How do you write a book that won’t upset or offend someone? If you find out the answer let me know! I don’t think it’s possible, and it’s something I’ve been thinking about recently. It’s also been heightened by the release of J.K. Rowling’s new book which is causing a lot of controversy due to her views, so here’s my take on it all below.

Most books need good and bad, a hero and a villain, whether they are people or causes, it’s something that’s necessary for most plots. If that’s the case, then there’s something that needs to be considered. Just as readers can see themselves in your protagonists, there’s a good chance there will be others who can see themselves in your villains. For example, in The Luke Bright Series, there’ll be people who can see themselves as Marco and they might not like what I’m revealing about him. However, Marco’s villainy is definitely a point for discussion, and I’m going to have to delve further into that after the release of A Long Lost Time to avoid spoilers, so stay tuned for that!

Part of this issue comes from society and how we see ourselves and others. In this modern day world, we are so deep-rooted in our identities that our actions can’t always be separated from that. Just like how people stereotype a whole group if one person of that group does something bad. We can’t separate the person from the action that they’ve done. It’s what leads to prejudice and we need to realise that whilst our race, gender and religion may make up who we are, they should never be used to excuse or define our actions. It’s something I’ve been trying to get across in my books, and I’m going to continue to do it. However, I know I have and will make mistakes trying to get it right, and that’s okay, so long as we own up and learn from them.

What isn’t okay though is if people deliberately create characters or villains that incite stereotypes just because of their views. That’s what a lot of the controversy around J.K. Rowling’s book is caused by. I have no idea whether her transphobia is what influenced her book, but if her views were different or she didn’t mention them, then maybe fewer people would be making that link. I really hope that isn’t the case, but making trans people out as villains is not on if she’s just done it for the sake of it. Because even though Marco is a villain in my books, there are reasons why he became the way did. And whilst it’s easy to assume who the villain is in my other WIP books, you’ll understand who/what the real villains are if you read close enough.

I suppose what we can take away from this all is that whilst it’s hard not to offend anybody (nor should we try to write to make sure we don’t) it’s important to never do it intentionally. Think before you act or write and make sure you can always explain, justify and defend your actions. Most importantly, educate yourself and fight for what’s right. That’s all we can really do to make sure we’re doing the right thing.

Atlantic Split, At Liberty To Live and An Undercover Dream, the first three books in The Luke Bright Series are available to purchase NOW! The final book of the series A Long Lost Time will be released in 2020!

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N.A.K