialism that make the modern man a materialist; it is the materialistic assumptions in all the other books. In the same way, it is not books on Christianity that will really trouble him. But he would be troubled if, whenever he wanted a cheap popular introduction to some science, the best work on the market was always by a Christian. The first step to the reconversion of a country is books produced by Christians.”
(God in the Dock, “Christian Apologetics,” C. S. Lewis)
The crux of Lewis’ point can be found in that phrase “latent Christianity.” It is not “books about Christianity” (I would include Christian fiction in this category) that are the most culturally influential, but “books by Christians on other subjects.” In other words, Christians should be penetrating culture with good quality art, rather than something preachy and opinionated. All that to say, I’m not entirely sure where you think we disagree, but I do think this point serves more to illustrate the Christian author’s need for nuance rather than overt opinion. hey, thanks for commenting!
The point I believe I disagree with you on is that the books by Christians on other subjects should also include their Christianity. In other words, I believe that the agenda is needed. There is a market for Christian books, both fiction and non, and while it is easier to break in under the heading of a “Christian author” or with a Christian publisher I believe that it should be done without the labels. Is it harder, yes, but the real question is can it be done? Certainly not adding the agenda makes it easier, the potential for alienating readers (or publishers) is very real, but I believe that it is a risk worth taking.
I had forgotten the exact quote even though I feel so strongly about the essay I typed it and carry it on both my iPhone and a thumb drive in my pocket. It is the latent versus blatant thing that makes it difficult. Being blatantly Christian alienates a lot of readers, being very latent alienates few but may not accomplish the point. Picking the right amount is the trick.
And no, since I am not a published author I haven’t found that right amount yet. I do, however, aim to try despite the possibility of alienating readers/publishers. To do any less, in my opinion, is as difficult as not writing.
Great post! I learned from personal experience to tread carefully when it comes to controversial topics – I’ve stopped going to favorite actor’s movies if they use their platform to promote views contrary to my own. It’s certainly their right to do so, as it would be mine if I chose, but my distaste for their views as so opposite my own made it impossible for me to support them with my time, money or word-of-mouth recommendation. And while I can’t separate my writing from my Christian worldview, and would not want to if I could, there is plenty of controversy inside the church to steer away from. My personal views are mine, and I’ve been known to get into plenty of heated discussions with personal friends and family. But that doesn’t spill onto my professional life. That’s for storytelling, not for controversy.
I agree that sharing your opinion about every little thing is NOT the way to go. I don’t need to alienate potential readers just because I can’t stand it when people put nuts in their brownies. And while my parents spanked me and I’d probably spank my kids if I had any, I’m not going to become a proponent for spanking. But there are a couple of “controversial” issues that I’d be more than willing to take a stand on. I think the trick is to know which hill is important enough to die on. Salvation through Christ? That’s worth it.
I loved reading a particular secular author’s books, but she drew her personal life into her writing and shoved her agenda down her readers’ throats. At least that’s how it seemed to me. I stopped reading this author’s novels for that reason.
I write Christian romance. Readers know they are getting happily ever after endings interwoven with threads of faith. However, I still have to be careful not to get preachy because that turns off even Christian readers.
As far as my blog goes, I’m still trying to find my focus, I guess. I try to have a devotional thought, a writing post, and something fun each week. It doesn’t always work out that way, but I’m working on getting it there.
A great thought-provoking post, Mike. I’ll be pondering this for the rest of the day.
I was introduced to Christianity most effectively by someone telling me about their personal experiences rather than preaching at me from a pulpit or soapbox. (Of course, that came later . . .) So far, what I’ve had my lead characters do is struggle with the spiritual aspect of their lives much the same way I did. I’ve made it a personal journey, one that not every character chooses–because that’s life. And I don’t make all the non-Christians bad guys, because that’s not life. The book I’m working on now may result in the lead character taking a step in that [spiritual] direction, but I want to leave my readers curious. That’s what got me: curiosity. I wanted to know more so I kept coming back.
I agree with you, Mike. I’d be a hypocrite if I said otherwise. I don’t know how many films my wife and I have skipped in recent years, for no other reason than one of the main stars had really annoyed us by spouting their outrageously wrong and warped personal views on matters we care about (I still sound a little upset, don’t I?).
It’s gotta be the same for books, which is why I’ve been following this advice in mine. But sometimes…there’s almost an ache inside, looking for ways to let my characters get on that soapbox. It’s extremely challenging work to get them off that box and to figure out ways to let the themes I care about come out through story, rather than character-lectures. But, I’ve learned, it’s time well spent.
Amen! Oops, was that a religious comment? Seriously, I agree with your sentiments on this one. As a new user and sometime lover of social media, I have already seen comments which might have been better not said. Just as we need to think before we speak, so also we need to think before we write on FB, Twitter, LinkedIn or any other social media. But isn’t that a rule to live by for anyone?
We’re novelists, not lobbyists.
My readers aren’t expecting a treatise on Global Warming or opinions National Healthcare when they visit my blog or read my books.
My readers ARE looking for historical romance written from a Christian worldview. I try not to offend within that demographic by posting opinions on my blog that would alienate those readers. Politics, parenting, environmentalism, or to Harry Potter or not to Harry Potter, none of those things are why readers pick up one of my books. (Though I have opinions on all of those things. 🙂 )
I stopped reading a secular fiction series a few years ago because it morphed from being a terrific set of crime-solving/whodunit stories into a platform for a pro-homosexual lifestyle agenda. I was sad to let the series go, I liked the protagonist, the intricacies of the crimes, the methodology of solving them, but I couldn’t stomach the agenda which became more and more overt with each title.
Erica, I wonder if that isn’t the crux of it: knowing what ‘[your] readers ARE looking for.” As I said in my post, “being opinionated may in fact win you supporters.” So I guess it comes down to what issues we feel strong enough about to go public with, an what audience we are aiming at. After all, if me readers are looking for a certain political / philosophic / religious spin, then giving them that might be a smart career move.
I have the opposite experience on my blog…I began it to develop a platform, but I’ve discovered that I write most authentically about marriage, family, parenthood, and philosophy of life, which *sometimes* includes faith, sometimes doesn’t. When I write on writing, people almost never comment (or read) at all. Except that they made a liar out of me the last time, when I talked about faith in fiction.
I think the quote that inspires me most is C.S. Lewis saying we don’t need more people writing about Christianity, we need more Christians writing on other subjects. I’m really struggling with how to write mainstream literature and stay true to what I believe (not hard) without being preachy (VERY hard). I don’t have an answer to the whole conundrum…you’re definitely correct that our political opinions aren’t what we are known for, and probably do need to be kept closer to the chest. But faith surely has to come out in writing somehow or another. It’s just a matter of doing it with a light enough touch and without trying to evangelize.
Easier said than done!
I like to read Mike’s blog exactly because I may or may not agree with him. I mean, come on! A guy with a blog titled “deCOMPOSE”? Mike doesn’t write the kind of novels I read (sorry, Mike), but I like the way he writes–and thinks.
OK, enough about Mike.
I wrote a book on late-in-life motherhood that was faith-based. Why? Well, when I found out I was pregnant at 41 (SHOCK!) I couldn’t find any faith-based books on the topic. Can you say felt-need? But I wanted to write the book in a way that a non-believer or a seeker might pick up the book–and if she was questioning whether to keep her baby or not, be encouraged to do so.
One reviewer was upset because I hadn’t stated upfront that I was a Christian. Well, why should I? (And hadn’t she noticed that my publisher was a Christian publisher? Or that I’d been published in Christian magazines? There were plenty of hints in my bio, if she wanted to find them.)
My point? You can get harangued for being too opinionated or for trying to tread lightly to keep the conversation open.
WordPress wouldn’t let me log in. Lest Mike think he has an Anonymous admirer, that last post was mine–Beth K. Vogt. ;o)
Mike, As always, a thought-provoking post (although, if I read you correctly, there may not be as many in the future). My blog has gradually morphed into one that’s more about writing than about my golf and my grandkids, although those will sneak in once in a while. And when I post something on a holiday like July 4 or Armed Forces Day, there’ll definitely be a “God bless America” in there somewhere.
My definition of Christian fiction has always been fiction, written by Christians, in which a Christian worldview shines through one or more characters. My characters realize that Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven (to use a hackneyed but quite true phrase).
Thanks for sharing.
I never really thought about this topic until I had an agent respond to a query for my first novel. In it she said my story sounded more like a platform instead of a plot. Even though my novel has the thread of childhood sexual abuse running through it, I always made sure I was never on a soapbox about it. But it was great feedback as I understood how my writing of the query letter lead her to this belief. Thanks for this post, it’s great information to keep in mind!
Very well said. I have tried to make this point to friends of mine, but I don’t think I have been very successful. A book should be a pleasure to read, because it is well written.
Well yes…and no.
I think novelists must be opinionated and passionate if they’re to write good books. I don’t want to write forgettable fluff, and I don’t care if I alienate people who don’t agree with me. Chances are, if my books mean anything, they wouldn’t like my subject matter anyway. No book is going to appeal to everyone.
However, novelists need to focus on being opinionated and passionate about their chosen subject. Posting controversial opinions on blogs (or announcing them at your local writer’s conference, or oversharing them during interviews), if they have nothing to do with what you write about, is a bad idea. It can attract people who just want to argue, who then harass your readers and visitors. It takes your valuable time, which you should be using to write. And it creates a hostile and combative image, which–unless you’re Harlan Ellison–is probably not how you want to be perceived.
Whenever I read a controversial rant on an author’s blog, I can’t help but think, “You are (or at least want to be) a professional communicator. If you care that much about this topic, why are you blogging about it? Why aren’t you writing your book about this instead of happy trolls and pooping unicorns?”
That’s the difference between having a platform and having a marketable platform: passion plus focus.
P.S. Why yes, I did learn all this the hard way 😀
I love this line: “novelists need to focus on being opinionated and passionate about their chosen subject.” Well put, Angela!
Dan Brown managed religious situations in _Angels and Demons_ and _Da Vinci Code_. Note the religious aspect was part of the background and the plot. It wasn’t the theme.
I’ve read a couple Christian-genre books. The authors did okay, story-wise, until the literal “God in the Machine” jumped in and wrapped things up. I felt they turned into bad infomercials.
Great post, Mike.
The thing about incorporating controversial issues and beliefs when writing is that authors aren’t usually saying, “I think…” but rather “What if…” As long as the reader understands this, it’s helpful in keeping a level of objectivity about the author, even when the writing causes intense reaction.
There is nothing more annoying than reading a great book and then smack in the middle having to endure a sermon. Get on with the story already!
I agree, nothing is more distracting then realizing you’re being preached to, but at the same time, I belive that your message shouldn’t be so blunt. It should be woven into the story in a non-distracting manner.
This is a great post, Mike! I agree with what you’re saying, and I find it to be true when I go out and read other people’s blogs. When I read blogs, I’m looking to meet other writers and learn about – and from – their writing experiences.
Thanks!