Hi All,
I have written a YA fantasy which has a religious element interwoven into the storyline. Though there are many novels out there which are about religion (Dan Brown books for one), I was wondering whether publishers are wary of this and more likely to turn away manuscripts for this reason?
Thanks for comments in advance!
Rebecca
Thanks all for your comments, they've been really helpful :)
I guess the conclusion (for me) is that it is okay to encompass 'religion' and religious elements but not eliminate other possibilities. My novel doesn't talk specifically about Christianity or other religions but the mentioning of God suggests these, so perhaps this is too specific. It is a little frustrating when writing a fantasy though...
Thanks!
Rebecca
I had a slightly religious subplot in my first story which one reviewer commented negatively on. Basically, one of my characters was a non-believer (and still is!) Given it was set in the early 19th century before Catholic emancipation in Britain and when non-conformist Christianity was actively discouraged I thought it was a fair subject to examine, especially as my fellow was headed to Spain and Portugal, the former having the highest concentration of monasteries and convents in Europe at that time..
But there you are: goes to show you can't please everyone. Perhaps that person didn't like 'The Name of The Rose', either. Personally I think if it's essential to your story stick with it. Just avoid overwriting its importance to the plot unless you must.
I think often religion is portrayed in story form by the writer referring to light and darkness or good and evil, leaving the reader to either impose the religion they follow as the good and the dark as what appears to be the universal evil, the "devil" who seems to take whatever form the writer creates. (I love those characters) none specific might be the safe way, but that's me! So many stories do refer to death and the afterlife as the beginning, so is that a religious belief? writing is I suppose about hope as well as escapism, if the writer doesn't offend a religious group then nobody is alienated, and I would think a publisher would be ok with that, well I hope so, my book is about good and evil, and no it's is not about politicians...
Regards Paul