Shephard's Alley

Monday, June 18, 2012

No Way Around But Through

About a month ago, I realized that I was buying into the status quo.

I was doing that one thing we know better than to do, but we catch ourselves doing anyway: believing what we read on the internet.

But then I found this novel:

I loved it. Why did I love it?

It's well-written.

Characters are intriguing and captivating.

I really cared about the main character --who is gay.

It was a great read, a mystery involving secrets and rival families of witches (tho not in the HP fashion).

And of course a love story. A very sweet and refreshing love story... refreshing because the romance came first, the deep feelings the characters had for each other came before touchy-gropey. The novel never stoops to graphic sex scenes.

It's artfully written as well. The portrayal of magic is anything but by the numbers... intense, evocative and beautiful.

And did I mention the main character is gay?

I was so happy when I read this. novel It gave me so much hope. Because these qualities (minus the witchery) are the elements I craft my own stories with. And for so long, the rarity of finding similar things in print was scaring me.

Since I bought my Kindle, I've read 22 novels (since Christmas), mostly for research, and the above novel Witch Eyes is a rare example of young adult fantasy/sf with a gay hero that is well-written and fun.

The internet told me (so it must be true) that agents do not believe they can sell books with gay protagonists to publishers who are terrified of gay characters. Publishers say there aren't enough gay readers... yet with so few books for young gay readers out there, where are they getting their figures? They can't have proof there aren't enough readers unless they start publishing books for them to read.

But all this will change. I will outlast their fear.

I choose to be part of the revolution.

I will buy my fellow gay authors books.

All of them. Whether I read them or not.

And I simply choose not to give up.

That's my super power: Not giving up.