Natalie wright, author opposes fascISm
For years I’d assumed that anyone reading my books would understand my personal views on authoritarianism, fascism, racism, totalitarianism, etc.
However, I’ve come to realize that some people see what they want, and ignore evidence which doesn’t support their worldview, beliefs, or wishes.
Some readers ignore the actual meaning of the stories so they don’t have to confront the awful truths around them. And they can even convince themselves that the author who writes about young people fighting a fascist or totalitarian regime is somehow on the side of the racist authoritarians in real life?! *smh*
“People often prefer the comfort of lies they’ve believed than truths they don’t prefer.”—Quen, from Season of the Dragon (2023)
So, to make it abundantly clear where I and the Natalie Wright, Author brand stands:
SUBJUGATION IS WRONG
TYRANNY IS WRONG
OPPRESSION IS WRONG
RACISM IS WRONG
MYSOGYNY IS WRONG
FAsCISM IS WRONG
SINGLING PEOPLE OUT BASED ON THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN IS WRONG
EVERY HUMAN IS ENTITLED TO THE SAME RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY & DIGNITY
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW
If you read this and get angry or wish to lash out about any of those statements, then I ask you to sit with that feeling and ask yourself why any of it made you angry or upset.
Some readers are asking authors to “keep the politics out of it,” and “just write—we don’t want to hear your views on issues.” People have the audacity to say this even to the likes of Stephen King! (*smh*) (Did they not read his books?!)
Oh how I wish we were living in a world in which we had the privilege to “just write.” But my dears, we do not live in that world.
The forces of darkness we’ve been writing about and creating stories for—The Hunger Games, Divergent, Red Rising, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and so many more—those forces of evil are upon us. NOW.
We do not have the luxury of ignoring those who are trying (and currently at least partially succeeding) in stripping us of our humanity.
The dystopian future your favorite writers have been warning about?
It’s here. Now.
Once creeping like a cold shadow, its thin shade seeking a place to bloom.
That shadow has found a place, now, to flourish in the open.
The only thing that destroys the shadow is the light.
I tend not to address current world issues on my socials or newsletter because I channel my thoughts into my writing. While I intend to remain book-focused on Instagram, I address current issues on Threads and my thoughts and beliefs are clear for all to see if they choose to.
If you prefer to “keep it light,” and not see what is happening around you, that is your choice I suppose. You can read without seeing and look at pretty covers I share on Insta and ignore the fall of democracy.
But remember…
WRITING IS A POLITICAL ACT. PERIOD.
I didn’t early retire from a successful 20+ year law career to write purely escapist books (if there truly is such a thing). I write with a purpose.
I have something to say.
From Emily battling the forces of evil in my first series, The Akasha Chronicles, to Erika and crew fighting against megalomaniac billionaires attempting to usher in a new world order in the H.A.L.F. series, to Quen refusing to bend the knee in Season of the Dragon…
ALL of my books deal with freedom from subjugation, the fight against forces of darkness and evil, and the need for all humans to come together as one humanity to fight against forces—natural or manmade—that threaten us all.
“You will bow to the Exalted,” the guard said.
“I am a free person of the Sulmére, and in the Sea of Sands, we bow to no one,” Quen said.
Her heart pounded, but she felt better than she had in weeks. She was a woman of the dunes, lost in a sea of excess. I’ll lose my life before bowing to someone claiming ownership of me or my thoughts. —From Season of the Dragon (2023)
I write about finding Hope in times of darkness
Yes, I write magical fantasy and sci-fi adventures. And yes, I write in such a way that readers can escape within my books and relax in a fantasy world for a time.
Yes, you can read my books and not be subjected to moral lectures or be reminded constantly of the problems of this world.
Yes, I write to take the reader on an adventure.
BUT…
My writing is a reflection of our world. All creative people are a product of their place, time, and experiences. You cannot separate these things out of the mix.
My goal is to use the conflicts in my books to show how people CAN come together to fight against dark forces, whether it’s a corrupt government, a dark twisted soul, or natural forces.
“Around the world, politicians spend countless hours holding hearings and debating what is to be done.… As officials and lobbyists waste time debating what to do, the problems only get worse.
My dad says governments don’t solve problems people do. So, I guess it’s up to us to set things right.”—From Emily’s Heart (2014)
To everyone who read to the end, bobbing your head and glad to hear that an author you follow doesn’t support the fascists trying to shred the US Constitution (a document I’m still under oath to defend), I see you! And I’m glad you’re here. I’ll do my best to keep writing stories to entertain, but also be a beacon through the murky dark.
[The general] glanced back at her, and Erika thought the smallest hint of a smile played in his eyes. “You were brave out there. You’d make a fine soldier.”
Erika moved toward the general. At more than six feet, he towered over her. “I don’t think you’d want me in your ranks, general. I’ve got authority issues.”
He gave her a wry smile. “The best of us always do.”—From H.A.L.F.: ORIGINS (2017)
Natalie
