Happy Atheist Forum

Getting To Know You => Introductions => Topic started by: Lala on December 18, 2020, 02:34:30 AM

Title: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Lala on December 18, 2020, 02:34:30 AM
Hey fellow skeptics, it's so nice to meet you. I'm here for a sense of community. I'm starving for it, to be honest.

I'm openly talking about being an atheist writer on social media and in real life now, and I'm starting to get a lot of blowback--some of it well meant but misplaced, and some outright hostile. People seem to be furious that I'm inserting atheistic themes into my novels, short stories, and poetry. I'm rather shocked about it. All I'm trying to do is write stories that reflect who I am as an atheist and a person. We all want to see ourselves represented culturally and artistically, right? Art doesn't belong to believers. It belongs to humanity as a whole, and in all the forms it expresses itself.

I live in Canada where 25% of Canadians identify as non-believers. What I didn't realize is that most of the writers' groups in my province seem to populated by middle-aged Christian women, and the meetings are held in churches. haha And they don't take kindly to atheistic stories. (I need to start an atheist writer group.) I hope the publishing industry is more in tune with readers wants and needs. We shall see. I mean, we live in the age of cancel culture, and publishing houses pay attention to the demands of social media influencers now. I am published traditionally, but not as an open atheist. My new novels could make or break me. We shall see.

Regardless, instead of stewing about it, I've decided to find my people--non believers, atheists, and agnositics. Because not only do I need to see my humanism and atheism modeled in my literature, I also need to see it in my community. And so many of us have gone underground, although there are a few skeptic rock stars on Twitter and Facebook. But we all can't command the respect of Richard Dawkins.

By the way, I try to make room for moderate believers in my 'inner sanctum', too. Most have been influenced by secular life and aren't so shocked by skepticism. But there is a loud and well organized group of evangelicals and fundmentalists who are trying to take social media hostage these days. And of course the cancel culture crew. Declaring you are atheist can get you labeled a bigot, or canceled. It's scary, especially if you are not well established in your field. Regardless, I try to make room for these folks, too, because we need to be able to talk to each other. It just can be hard to let them in close for obvious reasons.

Maybe i can learn some tips from you lovely folks on how best to navigate being atheist in a world that still dances to the rhythm of a wide range of religions. And most of those religions condemn people like you and me.

Well, that's my introduction. I guess I should end it by saying that it's so nice to meet you all, and i look forward to riveting and fun discussions and debates. 
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: hermes2015 on December 18, 2020, 03:19:16 AM
Welcome to HAF, Lala. I think you will fit in well here and will soon feel part of our international family. This communuty shows that your fellow Canadian, Marshall McLuhan, was correct when he spoke of the global village, which is a good label for our group of friendly non-believers.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Dark Lightning on December 18, 2020, 04:09:54 AM
Welcome!
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Lala on December 18, 2020, 04:54:01 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on December 18, 2020, 03:19:16 AM
Welcome to HAF, Lala. I think you will fit in well here and will soon feel part of our international family. This communuty shows that your fellow Canadian, Marshall McLuhan, was correct when he spoke of the global village, which is a good label for our group of friendly non-believers.

Thank you so much. And yes, Marshall McLuhan was a great Canadian mind, one who caused a lot of teenage angst in high school. haha Sometimes you don't realize as a kid how tough lessons germinate and flower later in life. I'm glad the global village is still thriving.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Recusant on December 18, 2020, 06:05:14 AM
Hello and welcome to HAF, Lala. I've never been a member of a writers' group. It's disappointing to hear that people who meet to share their writing can be so close-minded. If there's anyplace where open exploration of ideas (within reason) would be the norm, you'd think that a writers' group would be that place. On the other hand, maybe you live in Alberta.  ;)

I hope that you enjoy your time reading and posting here.  :blue smiley:

:animwelcome:

Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Magdalena on December 18, 2020, 06:47:04 AM
Hi.
Welcome, Lala, it's nice to meet you too.  :computerwave:
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Tank on December 18, 2020, 10:27:58 AM
Welcome to HAF Lala.

Polarisation and bigotry are becoming serious problems in the social media world, you're either in the 'in' group or out of it. I hope we can help you feel a lot less alienated here :)

Regards
Chris

EDIT: I've put some feelers out on FB.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: xSilverPhinx on December 18, 2020, 11:19:37 AM
Hi, Lala! Welcome to HAF! :wave hi:

It's sad to hear there is such a culture in artistic circles, especially when art should celebrate diversity and not just be another vehicle for propaganda e close-minded ideas (although it often is). Creativity should not be constrained by small-mindedness!  ;D

But, some people are just naturally more fearful than others, and in such a large global village that is the internet they seek control, I think, so their small worlds don't fall apart.  ::)  I don't believe that will ever change. :shrug:

Even so, the struggle to change things for the better continues, and what better way to to that than through art? :grin: 

Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: No one on December 18, 2020, 03:03:39 PM
Thank you Canada,
You gave the world the greatest band ever, RUSH.
I also appreciate your gift of comedy, in the form of:
The Kids in the Hall.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Randy on December 18, 2020, 03:46:00 PM
Hi Lala. I just brewed some atheistic coffee and skepticism flavored creamer. Would you like some? Oh and welcome to the neighborhood.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: billy rubin on December 19, 2020, 12:24:32 AM
yo
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Bluenose on December 19, 2020, 01:58:40 AM
G'day Lala, just thought I'd let you know your words have reached one of the two lands downunder. (NZ is the other one, but don't believe the Kiwis when they try to tell you they invented Pavlova)

I think you'll fit right in here.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Icarus on December 19, 2020, 02:16:59 AM
Welcome to the forum Lala.

If you explore the topic lists in this forum you will see that religion is not our biggest subject. Not even close. We are sufficiently comfortable with our position toward religion that it does not need much commentary.  On the other hand most of us will  be pleased to discuss those subjects with you, if you like.

I am usually attracted to sciency books like math, physics, anthropology, and such. Recently a friend gave me some popular books of fiction whose authors are Grisham, Connely, Grafton, Assimov, Clarke, and others. I have plowed through several of them and noticed that none of the authors give a rats ass (excuse me) for the delicate feelings of the evangelical crowd.  These authors make money.  They write without regard to the delicate sensitivities of the devout Jesus people who do not read much anyway.

You may be in a unique position wherein you have to cowtow to the locals. Perhaps you could write some things that please them for the good of the community. After all you are an author who has the liberty to begin with a blank page and fill it with locally pleasing text. Feel good stuff don't you know.

Meanwhile you could write some more realistic stuff that will be far more lucrative and appeal to a whole different demographic.  If that sounds sneaky or somehow dishonest then so be it. The people who are detractors do not own you.

This forum is characterized by rather well educated and sophisticated people who are most friendly toward honest members.  I must warn you that if you are a troll of some sort, you will be dismissed politely but with certainty.

Cheers.

 


Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Magdalena on December 19, 2020, 02:24:57 AM
Quote from: Randy on December 18, 2020, 03:46:00 PM
Hi Lala. I just brewed some atheistic coffee and skepticism flavored creamer. Would you like some?
...
:lol:
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Sandra Craft on December 19, 2020, 02:33:18 AM
Welcome, Lala.  I was wondering where Tank's feelers on FB were coming from.  I've heard of a lot of writing groups but never a specifically atheist/skeptic one, but I'm scouting around to see what I can find.

In the meantime, we do have a book club here (in the Media section) and are always on the look out for new members and/or suggestions on what to read next.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Sandra Craft on December 19, 2020, 02:37:39 AM
Look what I just found: https://www.tentoughproblems.com/writersgroup/ (https://www.tentoughproblems.com/writersgroup/)

It's an atheist writers group (but not specifically fiction) started by an ex-preacher.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Tank on December 19, 2020, 04:35:43 PM
Quote from: Sandra Craft on December 19, 2020, 02:37:39 AM
Look what I just found: https://www.tentoughproblems.com/writersgroup/ (https://www.tentoughproblems.com/writersgroup/)

It's an atheist writers group (but not specifically fiction) started by an ex-preacher.

Good find!
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: LifeisSweet on December 19, 2020, 04:57:16 PM
Welcome Lala,

Atheism can be a rather unpopular belief depending on where you live.  When I declared myself an atheist in New Jersey over 50 years ago I was scared to death to tell anyone for fear of family shame and public excommunication.  With the exception of some intelligent friends I pretty much kept in the closet.  Over the past couple of decades, however, I said screw it, I am proud to be an atheist and anyone who is upset by this, well that's their problem.

I now live in the bible belt of southwestern Virginia where most atheists remain discrete.  I don't preach, wear a sign or fly a bumper sticker, but will not shy away if asked about my religion.  Surprisingly I have not had any issues.  While many people here are very devout, most are also very friendly and accepting.  We have some fanatical Baptists and rednecks but I tend to avoid them anyhow.  I don't fear any physical confrontations at all.

My late wife of 24 years was a devout Catholic, and my current wife is very spiritual, but we accept our individual rights to be ourselves and it has not been an issue in our relationships.  To me the belief in gods and spirits falls into the same category as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny so it just doesn't occupy much of my brain time, except for amusement!  Still it would be fun to have a good open-kimono debate once in a while!  ;D
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Randy on December 19, 2020, 05:14:40 PM
Quote from: LifeisSweet on December 19, 2020, 04:57:16 PM
Welcome Lala,

Atheism can be a rather unpopular belief depending on where you live.  When I declared myself an atheist in New Jersey over 50 years ago I was scared to death to tell anyone for fear of family shame and public excommunication.  With the exception of some intelligent friends I pretty much kept in the closet.  Over the past couple of decades, however, I said screw it, I am proud to be an atheist and anyone who is upset by this, well that's their problem.

I now live in the bible belt of southwestern Virginia where most atheists remain discrete.  I don't preach, wear a sign or fly a bumper sticker, but will not shy away if asked about my religion.  Surprisingly I have not had any issues.  While many people here are very devout, most are also very friendly and accepting.  We have some fanatical Baptists and rednecks but I tend to avoid them anyhow.  I don't fear any physical confrontations at all.

My late wife of 24 years was a devout Catholic, and my current wife is very spiritual, but we accept our individual rights to be ourselves and it has not been an issue in our relationships.  To me the belief in gods and spirits falls into the same category as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny so it just doesn't occupy much of my brain time, except for amusement!  Still it would be fun to have a good open-kimono debate once in a while!  ;D
I am in the middle of the bible belt also. I don't give anyone who preaches the time of day anymore. I don't give deities a second thought really and one would think in my condition I'd be reaching for a godly hand. Nope. Now Santa I believe in.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: billy rubin on December 19, 2020, 05:55:56 PM
Quote from: Randy on December 19, 2020, 05:14:40 PM
I am in the middle of the bible belt also. I don't give anyone who preaches the time of day anymore. I don't give deities a second thought really and one would think in my condition I'd be reaching for a godly hand. Nope. Now Santa I believe in.

well, in my opinion you have a better foundation to assert skepticism than most people.

i'd be inviting the southern baptist door knockers in to explain to me what they had that was relevant. once or twice anyway.

th eold approach is typically you-are-being-tested-in this-life-to-determione-your-worthiness-for-the-next, and it is so contradictory to the prosperity and health gospel that evangelical protestants typically provide that i woul dbe interested to hear their reconciliation.

i won't presume to offer a suggestion as to how you might resp[ond to them.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Sandra Craft on December 20, 2020, 12:56:27 AM
One of my skeptical friends has been in a couple of writing groups where religious beliefs (or lack of them) were not a problem.  Both were on-line groups, which I'm thinking may make a difference.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Lala on December 27, 2020, 04:36:27 PM
Quote from: Sandra Craft on December 19, 2020, 02:37:39 AM
Look what I just found: https://www.tentoughproblems.com/writersgroup/ (https://www.tentoughproblems.com/writersgroup/)

It's an atheist writers group (but not specifically fiction) started by an ex-preacher.

Thank you so much! I will check this out!

Appreciate everyone's welcome. It means a lot. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Tank on December 27, 2020, 04:50:00 PM
Quote from: Lala on December 27, 2020, 04:36:27 PM
Quote from: Sandra Craft on December 19, 2020, 02:37:39 AM
Look what I just found: https://www.tentoughproblems.com/writersgroup/ (https://www.tentoughproblems.com/writersgroup/)

It's an atheist writers group (but not specifically fiction) started by an ex-preacher.

Thank you so much! I will check this out!

Appreciate everyone's welcome. It means a lot. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Sandra is a book fiend and if she couldn't find something it probably doesn't exist :)
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Lala on December 27, 2020, 04:53:53 PM
Quote from: Sandra Craft on December 20, 2020, 12:56:27 AM
One of my skeptical friends has been in a couple of writing groups where religious beliefs (or lack of them) were not a problem.  Both were on-line groups, which I'm thinking may make a difference.

I've had issues with a couple of in-person writing groups that were headed by devout Christians in conservative communities. One of them routinely mocked atheists until I identified myself as one. An immediate chill filled the room after that and it never left. In another group, atheist literary themes were banned. The rule of thumb was that nothing could be shared or submitted for critique that could make the pastor's grandmother blush. haha I didn't get upset. i exited the group and moved on because there are some fights that aren't worth engaging in. Some groups become toxic. It can happen in non religious groups, too.

Regardless, I will find the right writers' group for me.
Title: Re: Atheist author looking for a meeting of the minds.
Post by: Skepticelt on October 16, 2023, 03:32:48 AM
Welcome I look forward to some lively exchange of skeptical views. I have written a few poems of that nature. I am retired and live in Michigan.