Your honest opinion, please...

[Diana Hignutt]

I'd like to ask you for your honest opinion about something. Not specifically about my writing, per se, but about your my identity as an author, if you will. Let me explain. As some of you may know, I write fantasy novels. As some of your may further know, I happen to be a post operative transsexual woman. Here's the question in a nutshell: Would the fact that I am transsexual negatively impact your decision to read my work? Please be honest. Do you immediately think that I may have less talent, or that my work would have less interest to you because of my having undergone SRS (Sexual Reassignment Surgery).

Now, so far, most of my published work deals with the exploration of gender change in some respect, though probably much less than you may assume. Clearly, it is a major issue (theme, if you will) of my life, and artistically it is a strong inspiration for me. I also do feel compelled to not keep the fact that I am ts a secret, so I can be an postive example to others.

Now, for my next book, my publisher thinks we should downplay the fact that I am ts, and the ts theme of the book, and play up the fact that I am a "brilliant novelist with a extremely wonderfully well-written, powerful book." We had this discussion just the other day, and it really got me thinking, and so I bring you this question.

So, I ask the question a little differently again. If you knew an author had earned plenty of award nods, and positive indusry reviews, would you consider reading their work, if you also knew they were transsexual? How would that knowledge influence your decision, if at all?

Now, I will say that I will never use a pen name for the purpose of hiding my nature. I am in no way ashamed of who or what I am. My decision to undergo gender reassignment was the best decision I have made in my life, and I am intensely proud to be me. The fact that I am ts has opened many media doors for me, but I do fear that people may not take me as seriously as a writer as they otherwise may have. I'm not sure what I can do about it, if that appears to be the case, except keep trying to write better and better books and hope for the best. Perhaps, after I complete my MOONSWORD TRILOGY, and have more non-tg themed work published, this will be less of an issue.

What do you think? I value your opinion. Thanks.

Diana Hignutt

[aadams73]

No. :) Gender, sexual preference, marital status, political stance, religious affiliations*, and just about anything else about your(or any author's) personal life have anything to do with whether or not I'll buy your book. If it looks interesting to me, I'll buy it.


*Unless your name is Tim LaHaye or L. Ron Hubbard, in which case I won't even look at it on the shelf.

[azbikergirl]

Would your being ts infuence my decision to buy? Perhaps, but not for the reason you might think. Your personal experiences with SRS would probably make that aspect of your novel(s) more immersive and intense, and that's part of why I read: to experience life as somone else. I'm not compelled to read stories about transsexual individuals, but if an intriguing story happens to involve ts people, I'd read the first page to judge the writing -- just as I do with every book I buy. IOW, I would not put a book back on the shelf just because I discover the author is transsexual.

[triceretops]

Diana, as far as I'm concerned you've always been up and up with this community, and told it like it was from the begining. I've always admired your straightforwardness, candid, and honest nature. I have been following your writing history, and sincerely, have enjoyed your successes right along with you. There is no doubt that you have found an audience with your books, and I think they are unique in that they explore a subject that most of us don't properly understand. So, in that vein, you've brought us something new and different into the storyline industry. You have a new angle--a new perspective that I believe needs to be showcased.

If I were you, I would divulge my life-choice and experiences as the demand of the those questions arose. This might be in the form of interviews and profiles that come with the publicity releases, and if the subject came up, sure, explain away. I don't think it distracts from you, but rather instills an intrigue and curiosity. Notwithstanding, I do believe it is your writing talent that outshines everything else--you've been nominated and cited for awards, and by golly I would certainly play that up.

I see you as a great novelist. I can meet you in your books. Now, just curious--does this issue have to do with mentioning your ts on a book blurb or in your bio? Or on the book's website and other media forms?

Anyway, you raise one hell of a good question with this. I'll tune back in and check with some other responses. I want to think on this one and so some research.

Hugs, Triceratops

[AdamMac]

I can't imagine any fans of the genre (such as me) would decline to buy a book of yours because of your gender change. If anything, it may add to sales of your books themed on the topic. You're probably aware of that though.

Is your concern more one of being ghetto-ized, pigeon-holed into writing on a certain theme? I think that's something you could easily avoid.

[brinkett]

All I care about is that the author can write a decent story and decent characters.

At what point are you mentioning that you're ts (in the book's author bio, in press releases, ?).

[Diana Hignutt]

My humble thanks to all who have answered so far.

Yeah, basically, this comes from my publishers decision to de-emphasize the tg elements in both my bio and book blurb, online and on the upcoming new book.

Here's the link to the new book page:

http://www.behlerpublications.com/titles-diana2.asp

And here's the link to my other book's page:

http://www.behlerpublications.com/titles-diana.asp

Though it certainly is not necessary to follow the links to continue this discussion, it will allow you to see the difference. I do not disagree with my publisher's decision, but I am not without reservations about it. Part of me feels it betrays who I am, and the other part just wants to sell books the best way possible.

Please keep the input coming. I truly appreciate your honesty and time.

diana

[cwfgal]

It wouldn't matter to me one way or the other. Whether or not it's a good marketing strategy to mention it or not mention it, I don't know.

Beth

[brinkett]

What's the reason for the change? Do they feel people aren't buying your book because you're ts?

A person who would reject your book because you're ts isn't likely to buy a book with a ts theme/character, anyway. And if there are strong ts elements in the new book, I think it's a mistake not to bring that out in the blurb in the hope of snagging readers who wouldn't usually pick up such a book. It could anger those readers if they feel duped.

But then, I'm not a publisher or a marketing expert.

[Christine N.]

You know I love you Diana. You know I adored Empress, as I'm sure I'll adore Moonspell. I HAVE to read it, just to get the backstory to Empress, it was THAT compelling.

If I were a person who had never "met" you, and hadn't read the bio on the back of the book, I never would have known about your ts.

Here's my take - perhaps put it in the press releases and jazz, but you don't necessarily have to mention it on the book jacket. Unless you REALLY want to. I don't think it makes a difference one way or another - it's still great writing.

On the other hand, there are those people who might not read it b/c of that. They exist, we know they do.

I'm no help, am I. LOL. The publisher is thinking about it, b/c the bottom line is sales. Readers. If you don't care that people who might not like your ts status are picking up the book, then don't put it on the book. If you do, then do.

Having read your work, I think the TS element is put forth in a manner that I don't think anyone would relate it to YOU specifically,unless they already know. It's a fantasy, and all kinds of things happen in fantasy. You've put it out there as such, and I think the story appeals to all lovers of fantasy. The change of the MC's sex is really background to the story, not THE story. See what I mean?

Sigh. Like I said, do what your gut tells you. You know where to find me :)

[inexperiencedinker]

hhmmm...i don't know what my feelings are on this. I understand you not wanting to betray what you are, but sometimes you don't need to make life difficult for yourself. Don't lie, and when asked, sure tell the story and reasons and facts in your life, but I am not a firm believer in flag waving. I work in a VERY professional office, for the government, and wear a suit to work every day. Only one person knows I am pagan, because they asked, and beyond that I don't care to express my personal views in life. I am sure some have figured it out on their own, but I am not one to carry a banner proclaiming my views and religion. It's a personal issue for everyone, and good luck deciding your course.
As far as not reading a book because of the author, I think that is phooey. Any good book worm knows that the story is what is important. The only time you will anger readers is if you hold out from them, either with a new book for more money (Jean M. Auel) or don't put all you have into the writing. I doubt many would be biased either way. Good luck!

[Richard]

Diana - I really couldn't care less. If it's a book I want to read, it doesn't matter if you're male, female or Martian. I might get a bit annoyed if the whole promotion was just based on that and it wasn't a core part of the book however - simply because I usually want to know more about the book than its author when deciding what to read next. Obviously, if it's connected to the story, it's a different matter.

(Semi-related: you might be interested to look up the story of Dan/Dani Bunten-Berry - a pretty famous game designer who had the operation, and all the tributes that flooded in after she died (http://www.anticlockwise.com/dani/tributes.htm). In every case, it was his/her work that made his/her name (I use both because she was a designer before and after) rather than the operation.)

[Susan Gable]

Diana,

Your background may have been relevent when you were writing books that really focused on those themes. It gave some authenticity - you'd walked the walk, so to speak. :)

But, since it really shouldn't matter about you as a person (and yet, there are readers out there who wouldn't read your book if they knew about your experience. Hey, there are readers out there who won't read a book for all sorts of bizzare reasons. I know some people who not only won't read a book by an author if it contains a miscarriage, but they then refuse to read all books by that some author. I don't know how they haven't run out of authors to pick from given the fact that miscarriage is such a fairly common occurance for women) and since your publisher is steering you to tone down those themes in your work, then I'd say yes, consider not making such a big issue in your bios, etc.

That's not being ashamed of who you are, it's being a good business person, and this is a business, first and foremost.

Although I will say that if the book contains strong transgender elements, and they play that down on the blurb, etc. - that can lead to some highly disgruntled readers. I think readers should know what they're getting in a book. Those kinds of "surprises" can make the reader feel like they were lied to on the blurb, and that makes them less likely to buy future books.

But that's about how they represent the BOOK, not about you.
Best of luck with however you decide to handle it!:Sun:
Susan G.

[Sheryl Nantus]

hmm... I'm going to take a different line on this just to be ornery...

:)

the publisher may be concerned that you're mentioning this particular aspect of your life too MUCH in your bios...

for example: on a recent Queer Eye the boys had to deal with a nudist - great fellow and they dressed him up in a tux for a dinner party, but when he met his family all spruced up all he could talk about was how he was going to be NAKED later... over and over again, even tho they knew his hobby of being a naturalist and that they knew he was going to a party that was going to be clothing-optional within a few minutes of them arriving.

the QE boys thought it was a bit pushy, given that everyone pretty well knew the circumstances.

it may be (and I could be 'orribly wrong, so apologies in advance) that your publisher perceives your ts status as being overmentioned - that you should be defining yourself as an award-winning author who happens to ALSO be a ts, not the other way around. But if you mention it over and over and over again it may overshadow the fact that your writing has received acclaims and awards outside of the ts community...

again, just tossing out another take on the situation and totally disregard if necessary....

:)

[James D. Macdonald]

"Brilliant book" is far more likely to gain mass readership than "TS writer."

[Lilybiz]

Hi Diana,

I'd guess it depends somewhat on your target audience. If your books take a more hip or liberal stance on such subjects, then your readers would be people who don't object to that anyway. Those who do object aren't likely to be interested in your work, regardless of your personal history.

Just my two cents. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Vanessa]

Diana,

I would definitely agree with most of the posters here. Write a good book: It sells! And the only reason I wouldn't buy your book regardless of who you are is simply because "the book" doesn't appeal to me. I would follow the advice of the publisher, and find out specifically their reasons in wanting you to tone things down. Now there will be people out there, who wouldn't buy it simply because of who you are, but those are the same people who wouldn't buy it if they were prejudice against race, sexual preference, gender, etc.

I say keep writing and as you've already made your mark in the industry, continue to focus all that energy in creating more books. This big ole' world is full of folks that will either support you or tear you down. You just have to maintain and do what feels good for you and let that pen do the walking.

Good Luck! Go get 'em! http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonbanana.gif

[Andrew Jameson]

What Uncle Jim said. "Check out this new book by a transsexual" ain't gonna get me to buy it. Nor is "Check out this new book by an ex-Marine", "...a neurosurgeon", "...a scratch golfer", "...a Bulgarian", or "...a brain in a jar".

But "Check out this new book by a brilliant writer." Ah. *That* will get me to buy it.

Since we're talking about marketing here (er... we are, aren't we?), I think there's a distinct difference between "Diana Hignutt is a great writer (who is also a transsexual)" and "Diana Hignutt is a transsexual (who is also a great writer)."

[Arkie]

The author's personal life makes no difference to me. It's all about the book.

[maestrowork]

Diana, my initial thought is that your personal life and who you are as a person shouldn't have any impact on your books. Personally, I wouldn't care. So go for it.

My second thought, however, is that the reality is different. Some people are going to either buy or not buy your book based on the fact that 1) you are a TS and 2) your book has TS themes in it. So, I kind of agree with your publisher that if you want to reach a wider audience, you might want to stress the "brilliant book by a brilliant author" and downplay the TS angle. An analogy would be that a book with gay themes might still work with the general public, but if it's a gay book by a gay author, suddenly it becomes a "Gay/Lesbian" niche fiction...

If the TS theme is only a part of your book, and the story is so much more than that, then I'd say, downplay the TS part. If however, you feel that the TS theme is essential and important and you want to reach people who might be interested in that theme, then go for it.

For me, I'm an Asian-American immigrant with an interesting background. But I chose not to market my book as an "Asian-American" book because I want to target a wide, mainstream audience. Perhaps I would lose some readers by not marketing it to the "niche" Asian market, but it's a choice I made. But I think the fact that I'm Asian, and my book has Asian themes in it would achieve that anyway, without me harping about the facts. It may or may not affect people's buying decisions -- I don't know. But I doubt it. I mean, if my use a name like "John Smith," I think my book would still attract those who like that kind of stories. My ethnicity shouldn't have anything to do with it.

Just my thought.

[ChunkyC]

So, I ask the question a little differently again. If you knew an author had earned plenty of award nods, and positive indusry reviews, would you consider reading their work, if you also knew they were transsexual? How would that knowledge influence your decision, if at all?
Why not? To be truthful, as far as enjoying a book goes, I don't care if the author is gay, straight, bisexual or has extra toes. Is the story good or not?

I think what your publisher may be getting at is what a few posters mentioned above. The primary emphasis should be on the book. Like others have said, don't hide that you are ts, but don't make it the focus of the media campaign to sell your work.

With that said, if there is a ts character or characters, and the whole issue is prevalent in the novel, then yes you need to hilight that along with the other pertinent themes running through the book that make it what it is. Naturally, in discussing ts in the book, the fact that you are ts will and certainly should come up since it shows you have the perspective to deal with the issue from a position of your own experience. But it should be treated in the same manner as anyone who brings a perspective to their work, such as a doctor like Tess Gerritsen writing medical thrillers, or someone who grew up as a member of a minority who's writing contains elements concerning racial tensions.

PS -- I truly admire you being so forthright. You have strength and courage and talent. In the long run, those are the things that will promote and sell your work.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoteThumbs.gif

[Christine N.]

I think the TS aspect of your book is secondary. I know it's a big part of what Moonspell is going to be, but Empress wasn't really about being a TS; although you make certain to let the reader understand how it affects her life... it's not like the whole book is about her sex change and how she deals with it. It's part of the story, but there's a whole of action/adventure/ storyline in there. You couldn't have the story without the TS aspect, but it's not the focus. At least I didn't think so. It was a means to an end. You know what I mean?

Dont' cover it up, but maybe don't put it out there in lights either. Like your book, make it secondary to the book itself.

You ARE a brilliant writer, Diana, don't let anything detract from that. :) Not that putting it out there WOULD, but some people might make a bigget deal out of it, and you want it to be about your writing, right?

[WriterInChains]

Hi Diana,

First, congrats on your books -- what a wonderful career you've had so far! http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteSun.gif
I read both web sites you have links to in your original message & I must admit that the first one [not the "new book" link] grabbed me more. That's probably because my daughter is an MTF ts, though. If anything, knowing that you're ts would make me buy the books instead of checking them out from the library [my book budget isn't even close to what I'd like it to be!]. I know that everyone's experiences are different, but I have an idea of some of the things you've been through & let's face it -- we all have some biases & predilections, & one of mine is to support brave people. If I also get to find a new author in the process, so much the better!

Regarding the marketing angle, as in everything else I'd advise to follow your heart/gut/conscience [whatever you prefer to call it]. It's your book, & your career, & you're the one who has to live with it so be happy with it; make sure it fits who you truly are as much as possible -- without shooting yourself in the foot. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

Have a great weekend!
Caren

[sunandshadow]

Well personally I'm interested in gender and sexuality issues, so I might actually be more likely to read your stuff knowing that you are a TS. ;)

[HapiSofi]

Considerations:

1. You're a nominally female author writing a genre fantasy series. That's a rough place to be right now -- lots of competition and lots of market pressure, especially at the low end of the sales range. You need to break out of the pack.

2. That first piece of copy you linked to was bog-standard genre fantasy wordwooze. It does you no harm, but I'm not sure it does you a lot of good, either.

3. Anything you say on the cover of a book will get you some sales and lose others. Gay content became a plus in bookselling when publishers realized how many books were being sold through gay bookstores. (Never doubt it matters where you buy your books.) If there's significant transgender content in your novels, mentioning it in the catalogue might not be a terrible idea.

4. The science fiction/fantasy community already has three significant writers who are male-to-female transgender cases. I don't believe any of them mention it prominently in their bios, if they mention it at all. I'm willing to entertain the possibility that they know the pros and cons of this issue better than I do.

Conclusion: I have no conclusion. Marketing and packaging is a complex problem with changeable answers. If you're with a good publishing house, the expertise they bring to that problem is one of the most valuable benefits you get from going with them. Also, if you're with a legit trade house, odds are your contract says that marketing and packaging are the publisher's call. If that's what you're looking at, grin and bear it.

[reph]

To my mind, emphasizing your transsexualism (is that a word?) in "About the Author" material would suggest that you were going for a niche market: readers who take a special interest in gender issues. Many, many authors have one or another minority status – gay/lesbian, biracial, religious (Jewish, Eastern Orthodox, whatever) – without mentioning these aspects of their personal lives in public communications. Some even use an other-sex pseudonym and don't reveal that they're really women (men).

I'm on the side of those who've said not to play up your ts status, unless you are going for that niche market. Talking too much about it gives the impression that you have an agenda of promoting ts-ism and you're using your books as a platform. It seems defensive, like "Look! We can write books with the best of them!"

"Moonsword"? Talk about symbolism! One female symbol, one male symbol.

[Jewel101]

If I picked up a book that was written by a ts, I would imediately read it (since you're a fantasy writer), if and only if the blurb sounds interesting. It has no impact on my decision, except to make me more curious about the story and how being a ts impacts your writing and such and such. On the other hand, my friend will never read your books. Not that she's against ts (i think), it's just how she was raised. So you being a ts, impacts you in both directions, negatively and positively, as usually the case.

[Diana Hignutt]

Wow. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I really appreciate the amount of thought that went into all of your answers. Really.

I was at a booksigning in the great state of Delaware yesterday, and this topic swam around a little more in my head.

In addition to being an author, I am also a businesswoman. I help run my family's regional pump repair business. I certainly don't advertise my ts status to my customers, and most just know me as Diana, their go to girl when they have pump, control or alarm problems. A few knew me before, back when I was Tim, and sure, they still rely on me without reservation. I'm sure we may have lost one or two customers as a result of my SRS, but most people don't know. I doesn't come up in casual conversation, and I certainly don't bring it up.

I think my publisher thinks we can reach a much broader market downplaying the fact that I'm ts, and, as far as the book blurb is concerned, downplaying the tg/ts element. Just as Christine says, the main character's transformation into a woman is a major theme of the book, but the larger themes are probably how people react to evil when they see it, how evil comes to gain power, and what people are willing to give up to stop it. What would you do to save the world? The story is told principally through two POV's: Tolian, my warrior prince who is transformed into the druidic champion, and Rwiordes, one of the sorcerers who accidentally summon the Demon and start the whole mess. They are, in my mind, equally important.

I do think that part of my desire to be very upfront about my ts nature in media and such is, a) I get a lot more meida attention because of it, and b) I feel that more talented ts people need to get public attention to help raise awareness. There are young ts/tg people considering suicide today, because they are ashamed of how they feel about themselves. I feel I help them by being honest about who I am. Still, that's not my publisher's problem. I do contribute stories in Transgender Tapestry, the most widely read journal on tg issues in the world, so hopefully through this means I will maintain the support of the tg community, without having to keep mentioning that I'm ts on my books, thereby potentially alienating some readers. Ultimately, my publisher has the say, and I think you've all made me feel better about their decision.

Thank you so much!

diana

[inexperiencedinker]

I was just thinking about it....I have never had a book go as far as you have, but I am not so unlearned in marketing. Many times there are several directions a campaign may run at once, and is there a reason you can't do that here? The publisher maintains that you should not highlight the themes (different then down playing them in my mind) but who says you can't be active and vocal in the community? Is there a TS publication you could write a column for? Do an interview with? I can tell you as not being personaly touched by TS that I don't actively seek information on the internet or at support groups. If you gave a 'normal' interview about the book that I read in the washington post, and then you did one for the TS publication, I would never have a clue. Is it possible to maintain your visibility in the community, but not necassarily worldwide? Just a thought

[three seven]

I actually wasn't aware of your background, Diana, and after reading this thread I have to tell you that I won't be buying your book. I'm just not interested in Fantasy.

There's only one thing that would dissuade me on principle from reading it: the overuse of lines likeshe... is proud of her distinction as one of the first, published transsexual novelistsin your bio. It would be very easy to overstep the line between information and advertising, and sound like you're trading on your own novelty value - which will make me throw your book across the room without even bothering to open it.

Aside from that, I really don't understand all the fuss. Beyond the end of this paragraph, your gender history has no relevance whatsoever in my life. And anyone who feels differently ought to take a long, hard look at themselves.

[Richard White]

One of the great things about becoming an author and going to as many conventions and hanging out in writing groups on-line is I get to meet a lot of my favorite authors.

One of the bad things is I get to meet them too.

There are some people I've met that I've really hit it off with and it's made reading their work even more enjoyable. Some people I've really come to the conclusion that "I just don't care for them". It's not necessarily their fault (although a few of them who're "God's Gift to Writing" torque me off to no end), but it still taints the way I read their stuff.

For example, I had a favorite author who I finally got to meet a few conventions ago. After sitting on one panel with them and then having them talk down their nose to the "newbie author who also published a "rinky-dink comic" compared to their work for D.C., well, let's just say, their novels are now at the local library and I don't miss their work one bit.

Sometimes, I think I was a lot better off not knowing some of my favorite authors. Sometimes it's better dealing with a faceless person so you can concentrate on their writing.

So, having said all this, I'll finally try to answer your question. (hears much cheering in the background.) I wouldn't make a big deal about this. Does it really matter in the long run if you're transgendered, left handed, blonde, missing your big toe, have two noses? Not as long as you can write. If you're counting on your "differences" to make me pick up a book, or if I see you waving your differences in my face, then you're definitely not going to see me pick up your book.

To me, the more anonymous the author is, the better. That way, their words speak for themselves.

File this under "o" for "opinion".

[alanna]

In response to the first post, I would not be more or less likely to buy your book. Chances are I would not find out that you were ts unless I bought the book, and loved it enough to investigate into the author's website or some such source of information. Then, if I did find out you were ts, it still wouldn't effect me reading your work. Although your upfront openness about your sexual identity in an increasingly close-minded (at least in my area) world makes me like you better as a person, as a writer the only thing that effects my opinion of you is anything that carries your byline. It might make me want to re-read your work, or it might make me reevaluate it in terms of the major themes within it, but it will not make me like it any more or less. Then again, I'm bi, so my opinion may be somewhat unconnventional. Since I haven't read the rest of the thread, I don't know.

[brinkett]

Sometimes, I think I was a lot better off not knowing some of my favorite authors.
M.J. Rose said something similar in her blog a few months back--that sometimes finding out stuff about an author's personal life can turn a reader off his/her books.

[AdamMac]

M.J. Rose said something similar in her blog a few months back--that sometimes finding out stuff about an author's personal life can turn a reader off his/her books.

I agree. I can be turned off if the author has a strong, preachy political bent that I find distasteful, bigoted leanings, etc., even if it doesn't come across in the book. I may not be the norm though as I have pretty strong political opinions and I want them to reflect in the products I buy (or mostly in the ones that I don't buy).

But what about fantasy fiction readers? Does anybody have any idea what would turn them off about an author, besides a poorly written book? I have the uninformed impression that it's generally a more open-minded crowd and most simply wouldn't avoid an author because of a gender change. Am I wrong.

I don't think this is necessarily the case with some other genres. I think Tom Clancy's sales could actually suffer if he had a gender change, for example.

Adam

[stace001]

Diana,

As many before me have already stated, I would have no problem purchasing a book written by anyone based on their religion, gender, political views, colour of their underwear, or any other reason some may discriminate against. If you've written a great book that appeals to me, then I'd buy it, simple as that.
I admire that you've always been up front about your situation. It takes great courage in the world we currently live in, but i think for most of us, its a non-issue. You appear to be intelligent, witty, sensitive and imaginative. Thats all it takes for me to be interested in an author.

[gp101]

What is your goal as a writer? If you want to be an immediate inspiration for the ts crowd, then play up your ts situation as often as possible. If however you want to sell as many books as possible, then you're probably better served by listening to your publisher for two reasons: a. there are a lot of people not comfortable with the whole ts issue, and b. I think most people don't want to be preached to over and over about a particular group's plight, no matter how important it may be. To be honest, if one writer comes out with a smashing novel about, say, the holocaust, or American slavery, or the Irish potato famine, and it's well written and I enjoyed the book, I'd appreciate the insight on the subject matter. If the author wrote another novel on the same subject matter, I'd probably buy it. But a third or fourth novel with the same subject matter? I'd be all set. Yeah, I get it, X happened to this particular group, they had to do Y to cope, and maybe A, B, or C resulted. If I was a part of that particular group, say an Irish-American reading about the Irish reaching the New Land, I'd be more inclined to buy all subsequent novels. But if I'm an Italian, or Japanese, I might like the similarities to my peoples' plight in that Irish story, but after a while, I'd want something different from the author.

I'm not saying you should hide what you are. But don't use it as a selling point unless you feel the need to reach out to your specific group (the ts crowd) immediately. And think about the difference you could make if you became known as simply a great writer and amassed great sales to the general public, then maybe focused more on the ts factor after you're widely read? If you get a public hooked first, a lot of them will overlook their prior intolerances to read a good story. Think as if you were an African-American writer in the '50s or '60s; if you didn't highlight who you were, then you stood a better chance of gaining a larger, mainstream audience. Then, when you later decided to highlight that you were in fact African-American, even though some diehard bigots would drop you, your true fans would have looked past who you were, and you would become a truly big hero to others in your group (I just saw the movie Ray tonight, and seeing what Ray Charles went through is coming up in my thoughts for this thread--I highly recommend the movie BTW). Think of how many minds you could change if some of your readers weren't aware of your situation, but found out after becoming a fan that you were a ts. You might have a greater impact in that regard.

There are stories I want to tell about my own ethnic B.G. that I don't want to force down peoples' throats, or make them think I just write for that particular group. I'm dropping hints of it in my first couple stories, and if all goes well, I'd like to do a couple of in-your-face type of stories that deal specifically with my ethnic group. But taking these baby-steps is my particular decision, and my situation isn't as nearly "shocking" or "opinion-generating" (for lack of better adjectives) as yours may be.

Decide what you really want to accomplish and how you can stay true to yourself, is all that I'm saying.

[JANE007]

Not for me. I sometimes look into the author's life / experience / other books while I am reading something (usually something that I am really into), but I don't generally study an author's personal life prior to making a book purchase.

I think that if people did find out, and there was any kind of media attention towards you, that it would have a positive impact on book sales rather than a negative one. People would probably be interested (or curious) about what you have to say, even if your books are fiction.

Sidenote: I used to work with a man who dressed as a woman and wanted to undergo a gender reassignment surgery. The company was cool for letting him be the man (or woman) that he wanted to be. A lot of people steered clear of him or talked behind his back. I didn't... in fact I had some great and wonderful conversations with him. I discovered that he was one of the cooler people in the company, but other people weren't as open to giving him a chance because they were afraid to explore what they didn't understand.

So yes I guess TS can be an issue for some people, but if you are discussing TS issues in your novels already, then I doubt your readers would be the ones to judge you.

You should be the person you are and not the person "they" want you to be.

:Cheers:

[Silverhand]

Diana,

Knowing that you are TS means very little in and of itself to me. You are who are, and lets be honest, none of use are in any position to judge. Saying that, knowing that you are TS would not stop me from buying your book, unless I thought it was agenda driven.

If an author said they were TS in their bio, and then the story had elements of TS, I would never buy another book from then again. Why? Because I would take it as advertisement to something that doesn't need to be advertised, and more then anything, I hate having agendas driven down my throat. Be proud of who you are, stand up for what you are, and help those you can.

I am in agreeance to let your talent do the talking. It sounds like you are an insprired, talented writer that is TS. IMO it is much better then a TS that just happens to be an inspired, talented writer.

Good luck with your choice, I am sure it will take some soul searching and alot of inner turmoil to figure out.

[Diana Hignutt]

I can not thank you all enough. I'm much clearer in my head on this issue now. I'm amazed by how much thought and honesty was put into your answers.

diana

[Aconite]

I'm joining the discussion late, and will make an effort not to "me, too" points that have been made several times already. A couple of things I would keep in mind if I were in your shoes:

1) Remember that your life is bigger than your book. Sometimes marketing decisions and inner drive may conflict. As far as the decision is yours to make, make a decision you can live with, with dignity, whatever you choose.

2) In any area where misconceptions and inaccuracies are common, being a hands-on expert in that area will appeal to your target readers. Erotica books that feature BDSM often mention in the author back-cover bio if the author is a player in the scene. Medieval mysteries mention if the author is a professor of medieval studies. Jewish fiction written by a rabbi is noted as such. Does anyone regard these things as "pushing an agenda"? Are they?

[Lenora Rose]

If an author said they were TS in their bio, and then the story had elements of TS, I would never buy another book from then again. Why? Because I would take it as advertisement to something that doesn't need to be advertised, and more then anything, I hate having agendas driven down my throat. Be proud of who you are, stand up for what you are, and help those you can.

Jane Yolen has written two excellent novels and a couple of short stories about the Holocaust, and mentions she's Jewish in many of her bio blurbs related to those stories, and in some of her commentary and essays on writing. She's also written (Probably literally) hundreds of stories on other topics. Please don't tell me you'd never read another book of hers if the first one you'd picked up was The Devil's Arithmetic.

Elen Kushner and Delia Sherman mention in their bios that they're a couple, and have written stories with gay themes together and independantly. But those themes aren't the ONLY themes either one has explored or cares to explore.

In neither case, Jane Yolen Or Kushner/Sherman, are these things trumpeted loudly as part of an agenda or an advertising campaign. But they're not absent or hidden, either. Both examples I think have struck a good balance between openness abut who they are and pushing the writing more than the author, and between exploring themes based on who they are and what their heritage is, and exploring other aspects of life and story.

[Unimportant]

Diana, I think GLBT readers may be more likely to buy the book if they are aware the writer is TS, because many GLBT like to actively support GLBT artists; also, because if a novel is by a TS author it's almost a guarantee that the concept of alternate sexuality will be dealt with in a positive light. If you are targeting a GLBT audience, doing signings in gay bookstores, etc, I think having a "This Author Is A Transsexual" banner would help. I don't think defining the author's sexuality will make much difference to the average straight reader, other than to risk alienating the occasional homophobe (who, to be fair, probably wouldn't be interested in a novel with GLBT characters anyhow).

my (L) $0.02

[Silverhand]

I assume the last few posts were targeted to me?


Is it agenda driven? maybe, maybe not, but the authors are definately selling themselves. They are marketing the fact that they are...whatever / whoever they are.

Is this wrong? Nope. In another post, we were talking about themes and their right or wrongness etc. I myself try to use themes, mainly religion based, and even though it alienates some, it's my style. Then again, I know that any business person will market themselves however they can to be effective. Depending on the demographic, their own wants and needs, and the current market they will say what will sell.

As to the question of "would I buy a book about the Holochaust, if it were written by a Jewish person" That really depends. Is it great writing? Is it trying to drive an agenda? Is it propaganda? Is it a true story? Of course, before I could answer any of those questions, I would have to at least read some of it. Also, IF I found a persons writing to be overbearing, even once, I would never buy that persons writing again. Is that wrong? For some reason I thought tolerance and acceptance was taking in EVERYONES right to an opinion and at least trying to understand it?

[Zonk]

I can't make up my mind whether Ray Bradbury or W. Somerset Maugham is my favorite short-story author; Maugham struggled with homosexual feelings all his life, and as far as I know Bradbury is hetero.

I grew up devouring Robert Howard, the drunken sot, along with fellow racist and anti-semite H.P. Lovecraft.

I have major disagreements with the religion of J.R.R.Tolkien, but read The Hobbit and LOTR at least once a year.

Ditto C.S. Lewis.

I'm not published (yet:Shrug: ) so I won't presume to give you career advice, LOL, but the personal life of the author doesn't matter to me so long as they don't continuously beat me over the head with it in their stories. If you feel more comfortable, or fulfilled, or whatever, writing in a 'ts niche' (whatever that means) then you'll be unhappy doing something else. This has nothing to do with what I feel or think about the ethics or morality of who you are/what you've done. Do you want to be a ts writer, or a writer who is ts? maybe more importantly, what do want your literary legacy to be? One-issue writers don't usually succeed as novelists...

Of course some will not read books for any number of reasons. I won't read Dan Brown's DVC, because I find his premise untenable. I wouldn't enjoy the story, therefore. Some will not read your work because they find what you've done so objectionable they won't enjoy the stories. That's life.

I wouldn't reject your work out of hand because of who/what you are. Are your stories any good, is what I want to know. Reading between the lines (always a bloody dangerous thing, since all there is between the lines is empty space) it sounds like your editors/publishers feel you (and they!) can have a more lucrative career if you were less vocal about your ts, but don't want to offend you, or worse still, lose your ability to generate money for them...

Would you refuse to read my work if I told you I was a fundamentalist?

:D:D:D

[SeanDSchaffer]

Diana, I wouldn't consider your personal life in whether or not I would read your book. I'd consider many things, such as the subject matter, the cover, the genre, etc., but I see no reason to base whether or not I read a book on the personal life of its author.