The very popular Maggie Shayne who is best known for her thrillers, paranormals and romances is now writing straight craft books. Paul DeBlassie III, a brilliant author of The Unholy, took a brutal pounding on his recent review tour. He contracted with a group that used mainly Christian reviewers who were offended by his use of natural magick and healing. I wonder sometimes if this is why we don’t have more Pagan literature. Trying to get past the self-appointed gatekeepers and critics is difficult. Why not become our own gatekeepers, or do we even need any?
On the other hand, do you want your book known as a great Pagan book or just a great book? If you have to qualify it, does it belittle it? Similar to saying someone is smart for a woman. In the world of men, would she be smart? The argument would depend on who’s talking, of course.
I am beginning to discover books written by like-minded people. There is a community of almost 40,000 writers in Pagan Writers Community, a great FB find. While many people write memoirs about discovering their path, the majority writes craft books, but there is an emerging group writing fiction, mysteries and romances featuring Pagan characters.
I was inspired to write my Pagan Eyes series because I was tired of witches as villains. Stereotypes exist because we allow them to exist and present nothing better. If you know of anyone teen or older who would like a free copy of my first book, Initiation. It’s free on November 26-28th on Amazon.
I would be extremely happy to see my book in the fiction section of Costco aisles, and not under spirituality. It is a fiction book with some characters, who happen to be Pagan.