July 13, 2009: Faith, Religion & Mysticism in Fiction – open chat 1
The transcript below covers the complete #litchat conversation on July 13, 2009. The order appears sequentially from the first post to the final post. Topic was open discussion Faith, Religion and Mysticism.
| litchat Welcome to #litchat. For the next hour we’ll be talking about Faith, Religion & Mysticism. Step into the salon and introduce yourself. -1:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana Hi all. Fingers crossed Twitter and TweetChat behave themselves today. Sounds like we have interesting topic this week. #litchat -1:01 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| LitChat If you have a question for the chat, please send it to @litchat without the hashtag #litchat. I will post to the group in order. Thanks. -1:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @maggiedana Hey there, nice meeting you here again. Not sure what I can contribute, though. We’ll see… #litchat -1:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| LitChat Our topic is Faith, Religion & Mysticism in fiction. Please try to keep on topic and bear with us as this is busy time in Twitter. #litchat -1:03 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan RT @LitChat: Happy Monday and welcome to LitChat. This week’s topic is Faith, Religion and Mysticism. Introduce yourself. #litchat -1:04 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @mdbenoit Hi (waves) MD. Not sure what I can contribute either, but I’ll give it best shot. #litchat -1:04 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana RT @KristyKiernan: RT @LitChat: Happy Monday and welcome to LitChat. This weeks topic is Faith, Religion and Mysticism. #litchat -1:05 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DHeiligman @LitChat Hi, Deborah Heiligman. Author of Charles And Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith.#litchat -1:05 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky David Rozansky, Publisher, Flying Pen Press. We publish fiction & nonfiction.#books #litchat -1:05 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| LitChat Thanks for the RT @KristyKiernan. You are a past guest host and author of a novel with a strong topic about religion. #litchat -1:06 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma Hey, everyone – I write inspy historical & contemporary romance – where faith is essential in ultimate HEA. Does that count? #litchat -1:06 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead to-ing and fro-ing between here and #litchat now – thanks for getting me to 4th place everyone! -1:06 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| LitChat Welcome, @DavidRozansky, @wiremamma and @DHeiligman. #litchat -1:07 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @LitChat I am indeed! Glad to finally BE here at 4 again #litchat #litchat -1:07 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @kristykiernan – nice to meet you! your book cover is gorgeous… #litchat -1:07 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat I’m especially interested, bc I have 2 Rel. Studies degrees & write novels, and like to try to use one with the other. #litchat -1:09 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana Hi Kristy. I remember loving your first manuscript, Running (I think was title). Has it ever been published? #litchat -1:09 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| LitChat Q1 Let’s talk about religion first. Why is Christian fiction a separate genre from other fiction genres? #litchat -1:09 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| dotterel – anything to do with it being the single biggest world religion? #litchat -1:10 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @maggiedana How nice to see you, Maggie! Nope, RUNNING is put away 🙂 #litchat -1:10 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @LitChat Q1 because it has very strict rules of plot lines that not everyone wants to read. And those who do want to find it easily #litchat -1:11 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @LitChat Speaking as a former fundamentalist, I get impression much of Christian fic is privately hoped to be proselytizing. #litchat -1:11 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @kashicat i also have a degree in Comparative Religion plus English (creative writing) Twitter high five! #litchat -1:11 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat Proselytizing may not be goal for every Christian fic writer now, esp. more mainstream, but that could be why it’s separated. #litchat -1:12 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| dotterel – and don’t forget, Christianity (through the codex) effectively invented the ‘book’! #litchat -1:12 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots RT @kashicat: Speaking as a former fundamentalist, I get impression much of Christian fic is privately hoped to be proselytizing. #litchat -1:12 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @dotterel of course, Islam is just as large as Christianity. It is, however, largest in the English Speaking world. #litchat -1:12 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead I think this is a bigger issue in the US than the UK. I’m not as aware of that over here #litchat -1:12 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @bibliofreakblog Ha! Yes, high five! 🙂 I don’t have Eng. degree, but might as well. #litchat -1:13 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @rebeccawoodhead that’s ’cause you kicked the puritans out. 😉 #litchat -1:13 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @litchat – Perhaps due to so many Christian oriented bookstores – and CBA criteria, as @pussreboots said. #litchat -1:13 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead @kashicat I’ve got an English Degree and translate devotional Medieval poems against the clock – do I get a high 5 too? #litchat -1:14 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @rebeccawoodhead Lucky you. 🙂 #litchat -1:14 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @rebeccawoodhead That’s interesting. Q’s of religion & society do play bigger role in U.S. Moreso even than here in Canada. #litchat -1:15 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @kashicat – I write “inspy” – which is not necessarily religious, but includes positive message of hope. No preachin. No foolin. #litchat -1:15 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer #litchat Agreed. RT @pussreboots: Q1 because [Christian fiction] has very strict rules…those who do [read it] want to find it easily. -1:15 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| latta i recently read an article on this ‘niche’ market and it is turning into really big biz. #litchat -1:15 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky Q1. It probably goes back to “Left Behind” series which was first categorized as #scifi. Too many got mad, so Chistian Fiction. #litchat -1:15 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @rebeccawoodhead Yes indeedy. High fives all around! (Though I’ll stop doing them in #litchat itself now, heh.) -1:15 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit What is Q1 again? I dropped out unwittingly. #litchat -1:16 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer @kashicat I’ve noticed that “preaching to the choir, but hoping you’re not” tendency, too. #litchat -1:16 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @DavidRozansky There was Christian fiction before the retched Left Behind series #scifi #litchat -1:16 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @bibliofreakblog @kashicat – I mjrd in archaeology/anthro focused on anth of religion – can I get a twitter low five from ya? #litchat -1:16 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| latta interesting correlation between rise of conservative politics, greater acceptance of religion in everyday conversation, and books. #litchat -1:16 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @LitChat I think Christian fiction has to be a separate genre – it seems to send a msg, and not everyone wants to read it. #litchat -1:16 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead @bibliofreakblog I think our religious history is a little more complex than that as is the religious make-up of our islands #litchat -1:17 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @wiremamma i minored in anthro. it’s my trifecta of useless information. high five. #litchat -1:17 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky @pussreboots True, there wa. But most general bookstores did not have C-Fic shelf at the time. #litchat -1:17 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @ecurbmp I agree with that. I’m not religious and feel I’m preached to often when reading that genre #litchat -1:17 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @GenreReviewer I once wrote huge fantasy novel promoting fundie Xtian world view. Now rewriting to make “just fantasy” 🙂 #litchat -1:17 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @ecurbmp It even sometimes shouts the message. #litchat -1:17 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| CollectedMisc Q1: Christian fiction often has a separate/unique audience, style, perspective and imprints = its own genre. #litchat -1:18 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer @kashicat Recently I’ve been finding more Christian fiction for Christians living out their faith instead of conversion-focused #litchat -1:18 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana Am not a believer, but I love British author Susan Howatch’s CofE series. http://bit.ly/C4JhF #litchat -1:19 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @ecurbmp My 1st impulse is to agree. Tho’ if someone wrote modern novel w/characters of say, Baha’i faith, shd it be segretated? #litchat -1:19 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog Am late to the party! Q1: Xian fiction is own genre b/c unique audience, also makes it easier to locate. #litchat -1:19 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit Tonight’s topic isn’t about Christian fiction, though, right? It’s also about mysticism #litchat -1:19 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog who here has actually read Christian fiction? #litchat -1:19 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky Narnia was SF/F title, Screwtape Letters as general fiction. Now its all Christian Fiction. #litchat -1:20 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @bibliofreakblog If i have, I’d done it without realizing it. #litchat -1:20 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead I don’t think my bookshop has a Christian fiction section. There’s a ‘spirituality’ section *walks round store in brain* Nope. None #litchat -1:20 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| latta @bibliofreakblog yes, for research #litchat -1:20 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @DavidRozansky Thankfully most of the book stores around here still don’t. There are special books stores for the genre. #litchat -1:20 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog Q1: Also think of Xian fiction as fiction w/ an agenda or mission. Not always, but many attempt to convert, not just entertain. #litchat -1:20 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana If Susan Howatch counts, then yes, I’ve read Christian fiction #litchat -1:20 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @kashicat if there were more fic books focused on “other” faiths we’d have to say religious fic, and Xian fic would be a sub genre. #litchat -1:20 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @kashicat I think religion can be used as a tool in the story, but genre is when its used for a specific msg to the reader, imho. #litchat -1:21 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @bibliofreakblog I have. #litchat -1:21 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky Why isn’t Shalom Alechem’s books (Tevye the Dairman, etc.) categorized as Jewish Fiction? #litchat -1:21 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @bibliofreakblog I read some Left Behind books out of curiosity, and a few lighter titles for review on blog. #litchat -1:21 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @rebeccawoodhead Spirituality section is often non-fic #litchat -1:21 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog What about the Chronicles of Narnia? Does that count? I’ve rad those. #litchat -1:21 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @DavidRozansky Fiction w/ characters of certain religion is dif. from fiction w/ religious agenda. #litchat -1:21 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog where is @myfriendamy when you need her? #litchat -1:22 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @bookladysblog Agreed! #litchat -1:22 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @bookladysblog Ahhh, so Christian fiction has an agenda? #litchat -1:22 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana What about Jodi Picoult’s CHANGE OF HEART? Do you consider it ‘religious’? #litchat -1:22 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead there’s lots in book shops about religions but not specific section for Christianity – definitely not for Christian fiction. #litchat -1:22 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @KristyKiernan There might be publishing houses that enforce rules. I don’t know. There’s also a lot of bad vanity publishing #litchat -1:22 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Chrisbookarama I don’t read Xtian fic but some of the books I read have Xtian or religious elements. Mostly they are classic works. #litchat -1:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @KristyKiernan Not all, but much of it seems to have agenda of promoting worldview and/or conversion to belief. #litchat -1:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @bibliofreakblog Of course, the q. becomes whether someone living life by their principles (relig/non-relig) requires segregation. #litchat -1:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @pussreboots a lot of it is probably marketing. #litchat -1:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots RT @KristyKiernan: @bookladysblog Ahhh, so Christian fiction has an agenda? #litchat Often times, yes. -1:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| myfriendamy @bookladysblog Q1 I don’t think conversion is the goal of Christian anymore. Maybe even 5 years ago, but not now. #litchat -1:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @rebeccawoodhead There are lots of Christian bookshops in the US. Are there any in the UK? #litchat -1:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @maggiedana I think once there’s that kind of mainstream success (Picoult), it won’t be categorized #litchat -1:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| CarolyBurnsBass I have read some Christian novels, but found the Christian characters too-good to be true. Not authentic. #litchat -1:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat RT @bookladysblog: @DavidRozansky Fiction w/ characters of certain religion is dif. from fiction w/ religious agenda. #litchat (Amen!) -1:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead the books are probably there but the focus is different. If they’re primarily fiction,they go in with general fiction #litchat -1:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @bibliofreakblog Yes. Narnia counts. #litchat -1:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @kashicat i’d differentiate living by principles and writing about spirituality. they can be the same, but not always. #litchat -1:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit Mary Doria Russell’s book The Sparrow could be considered religious. It’s about the search for the existence of God #litchat -1:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @KristyKiernan *Some* Christian fic has an agenda, I’d say. When goal is not to tell good story, but explicitly to convert reader #litchat -1:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead @maggiedana you really only get Christian book shops in towns with big churches. They tend to be small shops that fund-raise #litchat -1:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @DavidRozansky Sometimes and sometimes just as fiction. But yes, he’s included in synagogue bookstores. (Shalom Alechem’) #litchat -1:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit True! RT @CarolyBurnsBass: I have read some Christian novels, but found the Christian characters too-good to be true. Not authentic #litchat -1:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @mdbenoit I’m not religious, but I adored The Sparrow. It’s shelved as sci-fi, but I think of it as lit fict. #litchat -1:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen My Christian lit is limited to the Bible & The Left Behind Series. #litchat -1:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer #litchat I’ll soon be reviewing a novel with a Hindu protagonist. Not sure there’s a big enough market for Hindu fiction to make it a genre -1:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @rebeccawoodhead They’re all over the place here (U.S.), big churches or not. #litchat -1:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky @bookladysblog RE: Religious characters vs. Religious agenda: Doesn’t matter, it’s about buyers and marketing. #litchat -1:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen I feel the Left Behind Series were based on a neat idea, but poorly written. #litchat -1:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead I think the situ in England is diff from anywhere else re: religious fiction because of our experiences with Salman Rushdie #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| myfriendamy A lot of Xtian fiction may not even use the word God. It has really grown. Some may have agenda. But so does fiction not Xian #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @DavidRozansky marketing for sure. #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @bookladysblog Children of God is even more amazing, IMO. She definitely wasn’t prosetilizing. #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| dosankodebbie Q1 I translate a Jpanese Xtian author who can get publshd by any pub in JPN, but in the US only so-called Xtian pubs will touch her #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead Writing about religion over here can be risky. #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @bibliofreakblog I’d agree w/you there. I’m half playing devil’s advocate. Might have interesting view, having been on both sides. #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @scgreen What is “Left Behind” series? Assume not about left-leaning Dems. #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @myfriendamy Not too familiar w/ most Xtian fiction….perception is that much promotes agenda/worldview if not conversion. #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer @bibliofreakblog I read a lot of Christian fiction, though I also read other stuff–with real religions and not (fantasy). #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @myfriendamy Nice point… #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| latta here is a website dedicated to review of that genre http://christianfictionreview.com/ #litchat -1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @myfriendamy Haha. Tell that to the folks who come to my door . And look at the large # of self published Christian books #litchat -1:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @myfriendamy what’s it like if it doesn’t explicitly talk about God? #litchat -1:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen @maggiedana A series of books based on the Xtian end of days. #litchat -1:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| myfriendamy @beatccr the mindset today is that it has an agenda and is trying to convert. Like other fiction lacks “agenda”!! 😉 #litchat -1:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @maggiedana Left Behind = literal interpretation of the book of Revelation about the “end times” and eventual reign of Christ. #litchat -1:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog wow, almost 1/2 way done and still on first question? #litchat -1:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @GenreReviewer Is it a Hindu protagonist acting *as* a Hindu, explicitly religious? (I’d love to hear about that bk.) #litchat -1:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky @bookladysblog C-Fic runs the gamut of agendas and plots. #litchat -1:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @mdbenoit Really? I much prefer The Sparrow. Didn’t like that she answered so many questions in Children of God. #litchat -1:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead but there are stacks and stacks of books inspired by religion over here. They just don’t tend to get a separate shelf. #litchat -1:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @bibliofreakblog Not surprised, it’s a talky subject… #litchat -1:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @DavidRozansky I think it matters in same way you get romance novels separated out, whether they’re shlock or really good stories. #litchat -1:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen I read “Left Behind” b/c I had a co-worker read “Stranger in a Strange Land” by Heinlein. His response was that series. #litchat -1:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp Is Christian fic only marketed towards Christians? #litchat -1:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Chrisbookarama I’m afraid that it might be too ‘precious’ though @myfriendamy reviews many that don’t sound that way. #litchat -1:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana <— just figured out what Xtian means. I thought it was an obscure Chinese sect. #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @myfriendamy The well written ones will have themes and a general feeling but won’t be explicit about faith. #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| LitChat Q2 Why are non-religious or people of other religions so reluctant to read fiction with religious themes? #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan Matters of Faith is, obviously, about religion, but I would definitely say it’s not Xian fiction #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky @ecurbmp Yes, C-FIc is only marketed to Christians, if it does not have second genre. #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @maggiedana It’s stories based on fundie interpretation of Revelation in Bible; 2nd coming of Christ, Tribulation etc etc #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Chrisbookarama @LitChat See my answer below 😉 #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @bookladysblog The anthro aspect was fascinating. And it’s better written. #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer @DavidRozansky Narnia is still under SF/F in bookstores the last I looked. #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @myfriendamy The bad ones will have long conversion conversation among believing characters and non believing characters. #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @LitChat Q2. I won’t answer this one. #litchat -1:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan Q2 I’m afraid I’ll be preached to, and that immediately sets me on edge, so I tend to avoid it #litchat -1:30 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @bibliofreakblog Then it’s like regular old fiction. Richard Paul Evans. for example. #litchat -1:30 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen Q2: I don’t think anybody likes to there own belief held in question by another’s belief. #litchat -1:30 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky Q2: I don’t agree with premise that nonreligious avoid religious books necessarily. #litchat -1:30 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky #litchat -1:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky #litchat -1:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @LitChat Q2 probably because they don’t want to feel like they’re preached to #litchat -1:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog Q2: What I don’t like is when it moves from thematic element to overt attempt to convert or designate a “right” mode of belief #litchat -1:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @KristyKiernan Same here. #litchat -1:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| myfriendamy @pussreboots yes I agree. But that seems to happen less and less often in the books I read #litchat -1:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan Q2 Wait, need to clarify that, I don’t mind religious topic, but if it’s marketed as Xian fiction, then… #litchat -1:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen @DavidRozansky I avoid Xtian lit like the plague. #litchat -1:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @KristyKiernan I also dislike being preached to. Well put. #litchat -1:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ToniMcGeeCausey @LitChat reading experience is about going on the journey of the characters–hard to do for those who’ve made a choice already… #litchat -1:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @ecurbmp I think that’s where divide is Xtian fic telling deep stories doesn’t proselytize Xtian fic w/agenda does, to Xtians & non #litchat -1:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog I am a Catholic, but there’s a LOT I don’t agree with the Catholic Church about, and don’t want to read about those issues in fic #litchat -1:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @DavidRozansky Q2. My son is an atheist yet has read Bible, Koran, and dozens of religious texts. Is an informed atheist. #litchat -1:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ToniMcGeeCausey @LitChat which is different than the arc they would choose. #litchat -1:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp Q2: I’m with @KristyKiernan too. I don’t mind one occasionally, but only if secondary genre is what I want. #litchat -1:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Wordlily @ToniMcGeeCausey Does that go for both reader and character(s)? #litchat -1:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @ToniMcGeeCausey Plus the characters are always sooo good. I want faults! #litchat -1:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer #litchat Though I am a Christian, I mainly read Christian fiction because I know it will be “clean.” It’s hard to tell if secular novels are -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky Q2: But if book is written for people that align with Christian beliefs, then that is who enjoys it. #litchat -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @bibliofreakblog Hmm. I think it’s important to read about things we don’t agree with. #litchat -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ToniMcGeeCausey @LitChat sorry, meant difficult if reader’s choice is different than characters’ abt something so fundamental #litchat -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| myfriendamy I enjoy reading about faith and all faiths. I think everyone perceives “being preached to” differently #litchat -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @GenreReviewer Ah, but Bible is anything but clean. #litchat -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @GenreReviewer How do you define “clean”? #litchat -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @LitChat Q2 Is it the case that they don’t read fiction of *any* religious theme? Or just specific religions? I’m curious. #litchat -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @GenreReviewer Clean as in language, sex, drug use, or all of the above? #litchat -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Wordlily @bibliofreakblog It all comes back to the recommendation, doesn’t it? #litchat -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| myfriendamy Sometimes I think people think they are being preached to if ideas presented are ones they disagree with #litchat -1:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead I’m Christian but it wouldn’t occur to me to seek out Christian-specific texts nor would it occur to me to avoid non-Christian ones #litchat -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @GenreReviewer Maybe, but the world itself isn’t “clean” #litchat -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen @bookladysblog Agreed. #litchat -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| susanmpls #litchat are people of differing faiths reluctant to read fict of another faith? fict is safe place to learn abt other religions/beliefs -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp Agreed. RT @myfriendamy: I enjoy reading about faith and all faiths. I think everyone perceives “being preached to” differently. #litchat -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @LitChat I’m not “reluctant” but I do have standards for well written books. Plot and editing should not be sacrificed. #litchat -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Chrisbookarama @maggiedana That’s true. A book blogger reviewed part of the Bible. Lots of killing. #litchat -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer #litchat So if you read a secular book that has minimal to no bad language and no explicit sex, feel free to tell me about it. 🙂 -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit Great point! RT @maggiedana: @GenreReviewer Ah, but Bible is anything but clean. #litchat -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky @myfriendamy No, people feel preached to if they are told tehir own beliefs are invalid and should be changed. #litchat -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @Wordlily true! And yet how many of @myfriendamy’s books have I picked up? Even the ones she highly recommends? #litchat -1:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| lenoreva I am Christian, but I don’t read a lot of Christian fiction. I am open to it if it has a premise that interests me, but many don’t. #litchat -1:35 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @myfriendamy Very true — though I know atheists who find Philip Pullman preachy, and Christians who think C.S. Lewis is so. #litchat -1:35 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots RT @DavidRozansky: Q2: I don’t agree with premise that nonreligious avoid religious books necessarily. #litchat Nor do I. -1:35 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @kristykiernan – Matters of Faith – the cover with the dock. Such a great visual – #litchat -1:35 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog I think that because a lot of it is self-published I view it as lesser literature–like I don’t read romance. #litchat -1:35 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog RT @susanmpls: are people of dif faiths reluctant to read of another faith? fict is safe place to learn abt other religions/beliefs #litchat -1:35 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| lenoreva I love it though when mainstream fiction presents faith in a positive/balanced way. #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead @susanmpls I’m happy to read fiction from any faith background as long as it’s a good read #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Wordlily @bibliofreakblog I don’t know, how many of them *have* you picked up? #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @GenreReviewer I know lots of those (clean secular books, I mean). Admittedly, most of them are children’s & YA… #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @myfriendamy Then you have been VERY LUCK. I’ve read about a dozen books that do this in 2009 #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @DavidRozansky I think this is the big issue. I like discussing faith with Xtians, but I don’t want to be”converted”. Same with fic #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @kashicat @bibliofreakblog *slap* 🙂 multiple high fiving all around. #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Chrisbookarama I we just talking Xtian fic or books like The Red Tent? #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @Wordlily lol, that was *rhetorical* #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| myfriendamy Me, 2 tho feels rare RT @lenoreva love it though when mainstream fiction presents faith in a positive/balanced way. #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @wiremamma Thanks! I loved it, too! #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Wordlily Agreed! RT @lenoreva: I love it though when mainstream fiction presents faith in a positive/balanced way. #litchat -1:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Wordlily @bibliofreakblog And I was joking, too. :p #litchat -1:37 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat RT @myfriendamy: Sometimes I think people think they are being preached to if ideas presented are ones they disagree with #litchat -1:37 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky @Wordlily Faith, by definition, is not balanced. #litchat -1:37 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye The Hebrew scriptures combine many “genres”: chronicles, books of law, poetry (songs) and prophecies, some mystic. So if . . . #litchat -1:37 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana RT @DavidRozansky: @Wordlily Faith, by definition, is not balanced. #litchat -1:38 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @Chrisbookarama But The Red Tent was marketed in mainstream #litchat -1:38 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @DavidRozansky @Wordlily I don’t think that balance is in the def of faith. #litchat -1:38 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @KristyKiernan @Chrisbookarama plus Anita Diamont is Jewish. #litchat -1:38 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen Q3? #litchat -1:38 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat RT @rebeccawoodhead: @susanmpls I’m happy to read fiction from any faith background as long as it’s a good read #litchat -1:38 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @KristyKiernan I loved The Red Tent and don’t think of it as Xtian fiction. Literary imagining of historical (?) character’s life. #litchat -1:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Chrisbookarama @KristyKiernan That’s what I’m asking- I seem to have gotten lost! lol Are we discussing just Xtian fic for Xtians? #litchat -1:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp Interesting discussion on religion in literature and Christian fiction on #litchat -1:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| michaelrushnak #Litchat #obama #healthcare #pharma Focus Health care reform dollars on prevention and actual patient care NOT high administrative costs -1:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine Q2: Books by authors like Carlos Castañeda or Khalil Gibran leave a wider door open to mysticism and faith. Inspirational fiction. #litchat -1:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson Blind, fanatical “faith” is not balanced; it is possible to have a thoughtful, reasoned faith based on knowledge. #litchat -1:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana I felt Red Tent was overyhyped and not that well-written. #litchat -1:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| JackieGamber @DavidRozansky So perhaps Christian Fiction = lit *designed* to align w/Christian beliefs, to attract Christians. #litchat -1:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @mdbenoit EXCEPT when they are the example sinner to be reformed at the end. #litchat -1:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @Chrisbookarama I have no idea! 😀 it’s going so fast! #litchat -1:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson I’d like to see more acknowledgment of intelligent faith rather than purely emotional/mystical/blindly leaping faith in literature. #litchat -1:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky My wife is a medievalist. She reads historic fidtion of Christianity, which is fascinating stuff.. #litchat -1:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye So if we speak of religious literature, the very basis, the early writings of both Judaism and Christianity are largely literary. #litchat -1:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead don’t want people thinking you can’t get hold of Christian fiction books over here. You can get hold of anything over here #litchat -1:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Chrisbookarama @bibliofreakblog But it had religious elements, right? I didn’t read it yet. #litchat -1:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @GenreReviewer You know… secular novels aren’t that dirty. Get over your fear and read outside your comfort zone. #litchat -1:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @pussreboots but that is in many many books. The Greeks were the masterminds behind redemption at the end. #litchat -1:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| lizzyarmentrout RT @Wordlily: Agreed! RT @lenoreva: I love it though when mainstream fiction presents faith in a positive/balanced way. #litchat -1:41 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky @JackieGamber Myabe designed by writer, or maybe just written by someone whose creativity influenced by faith. #litchat -1:41 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson I think the Christian publishing industry does cater almost exclusively to Christian readers. Preaching to the choir, as it were. #litchat -1:41 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog RT @rj_anderson: I think the Christian publishing industry does cater almost exclusively to Christian readers. Preaching to choir. #litchat -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead I think religion’s a bit more of a private thing over here. I know plenty of religious people but I only know that because I asked #litchat -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat RT @pussreboots: @GenreReviewer You know… secular novels aren’t that dirty.Get over your fear and read outside your comfort zone. #litchat -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead …which wasn’t very English of me… #litchat -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| karenrivers Also resent books where the point seems to be that being xtian saved the day, books that preach. #litchat -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @wiremamma Really? I’ve seen v. little Xtian fiction in the Children’s and YA sections here in Canada (or elsewhere I’ve looked). #litchat -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @rj_anderson It’s all about marketing. Who spends $$ on Christian fiction? Practicing Christians. Follow the money. #litchat -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| michaelrushnak #litchat #obama #healthcare #pharma America spends $2.5 trillion a year on healthcare BUT we don’t live as long as countries spending less. -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @GenreReviewer Read my blog. I’ve reviewed 1200 books. http://www.pussreboots.pair.com #litchat -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @DavidRozansky – that’s my fave too – reading great one by Jeri Westerson – Veil of Lies – medieval, ex knight – fun read! #litchat -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye Hence, can we not consider newer fiction to be religious in the sense of inspired if it follows the same historic traditions? #litchat -1:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @rj_anderson Actually I find both Pullman and Lewis preachy (even if the message is different) #litchat -1:43 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma RT @bookladysblog @rj_anderson It’s all about marketing. Who spends $ on Christian fiction? Practicing Christians.Follow the money. #litchat -1:43 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Ginafrangello @bookladysblog #litchat I’m not religious but hesitate to call Christian fic a genre. Lit fic would lose Flannery O’Connor, Graham Greene. -1:46 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine RT @DavidRozansky: If you are talking about literary value, the concept of genres really have no place in the discussion. #litchat -1:46 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky @LitChat Define “mystical fiction,” please. #litchat -1:46 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @bibliofreakblog I realize that. But the Christian fiction uses it too… there’s usually one token sinner. #litchat -1:46 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @GenreReviewer The problem is, OT is also full of genocide, which I regard as worse than any cussing or sex. #litchat -1:46 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @myfriendamy I agree. I don’t see why anyone should be forced to read a book they’re not interested in, for any reason #litchat -1:46 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @myfriendamy Absolutely! while it’s good to push yourself, you want to ENJOY what you read! #litchat -1:46 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @myfriendamy Everyone has their own tastes and will avoid something. “Can’t please everyone”, even when writing a bestseller. #litchat -1:46 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @DavidRozansky Why is the discussion limited to marketing a genre and not the creation of it? One precedes the other. #litchat -1:47 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @rj_anderson There’s a kid’s version of the Left Behind series… shudder! #litchat -1:47 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead isn’t ‘magic realism’ a contradiction in terms? #litchat -1:47 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @rebeccawoodhead think Don Quixote. #litchat -1:47 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @GenreReviewer Hmmm. Must be skimming the dirty parts or not reading the old testiment. #litchat -1:47 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @rebeccawoodhead LOL ! Jumbo shrimp. #litchat -1:48 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @kashicat Indeed, the sort of genocide that occurs even today. #litchat -1:48 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| michaelrushnak #litchat #obama #pharma #healthcare We need universal coverage,focus on prevention and chronic illness & a balance of private/public payors -1:48 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @LitChat Mystical fiction = north america; magical realism: south america #litchat -1:48 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson IMO the issue is not “are these things [illicit sex & violence] mentioned?” but “are they presented in a favorable, enticing way?” #litchat -1:48 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| DavidRozansky @thewaryeye Because, genre means the BISAC code, when considering how it will get to readers.. #litchat -1:48 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @Ginafrangello I don’t think so. Greene approaches relig. issues but is not pushing agenda. Belongs in literary fiction, IMO. #litchat -1:48 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @myfriendamy But to avoid all books outside of the one “approved” genre out of fear? That’s narrowminded. #litchat -1:48 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @kristykiernan @myfriendamy Amen! oops. Can I say that? LOL. #litchat -1:49 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| LitChat @michaelrushnak LitChat topic is Faith, Religion and Mysticism. Would you please keep comments with #litchat on this topic. Thanks. -1:49 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen Nothing like discussing religion to get one’s hackles up. #litchat -1:49 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @pussreboots Why is it fear and not a simple difference in taste? #litchat -1:49 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat I thing magic/mysticism question starts encroaching on whether we decide something is a fantasy. All sorts of blurred lines. #litchat -1:50 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @DavidRozansky But what is it about religious fiction that appeals to readers. Most likely its inspiration. #litchat -1:50 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| karenrivers I think what we think of as xian fiction fairly strictly adheres to a set of guidelines provided by xian publisher. (contd) #litchat -1:50 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @scgreen Yeap. But having your beliefs challenged everyone once in a while keeps the cobwebs out of your head. 🙂 #litchat -1:50 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @KristyKiernan When avoiding non Christian books because they “might be dirty” = FEAR. #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| karenrivers Fic like The Red Tent is not held to the same rigorous publisher requirements, so is more free & less categorized as xian. #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @scgreen When I came to US from UK many years ago, was told not to discuss religion, politics, or death. I ignored advice. #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| LitChat I hope out guest speaker, @CarleenBrice can shed some light about mystical fiction on Friday –>more #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @scgreen – LOL! yes – let’s smooth all hackles and continue conversations. #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @wiremamma Ha! Sure, why not? #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @KristyKiernan how about give a book the 50 page rule. If it ends up being too “dirty” close the book and move on. #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer @kashicat I have no problem with sex. For personal reasons, I don’t want to read graphic scenes that get my body going. 🙂 #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine Never thought about defining by geography.RT @pussreboots @LitChat Mystical fiction = north america; magical realism: south america #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @scgreen Yes, and I don’t mean to imply that someone shouldn’t read according to their own preferences #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen @maggiedana How’s that working for you? #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan RT @LitChat: I hope out guest speaker, @CarleenBrice can shed some light about mystical fiction on Friday –>more #litchat -1:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @LitChat So not simply the selling of the religious literature genre? #litchat -1:52 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan Are there hackles being raised? I’m never good at spotting that. I just think it’s a convo… #litchat -1:52 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson Stories about magic/mythology can sometimes be an effective vehicle for exploring questions of faith while avoiding preachiness. #litchat -1:52 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @GenreReviewer Not all non-Christian books contain sex scenes or cuss words. #litchat -1:52 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @scgreen Let me put it this way: There are days when I need a zipper for my mouth. #litchat -1:52 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @GenreReviewer I respect and agree with that conviction. #litchat -1:53 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead @maggiedana how do you cope? I just had to keep saying ‘different culture. Don’t take it personally.’ Over and over again in head! #litchat -1:53 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @rj_anderson Agreed! And when done right, doesn’t need “Christian Fic” label either. Works for everyone. #litchat -1:53 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @GenreReviewer I worried I was sounding judgemental. I may think you’re limiting yrself too much, but it’s your absolute right. #litchat -1:53 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer #litchat I NEVER SAID ALL SECULAR BOOKS WERE DIRTY! Gee, wiz. -1:53 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @rj_anderson Very nice point #litchat -1:53 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen @maggiedana Zippers aren’t that useful when you can be easily unzipped. #litchat -1:53 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @redRavine That’s how it was defined for me in a film/lit class I had at UCLA #litchat -1:53 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @pussreboots So Ana Castillo would be considered mystical fiction? I do find the geographical distinction somewhat helpful. #litchat -1:53 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| michaelrushnak #litchat #obama #pharma #healthcare Join our meet up-Twitter 6-7PM EDT this Thursday if you want to stand up for better health care for all -1:53 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @rebeccawoodhead Cope? Not always well or gracefully. Hence need of mouth zipper. #litchat -1:54 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma I know many inspy authors who are huge fans of fantasy/paranormal. Looking forward to seeing more crossover in that regard #litchat -1:54 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots RT @mdbenoit: @GenreReviewer Not all non-Christian books contain sex scenes or cuss words. #litchat -1:54 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @thewaryeye I tihnk you’ve got to define “inspiration,” then. Maybe just what we’d generally call “spirituality”? #litchat -1:54 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @maggiedana LOL. Re: zipper-mouth: Welcome to the club! #litchat -1:54 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Chrisbookarama @pussreboots That’s a helpful definition. #litchat -1:54 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen @rebeccawoodhead But if you have to keep doing that, do you lose focus on the story? #litchat -1:54 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead @maggiedana being English – and not Catholic – in Boston does not go down well in certain quarters. LOL! #litchat -1:54 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @pussreboots Disagree it’s fear as in cowardice: can be done from personal prudence/conviction. #litchat -1:55 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @GenreReviewer That was the implication of your tweets. #litchat -1:55 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog I use a language difference rather than geo. English=mystical, Spanish=magical realism. #litchat -1:55 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @redRavine I’d always heard that geographical definition too, when friends tried to expl magical realism to me. #litchat -1:55 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @scgreen That’s exactly my concern. Because it should be all about the story, in a perfect world. #litchat -1:55 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead @scgreen Oh – I don’t do that when reading. I did it when I lived in the USA. #litchat -1:55 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine @pussreboots Just curious, are Castañeda & Gibran mystical fiction or magical realism in your view? #litchat -1:55 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @melissa_djohnst Having not read Ana Castillo , I can’t say. #litchat -1:56 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @rj_anderson I was going to throw Mythology in there too. 🙂 It’s often regarded as a 3rd thing. #litchat -1:56 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @kashicat I would define inspiration as creativity, the infusion of writing with a vision or a spirit, not just plot and characters #litchat -1:56 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana Am having a hard time wrapping arms around ‘magical realism’. What on earth is it? #litchat -1:56 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @rj_anderson It’s fear of the unknown. #litchat -1:56 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @redRavine Again… not familiar with either so I’m not going to pick. #litchat -1:57 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @michaelrushnak Any way of blocking this CLOD from #Litchat???? -1:57 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @maggiedana The best is Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 100 Years of Solitude. The use of fantasy to explain reality. #litchat -1:57 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @maggiedana examples: someone cries and tears fill up the whole room, or blood spills in a straight line out the door & down street #litchat -1:58 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @maggiedana “magical elements or illogical scenarios appear in an otherwise realistic or even “normal” setting.” from Wikipedia #litchat -1:58 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @michaelrushnak You’ve just guaranteed I will NOT pay attention to anything you want people to look at, EVER. #litchat -1:58 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen @maggiedana I think it’s a more PC term, so certain authors don’t get pigeon-holed as fantasy writers. #litchat -1:58 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @bibliofreakblog I like the language distinction-or maybe cultural? Ana Castillo (N.Amer) considers magical realism her influence. #litchat -1:58 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @pussreboots Again disagree: I know the facts about a lot of things I choose not to voluntarily fill my mind with for pleasure. #litchat -1:58 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma As mentioned by someone – it has to be GOOD fiction regardless of genre to be read. preaching to reader is as bad as head hopping. #litchat -1:58 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @maggiedana It’s a magical thing happening in an otherwise ordinary world. (Think flying, talking dogs in Up as a silly example) #litchat -1:58 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @maggiedana Know that fuzzy-headed feeling when something not-quite-real occurs as if it were totally normal? That’s it. #litchat -1:59 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @maggiedana Gabriel Garcia Marquez is my favorite author for magical realism. #litchat -1:59 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan @kashicat You can block him if you’re using TweetChat with icons at right #litchat -1:59 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @thewaryeye Agreed! Gabriel Garcia Marquez is the example par excellence! #litchat -1:59 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @melissa_djohnst then again, I’ve read British authors, like Angela Carter, who I consider to have used magical realism. #litchat -1:59 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine Yes, I think both Isabel Allende and Gabriel García Márquez are magical realism. #litchat -1:59 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| LitChat @Alindaoftheloch: Great response to mystic and magic. Will RT to group in two separate tweets. Thanks. #litchat -1:59 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @bookladysblog love the fuzzy head explanation #litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead @mdbenoit like in The Shining? #litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson Yes! RT @wiremamma: it has to be GOOD fiction regardless of genre to be read. preaching to reader is as bad as head hopping. #litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @rj_anderson Are you sure you know the facts or are you just going on word of mouth? #litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine RT @thewaryeye @maggiedana The best is Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 100 Years of Solitude. The use of fantasy to explain reality. #litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @pussreboots – good one on “Up” reference. #Litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @thewaryeye I’m not sure a good plot is really separate from “a vision or a spirit.” That’s underlyign reason why it’s a good plot. #litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| LitChat RT @Alindaoftheloch: @LitChat the mystic is engaged in the omnipresent to transcend the self for lessons to make life easier –> #litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @redRavine Not Isabel Allende #litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @redRavine Casteneda and Gibran are spiritual writers, mystics. They simply use fiction as a mode of delivery for a message. #litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| susanmpls @maggiedana magical realism is telling a lifelike story where fantastical things happen. e.g the apple tree in “Garden Spell”. #litchat -2:00 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| KristyKiernan I must away, great meeting you all, great LitChat! Looking forward to @carleenbrice Friday #litchat -2:01 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit @rebeccawoodhead Don’t know. Never read The Shining #litchat -2:01 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp So do readers or authors of mystical fiction or magical realism usually avoid the fantasy genre? #litchat -2:01 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @susanmpls You mean like my tax return? #litchat -2:01 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| CollectedMisc Q3: thanks to Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Christians often open to fantasy but too much magic/dark side and some turned off. #litchat -2:01 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @thewaryeye Then I wouldn’t consider Casteneda and Gibran as magical realism. #litchat -2:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| mdbenoit It’s been a dizzying hour. Sorry, I’ve got to go. Will try for Wednesday. Ciao! #litchat -2:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @pussreboots That example was the first that came to mind. 🙂 #litchat -2:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rebeccawoodhead @maggiedana hee hee! #litchat -2:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @ecurbmp Can only speak for myself, but I love magical realism & don’t care so much for fantasy. #litchat -2:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine @mdbenoit Where does Isabel Allende fit for you? #litchat -2:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @ecurbmp I wouldn’t say it’s fantasy. Mag. real. takes u to the edge of plausibility and then takes 1 step over. #litchat -2:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @pussreboots I generally share your views but I wonder if you’re not taking them at their word, but reading things in in this case? #litchat -2:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @kashicat Agree. Even the Hebrew Scriptures had wonderful stories with wonderful plots. Solomon and poor Job. #litchat -2:02 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @bibliofreakblog So like toeing the line? 🙂 #litchat -2:03 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @bibliofreakblog Good point. Defining the borders of these distinctions hard… #litchat -2:03 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @bibliofreakblog Thanks! That’s how I know I’m reading mag. realism. My head feels all fuzzy & something’s not quite right. #litchat -2:03 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @CollectedMisc …and some of us Christians who grew up with Lewis/Tolkien now write fantasy in the “secular” market as they did. #litchat -2:03 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat RT @ecurbmp: So do readers or authors of mystical fiction or magical realism usually avoid the fantasy genre? #litchat -2:03 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana Magical realism is having Twitter behave itself for LitChat. #litchat -2:03 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @bookladysblog Can I ask why one and not the other? Genuinely curious. 🙂 #litchat -2:03 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bibliofreakblog @maggiedana LOL!!!!!!! #litchat -2:04 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat People’s description of magical realism reminds me very much of Jung’s synchronicity. #litchat -2:05 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @pussreboots No. Magical realism encompasses the absurdist satire of reality. Marquez is a political writer as well. #litchat -2:05 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @ecurbmp I enjoy magical realism as an element of the story, but not stories that are all about fantasy. It’s just a taste thing. #litchat -2:05 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @bookladysblog I tend to be opposite — prefer outright fantasy. But will read magic realism if it’s done in a light-handed way. #litchat -2:06 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @maggiedana! Love having you on #litchat. You’re hilarious. -2:06 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ToniMcGeeCausey @Wordlily I think the reader has to be able to identify with the protagonist to allow for suspension of disbelief–to sink into… #litchat -2:06 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @kashicat I identify fantasy as the successor of fairy tales, which had an entirely different purpose and literary function. #litchat -2:06 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ToniMcGeeCausey @Wordlily the world of the character and choices. Religious choices are so personal and polarizing, that if the reader has… #litchat -2:06 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @rj_anderson That’s interesting. I think it’s hard to do magical realism in a light-handed way. Do you have an example? #litchat -2:06 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @bookladysblog I grew up on fantasy, so I didn’t know much else until later. Thanks for answering. 🙂 #litchat -2:07 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ToniMcGeeCausey @Wordlily already made the choice against (whatever the main choice is), they will have extra work to do to identify w/charac…. #litchat -2:07 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @wiremamma Thanks! I’m always the class clown, esp. when discussing serious subjects. #litchat -2:07 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp RT @thewaryeye: I identify fantasy as the successor of fairy tales, which had an entirely different purpose and literary function. #litchat -2:08 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen @maggiedana Helps smooth the hackles and is much appreciated. #litchat -2:08 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| scgreen @ecurbmp Agreed. #litchat -2:08 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @kashicat Since I don’t know many of the people personally how can’t not “take them at their word”? #litchat -2:08 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ToniMcGeeCausey @mdbenoit agreed–I want faults and flaws and the sense of real ramifications, which is a challenge for the writer if writer has… #litchat -2:08 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @ToniMcGeeCausey Personal, yes. Polarizing, unfortunately. I find religion fascinating, the attempt to make spiritual real. #litchat -2:09 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine I’m of the school that all religious and spiritual writing (fiction or nonfiction) is rooted in the writing of the mystics. #litchat -2:09 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @thewaryeye One lit class 14 years ago doesn’t make me an expert. #litchat -2:09 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @ecurbmp Of course.I’m open to fantasy but just haven’t found much I really like. What are your favorites? #litchat -2:09 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| susanmpls @ecurbmp the writers of magical realism that come to mind use it as device to deal with real-life politics or religious strife. #litchat -2:09 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ToniMcGeeCausey @mdbenoit a primary goal of influencing / encouraging toward the choice (whatever choice). That goal conflicts with other goal of.. #litchat -2:10 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer @pussreboots I’m not “avoiding” secular books out of fear–I read plenty of them. But I have preferences. Everyone has preferences. #litchat -2:10 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @susanmpls Yeah, that’s what I’m noticing. 🙂 #litchat -2:10 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @ecurbmp Fairy tales are fabulous folk literature, especially before the brothers Grimm and Disney sanitized them. #litchat -2:11 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @thewaryeye Disney sanitized far more than Grimm, I’m thinking. #litchat -2:11 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @redRavine Do you mean the mystics of medieval times? Julian of Norwich, Meister Eckhart, St. John of the Cross? #litchat -2:12 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @redravine – what an interesting way of looking at things. As student of Anthro – i love crossover with genesis & epic of gilgamesh #litchat -2:12 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @thewaryeye What if the spiritual is more “real” than our fragile physicality and finite minds can comprehend — or handle? #litchat -2:12 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @maggiedana – have you SEEN snow white lately? Watched with two horrified little girls recently. Not that sanitized. #litchat -2:13 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer @pussreboots You say try a book & move on if not to my pref., but I have limited time & money. Prefer to know ahead of time. #litchat -2:13 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @susanmpls Agree. The movie Pan’s Labyrinth weaves real agony, humor and fantasy together as sheer genius. #litchat -2:13 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @wiremamma The kids know, they sense it intuitively. #litchat -2:14 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @thewaryeye I thought the Bros Grimm kept them pretty, well, grim. <g> Did they sanitize so much? #litchat -2:14 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| CarolyBurnsBass RT@ToniMcGeeCausey Reading … is about going on the journey of the characters; hard to do for those who’ve made a choice already. #litchat -2:14 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @wiremamma I love those similarities, too (Gilgamesh, Genesis, etc.). They’re everywhere! #litchat -2:14 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @wiremamma Snow White scares me to death. Need lots of hand holding, ditto most Disney films. #litchat -2:15 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @rj_anderson So true. The scriptures are often horrifying, then suddenly break out in breathless poetry. #litchat -2:15 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @wiremamma That is cool! Genesis & Gilgamesh! I’m impressed. #litchat -2:15 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @thewaryeye – nothing to intuit about: a heart in a box, a queen screaming “Kill Her!” and a glass coffin with everyone crying. #litchat -2:16 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @kashicat I thought the brothers Grimm were “grim,” too, and that (in this case) Disney sanitized. #litchat -2:16 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @maggiedana Bambi was my downfall. I was seven and cried during the entire movie. Still think hunting kills mothers. #litchat -2:16 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @GenreReviewer Do you have access to a public library? It’s a wonderful and free way to try new authors and genres. #litchat -2:17 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine @melissa_djohnst those are good examples of mystics. Hildegard of Bingen, Saint Teresa of Ávila. Mystics run across all religions. #litchat -2:18 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @mdbenoit Faith may go farther than reason alone can go, but that is not the same as faith being unreasonable or anti-rational. #litchat -2:18 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @thewaryeye Mine, too. Can still see Bambi and his dad … am tearing up already. #litchat -2:18 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat Does Disney still do movies as intense as Bambi & Snow White? Haven’t seen for yrs so I don’t know. #litchat -2:18 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @kashicat Lion King isn’t pretty. #litchat -2:19 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @melissa_djohnst @maggiedana @thewaryeye – try explaining where Simba’s dad went in Lion King – or first 5 min of Nemo = genocide. #litchat -2:19 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana Interesting discussion. Cross-platform. Disney to druids. (Needed religion/cult that began with D). #litchat -2:19 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson Would personally consider mystics & mystical writings a v. v. small part of my appreciation of either faith or fantasy. #litchat -2:20 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @redRavine Didn’t know what tradition you meant or what type of influence. That’s part of the Xn one. Do you mean direct influence? #litchat -2:20 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma Totally RT able: @maggiedana Interesting discussion. Cross-platform. Disney to druids. (Needed religion/cult that began with D). #litchat -2:21 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana Bad enough we cry in sad films with ‘real’ people; but to cry over a cartoon? What does this say about our culture? #litchat -2:21 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @wiremamma oooooooh (not so) nice one. #litchat -2:22 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @maggiedana We are crying over the story – we relate even it not human story. We related on human terms. All we’ve got. #litchat #litchat -2:22 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma I think disney more sweet less scary since introduction of Pixar. Wall-E, Up… wait. Monsters Inc freaked DD#2 out. Nevermind #litchat -2:22 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @wiremamma Ha! You’re doing a good job with the cred so far. #litchat -2:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @maggiedana Isn’t Disney as influential in our age as the biblical writers, influencing our deepest imagination? #litchat -2:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @maggiedana – Thinking that it means we understand a good story regardless of medium used to tell it. especially a moral tale #litchat -2:23 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| melissa_djohnst @wiremamma LOL! #litchat -2:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @wiremamma Nemo and Wall-E had their moments though. Perhaps story has changed to us vs. them/machine? #litchat #litchat -2:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat RT @maggiedana: Interesting discussion. Cross-platform. Disney to druids. (Needed religion/cult that began with D). #litchat -2:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @maggiedana I think a moving story transcends its medium, though. We identify with the emotions even if char’s are drawn. #litchat -2:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer @pussreboots Yes, but it’s a small library. Also, still takes up my limited time. #litchat -2:24 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @brattyhack ! EXACTLY! my point. It’s the anthropomorphizing of the story – into human terms (how’s that for you @kashicat ? 🙂 #litchat -2:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @thewaryeye Am not a good judge of film. Rarely go. Ditto watching TV. Much prefer books, funnily enough! #litchat -2:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat RT @wiremamma: Thinking that it means we understand a good story regardless of medium used to tell it. especially a moral tale #litchat -2:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| GenreReviewer @pussreboots Also, I already do read many genres & many authors. That’s not my “problem.” #litchat -2:25 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @thewaryeye Oh dear heaven, I hope not. Disney as religion substitute = too depressing to contemplate. #litchat -2:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @rj_anderson Would you agree that themes are as important as plots? And the emotional build to resolve those themes? #litchat -2:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @wiremamma Studies have shown we respond the same way. Brian McDonald talked about that at Write on the River this year. #litchat -2:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana That said, I’ve been ‘conned’ into going to latest Potter extravaganza tomorrow night. Will probably snooze thru it. #litchat -2:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @maggiedana It probably says we’re human. #litchat -2:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| susanmpls @ecurbmp readers of magical realism may like fantasy; I think of magical realism as a plot device and fantasy as a genre #litchat -2:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @wiremamma What am I, the arbiter now? *cackle* But ahem, yes. I like the anthromorphizing point. #litchat -2:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @maggiedana I fell asleep during Fantasia! #litchat -2:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @rj_anderson How about Harry Potter as religion substitute? (this ought to liven things up!) #litchat -2:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp ‘Net kicked out for a bit, so if anyone directed anything my way, might have missed it! Sorry! #litchat -2:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @rj_anderson I think they call it TV – the religion substitute for many. #litchat -2:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @susanmpls That’s a really clarifying way of putting it. 🙂 #litchat -2:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @thewaryeye Yes, if a story is to have any substance or lasting power, theme is vital. But should grow organically, not be forced. #litchat -2:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana RT @Brattyhack: @rj_anderson I think they call it TV – the religion substitute for many. Opiate of the masses? #litchat -2:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @rj_anderson That’s my complaint too. Disney/Elvis/etc=religion substitutes in some ways. Maybe that’s what Romans said too, eh? #litchat -2:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @Brattyhack Agree. Television eats the imagination. #litchat -2:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma LOL @kashicat – you understand me. 🙂 #litchat -2:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @maggiedana Don’t stop w/Potter. Elvisism is almost developed religion now. MJ’ism will be eventually. #litchat -2:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @kashicat No, no, Elvis is a monarch substitute. Americans need kings. #litchat -2:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson What is modern cult of celebrities if not worship? Consider MJ funeral, f’rinstance. #litchat -2:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @rj_anderson Right, right. Organic, otherwise it becomes preachy, and nobody wants to be preached at. #litchat -2:29 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @maggiedana Hee! I think he’s both. Once I heard about people having “visitations” by Elvis, I knew it was almost complete #litchat -2:30 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots @maggiedana Does it have to be Elvis? #litchat -2:30 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @maggiedana Reckon MJism is bigger religion than …. (take your pick) #litchat -2:30 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @maggiedana Not just Americans need kings, the need for higher power is somewhat universal I think. Drives many tales… #litchat -2:30 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat RT @rj_anderson: Yes if story is to have any substance or lasting powertheme is vital. But should grow organically, not be forced. #litchat -2:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana Elvisism is all about $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ #litchat -2:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @kashicat Michael Jackson’s funeral drew an estimated one billion. Even Harry Potter can’t reach that many. #litchat -2:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine @melissa_djohnst direct influence? Not sure. More like evolution of religions over time. I think all are connected at the root. #litchat -2:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @rj_anderson – I’d rather not spend any more time considering MJ – if it’s all the same to you. #litchat -2:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @thewaryeye I wonder what the numbers would have been at the height of his popularity? He had been quiet for a while. #litchat -2:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @thewaryeye How sick. That many misguided people watching burial of a weirdo with a white glove. #litchat -2:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| redRavine Signing off. Thanks to all. You never know where a discussion of Faith, Religion & Mysticism will take you. #litchat -2:32 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma sorry @maggiedana – I was reading this as “elvish-ism” – Thought we were discussing fantasy. *snort* #litchat -2:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat RT @ecurbmp: @maggiedana Some Monarchs were a focus for their country’s religion tho, so it’s still a form of faith, I think. #litchat -2:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana <—- likes to tilt at sacred cows. #litchat -2:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @ecurbmp So was Bush. So is Obama. And Kennedy and Camelot. The nation state is a religious state. #litchat -2:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @maggiedana Well, that’s like Big Religion too. But indiv. Elvis followers? Not about $$$ at all. They’re exploited. #litchat -2:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @wiremamma You owe me a new keyboard, dammit. DOUBLE snort. #litchat -2:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| bookladysblog @rj_anderson Thanks for the example! I’ll have to look into her. #litchat -2:33 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @thewaryeye I think so. But try spouting that in Eastern WA and see what it gets ya! #litchat -2:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @maggiedana The boy could sing and dance though. But entertainment is a cult, or occult. #litchat -2:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| ecurbmp @thewaryeye Agreed! #litchat -2:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @maggiedana <— and mix metaphors in an amusing way. 🙂 #litchat -2:34 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @rj_anderson Always glad to mangle the language. #litchat -2:35 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma Okay, dear #litchat friends. must go back to paying the bills so I can buy @maggiedana new keyboard. Color? ergonomic? Wireless? #litchat -2:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @maggiedana I adore your sacred cows tweet. Heehee! #litchat -2:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @wiremamma Erm …. lemme think on this and get back to you. Need to phone Apple to see if they do chartreuse. #litchat -2:36 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| pussreboots RT @wiremamma: @rj_anderson – I’d rather not spend any more time considering MJ – if it’s all the same to you. #litchat Nor I. -2:37 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @wiremamma Hahaha! I’d have put “Elvis-ism” if I had more than 140 characters! #litchat -2:37 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @maggiedana Maybe we should tip the cows rather than just tilt them? I’ll go on this side… #litchat -2:37 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @kashicat Hell, what else are cows good for if not tilting? #litchat -2:37 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| saundramitchell @rj_anderson I’ve long argued that comic books feature our modern house gods. Superman, Batman – all morality plays, imho. #litchat -2:37 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| thewaryeye @saundramitchell They do and more followers. #litchat -2:38 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| NessieBeliever Darnit! Missed #litchat today. Looks like it was a good discussion, too. -2:38 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @rj_anderson Would $10 be enough? #litchat -2:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @saundramitchell I was going to do a whole PhD dissertation on modern SF*F (including comics) as this era’s myth-making. *sigh* #litchat -2:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @saundramitchell Snort! And then there’s yoai…. #litchat -2:39 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @kashicat Good idea! #litchat -2:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| maggiedana @NessieBeliever Hey, Nessie. We’ve had a grand time. Join us again Weds as we steer murky waters of MJ, Elvis, Mr. Potter & cows. #litchat -2:40 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @Brattyhack It’s too late for a PhD, but I’ve always thought I should still write a book on it. 🙂 #litchat -2:41 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @maggiedana Ba-DUMP. #litchat -2:41 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @kashicat I think it is a legit subject. All media is fair game for sociological examination. #litchat -2:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @rj_anderson Love your book covers! #litchat -2:42 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| rj_anderson @Brattyhack *beams* Thank you! #litchat -2:43 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @rj_anderson – your covers are gorgeous. Interested in Knife. Well done. #litchat -2:44 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma @kashicat – do it! don’t you realize I’m a cultural anthropologist? studying ppl via twitter? it’s never too late to pontificate. #litchat -2:45 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @wiremamma It’s still a goal of mine. Life intervened for a long time. But I still take notes etc. #litchat -2:46 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack RT @kashicat it’s never too late to pontificate. 🙂 #litchat -2:48 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| kashicat @Brattyhack @wiremamma Ha! Careful what you ask for. If there’s anything I’m prone to… #litchat -2:49 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| danish_novelist Why do writers need #writegoal? We need to play, let go, use our imagination, not behaving like accountants. #litchat -2:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack Gack! Grabbed wrong handle. RT @wiremamma it’s never too late to pontificate. #litchat -2:51 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| Brattyhack @kashicat Bring it on! 🙂 #litchat -2:52 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
| wiremamma Great #litchat today – a bit dodgy there for awhile…but we made it out of the woods okay! -2:52 PM Jul 13th, 2009 |
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