Arrest of an Author

I have been afraid to speak out about this on social media because aggressive individuals can ruin lives by canceling authors who disagree with a collective group's thoughts. As I understand it, the author of a very controversial (and disgusting) fiction book has been arrested for its content. I read more than one comment from posters saying anyone who purchased or downloaded the book should also be arrested. What?

Let me be clear—I DO NOT condone child SA or grooming. That said, I feel terrified when a mob celebrates the arrest of a writer who published a fictional novel about imaginary characters.

I write historical fiction and mention in my trigger warnings that women married earlier due to lower life expectancy in that period, as I portrayed in my story. This hysteria against the author has made me anxious about having a woman marry at sixteen in my series (which is older than the brides in Game of Thrones and many other historical fiction works). Although it is a fantasy novel set in a fictional time and place, the fact that I feel nervous about one of the mobs turning their eyes on me saddens me.

There are aspects of literature that disgust me, but I choose not to read them. However, if we start banning authors, what people will determine what qualifies a writer for cancellation or, God forbid, arrest?

The author's writing was disgusting. Would I buy or read the book? No. Do I think she should have been arrested? No.

I believe in letting people decide for themselves what or who is offensive. Giving people the power to decide for others is dangerous territory. The fact that I am afraid to say that publicly for fear of being a target proves my point… in my heart anyway.

Pass with Peace,

Mae