Jack LaFountain penned an article for this blog in late September. Politically Speaking shared Jack’s wisdom and attitude on political involvement in writing. I share the attitude Jack has, which is good. Although I’m sure it’s possible, I think it best that an author and their editor/publisher are of similar minds. I write in two styles. Besides my attempts at being a novelist, I also submit specialty magazine articles. The other editor, I work with, is also of similar attitudes. Considering the topics, my magazine articles really don’t reveal my political alignment.
Sharing a certain political attitude may be writing suicide for a writer. Jack penned his thoughts before the recent election for US President. Although the election outcome has been determined, the aftermath still has a major influence on public thinking. Until this election cycle, my political awareness wasn’t as outspoken. Religion and politics weren’t something I openly discussed. I didn’t fear retribution for sharing my opinion, I just didn’t feel any need to debate them. Maybe that shared lackadaisical attitude was one of the reasons our society is the way it is now?
I don’t see why a writer needs to worry about their attitude as long as they’re willing to be accountable. Standing up for their conviction should be the key component. Country singer Aaron Tippen couldn’t have sung truer words You got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything. You got to be your own man, not a puppet on a string. There are a lot of puppets out there, doing lip service for what they believe. Fear of not following the majority is the reason we fear to speak out.
Hollywood, sports icons, popular singers, and other media influencers all voice their opinions. Why shouldn’t authors be able to pen their values? Looking at recent happenings, which is difficult because legacy media is now biased, Americans are seeing a shift. Some of the before mentioned, now see their adoring fans may not align with what they promote. Of course, drama will continue, it’s a way of life.
I can see both my novels as movies. To be honest, I’d just as soon Hollywood never discovered my plots. Recent box office offerings demonstrate movie ideology and mine do not come anywhere near aligning. Amanda, my leading heroine, can be viewed as empowered. Although the rest of my cast aren’t bumbling fools that need Amanda to save the day. Feminists may argue Amanda’s actions and attitudes are too conservative. The love story subplot isn’t exactly a Hallmark-style romance, but I created romance for female readers. In all, I guess I am politically influenced, but I’ll take accountability and own that.
My books may be edgy in another way. The plots expose governmental corruption. My working manuscript deals with a handicapped individual living in the late 60’s. Handicapped persons were treated differently then. I write about a mythical creature and interdimensional travel. All that can be viewed as political influence. Maybe it goes against the majority belief. What I hope is that the reader just enjoys a relaxing good read.
Rick Shaw
Comments