While I have no problem reading or writing about werewolves, vampires or the occasional ghost, I do have a problem with satanic rituals, calling up evil spirits and depicting demons as heros.
So, I'm curious. Where do you draw the line? What will you absolutely not write or read about?
Totally with you there, Christine. I don't get the fascination with that part of "paranormal".
ReplyDeleteI am all for lighthearted tales of whimsy - actually - I'm for whimsey in a myriad of formats. I love fairies, fairy dust, tiny worlds within our own where magical dreams come true and nothing happens after the sun goes down except sleep and restoration.
ReplyDeleteI am not intrigued or attracted to anything paranormal in the nighttime (or the spilling over to the daylight, either). I fear that even glancing sideways at anything from that realm is an invitation for it to invade my space. I am highly susceptible to suggestion and have learned to keep my eye on the Prize rather than tempt being persuaded into paths of darkness.
Great topic - this has been on my mind for many months.
Agreed. I draw the line at satanic rituals as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments ladies. Sometimes it's hard to write about things when you know people may disagree. I'm glad there are others who are willing to take a stand for what they believe in.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently writing a YA paranormal about demons. However, they are definietly not the good guys and I'm hoping, through the course of the story, to show that all evil should be shunned and that good will always prevail and it's up to us to fight that evil. Afer all, for evil to flourish it only takes good men doing nothing.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a problem with demons being in what I read because, after all, there has to be opposition in all things. There has to be a bad guy.
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't do vampires. Period. Actually, I don't read much paranormal at all. Not really my cup of tea. Reading choices can be so tricky sometimes, though.
ReplyDeleteI'm very very (the next one is for emphasis) very careful around any book that contains magic, rituals and demons.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people may think this very strange, but I've experienced a fraction of what being numbed to the effects of the occult can be like and let me put it this way. I am not going back for seconds. Ever.
Angie - I'm not a big vamp fan myself. YES, I read the Twilight series, but that's about it. Just can't get into them.
ReplyDeleteMisha - I totally get what you're saying. Before I was married, I dabbled in things I shouldn't and let a darkness in that I never want to feel again.
you know, my last story is about angels and demons. And yea, there are some rough scenes - because, well...demons are BAD. But in the end, it is really a love story..with an aspect of redemption and a look at choice. So yeah, there you go. Now, does this mean I wanna write something that is hugely dark. No...but I'm not unwilling to go-there for a story, if that makes sense at all.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Christine. I haven't read any of the books in question, but I don't like the idea of setting up the bad guys to be good guys. Sounds like calling good evil and evil good to me.
ReplyDeleteI agree too. The reason I love werewolves, vampires, living mummies and the rest of the classic Universal type creature, is becuase they're make believe. No threat.
ReplyDeleteI do believe in ghosts but I just don't see them as threats.
So all of that is fun to read and write.
But the only way I'll handle demons is without satanic rituals, sacrifice or any of that. I just don't feel right about it. Brandon Mull handled the topic in a calm, un-satanic way in his Fableheaven.
So demons? Sure, as long asw the whole satan thing is left out of it.
Hi, Christine. I'm interested in knowing which books you've read. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteKathleen, For the most part,I try to stay away from books I know have satanic content, but once in a while I'll read one that someone sends me to critique and feel like I'm committed to finish. I try not to push my opinion of the content onto the writer, so usually don't say anything. While I agree that there has to be good AND bad in all things and certainly if you have angels in a book, chances are there will be demons. But the thing that bothers me is when the demons and their evil ways are glorified and made look like something a young teen might enjoy "getting into." Isn't there enough for our kids to deal with out there?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'd rather not single out any titles. It would open up a whole new can of worms.
I will not read or write about horror. That chases away all good feelings from me and I can't live like that. (I used to long ago, and I won't go back)
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