DaniBrull
Hi readers. Hi friends. Hi fellow writers. We need to have a small talk.
I've been getting a lot of questions as to why book two of THE RAPTURE has not been posted, and I've been putting off answering for awhile. Why is THE UPRISING on hiatus? Why did you post it and then take it down? Why are you leaving your readers hanging on this series?
I hate the answer. I really do. But the reason why I have not kept the story up is due to transphobic pushback.
Look. I'm not new to hard-to-take feedback or constructive criticism. Like all writers, I grow stronger and better with time, and still, there are a lot of things yet for me to master. That's why I call myself the jack of all trades, master of none, because I tend to write what speaks to me. Queer or straight, I'll write it.
I always try to give a real-world reflection in my stories. This means showing characters like me--like you--like us--and being real with the way I craft. Characters that are gay, trans, or POC exists in my stories because they exist in real life. I've gotten a lot of backlash on this second book (and I mean A LOT) for the man character being they/them.
Usually, this doesn't bother me, but when it is a whole group of people (across multiple platforms), it tends to leave a bitter taste in my mouth. I'm not here to ruffle feathers or change your political ideation; I'm only here to make stories.
You can pass on my stories. But what I REALLY don't get is hate-reading my stories and hate-following me to let me know how utterly upset my stories make you.
It's weird. It's strange. And it has put me in a very bonkers place. I don't want to write like I have to walk on eggshells, but I also want to write what you want, too.
Like this second book. That's the reason why it's taking so long to get posted. To all of my fans who love the series, I'm sorry I'm letting a few bad apples stall this for you.
(But I promise you it is coming, just not right away).
musefodder
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offensive
@DaniBrull I know this feeling well. I had a reader demand to know why I "made the character trans*" because it "served no function in the plot development." My response was, I made the character trans* because that's who they are, and it doesn't NEED to be part of the fucking plot. Know that your writing is valuable for what it presents and represents. The ones who complain aren't your audience, they're just the ones who tried to cram your story in one of the Label Boxes and got extremely butt-hurt when it didn't fit. It is daunting, and it's painful. And it won't ever really go away. But I hope that you find the energy and motivation within yourself and feel inspired to continue.
Evan_Binley
@DaniBrull Hi Dani. Like @SeraDrake (who commented above), I identify as non-binary (they/them). Although I haven't read your story, I wanted to offer some verbal support towards you writing in the queer space. I was brought up in a transphobic household and one of the reasons that I didn't recognise I was non-binary until after I'd graduated college was because of a lack of positive representation in the queer community. There are haters everywhere ... but I wanted you to know that there are supporters too. Hugs. ❤️
Shimaira
I am so sorry to hear you've been getting more hate (as I only knew of the 1 comment a week or two back). When not cis yourself, those comments tend to hit even harder <hug> I hope these vile remarks stop (-_-メ)
