Why Authors Should Avoid Discussing Politics and Religion

Rachel Thompson

Author • Poet • Advocate

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Why Authors Should Avoid Discussing Politics and Religion

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Many people disagree with my stance to avoid discussing politics and/or religion on social media (unless it’s a key part of your branding/book/blog).

And that’s cool. We all have to do what seems right to us, and we curate content that we find interesting. And shouldn’t social media be the one place we can really connect with like-minded folks? Didn’t Obama use Twitter and Facebook during his elections to really develop a diehard following? Don’t many of the various religious leaders and political parties use social media now?

Whatevs. Here is why I say to avoid those hot-button topics. Let’s deconstruct.*

*Examples are taken from real life as well as some clients, and in no way represent my personal ideology of worshipping fez-wearing purple aliens.

RELIGION/POLITICS

The most intense and inflammatory flame wars I’ve seen surround these two topics. The second you say something derogatory about say, our President, you out your personal beliefs as a (used for example only) diehard right-wing conservative Republican, or at least a disappointed Democrat.

Or maybe you could care less about politics but making a comment makes it seem as if you are extreme in some way even if you’re not. If your book is about politics, great. You’ve just connected with the demographic who will buy it — and alienated those who are offended by your personal politics or beliefs. I have a number of very conservative folks buy my books — and I’m certainly not their ‘normal’ demographic, am I? (A ‘left coast’ Jewish breadwinning female.)

My books have nothing to do with religion or politics — so I rarely if ever share anything political or religious on social media (or my websites). I believe we need to connect with readers at a basic human level — love, loss, relationships are my topics so that’s what I focus on. You as an author have to decide what is best for you, and your marketing and sales. I just caution you to be conscious that being a writer and having a public persona means this is your JOB. It’s never a good idea to get into discussions of  ideology on social media. Avoid if you can.

FOCUS/BRANDING

If you focus on topics of interest that are somewhat related to you and your book, you will know exactly what to share on social media or as blog topics. The first activity you need to do (and I do this with clients, also), is figure out what five or so keywords (or key phrases) you are interested in, write about, are intrinsically drawn to. When we’re passionate about something, we are authentic — our interest is true. From there, you build your brand (or focus, if the B-word scares you).

I have one client who wrote a book about his experiences with the federal government. He has some very strong political opinions and is passionate about it also — and his book delves into politics. So for him, politics is a natural topic that cements his branding.

Another client writes YA/Paranormal, and is a conservative Christian. She found that by talking about her religious experiences or sharing those kinds of quotes was alienating her fan base — primarily because she’s not writing Christian Fiction. So…she stopped. She sticks to more YA and Paranormal type subjects and her following has grown exponentially. (She keeps her personal Facebook wall — where you friend people — strictly family and friends, using her page for book-related topics.)

TRIAL AND ERROR

Nothing we do in marketing is set in stone. If you pick your five words or phrases or topics and they don’t seem to resonate, change them. One client is a teacher, so he likes to connect with other teachers about educational-related topics. He also writes pretty racy erotica. The challenge, then, is: how to merge his daily interest in education with the edgier topics? We finally decided to have him use a pen name and keep that writing platform separate from his ‘real-life’ accounts. He’s a good, normal guy who writes racy stuff — however, he didn’t want anyone to think poorly of him with regard to teaching (and teachers have to be so careful these days anyway, particularly a male), so this has worked out beautifully.

In fact, just recently he decided to abandon the personal accounts (simply due to time constraints), so we shelved those accounts for now and rebranded his keywords strictly for writing and erotica.

This is just my opinion as both an author and social media consultant for hire. Above all, I believe in polite, respectful discourse.

Feel free to disagree, yell at me, or tell me I’m an idiot. I’ve heard it all. Bring it.

Did you know: Broken Pieces just won its seventh award? Top Honorable Mention with the London Book Festival! And Booktrope just released it in print on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Read it and see why. 

Comments

  2. Thanks for this. There is a tendency of some people (me) to use Twitter as a place to vent, in a vain hope that we can ether reach the source of our ire and poke them in the eye or garner support for our view, or both for a real score. All that is cool if you have a personal Twitter account and you just want to share and seek ideas, to be a part of the public discourse. But Rachel is right – once again. If you are going to use an account such as Twitter to promote your business then leave the politics out of it unless that is your business. e.g. I think Jake Needham is one of the best authors working, but I really don’t care what he thinks about Vladimir Putin. The Sikorsky helicopter company does not announce on their website that the baby Jesus likes their choppers better than Boeing. That would be a ridiculous marketing strategy. We should treat our own brands – books, small bizz etc, with the same focus on the product and the customer. I will however, continue to violate the rules occasionally so…
    Also, it is true fact that God’s favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys. I thought i should point that out in the interest of verity.

    Reply

    • LOL, Joe. You have the best replies.

      We are adults and are allowed to disagree with each other. We’re even allowed to be rude. However, as authors, we have a product to sell, and being rude rarely helps one sell books 🙂

      Thanks for the heads up on Dallas.

      Reply

  3. Hi Rachel, congratulations on the London Book Festival Award! 🙂
    Thank you for raising awareness on [blog] post’s boundaries on social media platforms. I’m not sure how many people, especially writers -since I believe your post is primarily meant for us, take the time to think of the direction they would like to take when it comes to discussing religion and politics, and to ponder the implications and consequences when they engage in doing so. That said, the truth is that some writers are activists, and as you pointed out it will be part of their branding and their online identity as writers. I subscribed to not mixing what shouldn’t be (in that context I’m thinking of how it could/would alienate one’s fan base and create a disconnect between the books written and current events). I personally enjoy expressing my opinions about religions and politics on my blogs, Twitter and Facebook accounts, but I usually do so to encourage people to read articles I find interesting or thought-provoking, to encourage whoever will be interested to be more aware of his or her rights and remind that they are actions we can take to support causes that are dear to us; lastly I’m hoping that I promote respect for differences, whether it be cultural, religious, or ultimately political, though though the latest is not the area I’m most vocal about.

    Wishing you and all your readers a year filled with joy and good news. 🙂

    Reply

    • Thanks for your thoughtful response, Nathalie. Definitely, I think it’s fine to encourage polite discourse about a hot topic (for example, the Duck Dynasty flap) — as long as people can remain calm and thoughtful. I find that some folks are extremely passionate and that can create issues — so I tend to tread lightly only because it’s too stressful!

      Sometimes flame wars are seemingly unavoidable and as long as people don’t take it personally, I’m all for it. When it degenerates into name calling and bullying, I’m out. 🙂

      Wishing you a wonderful new year also!

      Reply

      • What an article, Rachel!! As you know, I write a whole lot on this topic, as well. Reading the answer above, I would disagree with you regarding the polite discourse, etc. Also, I would like to identify how authors feel that this helps to sell their books by engaging in this type of action. What are you hoping to accomplish?

        An author’s job (once their book is written) is to sell that book and to attract an audience for your books. As a result, that author becomes a business. It isn’t to be an activist…unless the books that are being written are on a political/religious issue. As a result, one might actually lose customers/readers if the reader disagrees with that person. An author must be very careful in recognizing business boundaries and/or make a decision regarding what they want to be known for.

        In working with authors, I have also seen numerous incidents where the “discussions” that an author has started get so out of hand that it almost becomes a bullying session with those who disagree. Remember that your “fans” can ruin your brand just as quickly as you can!!

        I go with the old saying that about how many people a dissatisfied customer tells versus a happy customer. As a business, particularly as an indie author, do you really want to risk that?

        Reply

        • I’m with you totally, Naomi. We are a business — our platform, persona, and books.

          Those authors that are politically outspoken and write in a genre that’s NOT political are, IMHO, losing more readers than they realize.

          That said, I do believe it’s possible to have polite discourse — as long as it’s moderated. If people are there to rant and bully, that’s something completely different and not at all what I mean. But I do feel that’s it is possible to discuss current events in a way that doesn’t have to slam others. Discussion is where ideas grow, so I always encourage it (on FB in particular, where people tend to feel they can rant). I agree that discussions can get out of hand quickly — you and I have seen that recently w/ He Who Shall Not Be Named (interestingly, not a political discussion lol), which resulted in blocks all the way around, due to his anger management issues.

          It’s at least worth discussing this — people are unpredictable and as authors we have to realize that it’s our job to be hyperaware of how we come across…

          hugs as always

          Reply

          • Thank you, Naomi, for the food for thought. NYT Bestselling author Ellen Hopkins is one of the first names that comes to mind regarding outspoken authors. Thanks to her Facebook posts (mainly posting news articles), I understand that several teenagers take the time to read and be informed about what is going on in the political arena, given how it can later influence their future. I can’t tell if she’s lost readers because of that. In her case, I doubt she did. Keep in mind that her YA books all deal with social issues affecting teenagers, and the political conversations she sparks often have to do with how people are talked about by politicians, about people’s rights, etc. – more specifically gays, minorities, regulations concerning the mentally ills.

  4. Hi Rachel! I’m glad I read this. This is a lesson I generally apply to ALL social settings. I learned the hard way. Anyway, I’ve been thinking of reviving a mothballed blog I started when I was a community activist/politician but it probably doesn’t fit with the brand I’ve been trying to build for myself recently. I focus on writing poetry and self-help stuff primarily and know first-hand how inflammatory dialogue can become when dealing with politics. Unfortunately, not everyone can discuss certain things calmly. I think I’ll probably avoid resurrecting that old blog after all.

    Reply

    • It can be difficult to hold our tongue, particularly if we feel strongly about something.

      Proof that this is an issue — a guy on Twitter just told me I ‘totally fucked this one up.’ LOL. I thanked him.

      Do what’s best for YOU, Michael. If your genre and writing isn’t religious or politically based, you may want to avoid those topics on your author blog. That isn’t to say you can’t have a different blog to discuss these topics, of course.

      Reply

      • One thing that I have recommended because I am just as political as the next guy is to write under a pseudonym. I have my anonymous twitter accounts that I go nuts on. I haven’t stepped up to writing politically…simply because I don’t have the time to get everything done now that I need to get done. I think it would be a great outlet though.

        Reply

  5. Good stuff, Rachel. I’m leaning this way e heavily. You want people to enjoy your books. I got myself caught in a little rage event when I made a comment (after months of the author whining about taxes and some other right wing stuff that was just too much) I was immediately jumped on. I just left the room. She is an author who talks about her religious and views and was swearing like a marine.and I’m thinking, nope. I don’t want to be like that because the internet is forever. Some of her readers if they saw what she vented I think would be turned off. If I’m talking about history, I might point out some historical facts to an argument, but I have my platform for my novels and I want to be able to chat with readers no matter there background.

    Congrats on your London Book Award and going with Booktrope.

    Reply

    • Thanks JL. I totally get that. I see a lot of people on Facebook especially sharing their views and don’t realize that not everyone ascribes to their POV. It can definitely alienate potential readers. Most readers will go out of their way to avoid books by authors whom they dislike because of a statement or view. Sad, but true.

      Work should stand on its own, but it rarely does.

      and thank you! I’m thrilled.

      Reply

  6. Makes sense in a lot of ways to stay out of politics, etc. – not for me, but I totally understand how it could cause some conflict with others. Most of my fiction, from short stories to my novels works, even poetry, has some hot-button socio-political issue or has a theme that reflects the social and political commentary that fills my non-fiction type of writing, so it all works in unison. I write about/comment about/post about a lot of women’s issues – many of my main characters are women dealing with these types of issues, so it makes sense. It depends on the person, as always. What I find interesting is how someone can be X in one department of their lives but have to put that part of himself away because it won’t agree with the Y part that comes up in his fiction and might disagree with fans. It’s like being in the closet. Of course, people do not always feel free to be themselves, and if they can make it work, that’s fine. In the end, I can’t see any reason not to comment on politics or hot-button social issues; every comment or stance does not have to be an extreme one, and it’s an opportunity as a social influencer to make the world a better place. Just my opinion, of course.

    Reply

    • I agree that we can use our social influence for good. I just feel that for authors who want to sell books, those two do not necessarily go hand in hand. We can use our personal accounts to interact on issues — but I feel strongly that ticking off potential readers over their core beliefs isn’t part of that equation. If it works within your branding? Go for it. Absolutely agree there.

      I respect you, Scott, and appreciate your input.

      Reply

  7. As a former therapist I believe in projecting a blanks slate and allow others to project their values into their interpretations of what you say and do. If you’re vague about your personal views if they like everything else you write they will see you through their own rose colored glasses and you end up being perceived favorably by more people of diverse values.

    Reply

    • Hi Phil!

      I so appreciate you weighing in. I agree with the blank slate concept as authors, because people do absolutely project their own experiences and emotions onto our work anyway, without the added fuel of political or religious views added in.

      We are selling our work — so the focus should be on the work, ideally. Of course, we are also humans with brains and hearts, so it’s much more complicated. It’s truly all about choices.

      thanks so much, Phil.

      Reply

    • Aw, thanks Norah!

      It’s definitely a personal decision for each author to make — again, it goes back to connecting with others on more than a superficial level. I think it’s very possible to discuss important issues without it going into difficult territory. Others disagree. We all have to decide for ourselves.

      Reply

  9. Good post, particularly for those coming to any kind of public or social expression. 30 Years ago, hairdressers were often prohibited from talking with clients about sex, politics & religion – known widely at the time as “the 3 taboos.” Not much has changed, though the platforms where the conversations take place have – though we can talk about sex, at least, no doubt also with great help from the Internet. What has changed in the UK (and probably elsewhere) is the importance placed by many on what we say & often the aftermath of its wider dissemination differs greatly from the initial reaction to it. This makes attacks outside of cyberspace easier, particularly where the wider expectations of one’s “real life” identity come into play with a vengeance. Digital footprints can be difficult to eradicate completely & therefore some of the spontaneity many of us express online can be a real problem for ourselves.

    I therefore completely agree about focus & think even that new bloggers should research this carefully before telling us every single thought that comes into their heads.

    However, I like blogging as a medium & it would be a shame if we all became too careful in our strategies rather than being freer and perhaps a lot less formal than the “grown up” media that nobody really reads.

    Anyway, please keep on blogging. Good stuff. Charles, Gonzolecture #tgltag

    Reply

    • thanks so much, Charles 🙂

      I agree, that our blog is our home — we run things how we want. Being controversial is FINE in my book — it’s when people bring the discussions over to social that it becomes problematic. Unless, of course, your book about those topics.

      Authenticity is a big deal — people know when we are glossing over, totally agree with you there also. It’s a fine line and one each of us has to decide whether to step over it or not.

      thank you for reading and your thoughtful comments…

      Reply

  10. Congratulations.

    I’ve lost more than one friend due to a political or religious posting on Facebook. I think if the other party had cared enough to discuss/listen and not rant and “hang-up”, we might still be friends (I was the one unfriended). However, in this crazy virtual online world, that seldom happens. Though the internet should be a place to share and discuss ideas, it is more frequently a drive-by shout-bombing where the message reads, “I’m right! You’re wrong! Go stuff yourself!” – without so much as a howdy. Just like the link on social-media bragging you tweeted the other day – http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/wp/2013/12/18/social-media-desperately-needs-an-antidote-for-bragging/

    At any rate, this is something I have been thinking about quite a lot lately. I seem to spend too much time on social media and not enough time actually writing. What’s more, who is really listening anyway? A few of my friends and family read and respond, but really, who am I reaching? It seems like a wasted effort. Sure, I feel a little better knowing that I’m sharing my pain with whomever is out there, but I’m not making any converts. The opposition is wearing blinders, the fence sitters don’t really care. That leaves the choir, and I’m tired of preaching.

    The upshot is that I’m 98.7% sure you’re right. I just need to learn how to curb myself and not end up road-raging or ranting at my wife, who is also a card-carrying member of the choir.

    Reply

  11. Rachel ~
    Congrats on the awards for your books, as well as your tenacity in being your calling and purpose as an author. That is inspirational to the rest of us out here staying true to our callings as writers, so thank you. For me it is two-edged sword, in my writings (blogs)/presentations about youth prevention and intervention, I have a responsibility to address systemic factors that cause so many challenges for our youth, some of these factors are political. But there is a way to address political and even religious topics without marginalizing others. the irony from my experiences is that I’ve found using words to bring inclusiveness in the areas of religious or political topics seems to get more resistance. Which is interesting because as we attempt to engage readers and listeners in a humanistic, all encompassing manner, we can see how so many are invested in division, although unity is what many say they want.

    Reply

  12. I agree. An author that I particularly like uses their platforms for hate-filled political diatribes. I’ve unliked them twice, reliked them again because I like their books so well and want to hear about them, then unliked again because, really, I don’t want hatred in my feed. I really don’t mind when people disagree with my religion or politics, even though I have strong feelings about both. I love hearing other people’s perspectives and it helps shape me. But to see someone I really want to admire spew hatred about the subjects, well, it’s a big turnoff. Might even be why I haven’t bought their latest series yet.

    Reply

    • And that’s a very normal, human response. My mother is the same way — if she dislikes someone’s personal politics or religion, she won’t watch their movies, TV shows, or purchase their books. It can be difficult for us to separate our own personal bias with those of the artists we are drawn to.

      And therein lies the difficulty. 🙂

      Reply

    • I think hate, the word and the concept, are thrown around far too recklessly these days. I’ve had someone accuse me of hating something that I didn’t, simply because my point of view was not in line with theirs. (They also didn’t allow me to attempt an understanding or explanation. Talk about hate! XP ) People really need to take a step back and count to 10 sometimes, and definitely stop ascribing motive to someone else, especially one as strong as hatred. Only G-d sees what is in a man’s mind and heart. Unless someone says “I hate thus and such” (or similar speech), how can we know. We all need to practice a bit more tolerance – another word that gets misused more often than not.

      Reply

      • That’s fair. What I meant in my comment was things like using “stupid” to describe other political opinions or making cute compound words that combine “retards” with political descriptors. I don’t mind hearing people’s rational points of view including their own heartfelt opinions. I do mind making angry fun of the other side, particularly from someone I want to buy ideas from.

        Reply

      • Agree, Kurt. I see a lot of tempers flare on social media, particularly on Facebook (I’m not sure why). Have polite discourse, fine. But not being open to others POV is why wars start (figuratively and literally). It’s sad — how can we move forward if we can’t even be respectful and polite?

        I’m not perfect. I’ve gotten into heated discussions before regarding women and sexual assault — some of the horrific comments — well, you wouldn’t believe. But that’s a different topic for a different day.

        hugs, fella.

        Reply

    • Thanks so much, Jeff. Interesting timing, as some guy just went off on me on Twitter about this article — without even having read it lol. Whatevs.

      We’re all entitled to our opinion. My point is simply that from a business perspective, getting into flame wars with people RE our personal beliefs makes little business sense — and it strays from our branding UNLESS our book is about religion or politics. Then it’s right on topic.

      thank you for your comments!

      Reply

  14. Congrats on the award!!! I am a politics junkies; however, I have learned long time ago that when it comes to politics, religion or even sport, is better to stay away and just politely agree to disagree. My personal instance is to avoid arguing about politics, religion or sport with any fanatic person. It’s almost impossible to rationalize with fanatics, so it’s better to just leave it and forget about it. However, I occasionally used to post about politics. I stopped it, when I realized that some people would take some post personally and were always trying to stir controversy. At moment, I even refrain from commenting on some political or religion posting. However, then it gets depressing that we live in a society that we can’t say or express what we want to on such topics, because we are afraid of alienating some people.

    Reply

    • Thank you so much! I agree that it’s sad but from a business perspective, it’s smart. I do find that people on FB are rabid and extreme when these discussions come up so like you, I avoid them.

      I shared a quote from my book Broken Pieces the other day — about happiness and pain — and some guy starts going off on the idiocy of the Democrats. I didn’t engage him at all. But it got me thinking about people pushing their own agenda when clearly my quote had to do with something else entirely.

      If people are going to engage in those discussions, at least make it relevant.

      Reply

  15. I agree in principle, and I never used to mention anything to do with politics or religion, but I’ve softened my stance when it comes to my personal Facebook page (my blog and author FB page are another matter). For a long time, the personal FB page was the only one I had, so a lot of my friends found their way to it through my books. Many of them are very right wing or hold opinions with which I disagree, but we’ve managed to avoid flame wars. Generally, if someone else posts something that doesn’t reflect my viewpoint, I just ignore it, and the same goes for them when I post something that is not consistent with their world view. Then there are the FB friends who have differing opinions and like to play. For example, I’m in favor of gun control, but have some FB friends who are most decidedly not. We tag each other when we post so we can have some fun. It’s always been in a good spirit. I don’t post about religion unless it’s something to do with people not “believing” in evolution — that is science. I write children’s books so I do feel some responsibility there.

    Having said that, I did get embroiled in something with a climate change denier the other day that ended up with his deciding that I was a government spy and blocking me. But that’s the only time anything like that has ever happened!

    Reply

    • Thanks for sharing your viewpoint, Helen. We all have to decide what works best for us, and if religious or political ideologies can be worked effectively into your author branding and platform, great! If not, avoid. There’s plenty of evidence (including your example) which prove that out.

      We all have a right to our own beliefs, but feel that as authors, we risk alienating folks. If authors don’t care about that, then it’s their choice to move forward on those topics and deal with the potential fallout.

      Reply

  16. Totally agree, that if it’s out of your demographic, don’t express it. Sadly too, for me, I also have to be careful with all the dirty little secrets of my main demographic “mountaineers” – the people who didn’t really climb something, the people who were carried most of the way, the people living off their charities, and it’s all hush-hush because any expose would likely shut down all the funding sources and access to climbing routes. So silence is golden.

    Reply

  17. Very interesting discussion here. As an author, you owe it to your product and publisher to best represent the book to the public; it’s your business. As you’ve said, unless politics or religion—or even M rated content—add value and context to the book(s), best to keep it out of the promotional mix. However, the power of social media is that it offers more personal access—or at least the illusion of it—to fans and consumers. Balancing the human factor is crucial, and people gravitate towards shared values. Having an opinion can be very attractive; it can also be passionately rejected.

    At the end, understand and accept the value and consequences of exposing your opinions. It will become part of your brand, whether that is consistent with what you want or not. This is advice any business leader, not just authors, must follow.

    And, sadly, politics and religion are two things that we should be talking about, not hiding from. It’s a terrible catch-22.

    Reply

  18. This blog post made me realize I need to think more about my branding. (Yes, I’ve been somewhat avoiding the b-word.) I have thought about and worked on it, but when it comes to religion, I’m in this murky area because of what I write. Right now I’m focusing on books that inspire thought about spirituality and how *personal* it is to each and every person on the planet. I don’t want to be put in a box that says “she is X,” but then I wonder if that’s even possible–when you create a world that exists with very specific spiritual rules, aren’t you painting yourself with a certain paintbrush?

    Eek. I always do things that hard way, and it looks like I’ve made this tough for myself. I’ve known it all along, but now I really need to face it.

    Reply

    • Hi Samantha. Branding seems confusing, but think about this: it’s really about managing expectations. If someone is looking for a spiritual book and that IS what you write, then spirituality should be part of your branding. From a strictly business perspective, you have pick categories for your book — that gives you an insight into your branding right there. Same with the keywords you choose.

      Write down what it is you love to read about, write about, discuss. Those can be subjects you write about. That can become your branding. It’s a process but it’s all connected. Make sense?

      Reply

  19. Rachel as always excellent.
    Truth is both religion and politics are a fact of life. In ways they are finite and or rhetorical in how we view them. Past, present and or future tense applies. All of the emotions they can engage in so many ways from a sense of well being to one of hatred, rage, fury.
    We have an opinion, no opinion, fact or fiction on validity re substance but in the end it is the reader who interprets what we write re religion and politics.
    It can be a field of long grass, soft wind ripping through, blues skies fluffy candy floss clouds and contentment or a full on raging storm that brings rage, fury from the reader cos as I’ve said and you make clear, it IS how they interpret it.
    To me Politics and Religion can add fuel to the flame, you just have to be careful NOT to end up getting your fingers burnt.

    Reply

  20. Great points in this post. I think it’s hard for people to stay away from these topics as they hold so much personal importance. But it’s better to stay on topic and not alienate your audience, particularly if your work has nothing to do with politics or religion.

    Reply

  21. I do agree with you, Rachel. Social media is meant to be social. For instance if I share Nigerian political views on my blog or twitter, I could loose followership and moreso disconnect with my foreign readers. I think it’s best kept simple and engaging. Thanks for sharing this 🙂

    Reply

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