Defining LDS Fiction

Seems to be a controversy brewing. A book advertised as LDS fiction appears to be anything but.

Does LDS fiction communicate something specific? I think it does. I believe that authors who write for the LDS market have a responsibility to uphold LDS standards. If authors don't want to adhere to LDS standards they should write for a different market. It's unfair to market a book to the LDS community when that book twists gospel principles and it's overall message is to turn to Satan instead of the Savior.

No one is forcing people to write for the LDS market. It's a small niche market and no one will ever become wealthy writing for it. But, it deserves respect and if authors don't want to respect LDS values, write for a different market.

I rarely buy or read books for the national market because I've been disappointed too many times in the language or themes even for middle grade fiction. I buy and read LDS fiction because I expect it to uphold my standrads. I do not expect to be assaulted by profane language (especially using the Lord's name in such a disrespectful manner), or read graphic scenes, or read the glorification of immoral and unrighteous behavior. I have certain expectations when I purchase an LDS book. I expect to be able to hand it to my daughter, without reading it first, and not have to worry it will contain inappropraite material.

I will also read books by LDS author for the national market if I know I can trust the authors to write a clean book. I just don't have enough time to waste on books that I won't like.

I'm certainly not going to dictate to others what to write, but if they want to write for the LDS market I believe they commit to writing a story that upholds LDS stndards.

I think it's flat out wrong to advertise a book as LDS fiction when that book isn't. What do you think?

You might want to check out the discussion on this topic over at LDS Publisher.