I am sad. Not desperately so. But sad none the less.
One of my addictions is to check on Amazon, see how many books I've sold and check for reviews. Usually I sell a book or 2 a day and I am cool with that though it drives my roommate batty (especially at the end of the month when I all of a sudden place a goal on myself that I have nothing to do with; like this month I would like to hit 200 sales and I'm at 181 and probably won't make it). Reviews come less frequently, though Wrestling Against Myself and God Bless the Child each have 17 each (GBTC also has 6 in UK so it actually has 23).
It's hard being an author such as myself. I have my feet in two arenas at one time and very often those arenas do not like each other. Transsexual/Christian fiction. Some might say that is an oxymoron, others would say it reeks of hypocrisy, but I don't know how else to describe what I write.
Wrestling Against Myself is a powerful story that is pretty well written. Half of my fans won't leave reviews because they fear being outed and that's quite sad. So far I have 2, count them, 2 2-star reviews. And I can't address the issues because they are diametrically opposed.
One person didn't like the book because the main character dated a transsexual and was a christian
Another person didn't like the book because there was too much Bible in it.
I am a little hurt. I always take this stuff personally. But I was true to my craft and I was true to the story. I wrote what was in my heart and what God impressed upon me.
I am a Christian
I am a transsexual
I am proud of both
I will be swayed from neither
(Put that on a t-shirt, because that is some good stuff)
Comments
we are in the same boat, you and I
I've tried to write some Christian-transgender stuff in my time, its a hard line to walk ....
The best you can do
is to keep writing and hold your chin up high. Don't let the naysayers get you down. Write more and different themed types of stories. Sooner or later, you will hit that runaway bestseller!
Have faith in yourself that you will create something everyone has to own ^^
And moreso... have faith in yourself and your talent.
Sephrena
Necessary...
...The integration of faith with our whole identity is such a struggle under the best of circumstances. In some ways, we're strangers in, not one, but two lands. While we might find a friendly welcoming face in our faith community, many of those we knew or still know would not care to associate with someone 'like' us.
And even in the community of writers and readers and in this 'gender' community at large, speaking of matters of faith is anathema to many, since they have been hurt all too many times by those professing to speak for God. I admire your courage and applaud your tenacity. You remain in my prayers. Much success to you on your behalf, of course, but on mine as well. Thank you.
Love, Andrea Lena
I don't see
the problem to be honest. I'm even stranger in many ways. I'm intersexed and a Muslim. :)
I understand what you are saying though. Just know that I've read most of your stuff and while I didn't comment, I felt it was good. I don't always know what to say in comments and frequently if I am just saying "good job" I don't feel it is helpful, other than encouragement. I'll also be honest in that I don't always leave comments because I don't want to turn things into a discussion on religion, particularly since I am (according to a friend of mine) still in the gung-ho phase after my conversion to Islam. But don't lose heart. You're a talented writer and that's all that needs to be said.
Wa salam,
Samirah
Samirah M. Johnstone
New book
you may be interested in my new book it contains many arguments from the Old Testamen it contains many arguments from the Old Testament which would apply in your case. It hasn't been easy for me to write I'm hoping to be done within the ne I'm hoping to be done within the next couple of weeks. The main concern I have is watching it because I want the largest exposure possible. I'm looking to make noise and I'm looking for the controversy that the book is oing to create and state that our lives are not 1 that is considered. Sin in the eyes of God
Katie Leone (Katie-Leone.com)
Writing is what you do when you put pen to paper, being an author is what you do when you bring words to life
Katie, you are a pioneer! :)
Don't let the negative reviews and comments get you down. You are answering a Calling that will Bless others.
May Your Light Forever Shine