There is clearly a divide in our country today between the left and the right. It has touched us in every facet of our lives…our families, friends, work, the places we go, the shows we watch and the music we listen to. And now for me, the books I read. Recently a friend of mine said that she held her breath reading my latest novel, hoping she would not come across politics, knowing how I stand and feel strongly for what and who I believe in. I laughed but I understand what she was thinking/feeling.

I watch a movie or a show that I used to love and then bam! The beliefs and politics of the other side slip in and I can’t watch anymore. The last two books I’ve read were both written by liberal authors, women who stand on the left. I’m okay with that. Many writers, authors, friends and family that I love are liberal. So I like to think I’m okay with it, but when the author puts down what I hold dear, like our American Flag or the lead female character can’t get involved with anyone who supports the flag or God forbid is a conservative…then that feels personal, like a personal attack against me. So I cross her books off my list.

I’m not sure what the answer is, if the question is how will we unite in our differences. It used to be don’t talk about politics or religion so that everyone can get along, but today it’s hard to separate and keep the talk out of us, since it is us.

Recently I have had two people, one family, one friend, send me things to read from the ‘other’ side. I listened and read both, because I want to remain open. The one, we were able to find a place of agreement and that felt good. The other felt the need to put down and convince me of their rightness. That did not feel good.

I know I can’t watch the news of what’s happening today without wanting to throw something at the tv or yell or scream…so basically if I want to feel good, I need to turn off the tv, but at the same time I want to stay informed on what’s happening in our world.

When I write my stories, my intention is for them to be feel good and for many to enjoy them. But I realize that just by being who I am, even without directly ‘talking politics’ my beliefs will shine through and that will turn some off. But what I hope to do is to put my work out in a non-threatening way. That way, even if we stand on different sides of the fence, maybe just maybe you won’t want to throw my book against the wall.  🙂