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Welcome to the montly blog hop of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a place where you’ll find resources for writers and a safe, soft spot for venting your writerly woes. To join us, click the link above. The awesome co-hosts for the February 3 posting of the IWSG are Louise – Fundy Blue , Jennifer Lane, Mary Aalgaard, Patsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon!
This month’s question didn’t spark any deep thoughts for me, so I’ll address a different topic: whether authors should keep politics out of their author brand.
The Marketing for Romance Writers group recently had a spirited discussion about the usefulness of Twitter for authors. Several members indicated they’d left Twitter because it’s become “too political.”
Let’s get real, y’all. That phrase is very often a dog whistle for “I’m conservative and don’t like being reminded that people don’t share my views.” Be that as it may, we authors aren’t obligated to have a presence on all the social media platforms—though I question the wisdom of avoiding them entirely unless you’re already a mega-bestseller. I’ve certainly sold books and made valuable connections on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, the three platforms where I’m active.
Back to MFRW, where one author’s thoughts on social media really resonated with me—especially since my publisher recently discouraged us authors from making political posts while wearing our author hats. They caution us that doing so might drive away readers, a legitimate concern for people who make their living selling books.
First of all, this author pointed out that social media is about so much more than marketing our books; it’s a forum for all the social issues swirling around us. Of course, you have to be a critical consumer of information. Lots of folks use social media to push nonsense and quackery, but I’ve also found well-researched information from reliable sources via Twitter.
Second, this MFRW author pointed out that social media platforms evolve based on how they’re used. Gone are the days when social media was all about puppies, cupcakes, and vacation photos. Many bestselling romance authors (my genre) embrace the power of social media to effect change and support causes they’re passionate about. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Romancing the Runoff campaign, organized on Twitter, which had a huge impact in the Georgia senate runoffs.
Finally, this MFRW author pointed out that who he is as a person shapes what he writes. Obvious, yes? I lean left politically. Socially progressive values are an important part of who I am, and my fictional worlds embrace those values–ditto my author brand. My books won’t appeal to readers who want their love stories lily-white and supportive of “traditional” sex roles and gender norms. My characters are diverse, just like the world I live in. Why would I want to conceal this fact from potential readers?
Social media is a force for change, a place where we’re exposed in real time to new ideas and forces shaping our world—along with a lot of K-pop memes and spirit-lifting silliness. And yeah, there’s lots of YELLING and vitriol as well, but that’s why we have the handy-dandy mute/unfollow button.
While wearing my author hat, I could try to balance a politically neutral, unoffensive line, but I’d rather dive into the conversation. I believe the marketing experts who assert that readers want to know the author as a person, not just a spewer of book ads. It’s not that my fiction will hammer you over the head with my political views—far from it. But those views form me as a human and as a writer.
The fiction we write reflects our changing world. I wouldn’t have it any other way. See you on Twitter?
I’d love to hear from you! Please visit me on all the socials.
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“The fiction we write reflects our changing world.” Amen. Keep writing and being true to yourself. Differing views don’t have to be a shouting match. A calm, gentle voice might be just what we need.
Mary at Play off the Page
What a powerful and truthful post!! I’ve never been all that political (until recently) and try not to make it a platform in regards to my author page. But I am a person of opinion and those are reflected in the company I keep and on my regular FB page. My household and family includes strong personalities and I’ve always been the peacemaker . . . a roll I’ve found a tad more difficult of late. I don’t condemn the person, just the ideology, while making the best (calm) argument for my own position.
I support and agree with you.
I’d like to add one more thing. There are readers all over the world, and for me personally, reading about foreign politics does not endear me to a writer. It can put me off completely if they are too aggressive.
Something to think about when there are so many books out there.
Anna from elements of emaginette
I love what you said. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I feel like those with a brand should be able to use their influence to fight for causes, which can sometimes be political (for some reason). I have not decided how I will approach the situation, but I still have time since I am definitely below the radar. Thanks for your thoughts!
I love fiction because it allows me to live in a pretend-world. Politics is dangerous ground because you’re bound to find many people who don’t share your views. That’s particularly sad when up until that point they were good friends. I live in Mexico with an arrange of friends from all over the world. Sex, politics, and religion seldom come up in conversation. Yet, we never cease to have stuff to talk about. Happy IWSG day, Sadira. Love the heading photo. It’s been decades since I had a back that smooth. Good figures are lost on the young, don’t you think? LOL
Hi,
I don’t believe you can separate yourself from your writing if you want to put your heart into it. Readers know when you are just saying blah, blah, blah.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
A fascinating point of view. I can’t say that I agree or disagree with you on principle. I think it is a personal decision for everyone. For me, I try not to make any political statements in my blogging. As I write speculative fiction, set in imaginary places or times, modern politics don’t influence my stories. But I do lean towards ‘left’ as a citizen, and that fact surely comes through in my characters and their motivations.
Sorry, but you won’t see me on Twitter. And I take exception to your comment that my leaving Twitter is a dog whistle for “I’m conservative and don’t like being reminded that people don’t share my views.” I imagine very few conservatives share my views. If I never hear the name of a certain former U.S.president again, I will die happy. I left Twitter because even people who share my political views cannot seem to keep a civil tongue in their tweets. I left Twitter because an ill-informed mob tried to destroy Nora Roberts. I left Twitter because it has become an insufferable forum of culture cancel and censorship. As a writer, and a reader, I may not like what you have to say, but I will defend your right to your opinion. And I see no reason why you should censor your own writing in terms of political leanings. Readers can take it or leave it. Such is the glory of the written word.
I like what Olga said above–it’s a personal decision. I choose not to share politics on social media. It would be nice to say that we can acknowledge our differences without hurt feelings, but that hasn’t been my experience. I don’t want to alienate half of my readers, and I definitely don’t want to alienate half of my friends. I wrote a romance series based on political differences (as a vehicle to explore a hate-to-love transformation), and I tried to present both sides fairly. But the subject matter did not appeal to readers burned out on divisive politics.
I try not to talk politics or religion, unless I know the people I am speaking with are amenable to a amicable discussion. I am much happier writing and interacting with my characters, who teach me something everyday!
Thank you for a thought-provoking post, Sadira. I’m most active as a blogger, and sometimes I veer into politics, religion, or controversial topics. I typically try to avoid them on Facebook. I venture unto Instagram occasionally, but I’m not very adept with it. As for Twitter? LOL I can’t keep up with all of it, and I’m a complete Twit! In my writing I let it all out. There is no question about where I stand. We all have the right to express ourselves as we see fit, unless we are spreading untruths or hate.
Well-said.
Ronel visiting for IWSG day The Great Pretender