A Hard Decision That Wasn’t Really Hard At All
Dear Readers,
I want to thank each and every one of my readers and fans for the support and love throughout these years. It has been my dream for as long as I can remember to be an author. I’ve always wanted to write romance, as it is the power of love and commitment between a man and a woman that drew me.
However, I can no longer write these novels with a clear conscience. As most of you know, I am a Christian. I have a religious blog and I frequently talk about God on my FaceBook page. I feel as if God has been pressing on my heart that He has other plans for me than writing romance and/or erotic romance.
Celebrating and writing about the power of love and commitment is one thing. But doing so for the express purpose of titillating the reader is wrong in my eyes. Therefore, the releases of SCOUNDREL in June from Carnal Passions and RENEGADE in August from Champagne Books will be my last and final romance novels.
For many of you, this is a huge disappointment. I know of many people who enjoy my books. However, I have written roughly 31 books and novellas, a number any author can be proud of in a career.
This decision has nothing to do with getting rejected by any publishing house, and it has nothing to do with being an eBook author. This is strictly a conviction I have felt since the beginning of the year that this part of my life is over.
To those who aren’t religious, you might believe this is a rash and silly decision. But in reality, it was a very easy one for me to make. If you knew me, you’d know I am a Jesus freak. I only listen to Christian music. I have words of inspiration on my walls. I read my Bible daily. And the recurring themes of lust, fornication, and cussing in my books weighed heavily on me. It might give my books a realism, however, I believe as a Christian, that I am IN this world, not OF it. Therefore, I can no longer participate in writing about such things.
Please do not take this post as a judgment on others who choose to write or read romance. This decision is about ME and what I feel in my own heart.
This was a hard decision, but in the end, it really wasn’t hard at all. I apologize for any shock or disappointment I may have caused, but I am still around, on FaceBook, Twitter, and email.
Thank you to everyone for joining me on this journey. I love every one of you, and I hope you will continue to follow me on this adventure we call life!
~~Becka
DAMN…
Shocked…stunned…saddened…BUT you know I LOVE you and support you no matter what. If this is what is best for you then…so be it.
Love you and may you be happy!
Donica
WOW!!!!! I’m shocked…and so proud that you’re doing what is right for you! I totally believe that now that you’ve closed this door, another will open & I can’t wait to see where the Lord takes you. I love you lots & wish you all the best! XOXOXOXO
Becka, I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about. Why do you think I did what I did? The very same reasons you mentioned. And, guess what? My life has been blessed in soooo many ways. I love the Lord, and I want to do what I feel is right. Other people may roll their eyes at me, but I’m doing what I think is best for me – just as you should do what’s best for you!!!
Love ya, girls. And, if you need any advice – or anything dealing with the Christian publishing world – let me know.
~Marie~
Thank you, everyone, for your love and support. My decision to do this wasn’t rashly made, I prayed about it and thought about it for months before making the final decision. I simply feel my life is leading me down different paths.
It makes me smile that I’ve been getting nothing but support. You guys are the best!
~~Becka
Becka, I’m proud of you for following your faith and your heart. You will do well in whatever path you take because you are true to yourself. Love, Mom
I’m sorry you made this decision, Becca. I can’t help thinking that you have a very narrow view of God and what he intended. But if it makes you happy, I’m happy for you.
In case you’re wondering, yes, I’m a Christian, an Anglican in fact. One of my best writing friends is married to a vicar, and writes romance books with sex that her husband and the church see as affirmations of faith, not a denigration of it.
But each to his or her own and good luck to you.
Thank you for your post, Lynne. I knew my decision would be shocking to some and leaving others to scratch their heads. But like you said, to each his or her own. And I haven’t given up on writing completely. I might try my hand at a straight fantasy or sci-fi in the future, most likely with a pen name. But I appreciate your concern. You’ve been nothing but a great friend, and I wish you all the best as well.
~~Becka
Beck, we will surely miss your style of writing.. though I am happy that we will be able to stay in touch with you though social medias, but really happy for you that you are listening to yourself!
Becca,
I’m so happy to hear your news. I’ve come to a similar decision in my own career (though my secular books were still pretty mild). I hope you keep writing. You are a great talent!
Becca,
I’m probably going to be sneered at with you. I admit that when I see “erotic” and “Christian” in the same sentence, ***for me*** it just doesn’t work and I can’t envision that person as a true Christian. (that sounds terrible, I know) But, when you think about it, we’re supposed to keep our minds and our hearts as pure as possible and by writing erotic, the mind is not in a very good place in that sense, as you said in your audio witness.
Again, like you said, you would never find Christ writing erotic books and our goal is to be as much like him as possible. I can see that he truly has spoken to you and opened your eyes to the truth that the vast, vast majority of this world is blind to. He’s got a huge plan for you and seeing that you’ve turned your ear to him and are alert enough to hear his voice, he’s going to call you to even more incredible things for him.
What you’re doing, especially this part where you’re making it very public WHY you’re not writing erotic anymore, is such a courageous thing and you will be blessed beyond measure for giving all glory to God. If you ever need another Jesus freak to talk to, I’m always open ^_^ God bless you! And good luck in your new writing adventures!
OMG! I just found your post and now feel that I have found someone who knows exactly what I’ve been thinking for some time! I’m totally with you, Rebecca. I’ve decided that if I continue to write fiction, it will be sweet and inspirational. Best of luck and let me know what you do in the future.
Awesome, Candace! I’ll admit, I was a bit scared to take this path — not to quit writing, but to go public with the “why” behind the decision. I’m extremely proud of the books I have written to date. But I’ve hung my hat. My publisher at Champagne is trying to get me to write straight sci-fi/fantasy at her new imprint, BURST, or enticing me with sweet, inspirational romance (as there’s a market for them now, I suppose).
We’ll see. At this point, I don’t have a desire to write any more. But if that bug comes back, it will most likely be with a pen name. Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. I’m glad I’m not alone!
~~Becka