So the most influencial writer of vampire "fantasy" vows never to write to glorify elements which aren't particularly "Godly" or of God or not pertaining to God and everyone takes that to mean something other than what it actually means.
Well that's interesting.
That's like saying no Christian can write in the Horror genre. :o Oops, I guess me and quite a few others have messed up there. *insert list of horror authors writing today who are Christians and do a fine job of maintaining their status as horror writers. Too many to list*
Mrs. Rice made one vow and it's pretty much the same vow all Christians make. They want to exude their Faith in all that they do. I for one think it will give her writing even more depth, if that's possible!
I think many are worried that writing as a Christian means a story might differ somehow. This only happens when Christians write for niche markets that have content guidelines and what not to protect their niche audience. Mrs. Rice does not write for a house that has any such restrictions. Knopff publishing, a branch of Random House, is who her publisher is. The same publisher that printed some of her other vampire books. There are no conservative evangelical guidelines for her to follow. Nothing that says she has to do anything other than not glorify those elements of horror that might lead someone away from their Fatih. She need only follow her heart and I'm fairly certain she can do this with amazing results.
If you want to call her on the fact that she said she'd never write vampire lore again, then you just keep calling her on it. She didn't say that. She said she'd never write the way she wrote it before. Are any of us to assume that means it will be lesser work? I know I'm not bold enough to say that. It won't be lesser, just different. Mrs. Rice is a superbly talented writer. I believe this genre is where she shines and I believe it's where God wants her. You can love this genre and still be a fine Christian.
Okay that's enough from me.
Write on, Mrs. Rice. I for one can not wait to see what you have to offer the horror genre, writing as a Christian and NOT for a specific audience!!
As a fan of Anne Rice's vampire novels and dozens of other ones including yours, I see no issue with her other previous works. I find it weird that there was even an outburst to begin with about Anne Rice wanting to write a new vampire novel, since all vampire novels including my current favorite series "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer evoke the message of finding meaning and redemption. Some Christians seem to have their minds running on this stereotype that the horror genre is loved by those who worship Satan and dress goth-like. Well I'm a Christian, I dress semi goth like, I'm a huge fan of Tim Burton, and tons of books like yours, Anne Rice's, and Stephenie Meyer's vampire novels. Your comment on both here and Christianity Today were mature and I'm glad your voice be heard. I wish Anne Rice in luck and say she go with writing a vampire novel. BTW as of January I have been plotting a vampire novel of my own and I know not many of my fellow Christians will be too happy with me writing of such a topic. But your books and even Stephenie Meyer proves vampire novels can be down and be induced with good values!!!
ReplyDeleteJustin B.
P.S.-when is the sequel to Never Cease planned to be released?
I think when we take the Vampire literally, it's hard to imagine the possibility of a CBA novel especially making it. But Vampires as a metaphor (which they are often used as), symbolic in nature, I think they work extremely well for a faith-based novel. I don't particularly enjoy the idea of a redeemed vampire, but I reserve the right to change my mind.
ReplyDeleteI love Anne Rice also. I watched the Biography classic about her today as a matter of fact.
Thank goodness Anne doesn't right for the CBA market of conservative evangelicals and doesn't have to abide by their strigent guidelines. I was very excited when my vampire/werewolf was taken to heart by many CBA readers.
ReplyDeleteI didn't expect it but am glad they found something to enjoy.
I write for the general market and the general Christian market. :)