Edie here. This is a difficult post to share and was difficult for Cyle to write. However, we cannot hide our heads in the sand when it comes to these issues. How we choose to address them (or not) in our writing is a personal matter. But we must stay informed. Please read this post with this in mind and share your thanks to Cyle for being brave enough to address this issue.
2018 Emerging Publishing Trends Aro/Ace
by Cyle Young @CyleYoung
Cyle Young is an author and literary agent, husband & father of 3. As a self-proclaimed “Binge Writer”, Cyle writes over 30,000 words in a weekend. Get his free Binge Writing video class at www.cyleyoung.com
2018 Emerging Publishing Trends Aro/Ace
by Cyle Young @CyleYoung
Following the overall
cultural sway of 2017, the publishing industry-at-large made a heavy push for
LGBTQIA+ characters and authors. This trend was a continuation of 2015-2016
initiatives that began at a large number of publishing houses and imprints.
But every trend doesn’t last
forever. Companies are still searching for diversity amongst their stories and
authors, but 2018 has seen a significant foray in Aro/Ase characters, plots,
and authors. This is not a new concept as some favorite characters in popular
culture and media are generally recognized to be Aro/Ase. Some of the more well-known characters
associated with Aro/Ase are Queen Elsa (Frozen), Sheldon Cooper (Big Bang
Theory), and the doctors from Dr. Who. Many of J.K. Rowling’s character in
Harry Potter also display some Aro/Ase characteristics.s
So what is Aro/Ase?
Aro: Aromantic
An aromantic person feels no
romantic attraction toward any person of any gender.
Ase: Asexual
An
asexual person feels no sexual attraction toward any person of any gender.
Although
Aro and Ase both are very similar the differences are enough to categorize
them separately. These are Generic descriptions of a broad category of
identities, some of which can be temporary or fluctuate and that changing
nature would be referred to as—Grey.
With
an ever-growing complexity of sexual, romantic, and gender identities, it can
be hard for the average writer to create contemporary settings and characters for
their books. Study the cultural norms for your books and utilize a diverse cast
of characters to bring out the real-world feel to your stories.
For
those writing in the CBA, I have spoken with editors recently who are grappling
with how to integrate a diversity of secondary and tertiary characters into
books. The understanding is that millennial readers want to see their modern
world reflected in the stories they read. This is not yet a trend in the CBA,
but it is being discussed at high levels.
Young
readers generally want books that reflect the world around them. Study the
diverse make-up of society and try to tell your same amazing story while still
being cognizant that you live in 2018. Don’t sacrifice your message or plot,
but you also don’t have to sanitize the world you live in either.
For
authors who do want to include all aspects of broader culture in their books,
Aro/Ase characters can help you bridge the divide between your beliefs and
giving your book a more diverse feel.
I
am in no way advocating that CBA authors include Aro/Ase characters in your
stories, but I hope to enlighten you on a trend that is growing in popularity
in the general and YA markets.
TWEETABLES
Edie & Cyle, Thank you for this information. The world is changing rapidly. I believe an author can include ALL types of people in their story without glorifying their practices. I commend you for addressing this difficult topic. Jesus was realistic, we should be too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherrilynn!
DeleteThank You both for the always helpful information. While it may be a trend, I cannot imagine too many Aro personalities would read my writing. My reasoning, God created us for love. We cannot prosper in this life without His, and without sharing His love with others. I would always invite Aro/Ase folks to read my writing, but don't see myself catering to them. Easy for a writer who is not published yet to say though. God's blessings Mr. Cyle and Ms. Edie.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts, Jim!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information. It's a tough topic. Each of us needs to write for God as He guides us. Praying it's for His glory.
ReplyDeleteSo true!
ReplyDeleteI would guess Aro/Ase people in real life are 1% or less of the population. I have nothing against including them in my plots. However, they must advance the plot just like any other character.
ReplyDeleteScience fiction is all about inclusiveness. The future should be an utopia in which everyone is welcome. But character should serve plot, not the other way around.
Where I feel having a Aro/Ase main character helps will be in ending the overdone romantic subplot that most times feel forced.
Agreed! Every character should be in the book to help advance the plot. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for broaching a tough subject in an understandable way. This is the first I've heard of this so I'll need to do some thinking about this and maybe some more research. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYou’re welcome!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to know this is being discussed at high levels, Cyle. The shifts in our culture are happening so rapidly now days. I frequently read about the call for Christian fiction to be more reflective of real life, yet the publishers are hesitant to print books on the edge. I followed a similar discussion on a blog yesterday and asked if perhaps a new genre of Christian fiction could be on the horizon.
ReplyDeleteThere may well be a new sub-genre coming. Good insight!
DeleteThank you, Cyle and Edie, for bringing this to my attention. I'd never heard of Aro/Ase before, plus I write nonfiction (Bible studies & devotions). Yet I can see the importance of keeping information like this in mind when I write. This is the world we live in, and God's Word applies even as our culture embraces changes like these. It's so important for us to approach readers with grace and truth, just like our Savior. Blessings to you in Christ!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's always good to know what's going one around us! Thanks!
DeleteI haven't heard of Aro/Ase, so I appreciated Cyle enlightening me. My first thought: how can you write a romance with a character who chooses to have no romantic tendencies? People like this exist and we may cross paths with them. I follow God's command to love others as you love yourself. As writers, we have a choice is what we write about, but we also have a responsibility to write what God convicts us to write. Who knows who'll end up reading our books? It might be someone struggling with a loved one choosing this lifestyle. Our words can encourage them to seek God on how to handle the situation.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for this wonderful post.
I love your perspective. I agree that you never know who may read your powerful words!
DeleteI too have never heard of the terms ARO/ASE. It comes to mind that a character could be so involved in his/her work or mission (a lot like the Apostle Paul) not to have any attachments to sex or romance in the world. I don't think Paul would call himself by such a term. And he actually recommended against marriage so as to be totally sold out to God's work of spreading the Gospel. However, in each of the last 3-4 mysteries by cozy authors with otherwise "clean" content, I have found at least one character who was gay. It gets tiresome to me. (Like in the reality shows on TV.) If this group is a mere 1-4% of the population, why must they be 100% represented in all our books and shows? Unless of course, as above mentioned, the plot leans heavily on such a person.
ReplyDeleteCulture wars always overinfluence our books. I love to read stories that are just “good stories” filled with necessary characters and not yielding to societal influences.
Delete